10 Oily Skin Essentials: What You Need to Reduce Shiny Face Makeup

*Products bought by me

Sian Victoria © - Rimmel Matte Powder, L’oreal foundation & shine absorbing blotting papers

How to Stop Shiny Face: Why Your Makeup is Oily and How to Fix It

After years of battling excessively oily skin, I have thoroughly tested and relied upon a curated selection of products that have become essential for achieving a flawless, shine-free make-up look that lasts all day.

So, if you're fed up with the unwanted shine and greasiness that crops up on your face midway through the day, chances are you've experienced the hassle of trying to maintain your makeup's staying power and keep your skin from reflecting light.

But there's no need to worry because we have the ultimate remedy for you! These essentials for oily skin will bid farewell to that glossy look and introduce you to a flawless, matte makeup finish. Get ready to dominate your makeup game and keep excess oil under control as we explore the products that are essential for your oily skin type.

What Does Mattifying Skin Mean?

Within the skincare industry, 'mattifying' pertains to the method of minimising oiliness and shine on the skin's surface, which leads to a matte and non-greasy appearance. The primary goal is to achieve a balanced production of oil, control the amount of shine, and produce a smooth and velvety texture.

The intention is not to strip the skin of its vital oils, but rather to manage any excess oil. The secret lies in utilising mattifying products that work harmoniously together, creating a fresh and radiant complexion without appearing flat. In essence, it's akin to dimming the spotlight on oil and increasing the focus on achieving a harmonious balance.

What Does Non-comedogenic Mean?

When skincare products claim to be non-comedogenic, it means that they do not block pores. This term is derived from comedo, which refers to a pore that is blocked. This feature is particularly important for those with oily skin, as blocked pores can lead to various skin problems such as acne, blackheads, and a shiny, greasy appearance.

Bacteria can thrive in pores clogged with excess oil, causing inflammation and breakouts. Non-comedogenic products are specially formulated to be light and breathable, allowing the skin to function naturally without the hindrance of blocked pores. They are designed to break down easily, leaving no residue that might cause pore congestion.

Therefore, incorporating non-comedogenic products into your skincare routine is crucial for managing oily skin and maintaining a fresh, matte complexion. It is not just about reducing shine; it is about taking care of your skin and enabling it to breathe freely.

How Do you Know if a Product is Comedogenic or Not?

To determine whether a product is comedogenic or not, examine its ingredient list. Look for ingredients that are known to clog pores, such as coconut oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Lanolin, and D & C red. These can trigger acne and should be avoided. Labels that mention non-comedogenic, oil-free, or won't clog pores can be helpful, but keep in mind that everyone's skin is different. What works for one person may not work for you. It's important to get to know your skin and its reactions to different ingredients.

Patch testing new products on a small area before full application can help you avoid a potential breakout. Remember to be patient and consistent in your skincare routine. It takes time to achieve clear, shine-free skin, but it's worth the effort.

Top tip: If you're unsure about a particular ingredient, research it online using the search term 'comedogenic rating' along with the name of the ingredient on your makeup and skincare products. This can help you find a graph with a rating of how likely that ingredient within a product is to clog your pores. With a rating of 0-1 being safe for oily skin types, anything over 2 is best avoided as they are most likely to clog your pores and are not friendly ingredients to those with oily combination skin.

Should Oily Skin Types Avoid all the Oil-Based Products?

Contrary to popular belief, oily skin types and oil-based products can actually complement each other quite well. The idea that all oils are harmful for oily skin is a myth, as certain oils like jojoba, grapeseed, and hemp oil can benefit such skin types. These oils can help to balance oil production and nourish the skin without causing breakouts. Tea tree oil, with its antibacterial properties, can also help in combating acne.

However, it is essential to distinguish between comedogenic and non-comedogenic oils, as the former can block pores, while the latter can provide hydration without causing a shiny complexion. Maintaining the natural balance and hydration of the skin requires a certain amount of oil, and over-stripping the skin of its oils can lead to even shinier skin.

Therefore, incorporating the right oils into your skincare routine can play a vital role in achieving a matte and shine-free complexion. Don't be afraid of oils; just choose wisely, and they can form a harmonious relationship with oily skin to provide the best results.

Essential Skincare and Makeup Products For Oily Skin Types

With an understanding of skincare terminology, one can successfully navigate the world of makeup and skincare products that cater to oily and combination skin types. So, here are the beauty essentials I rely on to achieve a matte complexion and avoid clogged pores.

1. Non-comedogenic Facial Wash

A great effective skincare routine always starts on the right note, and what better way to do that than with a non-comedogenic facial wash? This hero product type is essential for achieving a matte, oil-free complexion, as it effectively cleanses your skin, removes impurities and excess oil, all without blocking your pores.

The light and breathable formula serves as a solid foundation for the rest of your skincare regimen. When looking for a facial wash, seek out products that boast of oil-control properties, with ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or tea tree oil to manage your skin's oil production.

By incorporating these kinds of facial washes into your daily routine, you'll notice a difference in the overall cleanliness and freshness of your skin. Use it at the beginning of the day to prepare your skin for whatever the day may bring, and then again in the evening to wash away the day's build-up, leaving your skin prepped for a restful night's sleep.

With a non-comedogenic facial wash as part of your skincare arsenal, you'll be well on your way to achieving a shine-free, healthier complexion.

2. Charcoal Clay Mask

Picture a skin treatment that acts like a potent magnet, pulling out impurities and unwanted oil, and leaving behind minimised pores and a matte appearance. Enter the realm of charcoal clay masks. These masks are a game-changer for those struggling with an oily face.

Charcoal, with its thorough cleansing abilities, rids your skin of excess oil and stubborn dirt that has become embedded in your pores. At the same time, clay provides a gentle exfoliation that restores and revitalises your skin, leaving you with a refreshed, balanced appearance.

By including the benefits of a charcoal clay mask in your weekly skincare routine, you can help regulate your skin's oil levels so it's less oily throughout the day.

3. AHA & BHA Liquid Exfoliating Toner

Discover the revolutionary world of AHA and BHA liquid exfoliating toners, where Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) work together as the dynamic duo of skincare. AHA gently peels off the surface layer of your skin to reveal new, fresh skin underneath, enhancing your skin's radiance and smoothing out minor wrinkles.

Meanwhile, BHA is the superhero for oily skin, diving deep into pores to free them from excess oil and dead skin cells that cause breakouts. Together, they provide gentle yet thorough exfoliation, keeping your skin clean, fresh, and non-greasy. Consistency is key, so make it a part of your evening skincare ritual after your non-comedogenic facial wash to see smoother, clearer skin.

4. Rose Water with Tea Tree and Lavender Essential Oil DIY Toner

Enter the realm of a homemade sustainable beauty routine with this DIY toner featuring the skin benefits of rose water, tea tree oil, and lavender essential oil. Renowned for its soothing and hydrating properties, rose water is a calming companion for your skin. Infused with anti-inflammatory benefits, it helps reduce redness and soothes skin irritations. With its robust antibacterial properties, tea tree oil is a potent essential in the fight against acne, making it an ideal ingredient for oily skin.

Like tea tree essential oil and rose water, lavender oil has a non-comedogenic rating of 0 and will benefit your pores by keeping them clear and reducing breakouts. Combining these three ingredients results in a toner that not only controls oil but also nourishes your skin, delivering a holistic skincare experience.

To make the toner, use 100% pure rose water, you can often find it in the international food isles of supermarkets as it is used in Asian cuisine. Add 10-12 drops each of tea tree and lavender essential oils, and shake well before use. Incorporate this magic blend into your daily routine by using it as a toner in the morning and bask in the glory of a natural, homemade solution to your oily skin concerns.

When using a botanical essence toner in the morning and a liquid exfoliant at night you'll effectively reduce shine on the face in no time. On a side note, it is important to never use essential oils on the skin without diluting them beforehand as they can cause skin irritation and burn if you have sensitive skin.

For those who are unable to obtain pure rose water, an easier alternative involves boiling green tea bags, allowing the concoction to cool, and then adding drops of essential oils into a cosmetic bottle. This method is beneficial as green tea has many skincare benefits too and is often used in skincare products for oily combination skin types.

5. Oil-free Non-comedogenic Moisturiser

Despite common belief that oily skin doesn't require moisturising, neglecting hydration can actually cause an increase in oil production. However, an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturiser can solve this problem by providing the necessary hydration for skin without adding excess oil.

Not only does it prevent breakouts and acne by not clogging pores, but it also keeps the skin looking healthy and glowing. This product should be used daily after toner to keep oily skin under control. Instead of avoiding moisturising, use an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturiser as a solution for a balanced and healthy complexion.

6. Matte Facial Primer

Achieving a smooth, oil-free complexion requires the benefits of a matte facial primer. This essential beauty product acts as an invisible hero by prepping your skin for makeup application. Imagine a gentle layer that softens the skin, blurs pesky pores, and evens out texture.

The primer provides the perfect canvas for foundation and other makeup, ensuring long-lasting coverage. Its matte formulation works to combat shine, offering a flat, even finish. The lightweight consistency of the primer allows your skin to breathe, preventing makeup from sliding off or appearing cakey. Investing in a high-quality matte facial primer is the first step towards a luminous, shine-free appearance.

7. Mattifying Foundation

To achieve a matte complexion, a mattifying foundation is crucial. It possesses unique attributes that cater to oily skin, providing exemplary coverage and a non-greasy finish that combat the dreaded shine. This type of foundation not only aims to perfect, but it also aspires to protect by using a non-comedogenic formulation that keeps pores unclogged and free from excess oil and dirt, resulting in fewer breakouts and an even skin tone.

When selecting a foundation, it is essential to find one that complements your natural beauty rather than overshadows it. With this game-changing foundation in your beauty kit, the battle against shiny face makeup becomes a journey towards a confident, matte finish.

In addition, it is recommended to explore various foundation types suitable for oily skin, such as mineral, cream, and powder-based options. Just like a setting powder, foundation powder possesses oil-absorbing properties. Therefore, conducting trials to determine which form - liquid or powder - works best for your skin is advisable.

8. Matte Powder

When it comes to fighting shine, matte powder is your trusted ally. Its purpose is to set your foundation, providing a seamless, long-lasting look. This product also excels at absorbing any excess oil that may attempt to break through during the day, allowing you to maintain a matte appearance for an extended period. When selecting a powder, choose a lightweight formula to avoid any potential heaviness or caking on the skin.

Long-lasting properties are essential to ensure that your powder withstands the day's trials and tribulations, providing a shine-free complexion that pairs beautifully with your foundation. Using a large, fluffy brush to distribute the powder evenly across your face is key to achieving the desired result: a flawless matte finish that keeps your skin fresh and oil-free. Keep this beauty essential at the ready, and say goodbye to midday makeup touch-ups.

9. Makeup Setting Spray

Makeup application can be a painstaking process, so it's important to have a reliable tool to protect your hard work and keep it looking fresh all day. Enter the matte-finish makeup setting spray - a true hero in the battle against oily skin. This incredible product acts as a protective shield, sealing in your makeup and creating an invisible barrier that repels oil and prevents it from breaking through and ruining your look.

The ultra-fine mist of the setting spray gently blankets your face, forming a protective layer that locks in your makeup and ensures it stays put, even in the toughest weather conditions. Say goodbye to the dreaded shine that often appears on your skin throughout the day. The matte finish of this setting spray helps to enhance your skin's texture, eliminating any unwanted sheen and keeping your face looking fresh and radiant all day long.

Thanks to this product, you may not need to constantly retouch your makeup every hour or worry about it melting away in the sun. The setting spray works tirelessly to hold everything in place, allowing you to focus on your daily tasks without any distractions.

So, if you're looking to achieve a shine-free, flawless finish, make sure you have a matte-finish make-up setting spray in your beauty arsenal.

10. Shine Absorbing Blotting Papers

The efficacy of shine-absorbing blotting papers should not be underestimated. These tiny wonders are an essential addition to every beauty kit. Picture this scenario: it's midday and your skin is struggling to maintain its matte appearance. However, redoing your entire skincare and makeup routine is simply not practical. That's where these blotting papers come in as the unsung heroes.

These papers effectively absorb the excess oil from the surface of your skin, restoring your matte look in an instant, without ruining your makeup when tapped on the face gently. They are small enough to fit in your pocket or clutch and are your ultimate tool against an unexpected shine attack. Just gently dab the blotting paper on the oily areas of your skin, and voila! Your skin will look refreshed and less shiny in seconds. These papers provide a quick solution to restore your matte look when you're on the go, without any smudging or mess.

Therefore, make sure you always carry your trusted shine-absorbing blotting papers with you, as they are your allies in maintaining that much-desired matte, shine-free look.

To conclude

The pursuit of a matte, non-greasy complexion requires a delicate touch and the proper tools. Essential items like non-comedogenic skincare products and makeup that enhance natural features without promoting oiliness each play a crucial role. Rather than attempting to mask one's natural complexion, the key is to manage and accentuate it.

With these oily skin essentials in hand, embark on the journey towards a flawlessly matte appearance and newfound confidence. Don't be deterred by the misconception that oily skin cannot achieve this look. Embrace the process and enjoy the benefits of a shine-free complexion.