Ever wonder why some makeup products work wonders for your friend but leave you looking like a patchy mess? The secret lies in understanding your skin type. Choosing the right makeup isn’t just about pretty packaging or glowing reviews, it’s about finding what works for you. Here’s the ultimate guide to help you master your daily makeup.
Psst! You can skip all of the trouble and get in touch with one of our Sydney makeup artists. We have both makeup service and makeup class available to help you with all your beauty needs.
Related: Your skincare routine isn’t the only thing that affects how makeup sits on your skin—your diet plays a big role too. Explore the connection between diet, nutrition, and radiant skin for better makeup application.
How to Identify Your Skin Type
Before we dive into the makeup tricks, let’s figure out what we’re working with. Everyone’s skin is unique, but it generally falls into one of these five categories:
- Oily Skin: Feels shiny and greasy, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin.
- Dry Skin: Feels tight, flaky, or rough.
- Combination Skin: A mix of oily and dry areas.
- Sensitive Skin: Reacts easily to new products or environmental changes.
- Normal Skin: Balanced, with minimal issues.
Related: Dos and Don’ts of Proper Makeup Application for Healthy Skin
Simple At-Home Skin Type Test
Give this a go: Wash your face, pat it dry, and leave it bare for an hour without applying any products. Pay attention to how it feels:
- Shiny? Oily skin has entered the chat.
- Tight or flaky? Hello, dry skin.
- Oily T-zone, but dry everywhere else? That’s combination skin.
- No reactions, no visible concerns? You’ve got normal skin—lucky you!
Makeup Tips for different skin types
Makeup Tips for Oily Skin
Got oily skin? Don’t sweat it (literally). These quick tips will keep the shine under control and your makeup on point.
- Pick the Right Foundation
Go for oil-free and matte-finish foundations. They’ll keep your face fresh and shine-free all day. - Set with Powder
Translucent setting powder is your go-to for locking everything in place and zapping excess oil. Keep a compact handy for touch-ups. - Go Matte or Go Home
Matte bronzers, blushes, and lipsticks work wonders. No slipping, no sliding, just flawless. - Blot It Out
Keep blotting papers in your bag to mop up shine without messing with your makeup. Tiny lifesavers, seriously. - Seal the Deal with Setting Spray
A mattifying setting spray will finish the look and make it last all day. - Hydrate Smartly
Stick with an oil-free, lightweight moisturiser. Hydrated skin actually helps curb oil production.
Makeup Tips for Dry Skin
Flaky, dull skin cramping your style? These easy tips will have your complexion looking fresh, hydrated, and glowing in no time.
- Hydrate Like a Boss
Start with a rich, hydrating moisturiser. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerine give your skin that big drink it craves. - Pick a Dewy Foundation
Matte formulas can make dry skin look worse, go for dewy, hydrating foundations for a luminous finish. - Prime for Hydration
A hydrating primer smooths the skin and stops your makeup from clinging to flaky spots. - Cream Products Are Your Besties
Powders and dry skin don’t mix. Use cream blushes, bronzers, and highlighters to keep things looking soft and seamless. - Exfoliate Weekly
Gently exfoliate once a week to get rid of dead skin—this creates the perfect canvas for makeup application. - Set Lightly with Powder
Powder only where needed, like under the eyes or around your nose. Less is more. - Finish with a Setting Spray
A dewy setting spray adds hydration and gives you that fresh, healthy glow. - Say No to Matte Lipsticks
Matte lipsticks and dry lips are not mates. Use creamy or glossy formulas that nourish while adding a splash of colour.
Makeup Tips for Combination Skin
Combination skin can be a little tricky, but it’s all about balance. Here’s how to master both dry and oily areas like a pro.
- Use Two Primers
Go for a mattifying primer on oily zones (hello, T-zone) and a hydrating primer on dry areas. - Pick a Balancing Foundation
Look for a foundation with a natural finish, not too matte, not too dewy. - Powder Where You Need It
Lightly powder only your oily areas, like your forehead or nose. Leave the dry spots as they are. - Blend Cream and Powder Products
Mix it up: cream blush for dry areas and powder bronzer for oily zones. It’s all about harmony! - Blot the Shine Away
Keep blotting papers handy for midday touch-ups. Embrace the glow on your dry zones while zapping shine from the oily ones.
Pro Tip: Multi-mask it! Use clay masks on oily areas and hydrating masks on dry spots for balanced, prepped skin.
Makeup Tips for Sensitive Skin
Does your skin lose it over new products? If redness and irritation are your daily battles, these gentle tips will keep you glowing, stress-free.
- Start with a Gentle Base
Prep with a fragrance-free moisturiser packed with calming ingredients like aloe vera or ceramides. - Choose Hypoallergenic Makeup
Stick with brands designed for sensitive skin, and avoid anything with harsh chemicals, alcohol, or fragrance. - Patch-Test First
New product? Always do a quick patch test on your wrist or jawline. Better safe than sorry! - Go for a Lightweight Primer
A non-irritating, lightweight primer will smooth your skin without clogging pores. - Stick to Creamy Formulas
Powder products can aggravate sensitive skin—choose creams for blush, bronzer, and highlighter instead. - Keep It Simple
Less is more. Avoid overloading your face with heavy layers of product. - Avoid Waterproof Products
Waterproof formulas require extra rubbing to remove, which can upset sensitive skin.
Makeup Tips for Normal Skin
Lucky you! Normal skin is balanced and low-maintenance, but these tips will take your makeup game up a notch.
- Prep Your Skin
A lightweight moisturiser keeps your skin hydrated and smooth—the perfect base for any makeup look. - Opt for a Natural Finish Foundation
Foundations with a natural finish are ideal, not too matte, not too glowy. - Experiment with Textures
Normal skin can handle both cream and powder products, so have fun mixing it up. - Light Powdering Does the Trick
Dust a light layer of translucent powder only where you get a little shine—usually the T-zone. - Add Some Glow
Highlight your cheekbones, brow bones, and nose for that fresh “lit-from-within” look. - Play with Bold Colours
Go bold with lipsticks, smokey eyes, or a splash of bright blush. Normal skin can pull off just about anything. - Set with a Setting Spray
Lock it all in with a natural-finish setting spray to keep your masterpiece in place.
Finding the perfect makeup for your skin type is like discovering a match made in beauty heaven! For expert advice and professional services tailored to your unique skin, check out our makeup artists in Sydney from Something Beauty House. Our team of makeup and hair specialists will help you look and feel your absolute best, whatever your skin type.
Up Next: Now that you know how to apply makeup for your skin type, learn how to choose the best makeup products for your skin tone and texture.
