Oily skin is common and has many benefits, says the American Academy of Dermatology, which includes fewer wrinkles over time. But oily skin can also lead to clogged pores and an increase in acne. The key is to strike a balance between having too much oil and maintaining your skin’s natural moisture, says the AAD. Part of that balancing act includes makeup products, which can potentially worsen breakouts if formulas are irritating or pore-clogging. Below we uncover the most important terms to look out for, tips to apply makeup without triggering irritation, and the best makeup for oily skin.
Oily Skin-Approved Makeup Terms
While these terms aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it’s helpful to be on the lookout for a handful of phrases. These can help you avoid pore-clogging ingredients and won't leave you looking excessively shiny.
Non-Comedogenic
Non-comedogenic means it won't clog pores, reducing your risk of triggering breakouts. This classification, which can be found on skincare and makeup labels, is beneficial for those with oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. The AAD advises looking for makeup that includes one of the following terms on its label: "Oil-free," "won't clog pores," or "non-comedogenic", as these are less likely to trigger oil production or cause breakouts.
Hypoallergenic
You’ll see the word “hypoallergenic” frequently on makeup, as it’s geared toward sensitive skin. However, the AAD notes that acne is a form of sensitivity, so taking steps to avoid further irritants is always helpful if blemishes are a common occurrence for your oily skin. It’s not a guarantee that the formula is safe for acne-prone or sensitive skin, but it likely doesn’t include common irritants, like fragrances, dyes, or alcohol. Many traditional formulas are packed with these irritating ingredients that can cause painful flare-ups or unpleasant sensations or reactiveness, like redness, itching, discomfort, burning, and swelling for sensitive skin.
Dermatologist Tested
Another term to seek out on makeup packaging is dermatologist tested, which (just like hypoallergenic) is not a regulated term, but means it’s been tested by a dermatologist for tolerance and possible irritation.
Fragrance-Free
Fragrance-free is another tag that’s helpful for all skin types. Fragrances are one of the most common irritants so a product that proudly states it’s free from fragrances is a great starting point.
Oily Skin Makeup Tips
The key to discovering the best makeup for oily skin is choosing products that are specifically formulated with non-comedogenic ingredients. But there are a few other things to keep in mind when preparing oily skin for makeup.
Skincare as Makeup
One of the best tips for successfully using makeup for oily skin is investing in a skincare routine. Prepping the skin with a nourishing cleanser, exfoliant, and moisturizer is the best way to ensure skin remains balanced all day long. Yes, a moisturizer is vital for an oily complexion, notes the AAD. To begin your ritual, consider utilizing an effective cleanser that can remove debris, dirt, and excessive sebum, like The Deep Cleanse. Then, follow up with an exfoliant, which is especially helpful for oily skin. Try a liquid exfoliant, like The Texture Tonic (designed to clarify skin daily), or a water-activated exfoliant, like The Rice Polish: Deep, which instantly reveals smoother skin—perfect before makeup. Follow up with a lightweight, clarifying moisturizer, like The Water Cream, which helps control excess oil and smoothes skin. Additionally, makeup is ideally applied over broad-spectrum sunscreen, which should be used every day. Consider the Silken Sunscreen SPF 35, which acts like a primer and blurs the look of pores for matte, silky-smooth skin.
Start Clean
It’s always a good idea to start with clean skin, clean hands, and clean makeup brushes. The AAD says dirty makeup brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria, which cause acne, rashes, and even fungal infections in extreme cases. They recommend washing brushes every week. Also, ensure makeup products are not expired. Additionally, make sure you're the only one who uses your makeup brushes—sharing is not caring when it comes to makeup tools. “While acne isn’t contagious, acne-causing bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil from other people’s skin can stick to your makeup, makeup brushes, and applicators,” says the AAD.
Apply with Care
Apply makeup gently, says the AAD. Your touch should be feather light—at Tatcha we like to envision caring for skin as if it’s a delicate piece of silk—approach it with loving care and a gentle touch. Utilizing makeup brushes gently can help you avoid irritation.
Remove Daily
Makeup should always be washed off at the end of the day, suggests the AAD—and this daily ritual is absolutely vital for oily and acne-prone skin. Look for makeup removers that are formulated with gentle ingredients so they don’t irritate the skin. Or opt for an oil cleanser, which can be a more gentle process, as part of a double cleanse. The AAD recommends washing your face with a gentle cleanser after makeup removal, so a double cleanse is not only effective but also dermatologist-approved.
Best Makeup for Sensitive Skin
Here are a few makeup essentials that leave skin smooth and balanced.
Best Makeup Primer for Oily Skin
Liquid Silk Canvas
A makeup primer can be endlessly beneficial for oily skin, while also helping to shield skin from pollutants and allowing makeup to apply better and last longer. The Liquid Silk Canvas is a weightless liquid primer with a soft, silky feel, providing a poreless appearance and minimizing excess shine with a soft focus finish.
Best Setting Powder for Oily Skin
The Silk Powder
This talc-free, protective setting powder helps makeup last longer, blurs pores, cocoons skin against blue light and pollution, and provides a translucent, soft-radiant finish. The powder has been clinically shown to help makeup last eight hours, while also helping to instantly improve the appearance of pores, fine lines, and texture. It also provides instant and all day shine control.*
*Based on a clinical study of 41 subjects, using The Silk Powder on bare skin.
Best Oil-Absorbing Tool for Oily Skin
Aburatorigami Japanese Blotting Papers
The AAD recommends using blotting papers throughout the day. “Gently press the paper against your face and leave it on for a few seconds to absorb the oil,” they note. “Don’t rub the paper on your face, as this will spread the oil to other areas.” Our abaca leaf fiber blotting papers absorb excess oil without disturbing makeup or stripping skin of essential moisture.
Best Makeup Tool for Oily Skin
The Powder Brush
A soft, carefully crafted makeup brush might feel like a luxury (and it is!) but it’s also a necessity for oily skin. As stated above, a makeup brush is ideal for applying makeup, notes the AAD, and especially one with gentle bristles that won’t irritate the skin. This animal-free synthetic brush seamlessly hugs the skin for a flawless appearance. Crafted by the famed Kashoen artisans in Kumano, Japan, the luxurious brushes have been handmade utilizing techniques established since 1883.
