Summer Makeup Guide for Oily Skin

Published On: 18 2 月, 2025688 words3.5 min read

Summer Makeup Guide for Oily Skin: Fresh Makeup Holds Without Grease

Winter is over and spring and summer are just around the corner! In the face of the summer heat, how to put on a refreshing summer makeup while avoiding oil, this is a huge challenge for friends with oily skin. Oily skin produces more sebum than normal skin type, especially on the forehead, around the nose and chin. Sebum production increases by 10% for every 1 degree increase in skin temperature during the summer (source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology), and when combined with sweating, sebum spreads on wet skin up to 4 times faster than it does in dry environments (source: Dermatology Practical & Conceptual). As a result, oily skin is more prone to makeup removal and puffiness in the summer.

However, oily skin has its advantages: it is the least blemish-prone of all skin types, has a higher moisture content, and wrinkles appear later than other skin types. At the same time, however, oily skin is also prone to acne, pimples, and may develop white oil plugs that make the skin look dull and rough. So, how do you keep your makeup fresh and non-greasy in the summer if you have oily skin? Follow the steps below to get a long-lasting and flattering makeup look!

Summer makeup tips for oily skin

Step 1: Cleansing and cooling

Gentle Cleansing
Use an amino acid cleanser in the morning to avoid over-cleansing that can lead to skin barrier damage. After cleansing, pat your face with cold water to help shrink pores.

Cooling and Calming
Refrigerate the toner and pour it onto a cotton pad and gently wipe your face, or use a cold sprayer to calm your skin, lowering its temperature and reducing sebum production.

Step 2: Zonal Care and Hydration

Toner selection
Choose a toner with Zinc PCA, Niacinamide or Salicylic Acid to help control oil and tone cuticles. Wipe with a cotton pad from the center of the face outward, then pat with fingers to promote absorption.

Zone-by-Zone Treatment
Use oil-control products with zinc or salicylic acid for the T-zone, and light moisturizing lotions for the rest of the face, avoiding overly moisturizing products for the entire face.

Step 3: Makeup base

Makeup Base Selection
Choose an oil-control makeup primer containing silica or modified starch to effectively absorb excess oil and fill pores. Laboratory tests show that makeup products containing 2% salicylic acid can reduce sebum production by 37% (source: COSDNA).

Makeup application technique
Take a pea-sized amount and spread it evenly with your fingertips in the direction of pore growth (push down on both sides of the nose), focusing on the T-zone pore area.

Step 4: Foundation Selection and Application

Foundation Selection
Choose an oil-free formula with moisturizing and concealing effects (e.g. Estee Lauder DW Foundation), which can both invisible pores and oil control.

Makeup application tools
Use a No. 55 brush to push foundation flat, then press with a beauty egg for a more flattering finish.

Step 5: Setting and Holding

Sandwich Method

Layer 1: Lightly sweep on loose powder, focusing on the T-zone.
Layer 2: Apply setting spray and spray evenly 20cm away from the face.
Layer 3: Allow the spray to dry slightly before sweeping on another layer of loose powder.

Baked Setting
Apply a thick layer of loose powder to the T-zone and let it sit for 3-5 minutes before sweeping it away with a brush to enhance oil control.

Step 6: Makeup Replacement Tips

Blotting Paper Use
Choose blue film blotting paper to absorb oil while retaining 30% of the oil to avoid over-drying the skin.

Makeup Repair Technique
Spray an air puff with setting spray, gently press on the makeup removal area, and set with loose powder.

Night Care & Daily Toning

Cleansing & Exfoliation
Use a salicylic acid cleanser or cleansing mask every night to help unclog pores and reduce oil buildup.

Dietary regimen

Reduce intake of high GI foods (e.g. sweets, refined carbohydrates) and eat more foods rich in vitamin B and zinc, such as nuts, fish and leafy green vegetables.