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If you have oily skin, highlighter can be a scary thing. There’s a very fine line between glowy and greasy. You’ve spent your life trying to mattify you shiny skin, and now “dewy” skin is the latest trend. So how to get the perfect glow when you have oily skin? Is there a way to look dewy without looking shiny? Believe it or not, it’s possible to have the best of both worlds. You can be oil-free and look luminous at the same time. It just takes a little extra effort. Follow the steps below to find out how to get the glow without the grease.
Start with a mattifying primer: In order to avoid looking like a disco ball, you need to prep your skin properly. If you have oily skin, you should always start with a mattifying primer, like the Makeup Forever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer ($37). This will help control shine and oil. Be sure to apply this specifically to areas that get greasy, like your t-zone and chin.
Stick with a matte foundation: To help keep oil at bay, use a matte foundation. You don’t want to use a dewy foundation AND a highlighter (this will make your face look extra shiny). A matte base will help prevent you from looking greasy. The Jouer Matte Moisture Tint SPF ($40) is a lightweight, mattifying foundation that leaves a velvety smooth finish.
Use the right tools: You want to avoid using too much foundation because this can make your skin oily. Instead of using your brush, apply foundation with a damp beautyblender ($20) or makeup sponge. A sponge helps spread a thin amount of foundation across your face and prevents the product from looking cakey.
Pick the type of highlighter that works best for you: Okay, it’s finally time for highlighter. There’s a variety of different highlighters on the market, ranging from liquids to powders. It takes a little experimentation to find the formula that will work best with your skin. In general, powder highlighters work best for oily skin. Another method is to mix a drop of liquid highlight into your foundation. This will give you a subtle glow.
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Avoid shimmer: You want to avoid highlighters that are packed with glitter. Products with lots of shimmer can make you look greasy. Plus, glitter highlighters tend to have a lot of fall out, which is messy and unflattering.
Apply in the right places: You need to be strategic with your highlighter placement. You want to apply highlighter to the high points of your face, such as your cheek bones and the bridge of your nose. Never put highlighter in areas that get extra oily, like your t-bone or chin. This will just emphasize grease.
Set it with a powder: Apply a mattifying powder to the areas that get oily for extra coverage. Try using a beautyblender or a powder puff to apply translucent powder. Unlike a brush, these products absorb oil as you apply the powder.
Don’t forget touch-ups: If your oily, you’ll probably need to touch-up your skin during the day. Carry around a setting spray, like the Urban Decay De-Slick Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray ($30), and give your face a spritz when you need control oil. Blotting papers are also a great way to quickly get rid of oil.
READ MORE: How To Contour Your Face In Half The Time
[Image: Tamira Jarrel]
