1. It Starts With Skincare — Not Foundation

Before you even get to makeup, your skincare setup matters. If your skin is unbalanced (too dry underneath, too oily on top), your makeup won’t last. So do this:

• Use a gentle cleanser that removes excess oil without stripping

• Apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer

• Use a hydrating serum if your skin feels tight after cleansing

• Finish with an oil-control SPF (yes, sunscreen matters for makeup wear!)

Over-skipping moisturizer = your skin producing more oil. So don’t be afraid of light hydration.

Try: a gel-based moisturizer that controls shine without feeling greasy.Try: a mattifying sunscreen that doubles as a primer.

2. Choose a Primer — But Not Just Any Primer

Primers are hit-or-miss for oily skin. You want one that:

• Minimizes shine

• Blurs pores

• Helps grip your makeup

Avoid overly silicone-heavy primers if they feel slippery or pill under foundation. Instead, go for something smoothing but grippy.

Try: a mattifying primer with pore blurring effect and no heavy residue.

You can also spot-prime only your oily areas — usually the forehead, nose, and chin.

3. Use a Foundation Made for Oily Skin

Here’s the thing: you don’t need super matte formulas to control oil — they often look flat or cracky after a few hours. What you need is a long-wear, oil-free foundation with a natural or semi-matte finish.

Bonus points if it’s:

• Transfer-resistant

• Lightweight

• Buildable

Apply it with a damp sponge to avoid streaks or buildup.

Try: a shine-free foundation that stays put and doesn’t clog pores.Try: a breathable skin tint for days when you want light coverage but no melt.

4. Concealer That Can Take the Heat

For oily skin, go for a crease-resistant, matte-finish concealer. Apply it under eyes, around the nose, and on any spots that peek through foundation.

• Use a brush or sponge to blend.

• Lightly set it with powder before it starts creasing.

Try: a long-wear concealer that holds even in humid weather.

5. Powder — But Apply It Like This

Powder is your best friend — but only if you use it wisely.

• Don’t bake if your skin is flaky or textured

• Use a fluffy brush or powder puff to press powder into skin

• Focus on your T-zone, and skip high points like cheekbones

Want an insider trick? Try pressing powder over oily areas before foundation (called “under-powdering”) — it adds an extra matte layer.

Try: a translucent setting powder that blurs without looking chalky.

6. Lock Everything in With a Setting Spray

After all that work, seal it in with a setting spray that controls oil and helps makeup grip better through the day.

Spray it:

• Right after makeup

• Again midday to refresh (no touch-ups needed)

Look for formulas labeled “mattifying,” “oil control,” or “long wear.”

Try: an oil-control setting mist that holds for 12+ hours.

7. Stick to Long-Wear Blush, Bronzer & Highlighter

Powder products tend to last longer on oily skin — but some creams can work if they set properly.

For blush:

• Go with matte or satin powders

• Avoid overly shimmery ones — they can look greasy

For bronzer and highlighter:

• Use sparingly

• Stick to neutral tones that blend into your base

Try: a long-wear blush that adds color without sliding.

8. Blot — Don’t Re-Powder Every Hour

If you notice shine coming through later in the day, avoid layering powder again and again. That’s how you end up looking cakey.

Instead:

• Blot first (use blotting papers or clean tissue)

• Then add a touch of powder if needed — just in the center of the face

Try: blotting papers with oil-absorbing rice powder built in.

9. Carry the Right Touch-Up Kit

When you’re out and about, having a mini kit makes all the difference.

Must-haves:

• Blotting sheets

• Compact powder or pressed foundation

• Concealer stick for midday blemish peek-through

This takes 30 seconds in the restroom, and your makeup is instantly refreshed.

10. Don’t Be Afraid of Dew — But Do It Intentionally

Oily skin doesn’t mean you need to be matte everywhere.

You can still glow, just make it strategic:

• Use matte base products

• Add a tiny bit of liquid highlighter on tops of cheekbones or brow bone

• Avoid glittery products across the entire face

Controlled glow = fresh, not greasy.

Final Thoughts

Oily skin doesn’t have to mean high-maintenance makeup. It’s all about choosing the right formulas, layering smart, and setting things in place. With the right prep, you’ll go from melting by lunch to fresh ‘til bedtime.

Read our guide on causes of oily skin here.