Combination skin is defined by an oily T-zone and dry cheeks, which means you need to customise your makeup routine accordingly. If you are only catering to the dry parts of your face with cream blushes and oil-based foundations, your T-zone will turn into a greasy mess in a couple of hours. On the other hand, using oil-absorbing products on your whole face can crack your makeup in the dry patches. Makeup for combination skin should follow the same principle as its skincare — make it dynamic! Here are some smart makeup tips for balancing the oily T-zone on your face.
- 01. Get the prep work right
- 02. Use a matte foundation
- 03. Skip the concealer
- 04. Place the highlighter away from the T-zone
- 05. Keep some loose powder handy
01. Get the prep work right
The key to nailing a flawless makeup finish every time is to prep your skin well. Dab a mattifying, alcohol-free toner like the Lakme Absolute Pore Fix Toner on the oilier areas to zap excessive greasiness and keep it shine-free for long hours. Follow up with moisturisation. Go in with a heavier cream like the Lakme Absolute Argan Oil Radiance Oil-In Gel Cream on dry areas and a gel-based, lightweight moisturiser like the Lakme Peach Milk Ultra Light Gel for your T-zone.
02. Use a matte foundation
Oil-based or dewy foundations can further clog the pores on your T-zone and lead to a shine-heavy appearance. Go in with a lightweight liquid matte foundation like the Lakmé 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Perfect Cover Foundation for a smooth and even finish. Set the foundation on your T-zone with a loose powder to prevent creasing and lock your base in place.
03. Skip the concealer
Layering your face with too many products can make it look cakey and unnatural. Plus, applying concealer on your oily T-zone will lead to excess shine. So, instead of reaching for a tube of concealer, simply use a colour corrector to cover up any imperfections before going in with your foundation.
04. Place the highlighter away from the T-zone
If a shiny T-zone is your main concern, one way to combat it is to add some shimmer to the rest of the face. Instead of the high points on the T-zone (bridge of the nose or chin), place the highlighter away from it. Swipe some highlighter like the Lakmé Absolute Illuminating Shimmer Brick on the top of your cheekbones, on the outer corner of your brow and the hairline near your temples for a lit-from-within glow.
05. Keep some loose powder handy
As far as touch-ups go, girls with combination skin give new meaning to the phrase ‘powdering my nose’! Keep some loose setting powder like the Lakmé 9 to 5 Naturale Finishing Powder on you at all times for a quick touch-up. You can also keep a compact with you, but make sure you are dabbing, not rubbing, the sponge to avoid messing up the other layers of makeup you have on.
Written by Sumona Bose on Jan 19, 2021
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!