Do you have oily skin and are struggling with it in the hot summer? Are you looking for alternatives like blotting papers to help your makeup last longer? Don’t worry, 15 Makeup Tips for Oily Skin that Healthglowy shares below will help you resolve the above concerns. This guide reveals the secrets to perfect summer makeup, revealing tips and tricks for long-lasting matte makeup specifically for oily skin recommended by makeup experts.
Contents
- 1. Best Makeup Tips For Oily Skin recommended by makeup experts
- 1.1. Cleanse Thoroughly
- 1.2. Moisturize the skin before makeup
- 1.3. Prep With Primer
- 1.4. Use eye makeup primer
- 1.5. Use waterproof eyeliner and mascara
- 1.6. Apply powder before applying the foundation
- 1.7. Apply oil-control foundation
- 1.8. Choose powder blush
- 1.9. Use setting spray
- 1.10. Use oil-absorbent paper
- 1.11. Avoid Greasy Makeup
- 1.12. Regularly clean makeup brushes
- 1.13. Add a clay mask to your skincare routine
- 1.14. Pay attention to the T-zone
- 2. Thanks to the advice of makeup experts
1. Best Makeup Tips For Oily Skin recommended by makeup experts
1.1. Cleanse Thoroughly
The first secret in makeup tips for oily skin is to remove makeup thoroughly. This helps remove all the sebum from your face, leaving your skin clear and ready for the next step. It is also important in controlling oil in your T-zone. But thorough cleansing doesn’t just stop at using the right cleanser, you should also learn how to use a cleanser for oily skin to be able to deeply clean excess oil stuck deep in your pores.
Products recommended by makeup experts: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser is formulated with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to maintain the skin barrier and lock in moisture. This facial cleanser gently and effectively cleanses the skin, removing excess oil and revitalizing the skin without affecting the skin’s protective layer.

1.2. Moisturize the skin before makeup
Even if you have oily skin, you should moisturize your skin. Avoid listening to rumors that “you don’t have to use moisturizer if you have oily skin”. Moisturization is essential for all skin types, but it’s important to choose a moisturizer designed specifically for oily skin. We recommend that you use gel or liquid moisturizer, avoiding cream foundations that are too thick and clog pores causing excess oil on your face (this is one of the useful skin care tips for oily skin that you can learn from).
Products recommended by makeup experts: Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion Ultra Lightweight
Choosing the right moisturizer can be difficult if you have oily skin. The aim is to hydrate the skin without making it look too shiny. Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion Ultra Lightweight is an excellent choice. It is designed for use at night and helps repair the skin’s protective barrier. Not only is it oil-free and noncomedogenic, but it also contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and glycerin, which help to attract and retain moisture in the skin’s outer layer. This creates a barrier that prevents moisture loss and doesn’t clog your pores.

1.3. Prep With Primer
One of the tips for makeup on oily skin is to apply primer. While it may seem more like a luxury than a necessity, makeup primer falls into the latter category when it comes to oily skin, as it can help create a base for makeup to adhere, at the same time, it blurs uneven textures such as filling in large pores to help makeup look more perfect.
Products recommended by makeup experts: Glo Skin Beauty Mattifying Primer
The Glo Skin Beauty Mattifying Primer is an oil-free solution that quickly reduces shine, refines, and targets excess oil production on the skin. It has a velvety texture that helps to fill fine wrinkles, reduce the appearance of pores, and give the skin a smooth finish. This matte makeup primer is perfect for priming and perfecting the skin, while also extending the wear time of your makeup.

1.4. Use eye makeup primer
In addition to prepping your face for complexion makeup, you should also apply eye makeup primer to ensure a flawless, long-lasting makeup look, especially if you’re using eyeliner or eye makeup.
Products recommended by makeup experts: MAC Prep + Prime Eye Base
We highly recommend the MAC Prep + Prime Eye Base due to its long-lasting formula with 24-hour wear that is lightweight and clear. This eye base is suitable for all skin types and tones, even for those with oily skin. An online reviewer who has oily skin was surprised that it worked well for them. Moreover, the Prep + Prime Eye Base contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin and makeup from the environment’s aggressors.

1.5. Use waterproof eyeliner and mascara
A common problem associated with oily skin is oily eyelids. To avoid leaving marks on your eyelids, you should avoid using pencil eyeliner. Instead, choose waterproof gel or liquid eyeliner and waterproof mascara.
Products recommended by makeup experts: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner + MAC Stack waterproof
This liner received great reviews from testers and is the best liquid waterproof eyeliner. Customers were very pleased with the liner’s opacity and staying ability. The tapered felt tip is easy to use to draw small to large lines, and after 12 hours of usage, we saw no feathering or transferring.

MAC Stack waterproof mascara is a top choice that we recommend you try if you have an oily face. First, it creates a stunning look by effectively lengthening and thickening your eyelashes.

1.6. Apply powder before applying the foundation
This is one of Spickard’s expert makeup tips for oily skin that you should consider. Normally, you should apply powder after foundation, but Spickard recommends doing it first. “Dappling powder lightly to your T-zone before applying foundation is a great way to lock in makeup and prevent excess oil.”
Products recommended by makeup experts: Glo Skin Beauty Luminous Setting Powder
The Glo Skin Beauty Luminous Setting Powder (previously known as Glominerals Luxe Setting Powder) is an excellent addition to your makeup routine. It adds a thin, final layer of coverage that helps to minimize any imperfections and sets your makeup for long-lasting wear. The finely ground diamond particles in the powder diffuse light, creating a soft-focus effect that gives your skin a pearlescent finish. This setting powder also contains green tea extract, which fights free radicals and helps to keep your skin looking smooth and radiant. In addition, it has hydrating and conditioning properties that leave your face feeling fresh and bright.
>>> Learn more: 9 Natural Skin Whitening Tips For Oily Skin At Home You Need

1.7. Apply oil-control foundation
Since you have oily skin, you don’t need to limit yourself to foundations and concealers. Instead, take a look at the ingredient list of your favorite makeup foundation: Is there niacinamide, silica, aloe vera, or even hyaluronic acid in it? If so, feel free to incorporate them into your beauty regimen. All of these substances have great effects in preventing oiliness. This is one of the makeup tips for oily skin you should consider to limit excess oil and sebum.
Products recommended by makeup experts: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
If you have oily skin, Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup is a great option for you. This foundation is widely recognized for its wide range of shades, high coverage, and exceptional wear, making it the perfect choice for all-day makeup. The product is designed to withstand temperature and humidity, ensuring it does not smudge or move throughout the day.

1.8. Choose powder blush
Blotting papers are a lifesaver for anyone following makeup tips for oily skin in summer. These handy sheets can be stashed in your purse or pocket for midday touch-ups. With just a gentle press and a swipe, you can absorb excess oil that accumulates on your skin throughout the day, especially during the hot summer months. This helps your skin look instantly refreshed and matte, preventing your makeup from sliding or looking greasy.
Products recommended by makeup experts: Nudestix Nudies Matte Blush Stick
If you have oily skin, you should definitely check out Nudestix Nudies Matte Blush Stick. It’s a blush stick that has a smooth and silky formula, which helps create a natural-looking blush effect for cheeks, lips, and eyes. The texture is light and easy to spread evenly, while the standard color is long-lasting. Also, the product is made of vegan ingredients and hasn’t been tested on animals. There are 11 diverse colors to choose from, making it perfect for those who love natural and radiant beauty. It’s easy to use and suitable for both beginners and professionals.

1.9. Use setting spray
One of the makeup tips for oily skin that helps keep your makeup in place all day long is to use makeup-blocking spray. To cover all of your foundation, spray in an “X” and “T” motion. This will keep your makeup looking clean and smudge-free all day long.
Products recommended by makeup experts: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is a makeup setting product that is highly appreciated for keeping makeup intact for up to 16 hours. The product offers the following advantages:
- Has an oil-free, paraben-free formula
- Helps makeup to last long without smudging or fading
- Effectively controls lubricants
- It is waterproof and suitable for both oily and combination skin

1.10. Use oil-absorbent paper
Blotting papers are quite handy and can be kept in your bag for midday makeup application. With just one swipe, you can help absorb excess oil that accumulates on your skin during the day, helping your skin look more airy and clean, which also makes your makeup more matte.
1.11. Avoid Greasy Makeup
You should also consider your skin type when choosing shine products. We recommend eliminating these products from your makeup routine if you have oily skin, as after an hour or two of use, it can start to look greasy. You should avoid creating a wet look and using highlighter that is too sparkly, instead use matte colors to define your face.

1.12. Regularly clean makeup brushes
If you don’t currently clean your makeup brushes regularly, now is the time to start. When it comes to makeup brushes, everyone should practice basic hygiene, but those with oily skin should be more careful because oils from the face will stick to brushes and sponges. To remove grease, dirt, and debris from your brushes, use a cosmetic cleaner or makeup remover, then dry before use.
1.13. Add a clay mask to your skincare routine
Consider this a reason to regularly nourish your skin. Clay masks help remove excess oil, and sebum and shrink pores, limiting the skin’s oil secretion. Apply an even layer to clean, dry skin and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with water. For optimal results, use three times per week.
Products recommended by makeup experts
The clarifying clay masque by Skinceuticals promises to deeply cleanse your pores and remove excess oil, pollutants, and makeup. It contains bentonite clay, which is known for its oil-absorbing and clarifying properties, as well as hydroxy acids, which have exfoliating benefits. Aloe and chamomile are also included to soothe and calm sensitive skin.
1.14. Pay attention to the T-zone
The T-zone including the forehead, nose, and chin is where the most oil is concentrated. This area is especially prone to shine and makeup peeling off throughout the day. Therefore, when applying makeup, you must focus carefully on this area in steps such as applying foundation and covering, and don’t forget to use concealer to help even out skin tone in the T-zone.
2. Thanks to the advice of makeup experts
Thanks to the advice of makeup artists, you will have a better understanding of your skin type and makeup needs. The expert will analyze your skin type, skin color, and facial contours to give you appropriate advice on choosing the right makeup products and techniques. This will help you use products effectively and avoid wasting money on ineffective products. The expert will guide you on how to use products properly and apply appropriate makeup techniques to create beautiful and natural makeup that enhances your beauty. Once you have the right makeup knowledge and techniques, you will also save time on makeup every day.
With the above makeup tips for oily skin, you can completely confidently shine in the summer without worrying about your makeup slipping or smudging. Remember to combine with basic skin care steps to have healthy skin, so makeup will last longer. Was Healthglowy’s article helpful to you? If so, please leave us a comment so we can continue to create better-quality articles!
>>> Discover more great tips for oily skin:
- Tips Acne Treatment for Oily Skin, How To Control Oily Skin
- 9+ Best Sunscreens For Oily Skin in 2024, Tested by Dermatologists

