How to Perfect Your Makeup Routine for Different Skin Types
When it comes to makeup, knowing your skin type is key to achieving a flawless look that lasts all day. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, understanding your skin's unique needs can make all the difference in how your makeup looks and feels. In today’s post, I’m sharing some of my best tips and tricks for each skin type, plus my go-to products for getting the best results.
1. Dry Skin
Having dry skin means dealing with dryness, patchiness, and makeup that can separate or cling to problem areas like acne or fine lines. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Here’s how to get your dry skin prepped and ready for makeup:
Hydration Is Key
For dry skin, the most important step is hydration. Before you even think about applying makeup, make sure your skin is properly moisturized. I personally struggle with acne and dry skin, which can be tricky since acne treatments often dry out my skin. I recommend applying active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide for an hour at night, then washing them off and following up with a hydrating lotion.
A big game changer for me has been using a humidifier while I sleep. If you live in a dry climate, this could make a noticeable difference. For extra hydration, you could try slugging—apply a layer of Vaseline over your nighttime skincare to lock in moisture.
Makeup Tips for Dry Skin
Now, onto makeup. Start with a hydrating sunscreen like Supergoop’s Glow Screen. It’s glowy, dewy, and provides a solid base for makeup. If you want to go a step further, a hydrating primer (Milk Makeup has a popular one) will give you an extra layer of moisture.
For concealer, Subtl Beauty’s Concealer is fantastic. It’s creamy, hydrating, and doesn’t settle into dry patches. I used to avoid translucent powders, thinking they wouldn’t work for my skin, but I’ve found that Subtl’s Shine Control Powder actually works well for me—just apply it to areas prone to shine, like the T-zone, not over dry patches.
For blush and bronzer, I recommend cream products. The Lip & Cheeks are hydrating and blend beautifully, while a cream bronzer (I use a darker concealer shade) gives a natural, dewy finish. And for the perfect highlight, try the Cream Highlighter in Rosé—it’s radiant and gives a beautiful glow.
2. Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, you’re likely familiar with makeup melting off or looking shiny by midday. But don't worry—there’s a way to keep things matte and fresh throughout the day.
Hydration Is Still Important
I know it seems counterintuitive, but even oily skin needs moisture. When your skin produces excess oil, it’s often because it’s dehydrated. So don’t skip the moisturizer! Make sure you use one that’s oil-free or designed for oily skin.
Setting the Base for Oily Skin
Start with a mattifying primer to create a smooth canvas for makeup. A tinted mineral sunscreen, like Emmy Diane's Tinted Sunscreen, is a great option. It mattifies while providing coverage, so it can act as both sunscreen and foundation.
For makeup, stick to powder products. Subtl Beauty’s Powder Blush (especially the Apricot Avenue shade) is one of my favorites. A powder bronzer in a cool shade (I use Latte) helps to sculpt the face without adding shine.
To keep your makeup looking fresh, Subtl’s Shine Control Powder is a must-have. Keep it in your purse for quick touch-ups throughout the day—especially in your T-zone. I recommend bringing along the powder puff for easy application on the go.
3. Combination Skin
Combination skin can be the trickiest to work with, as different areas of your face may have different needs. Depending on your skin that day, you may need to adjust your routine a little.
Balancing Your Makeup Routine
My favorite approach for combination skin is to mix both powder and cream products. This allows me to cater to the different needs of dry and oily zones on my face. When it comes to setting makeup, apply powder only to areas that get oily (like the forehead and chin) and avoid dry patches.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your skin type is the first step toward a successful makeup routine. For dry skin, focus on hydration with products like concealer and cream highlighter. For oily skin, a mattifying primer and powder products will keep you shine-free all day. And if you have combination skin, embrace both cream and powder products for a balanced look.
By picking the right products for your skin type and focusing on the prep, your makeup will look amazing and last all day long.
Have any questions or tips of your own? Drop them in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you! Don’t forget to subscribe for more beauty tips and tricks.
