Women, men, and teens with sensitive, oily skin may want foundation makeup to help cover the shiny areas, pimples, or other problem spots. Unfortunately, most cosmetics applied over the entire face to cover blemishes also clog pores, irritate skin and cause breakouts, with the worst offender being oil-based makeup.
A non-comedogenic foundation in the form of a powder mineral foundation or an oil-free liquid makeup with a mineral base is less likely to trigger a flare-up of acne or clog pores on the face, and this is the best foundation for oily skin.
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Oily Skin Can Lead to Emotional Problems
Oily skin is not the fault of the woman or man whose facial pores produce excess oils. Despite the popular idea that a fatty, greasy diet causes excessively oily skin, genetics and hormones play a far bigger role than anything eaten, according to MedlinePlus. Oily skin, if it’s there, is probably here to stay – and often concentrates in very visible areas, such as between the eyebrows and around the nose.
Nevertheless, both females and males who have oily skin often experience feelings of insecurity. This could be partly due to the fact that many people with oily skin, both men and women, are also prone to acne.
The study found that respondents with oily skin, who were both men and women of an average age of 35, suffered from feelings of self-consciousness, embarrassment, and unattractiveness. So it’s perhaps not surprising that some people with oily skin seek to cover up the shine and other associated blemishes with foundation and other cosmetics, even though wearing makeup can be counterproductive for optimal skin health.
Best Foundation Makeup for Oily Skin: Liquid and Powder Mineral Based Cosmetics
Look for a foundation that is based on minerals such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, mica, and/or iron oxides and that has no oil. Oilless mineral cosmetics are non-comedogenic and thus typically less likely to irritate sensitive skin than oil-based cosmetics. A mineral foundation may come in a pressed powder form or in a liquid form. Look for one free of perfumes and, if possible, preservatives.
Some common mineral makeup foundation formulas for sensitive and oily skin and an acne-prone complexion include:
- Bare Minerals Foundation by Bare Escentuals (commonly misspelled Bare Essentials)
- Naked Minerals Pressed Powder Foundation
- GloMinerals Powder Foundation – GloMinerals also makes a liquid oil-free foundation that’s non-comedogenic.
- Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation is an oil-free liquid makeup that’s used with a primer and a loose setting powder as a makeup base.
10 Quick Makeup Tips for Oily Skin
- Use only water-based makeup that is oil-free and labeled non-comedogenic.
- Use a foundation free of fragrances for sensitive skin prone to irritation.
- Always use fresh makeup. Pay attention to the expiration date on the cosmetics: if it’s past its date, don’t use it.
- Keep the skin clean by washing twice a day in warm water and mild soap.
- Use astringents on oily skin only if the skin is not also sensitive and prone to acne.
- Never use harsh soaps to wash oil skin. Be cautious with facial masks, which may remove oil temporarily, but aggravate the sensitive skin of the face and spur the skin cells to produce extra oil afterward.
- Without exception, remove the foundation and other cosmetics nightly before going to bed.
- Powder-based makeup is less likely to clog pores than liquid makeup.
- If using a liquid foundation, don’t apply it thickly. Apply it with a light touch and layer it in areas that need more coverage.
- Keep all cosmetics applicators, including sponges, brushes, and fingers, clean and free of bacteria.
Look for Non-Comedogenic Makeup Formulated for Acne Prone and Oily Skin
Cosmetics for oily skin should prevent the face from becoming too greasy and yet at the same time keep the skin from drying out, both of which can lead to increased oil production.
An oil-based foundation that covers large pores and shiny skin effectively may also clog pores. The solution is to choose the best foundation for oily skin: a non-comedogenic makeup that doesn’t clog pores or irritate sensitive skin.
Also make sure to apply or layer the makeup on the face lightly, keep the skin clean, and remove the makeup at night to get rid of accumulated contaminants and allow the pores to “breathe”.
