Has it ever nagged you when after a few hours of makeup, you have to face a greasy makeup look? You can’t dance too much or walk in a garden because your makeup constantly needs an air-conditioner to remain the way you applied it. Say goodbye to these issues right away. We tapped on what can go wrong for the skin that leads to a greasy makeup look. Take out your note and start scribbling these points to know the right action plan!
Why does your skin turn oily after using makeup?
Makeup is not something that penetrates your skin layers or something that is a part of your skin. It is more like a filler or a film that settles on your skin. This film sits on your skin for a considerable amount of time. So the question is, is the film safe enough to not irritate your skin in this period? Often, your makeup turns greasy because the product is not suitable for your skin. Makeup, when applied, sits on your pores and creates a filter that helps its aesthetic appearance. But since it sits on your pores, you should be careful. If they contain irritants then it will generate an inflammatory response that will lead to an imbalance in oil production. It can also occur due to heat since your pores are already blocked by the film. To sum it up, skin can turn oily after makeup due to the following reasons:
1. Unsuitable makeup2. Improper skin prep routine
3. Heat and humidity
4. Lack of setting makeup
5. Goofing up the application steps
How to pick makeup for oily or sensitive skin?
Enough said about how makeup can lead to greasiness. Here’s how someone with sensitive and oily skin type can pick the right makeup:
1. Oil-free makeup
If you have sensitive skin then it is best to opt for powdery or matte finish makeup. It’s because oil-based makeup will attract pollutants around to settle on your skin which can irritate sensitive skin easily. Even those with oily skin should avoid lotion and creamy texture since with time, the makeup will become patchy due to excess oil. Powdery and matte finish makeup works excellent for them too.
2. Specially crafted
There are makeup brands that have integrated skincare in it to ensure that it works for sensitive skin too. If you have sensitive skin, opt for such products which you’re sure won’t clog your pores. Look out for products that are specifically crafted for sensitive skin.
3. Patch test
Perform a patch test on your neck to see if the product is sitting well on your skin. Test it for a couple of hours before washing it off. You can also patch test it after applying skincare so that you know how well it sits with and without skincare. A patch test is especially recommended for those who have oily and sensitive skin.
Learn how to patch test here.
What are the methods to achieve a non-greasy makeup look?
There is nothing in this list that you haven’t heard of before. But we’re going to make sense of the small habits that you must inculcate while doing your makeup to ensure that you don’t end up with a greasy look. Here’s what you need:
1. Have a good skincare routine
Have a hydrating skincare routine before you apply makeup. Avoid heavy creams and instead opt for lightweight formulas. A good gel-based or water-based serum and cream before makeup is the best pick. You can also use a clay mask for skin prep if you have oily skin. It just cleans out your canvas and takes off excess oil. If you’re going to use makeup then you must keep the skincare to minimal steps- Cleanse-Tone-Moisturise. Here’s what you can add to your skincare routine to ensure that your skin is hydrated and is not irritated before putting on makeup:
1. Centella Asiatica2. Ice
3. Aloe Vera
4. Snail Mucin
5. Rosewater
Sublime recommends Prakriti Herbals Rose Water Geranium Toner. It is the perfect hydrator and toner to plump your skin and prep the skin for makeup.
2. Primer first
Primer settles in the texture of your skin to create a smooth base. This reduces oil production and helps keep the makeup in place. You have a smooth canvas when you have primer on. Think of primer as something that sits on your pores and fills the missing gaps that create the texture of your skin. For oily or sensitive skin, you can go for a matte-finish primer.
Sublime recommends Sandiva One & Done Protective Primer With Sandalwood. The Sandalwood and Black Cumin oil acts as a protective agent while the formulation glides smoothly to let your makeup set like a dream.
3. Set the makeup
Often, we don’t use a setting spray. But for those who are prone to getting a greasy face after putting on makeup, you know better than not using a setting spray. Setting spray will lock in the makeup on your skin. So your skin may turn greasy depending on the choice of makeup and skin type but your makeup will not budge if you use a setting spray. Another alternative for setting spray is setting powder. You can use this to set the makeup to prevent it from creasing and lumping over a period of time. It is best used under the eyes, around the lips and nose or on the forehead since that is where the problem area lies generally.
4. Use compact/loose powder for touch-ups
Always keep the compact handy. It can help you fix the greasy look. Greasy makeup face can also lead to patchy makeup which is fixable without much hassle if you have loose powder or a compact handy. Just dab a little on the area where you want to work. Loose powders also come with SPF which can help you reapply sunscreen without losing out on the perfect makeup look.
Sublime recommends Sandiva Spf Top-Up Loose Powder With Sandalwood. It comes in multiple shades and is the perfect loose powder for those who know the importance of sunscreen reapplication. It has SPF 30 PA ++++ and can erase oily with just one swoop. We think it is perfect for smart reapplication of sunscreen and makeup in one.
5. Keep blotting paper handy
From time to time when you feel sweaty, pick up a blotting sheet to absorb the sweat and oil off your face. This will help you keep the makeup in place without ruining the look. But even for the blotting paper to work well on your skin, you need to be quick to dab off the sweat as soon as you find the beads appearing.
Sublime recommends Dromen & Co Green Tea Blotting Paper. It’s a convenient way to keep your makeup matte and oiliness at bay.
Does the quantity of makeup lead to a greasy face?
Definitely yes. Quantity of skincare that you’re using to set the base and layers of makeup counts. For skincare, keep it to a minimal C-T-M routine with SPF if it is a day. Adding too much moisturiser or multiple layers of skincare products can add to the greasiness of makeup.
When it comes to makeup, start with the smallest quantity. Especially foundation and concealer should go in layers. This also helps to eliminate caking of the makeup or irritating the skin. Thicker the layers of makeup and the longer the duration you wear it, the more the chances that you will end up with a greasy face. To be mindful of the makeup quantity, use your fingers to apply and blend. You can also use a brush or sponge later to blend.
Take home points
Greasy face after makeup is a common issue and multiple factors play a role. Some of these are environmental stressors, unsuitable makeup quality, improper pre-makeup skincare routine, and disorderly application of makeup. Some simple tweaks here and there in your routine can help you achieve the right grease-free makeup look. The catch is to practice what suits best for your unique skin!
- Divya Salvi
