Hydrated Skin vs. Oily Skin

Posted 11 March 2019

So often I have clients say to me, “I don’t add any moisture before makeup as my skin is so oily”. Somewhere along the line we seem to have been convinced that using products that add hydration makes our skin oily and our makeup look greasy. I hate to tell you, but we’ve been sold a lie. Skin needs to be hydrated, even oily skin. Skin that hasn’t had the proper preparation before makeup looks, dull and cakey and the makeup you apply just isn’t going to last. The other issue with oily complexions is that we seem to think we need to strip the skin of every last bit of moisture in order to keep the slick at bay. Guess what? Wrong again. The more you strip the oil out of your skin the more oil your skin will make to replace what you’ve taken away. So, how can you adequately prepare your oily skin for smooth, long-lasting, filter-resembling makeup? Glad you asked. Here’s my full proof guide to a well hydrated canvas, without the oil slick.

I use at least 4 products on my face before I even think about picking up my foundation. The first thing I like to start with is a hydrating mist. Actually it’s really THE hydrating mist, MAC Fix +. I close my eyes and mouth and give my face an absolute drenching in the stuff. I then use my fingers and hands to massage the goodness into my skin. You can actually feel the texture of your skin change as you do this. Fix + has so many uses but this has to be one of my faves for my skin and my clients. 

Next up I apply my serum. I’m currently using the Drunk Elephant C Firma Serum. This product is dreamy. It smooths and firms and provides a great base for any moisturiser or foundation. Drunk Elephant products work best when you activate them with their Marula Oil so I also apply a couple of drops of this. Another oil I love is the Josie Maran Argan Oil. Now, I can hear you saying “oil, I’m trying NOT to look oily, why would I add oil”. In fairness I have dry skin so I can get away with adding 1-2 drops all over my face BUT even if you have an oily complexion you can use oil sparingly, especially a facial oil like the ones above as they absorb immediately and are non-greasy. They leave skin looking radiant and dewy, not to be confused with sweaty and greasy, and they ensure that your makeup applies smoothly without caking up and stays that way. If you feel your complexion is very oily then only apply 1 drop of oil and ensure you apply it to the outer edges of the face first, working inwards. This is where skin tends to be drier and avoid the T-zone which is usually where the problem is. If you aren’t comfortable using an oil, try using a water-based moisturiser. The Neutrogena Gel Moisturiser is a really great option for under makeup. I also like the MAC Mineralise Time Check lotion. Your skin should now feel plump, radiant, soft and smooth. It should not feel oily or greasy. If you are at all concerned at this point try blotting your skin with a blotting paper prior to applying your primer, but the key to this is to use products sparingly to the appropriate areas of your face and get moisture, not oil, into the skin. 

Choosing your primer is key. This is where you need to have a product specifically for oily skin that will help reduce oil, give your makeup longevity but still leave your skin hydrated. I love the Smashbox Poreless Primer or Mattifying Stick and the MAC Skin Visage for very oily complexions. If you only worry about some oil through the T-zone then the MAC Natural Radiance is also great. Once you’ve applied your primer, you are ready for foundation. If you have oily skin there is also no reason why you can’t choose a dewy looking foundation. If you follow these steps to prepare it, and choose the right primer, a dewy foundation will look as good if not better than a more matte finish. It’s a great idea to invest in a setting powder and spray specifically for oily skin, I love the Urban Decay De-slick, to really set the oilier areas of your face and ensure that makeup isn’t going anywhere until you want it to. 

Please believe me that when it comes to Hydration of the skin, you can never have enough. Dry skin looks older and dull. Hydration should never be confused with oiliness. One does not cause the other and stripping your skin of its natural oils is only going to encourage it to produce more. So try following my easy steps to gorgeously radiant and hydrated skin minus the oil slick and I promise, you will love the results.

If you have any questions or would like further tips on applying a perfect base, OR if you have a special occasion coming up that you’d like to feel extra special for then I’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch with me here