4 Oily Skin Hacks Every Shiny Girl Needs ASAP

Glistening, glowing, dewy, luminous — they’re all positive adjectives when it comes to skin, until they go just a little too far into oily territory. While oily skin comes with some complexion benefits, the annoyances of keeping your makeup in place and ditching shine can definitely wear on a gal. To help guide us down the path towards shine-free skin, we asked Urban Decay makeup artistAmanda Rodriguez to share her oily skin fixes. Here’s what she had to say.

The Importance of Skin Prep

What you do before applying makeup is just as important — if not more — than finding the right formula and shade of foundation. Keeping skin hydrated (yes, even for those with oily skin) and using an oil-control, matte finish primer is key to long-lasting wear. Trust us, it’s the difference between a shine-free complexion and having to touch up your T-zone every 30 minutes in the office bathroom.

So, what type of moisturizer do you look for if you’re worried about looking like a grease ball? Amanda recommends a formula with hyaluronic acid like the Skinceuticals HA Intensifier. “The majority of clients and models I speak to think that because they’re oily, moisturizer is terrible for them. Hydration is different than moisturizing. Hydrate your complexion to balance out the oil so makeup applies better. I’m a big fan of hyaluronic acid because it plumps up and hydrates skin, but also reduces the appearance of pores.”

Foundation Formula is Key

“When shopping for makeup, look out for formulas that have a mattifying and long wear claim. These are designed specifically to combat shine. Avoid cushion compacts and anything with the word luminous,” says Amanda.

And when it comes to using the right tools, she notes that you can use either a foundation brush or blending sponge. “Just be thoughtful with application and avoid a cakey look. You can always add foundation to areas that need more coverage,” she says. Ahead, Amanda shows us how to achieve the look using one of her all time favorite foundations — the Urban Decay All Nighter Foundation.

Touching Up Will Be a Life Saver

OK, so you wouldn’t dare leave the house without some back-up oil-control method. We get it. In that case, you can throw a pack of blotting papers in your purse or a travel-friendly compact like the Urban DecayDe-Slick Mattifying Powder (it’s like blotting papers in compact form) or NYX HD Finishing Powder.

Use a De-Slick Setting Spray

Since layering powder over powder will get cakey, Amanda recommends Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray— a weightless spray that controls oil, deflects shine, keeps oily skin looking matte and helps makeup stay put.