When you have oily skin, makeup tips are important. Let Dana's advice from our Ask the Expert page help you find a solution.
Balancing Oil and Wrinkles

Hi Dana,''I have a serious problem with finding foundation for my problem skin. I have acne only on my jaw line and bearable scars on the rest of my face. (Not too noticeable) the problem is I can not find the right foundation. I swear I have tried everything! Laura Meircer, Clinique, Dermablend (covers great...way too oily) Mary Kay, Bare minerals, Smashbox and so on.

I was wondering if you had a recommendation for me that covers like dermablend but doesn't get all gross. I am thinking about Mac but the full coverage foundation they have doesn't seem to be oil free. Do you have any ideas?



Expert Reply
Hi Kristin,The first thing you may want to do is change your skin care routine and try something that will treat your problem areas. Proactiv is very good and although doesn't work for everyone, it does have proven results with many. If you do try it and find it is too harsh for your skin or if you have used it in the past, you may want to visit a dermatologist to see what the other alternatives are to treat your acne.

In the meantime, one of the best lines of makeup out there is Prescriptives. They have an assortment of foundations, concealers and powders that may do the trick for your skin. Always make sure you are using clean fingers to apply any product to your face or use a new makeup sponge each time. For great coverage, try purchasing a green cover stick which takes out red. Apply with a synthetic brush, then your foundation with the sponge, and then set it all with a fine loose powder. If you don't like Prescriptives, Chanel and Lancôme and great alternatives.



Reader Question
Hi Dana,I cannot find eyeliner that won't run down my face. I have fairly good results from waterproof eyeliners and liquid eyeliners when only applied to my upper lids, but anything that I apply under my lower lashes heads south within two hours. I do have pretty oily skin. Could the oil from my face seep up to my eye area? Is there anything I can use to line my lower lashes?Thank You

Kerri

Expert Reply
Dear Kerri,

I have this very same problem. What I do is to always use concealer under the eyes to create a smooth, even palette. One of my favorites is Prescriptives Flawless Skin Total Protection Concealer. It has a wonderful silky texture and is great for oily skin like ours.

Next, apply pressed powder under the eye and over your entire face for a nice sheer look and it will give your oily skin a matte surface Add a hint of blush if you like to the apples of your cheeks. Instead of using eyeliner on the bottom lashes, try applying eye shadow with a fine brush. Depending on your eye color, use black, deep brown or smoky gray to blend the entire eye.



Reader Question
I am 18 years old. I want to know how can I get rid of black heads over my nose?Thank You,

Nana

Reader Question
I'm 27 years old, and am still trying to find myself a balance in makeup and facial cleansers. My face can get oily pretty easy and makeup just helps to get it that way quicker. AND since I am getting older, I am now starting to see fine lines around my eyes and chin area. Also, I have a slight problem with blackheads/acne. I would like to be able to keep a handle on my acne, but still be able to apply makeup that leaves my face looking flawless. What facial cleansers would you recommend to help with my acne and yet not leave my face red, and which foundation wouldn't irritate and cause further issues with the acne, yet still give me a beautiful, perhaps flawless, complexion?

Thank You,

T.Sears

Expert Reply
Dear T:

If you're oily and acne-prone, cleanse at least twice a day with a mild cleanser to help prevent clogged pores; but don't scrub hard or over wash your face. Also use an astringent daily to remove excess oils, avoiding alcohol-based products. Watch your overall cleaning routine because if you strip too much oil from your face, the skin will overcompensate and produce even more oil. A suggestion for cleansing is a gel wash containing salicylic acid which treats acne by causing skin cells to slough off more readily, preventing pores from clogging up. Reliable products to try are Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser or Clinique's Wash Away Gel Cleanser.

Moisturizing is not necessary on a daily basis. However, if your face feels tight after washing, then apply a light, oil-free moisturizer.

Choose noncomedogenic and oil-free foundations. You may even want to try one that contains salicylic acid. The "type" of foundation is important - try oil-free liquid or cream-to-powder formula. If you're only oily in the T-zone, try using an oil absorbent lotion under your makeup in the oily areas. A product I like is Clinique's Acne Solutions Daytime Shield. Foundations brands best for your skin type: Clarins Oil-Free Multi-Matte Foundation, Chanel Double Perfection Matte Reflecting Makeup SPF 15, and Clinique Clarifying Makeup Clear Skin.

One trick a dermatologist taught me is dusting corn starch all over your face after your makeup is applied, it works great to absorb oil and your skin feels great.