We've all been there. You apply your makeup to a matte perfection, you go out, and a few hours later and your skin resembles an oil slick. You're not a cheese pizza so stop pressing a napkin to your face an expect to get the same result as your favorite slice. The other scenario is the decision to go sans product and what started out as a fresh face is now a shiny, shiny mess. What to do? Several things. First let go of the idea that you will actually manage to pull off a shine free look for hours on end. You skin needs some life to appear, well, living. Matte is for cadavers and editorial shoots. In the way that one size (or shade) does not fit all with your concealer and foundation, you skin should not be a uniform texture. Skin is a breathing beautiful organ, not a sheet of plastic. So what to do?
1. Wash your face before applying makeup. This will remove excess oil and dirt. It will also allow your moisturizer and/or primer to do it's job. Skincare products work better when there is nothing between the product and your skin.
2. Toner, Toner, Toner. Think of this as your skin's reset device. A good toner should render a neutral pH when applied.
3. Properly moisturize and/or prime. Here's where I leave it up to you. You know I love the SPF so my moisturizers tend to have at least SPF 15. If you use a primer, you can use one that is mattifying or oil controlling. Be careful that it doesn't make your skin dry in an overactive attempt to keep the shine at bay. Your skin should not look dried when you finish.
4. Apply makeup (or not). Again, your call. At least your skin is now clean and protected.
5. BLOT it, baby! I love love love face blotting papers. I personally like the kind that do not have powder. Sephora's Film and Blotting Papers come in several varieties. You can't beat the convenience factor here. The best part is that these papers absorb oil, lift dirt & provide a matte finish without covering up your makeup or looking powdery. If you are using a powder to control shine, a word to the wise: water + powder=paste. Powder can cover up makeup and look natural ONLY if you don't use a light hand. The powders purpose is to set your makeup and absorb oils. Be sure to shake off the excess powder and press the puff into the skin lightly. If you use a brush, shake off the excess and gently sweep the brush or use a circular motion to apply.
Keep in mind that it's easier to layer up than it is to tone down a heavy hand. Until next week, stay cool. We are trying to here in So Cal but most of us are just hoping we don't melt along with our makeup. At least we have blotting papers at the ready!