imnotphotoshopped

So as I tweeted you guys recently, we’re starting a new Q&A. I decided I kept getting questions over and over and all I could think about is the fact I hadn’t covered your questions in the posts because there was so much written already.

Turns out we’re blessed to have followers who are simply smart creatures (you make us proud). From this question I managed to get together this little guide.

Q: I have naturally oily skin and I change foundation every couple of months. I’m using the MAC Studio Fix and it gives great coverage but my skin looks oilier than before. I have just started using the MAC primer and I thought it would help but it didn’t. Should I just change it?

Oily skins need a little more effort in terms of make up and daily treatments. Here are some products and tips that I think will help:

- A daily cleansing treatment helps a lot! There are so many products that do the trick, such as the Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser which you can find in any CVS/Walgreens/Duane Reade. Also great: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub which has such a delicious smell or the basic Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash (I mentioned this on the skin tutorial). Wash your face before putting on makeup (especially heavy makeup) and after removing it. This is long-lasting solution that you won’t regret.

- Oil control primers: we talked about this already, but its worth mentioning it again. Bare Escentuals Prime Time Foundation Primer Oil Control, and for older skin the Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiaging & Antiwrinkle Oil-Control Treatment is a really good option, though its exclusive for Sephora so you might have to buy it online. These are the best primers, although most primers shouldn’t be too oily because they’re meant to be very light – but its that little extra help we won’t say no to.

- Foundations: the trouble here is that people with oily skin tend to have acne scars that need covering up; except the foundation for your skin has to be as light as possible and that means the coverage won’t be the best. So what’s the way around this? First, consider that taking care of your skin is something that cannot be overlooked. Just because some foundations have “better quality” it doesn’t mean they suit you best – its all about your skin. People change foundations often, but there is one thing that cannot change and that is the type of product you have. If your skin is oily, pick a lighter foundation for the day, something more fluid. Apply more layers if you must until you cover the parts you wanna cover. Don’t toss out that $30.00 foundation either – you just use it less often, say, every other night or some special occasion.

As far as tips for foundations, the best product in terms of quality is the Estee Lauder Double Matte Oil-Control Makeup SPF 15 - combine that with the Double Matte Oil-Control Pressed Powder and I can guarantee you’ll fall in love. Just make sure you pick a foundation that is light to oil-free. Different people will work with different types of foundations, but keep your skin in mind when you pick it – don’t just go for big names!

Also great: Clinique Stay-True Makeup Oil-Free Formula and the Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder make a good combo.

As far as foundations go, pressed powders really help. If you just have oily skin, then what better way to control oil then by using powders? Cover FX Oil Absorbing Powder  has the color and the coverage. If, however, you just want something to control oil naturally under or on top of your foundation you can try out the Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder which is an invisible pressed powder just for oil control. You can also find something similar by our beloved Laura Mercier

Other prep/finishing products: before putting on makeup, try using blotting papers! Clean & Clear has one, as well as many other brands such as Shiseido and Boscia.

And for finishing, my tip is: Urban Decay De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray. I use the All-Nighter Setting Spray and I mentioned this before, but it’s worth emphasizing how much I love this.

And final tip: after using makeup remover wash your face thoroughly because leftover makeup won’t do your skin any favors! Even if it’s 6am and all you wanna do is crash, you will wake up feeling better and fresher if you just wait 2 extra minutes!

So this is it my lovely ladies. I hope you find this useful!! If you have any other tips send it to me and we’ll keep adding it! Send us your question either by twitter (@NotPhotoshopped) or email (imnotphotoshopped@hotmail.com), your questions may help a lot of girls like you!!