How to Melt-Proof Your Summer Makeup Routine

Spring is here and summer is coming, which means if you’re an oily skin girl (or boy), then you need to bring on the oil control. This is especially important for those of you who live in humid areas, because…well, let’s be honest— even living in a beautiful and tropical place is not all that glamorous when your makeup is running off your face. I myself have super oily skin. You’ll hear me refer to my face as an oil slick sometimes. Yep, it gets that bad. But hey— they say oily skin ages better, right? 

Well, it’s taken me “ages” to find a perfect routine for my oily skin. It really is a combination of products that help control the oil as a team. So, here you will find a 5 step routine that is bound to keep you shine free.  Keep in mind— everyone’s skin is different. My oily skin is different than yours, and your oily skin is probably different than the next. Use a trial and error method of different oil control products and I promise you’ll find a routine (maybe even 4 or 5 routines like myself) that will keep you looking matte and flawless all day long.

1. PREP:  In order to prevent your skin from over-producing moisture (oil as we know it), you need to prep your skin with the appropriate moisturizer. This is going to not only act as a protective barrier for your skin, but it also helps control oil. If you do not moisturize, then your skin will over-produce its natural oils due to dehydration. This in turn makes your skin even more oily. I prefer using an oil-free gel moisturizer or a mattifying moisturizer to with help this.

Recommended Products: 

Philosophy Take a Deep Breath Oil-Free Energizing Oxygen Gel Cream Moisturizer - Gel moisturizers are lightweight and will not clog the pores, yet still very hydrating in areas where it is needed. This particular gel formula fuses oxygen into the skin, giving you an energized, hydrated glow. The antioxidants in this moisturizer also help fight environmental stress which causes dullness in the skin's appearance.

Sephora Mattifying Moisturizer Sunscreen - This lightweight cream moisturizer has an 8 hour mattifying effect while also protecting the skin from sun damage with SPF 20. Being that this is a paraben-free and dermatologist-tested product, it is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. The antioxidants in this moisturizer also help protect the skin for anti-aging purposes. Mattifying formulas are typically drier than others, which is great for controlling oil. 

2. PRIME: There are two ways to prime the skin: one being a spray and the other being a balm. Think of this as your skin's shield. It is not only prepping your skin to the second power, but it is also protecting your skin while also blocking any oil from coming through your foundation. Both mattifying and pore minimizing primers are great for this, as large pores usually mean more oil.

Recommended Products: 

Skindinavia Oil Control Primer Spray - This silicone-free lightweight mist preps and primes the skin so that it is ready for an even application of foundation. It will keep your oil under control without clogging your pores, which will help to prevent breakouts. If you don’t like the feel of a traditional priming balm, then this is the perfect alternative. 

Makeup Forever Skin Equalizer - The mattifying formula out of Makeup Forever’s new Step 1 Equalizers is the best mattifying primer I have ever tried. Formulated with Sebustop Vegetal Complex, this primer instantly erases shine for a long wearing matte appearance to the skin. The Skin Equalizer can be worn alone or applied before foundation.

3: CHOOSING THE RIGHT FOUNDATION: Choosing a foundation that is appropriate for your skin type is definitely important. Mattifying, oil-free, or liquid to powder foundations are ideal for oily skin. It doesn't matter whether it is high-end or drugstore. As long as you are pairing it with the right products to keep it working at its best ability, you will get every penny’s worth.

Recommended Products: 

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation -  Although this foundation does not necessarily claim a matte finish, it does a great job at achieving just that. Formulated with a concealer, primer, and foundation all in one, this product allows for flawless coverage that lasts all day. Also, to keep the skin safe it has an SPF of 20. This is my go-to drugstore foundation when I want to keep a matte and flawless face all day.

Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation - One of the few liquid to powder foundations that has amazing coverage and keeps your entire face of makeup in place all day long. The formula is silky to touch and delivers a velvety matte finish that is both water and smudge resistant. Since it is oil-free, it won’t clog your pores and is A-okay for acne prone skin.

4: LOCKING: Using a powder to lock your foundation into place while also absorbing oil is a must for a long lasting matte finish. Translucent powders are great for blotting or simply just dusting on top of foundation to set. Foundation powders can be used alone or to set your liquid foundation and add extra coverage.

Recommended Products: 

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder - This oil-absorbing translucent powder helps control oil without adding coverage, which allows a flawless, natural finish. You can wear this alone, or dust on top of foundation to lock it into place. This powder will also help blur the appearance of large pores. 

Sephora 8-Hour Mattifying Powder Foundation - Working as a medium to full coverage foundation when used alone, this powder may also be used for setting your liquid foundation. It gives a smooth, shine-free finish that will last all day. Also, it's great to throw in your bag for touch-ups!

5: LOADING: Makeup setting sprays are definitely the icing on the cake. You can use these in place of a setting powder, or as an extra step to make sure your entire face of makeup is locked and loaded. Think of these sprays as a matte top coat for the face.

Recommended Products: 

Nyx Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray - This lightweight spray transforms your makeup into a sweat-proof, long-lasting canvas. Eliminating the look of a powdery finish while still keeping you matte, this spray will also cancel out touch-ups throughout the day. 

Skindinavia Oil Control Finishing Spray - Providing up to 16 hours of oil control, this setting spray will leave you with a beautifully soft matte finish. Your makeup will stay put without creasing, fading or transferring onto your boyfriend’s shirt (which we all know he hates). 

While it is not absolutely necessary to have every step that I noted in your routine, I hope this was a helpful guide in your journey of finding the perfect spring and summertime makeup routine!

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Brittany Lima | Beauty Bartender

Brittany is a full time professional makeup artist & educator from Philadelphia. Whether she's working on a client or filming YouTube videos, she's always finding a way to share her industry knowledge. Her sassy yet congenial Northern attitude is what makes her most relate-able to her viewers. She can't live without music, YouTube, cheesecake, Instagram, pasta, and laughing.
Twitter: @itsBrittLyn | Instagram: @itsBrittLyn | Youtube Channel: itsBrittLyn

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