Staying matte in the SA heat is a challenge. If you have been wonderinghow to keep oily skin matte all day, here is how to keep your makeup fresh and shine-free through a February heatwave.
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Prep withmattifying skincare primers.
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Avoid over-powdering, which looks cakey.
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Use blotting papers for a quickoil control fix.
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Chooseoil-controlmoisturisers.
We all know the struggle. You leave the house looking fresh and polished, but by 12 PM, the South African heat has turned your T-zone into an oil slick.
Foundation separates, pores look larger, and you feel the need to wash your face and start over. Controllingfacial shine doesn’t mean drying your skin out, but rather managing oil production so your makeup stays put.
Masteringoil control for a long-lasting matte finish takes a combination of the rightmattifying skincareprep and smart touch-up techniques.
Prep To Hydrate And Mattify
It sounds counterintuitive, but skipping moisturiser actually makes you even oilier. When skin is dehydrated, it panics and produces even more oil to compensate.How do you reduce facial shine? You start with a water-based layer and clear pores.
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Cleanse with thebest face wash for shine control. Use a formula with Salicylic Acid to clear away the dead skin cells that trap oil and cause breakouts.
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Use anoil-control moisturiser for the face. These lightweight formulas hydrate deeply but dry down to a matte finish, creating a stable base for makeup.
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Apply thebest mattifying primer for oily skin. This acts like a barrier, absorbing excess sebum before it can break down your foundation. Apply it only where needed (usually the forehead, nose, and chin).
Blot, Don't Cake On More Make-Up
When you see shine, the instinct is to grab a powder brush. Stop! Layering powder over oil and sweat creates a cakey, muddy mess that looks heavy and emphasises texture.
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The Better Way: Use a blotting paper or a tissue to lift the oil. Press, don't rub.
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Then, Powder: Once the oil is removed, you can apply a light dusting of translucent powder.
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The Invisible Shield: Finish with an oil-freeSPF that specifically targetsoil controlto prevent the sun from triggering more sebum.
The Long-Term Strategy
To truly reduce facial shine, you need to clear the congestion that causes it. A weekly clay mask acts like a reset button, pulling deep-seated oil out of the pores. This is one of the most effectivenatural ways to control facial oil over time.
Keep your cool and your matte finish. Have a look at ourcleanser andtoner collections for the bestmattifying skincareto banish facial shine.
FAQS
Q: Will a mattifying primer dry out my skin?
A: Not if you choose a quality formula. Modern mattifying primers use ingredients to absorb oil without stripping water, keeping your skin balanced and comfortable.
Q: How often should I blot my face?
A: As often as needed, but usually 2-3 times a day is sufficient. If you are blotting every hour, your skin might actually be dehydrated and overproducing oil to compensate.
Q: Can I use setting spray to control oil?
A: Yes. A mattifying setting spray forms a flexible film over your makeup, helping it resist oil breakthrough. It's a great final step to lock in your look.
Q: How to control oil and shine on the face?
A: Focus on the "three-step" approach: cleanse with a foaming wash, use a BHA exfoliant to clear pores of dead skin cells, and hydrate with a lightweight, oil-free gel.
Q: What oils make your face shiny?
A: Naturally, it is sebum – a complex mix of fatty acids and sugars produced by your glands. However, for an intentional "glass-skin" glow, specific skincare oils are used to mimic this sheen. Jojoba oil mimics skin sebum to hydrate without clogging, while Argan and Rosehip oils provide deep nourishment and a dewy look. Squalane is also popular for a radiant, non-greasy finish. For high-shine photography, sometimes non-skincare products (like baby oil) are even used to create a glossy effect.
