Are you tired of putting on makeup only for it to wear off in humid weather? You apply everything perfectly, but a few hours later, your face becomes oily, shiny, and in constant need of blotting paper. Your makeup doesn’t look fresh, and despite all your efforts, the excess oil keeps returning — sometimes even causing breakouts.
Don’t worry — we’ve put together step-by-step makeup tips for oily skin to help you stay polished, fresh, and shine-free throughout the day. These tips can also help reduce excess oil production so your makeup lasts longer and looks smoother.
Applying sunscreen on your face is essential, but it really comes down to choosing the right brand. Opt for the minimal white cast and a formula that doesn’t pill at all. The texture should feel lightweight so that it layers smoothly under makeup without making your skin oily.
Heavier sunscreens, especially thick creams or oily formulas, can make oily skin look shiny, sticky, and congested. The light weight ones, on the other hand, absorb quickly and won't clog pores.
Remember, a flawless base always begins with well-prepped, protected skin.
Recommended Brands:
Recommended: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Control SPF 50, ISDIN Fusion Water SPF 50.
Affordable Options: Dot & Key Watermelon Cooling Sunscreen, Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50.
For all-day oil control, a well-formulated mattifying primer creates that clean, velvety base. What primer does is it makes your makeup stay in place, reduces shine, and prevents the need for constant touch-ups.
All you need to do is apply a thin layer before to create a smooth, even base that keeps your makeup fresh without any heaviness or stickiness.
Recommended Brands:
Recommended: Smashbox Photo Finish Mattifying Primer, Make Up For Ever Shine Control Primer, EXA Splash Zone Oil-Free Hydrating Prime
Affordable Options: Insight Pore Minimiser Primer, E.l.f. Power Grip Primer, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer
For oily skin, it’s better to use a tinted moisturiser because it’s much lighter and less likely to make your skin greasy. Tinted moisturisers are thin, breathable, and won’t make your skin feel suffocated. In comparison, foundations add more layers, which can cause the skin to produce even more oil to compensate.
Recommended Brands:
Recommended: Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturiser SPF 20, Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Affordable Options: Wet n Wild Tinted Hydrator
A matte concealer is better for oily and acne-prone skin because it stays in place longer and helps control shine. It doesn’t slide off the way greasy or overly liquid formulas do, and it provides solid coverage with less product.
Matte formulas also blend smoothly without looking wet on the skin. Since they sit properly, they’re less likely to clog pores or trigger breakouts. Soft-matte concealers don’t crease as much, which makes them perfect for hot, sticky days or anytime you need your makeup to last.
Recommended Brands:
Recommended: NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer, Maybelline Fit Me Matte Concealer
Affordable Options: In2It Waterproof Matte Concealer
A well-chosen setting powder anchors your entire look. It gives that subtle finishing touch that safeguards both longevity and polish. It holds back the shine and keeps your makeup in place.
A lightweight, finely milled powder absorbs excess oil without making the skin look cakey or overly matte, keeping your complexion refined.
Recommended Brands:
Recommended: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder, Make Up For Ever HD Microfinishing Loose Powder
Affordable Options: Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder, Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder, Revlon Photoready Candid Setting Powder
For blush, it’s best to choose a matte or dry-finish powder formula rather than the super liquid options. Powder blushes absorb excess oil, help control shine, and are far less likely to clog pores. In humid climates, matte powders also last much longer without sliding off, fading, or separating on the skin.
Remember to always look for the term “non-comedogenic” on the label to reduce the risk of clogged pores and breakouts, especially if you have acne-prone skin.
Recommended Brands:
Recommended: NARS Blush (Matte Shades), Dior Backstage Blush, Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Powder Blush
Affordable Options: Maybelline Fit Me Blush (Matte), Innisfree Airy Matte Blusher
To lock in everything, use setting sprays. This part is key for oily skin because setting spray helps seal your foundation, concealer, blush, and powders into one smooth layer, boosts longevity, reduces how quickly shine breaks through, and keeps products from sliding off as your skin produces oil throughout the day.
Recommended Brands:
Recommended: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, One/Size On ’Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
Affordable Options: e.l.f. Matte Magic Mist & Set, NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray
The right tools make your makeup last much longer on oily skin. A dense buffing brush like the BK Beauty x Nikki La Rose N17 or 106, helps press foundation and creams into the skin so they stay put. For setting, use a soft powder brush such as the N14 or N15 for an even, smooth finish.
Carry a powder puff to press loose powder into oily zones throughout the day, and use a small angled brush to set eyeliner with shadow to prevent smudging.
Extra Tips:
Apply products in thin layers so they don’t melt off.
Always press, don’t swipe, especially with powders.
Set cream products with a matching powder for longer wear.
Lightly powder eyelids before eyeshadow to prevent creasing.
Keep a blotting powder or compact for quick touch-ups.