Doing makeup can feel like a challenge, especially if you are a novice or have greasy, oily skin. That glow we all dream about? Sometimes it turns into a full-blown greasy mess in just a few hours. Been there, done that, right? As it turns out, your makeup routine is just like baking a cake. You wouldn’t add frosting to it before it’s baked in the oven, right? Same with makeup – when you apply everything in the right sequence, it stays flawless longer and looks way better. Read on to know the right order to apply your makeup, so you can look and feel your best.
The Correct Order to Apply Makeup
Makeup isn’t about covering up who you are. Instead it’s about expressing yourself, having fun, and letting your creativity shine through. All you need is the right products, the correct order, a little skin love, and a whole lotta confidence.
Step 1: Skincare
Before you even touch your makeup, you’ve gotta prep your skin.
· Cleanse: Use a gentle, oil-free face cleanser. This removes all the sweat, oil, and dirt so your skin is clean and fresh.
· Tone: A toner helps tighten your pores and control oil.
· Moisturize: Go for a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer. Your makeup will sit better and last longer with no creases.
Step 2: Primer
Want your makeup to last all day? Say hello to primer! For oily skin in summer, you’ll want a mattifying primer that blurs pores and keeps the shine away. Primer creates a smooth canvas for your makeup and keeps foundation from sliding off when it gets hot.
Step 3: Foundation
Now comes the big question: foundation. You need something:
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Matte or semi-matte
- Long-lasting
Best foundation for summer includes sheer coverage, tinted moisturizers, BB creams, powder foundations and liquid foundations with matte finish. If you’re going out in the sun, find one with SPF too! Here’s a pro tip: use a damp beauty blender for application. It gives a natural, even finish and helps the product blend like butter.
Step 4: Concealer
Skip the “paint-your-whole-face” routine. Just dab some concealer where you need it:
- Under eyes
- Red spots
- Blemishes
- Acne scars
Use a creamy formula, but make sure it’s non-comedogenic (aka won’t clog pores). Use one shade lighter under the eyes. For blemishes, match your skin tone. Got dark circles, acne scars, or redness? A tiny bit of color corrector can even out your tone. And always blend, blend, blend. Your fingers or a mini sponge will do the job just fine.
Step 5: Setting Powder
If there’s one thing oily-skinned people should never skip, it’s setting powder. Go for a translucent, oil-absorbing powder. Dust it over your oily, shiny zones, making sure to lightly press it in instead of swiping. It locks in your foundation and keeps that matte finish on point.
Step 6: Blush, Bronzer and Highlighter
It’s time for some pop of color. Let’s bring some life to your face!
· Bronzer/Contour: Use a matte bronzer to warm up your skin. A little swipe on your cheeks, temples, and jawline can make your skin look sun-kissed (without the sunburn).
· Blush: Cream blushes are cute, but powders are your friend in summer. They stay put longer and don’t add extra oil.
· Highlighter: Of course, oily skin can wear highlighter! Just keep it subtle and stick to powder formulas.
Step 7: Eyebrows
Don’t let your brows melt off in the heat (been there?). Use a tinted brow gel or waterproof brow pencil. Just follow the shape of your brows and fill them in naturally. Keep it light and fluffy – we’re going for effortless summer goddess, not sharpie brows.
Step 8: Eye Makeup
· Eyeshadow: Stick to powder shadows for summer. Creamy ones might crease if your eyelids get oily. Go for neutral or peachy tones – they’re perfect for a light summer vibe.
· Eyeliner: Use waterproof eyeliner. Gel pencils or liquid liners stay longer, especially if you're sweating or at the beach.
· Mascara: Y’all, this one’s easy – waterproof or at least water resistant. No raccoon eyes, please!
Step 9: Lips
Time to pucker up! Go light and lovely with tinted lip balms, sheer lipsticks, lip glosses, creamy matte lipsticks and more. Stick to hydrating formulas so your lips stay soft, but nothing too gooey or it’ll melt.
Step 10: Setting Spray
You’ve come this far; now lock it all in with a few spritzes of setting spray. Look for one that’s mattifying and long-wearing, specifically for oily skin. It acts like hairspray for your face that keeps everything in place without feeling heavy.
Wrapping up
Makeup should be fun, and definitely not a chore. And just like every face is unique, your routine can be too. Once you understand the basics and the right order to apply everything, it becomes a relaxing ritual. So next time you're doing your summer makeup routine for oily skin, you’ll feel totally in control—no more guessing, no more meltdowns (literally!). All you have to do is follow the steps, choose the right makeup products, and find your own style!
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