If you find that your face feels dry in some places and oily in others, you probably have combination skin. This can, on occasion, make it difficult to know which makeup tutorials to follow, as you need a beauty routine that is both mattifying and hydrating. It’s important to get the balance right, so our Colour Maestro and store manager Ana Lazovski reveals her expert tips for applying makeup on combination skin. Read on to discover how to get a flawless look that lasts all day.
Skincare for combination skin
Before even thinking about applying makeup on combination skin, Ana believes it’s key to prep your face with a good skincare routine. Removing excess oils and dry patches will make your base apply seamlessly, so start by washing your face with your favourite cleanser. Avoid soap bars and foaming formulas as they can be irritating to combination skin, and instead look for gel or cream cleansers packed with gentle ingredients like squalene.
Once your skin is clean, you can then apply a serum or moisturiser to help with any dehydration. Ana suggests a product like Indeed Labs "Hydraluron Moisture Jelly" because it’s not too rich. The lightweight formula is gentle enough that skin won’t be left feeling greasy, while still being nourishing enough to plump up any dry areas of your complexion.
If you find that your combination skin tends to get dry around the cheeks or temples during the day, Ana recommends keeping a facial mist in your bag to spritz on when you need it. Something like Caudalie’s "Beauty Elixir" is ideal for bringing life back to the dull points of your face, thanks to its infusion of grape, rosemary, orange blossom and rose extracts.
Lightweight foundation for combination skin
When you’re ready to start applying makeup on combination skin, Ana stresses the importance of applying a base that is thin and buildable. Full coverage foundation for combination skin can often emphasise its uneven texture, so you want something that will help give an even tone but look just like a second skin. Ana likes using Code8 Radiate Beauty Balm because it offers a glow but doesn’t contain any shimmer or glitter, which can usually make combination skin look greasy. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E, this beauty balm is a fantastic alternative to foundation for combination skin, is easy to blend in with fingers or a brush and leaves a smooth, velvety finish.
Camouflage any blemishes
The next step when selecting makeup for combination skin is choosing a great concealer. Applying concealer on any imperfections that you want to hide. Combination skin tends to be more prone to spots in the T-zone, so you may need a slightly heavier coverage in these areas. Ana choses the Seamless Cover Concealer for this, because it’s a matte finish, medium to full coverage formula that cancels out redness while giving skin a smoother, more even appearance. Plus, it’s enriched with active ingredients like Glucan Biopolymer, which protects skin from free radicals.
Highlighter for combination skin
Light-reflecting products can really emphasise greasiness when applied to oily or combination skin, so if you want to add some dewy dimension to your makeup look be strategic about where you apply your highlight. Avoid applying it anywhere on your T-zone as this will look too shiny and instead put it just on the high points of your cheekbones. This will give your skin a radiant look and bring the attention away from any imperfections.
Face powder for combination skin
The final, but most important step when it comes to makeup for combination skin, is powder. The nose, chin and forehead are areas where shine shows up throughout the day, so applying a sebum-absorbing powder is essential to stop your products from sliding off. The Matte Velour powder, which contains corn starch and silica, is perfect for this. To apply, Ana dusts it lightly over the T-zone area using a small fluffy brush. This allows you to place the powder lightly and strategically where it's needed, avoiding a cakey look.
Related Articles
