Thank you to our Guest Contributor Cynthia Milo for this wonderful article…
Australia has some of the sunniest cities in the world and if you have oily skin, you may have trouble maintaining a matte complexion. If your big wedding is coming up and you are worried about skin oiliness, fear not. There is plenty you can do to look picture perfect in your photos. Keeping skin shine-free is more than just about selecting the right wedding makeup – though this of course, is key. It also involves caring for your skin in the lead-up to your wedding day, and considering the latest skincare and laser for oily skin.
Oily Skin Thirsts for the Right Moisture…
In the months leading up to your wedding, ensure you adopt a skincare routine that targets oily skin. Your instinct may be to bin the moisturizer, but this is the opposite of what you should be doing. Skin that is dehydrated will over-compensate by producing excess oil. The result is clogged pores, breakouts, and an oily appearance. Whether you have dry, oily or combination skin, you need a moisturizer – just make sure you choose the right one. Opt for an oil-free, gel-textured moisturiser that contains ingredients that won’t block your pores.
Skincare for Oily Skin…
If large pores, breakouts, or excess oil are still a problem, visit a dermatologist, who may recommend a cream containing retinoids (which need a prescription) or retinol (which you can buy over the counter). Because these ingredients are acidic, they are not compatible with some other acids found in moisturizers and anti-ageing products. Avoid products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid, which turn skin red when mixed with retinoids. To play on the safe side, ask your dermatologist to recommend a specific brand of skincare or to provide you with a list of compatible ingredients, so as to avoid irritation or skin peeling in the days leading up to your ceremony.
What about Laser?…
There are two popular lasers used for oily and acne-prone skins. These are radiofrequency laser, and CO2 fractional laser. While both can be used to reduce acne scarring, CO2 fractional laser should not be used on active acne. Radiofrequency, on the other hand, can help reduce the appearance of active breakouts and quell oiliness. Both lasers have a relatively low downtime (between two days and a couple of weeks) and you will need between three and seven sessions, so you should commence treatment a few months before your wedding.
Wedding Makeup for Oily Skin…
Once your skin has been treated for oiliness, you will find that you don’t need to worry so much about makeup. However, you will still need to use oil-free primers, foundations, and the like. Makeup artists like famous Aussie YouTuber Nikkia Joy (who has oily skin herself) or MAC whiz Patrick Starr recommend cleansing and moisturing the face, then applying a setting spray, then loose powder, before applying a longwear, matte foundation like Estee Lauder Doublewear. Once your foundation is dry, you should ‘bake’ the Tzone and under-eye area with loose setting powder, brushing the excess powder off gently after around 10 minutes to give it time to sink into skin and prevent caking and creasing. Nikkia has another interesting trick: using MAC’s paint pot on your nose under your foundation. This is for special occasions like a wedding, in which many photographs will be taken and you need skin to look absolutely perfect for over 12 (or even 24!) hours.
Keeping it Dewy…
Just because you have oily skin doesn’t mean you want to look completely matte. For a dewy but oil-free finish, mix a couple of drops of a quality illuminator or a tiny bit of powder highlighter with your primer to create a luminous base. Use your favourite highlighter above your foundation as well, make sure to set the whole look in place with an anti-slick setting spray.
If oily skin is your bugbear, tackle it as soon as you start preparing for your wedding. Quality skincare is key; look for products with pro-matte serums and moisturisers to ensure your skin is quenched and clear. Laser is definitely a big help for those who wish to avoid retinoids and harsher medications. Finally, experiment with makeup, since each complexion is unique and products that work for even a vast majority may not sit down so well with your skin. Finally, remember that oil-free does not have to be matte. Add some gorgeous dewiness but make sure the illuminator you use is 100% non-greasy.
