People with oily skin may not always need to bother with pricey highlighters - we glisten naturally. But something about an all-over glow may not always be ideal, especially on hot and humid days when your makeup can melt off with the excessive sebum. Plus, the wrong makeup products can make matters worse by clogging the pores. Blotting and touch-ups become a tedious chore after the fifth instalment. However, with the right prep work, we’re talking skincare routine and product choices, it is possible to achieve a long-lasting, shine-free makeup look.
Let’s quickly run through the basics - I start with a gentle cleanser that is specifically designed for oily skin to avoid stripping the natural oils on my face entirely. Rinsing with lukewarm water allows me to cleanse gently without causing any irritation. I also use a toner to remove any leftover dirt or oil and prep my skin for makeup application. Here are the products that can go a long way in acing a long-lasting makeup look.
Step 1: Serum
Starting with the Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum, I layer half a pipette worth of serum all over my face and neck. The texture is silky and lightweight, and it absorbs the skin almost instantly. It’s fragrance-free, which is ideal for my sensitive skin, and pairs well with heavier makeup to keep the skin matte underneath. It’s not sticky like the other HA or snail music serums in my caddy, and it makes my skin feel sleek and grease-free without drying it out unnecessarily.
A real superhero, the formula helps lock in moisture and protects against environmental nasties to further allow my sebaceous glands to behave. Enriched with 10% bifidus prebiotic, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, the ingredients work together to brighten up my dull-looking complexion and provide anti-ageing benefits with long-term use.
Step 2: Eye cream
As I step into my 30s, I've noticed my under-eye area collecting products in its fine lines and creases. Plus, I am a sucker for that hydrated and plump look around the eyes to help boost the blush I like to drape all over. To get that bread post-serum, I go in with Lancôme's Advanced Génifique Eye Cream. I spend at least five minutes thoroughly but gently, messaging in the eye cream to prep for the shimmery eyeshadow I so love to wear on a night out. Over time, I have also noticed visibly reduced dark circles and the eye area looking youthful and radiant as well.
Step 3: SPF moisturiser
Even though my regular moisturiser is gel-based and my physical sunscreen is matte max, combining the two steps under makeup helps make it last longer. The Lancome UV Expert Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++ is a lightweight moisturiser with SPF 50. Tripling up as a moisturiser, sunscreen and makeup primer, this multipurpose hero cuts down on heavy layers that are often too overwhelming for my oily skin. With its non-greasy and non-sticky texture, it acts as a reliable face prep hero under makeup, especially on days I do not want to deal with a tacky primer or heavy SPF.
Multi-tasking products are such a win-win, aren’t they? Especially this sunscreen that is enriched with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, moringa seed extract, and edelweiss. It looks and feels so good on my skin, leaving it with a healthy-looking glow. The breathable, quickly-absorbed texture acts as a weightless armour for my skin under makeup.
We haven’t gotten to the best part yet! The cooling aqua gel texture transforms into a water-like gel that appears invisible on my skin. This is a blessing for someone who’s struggled to find a potent SPF that does not leave a white cast.
