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Does your oily skin give you the melting makeup look, even in subzero conditions? Don't let it melt your mood, too. The key to keeping your skin shine-free -- and your makeup in place -- is choosing cosmetics that combat oiliness. You'll know you've found the makeup for you when your complexion looks just as fresh at night as it did when you put it on in the morning.
The Magic of Primer
To keep your makeup fresh all day, start with a primer. It will help absorb oils from your skin so they don't shine through your makeup. It also evens out your skin tone, for a fresher, cleaner complexion. Best of all, most primers contain waxes that combine with makeup for a longer-lasting look. If you don't want to cover your entire face in primer, just dab it over oil-prone areas, to keep shine away.
Oil-Fighting Foundation
If you like the coverage of liquid foundations, make sure it's oil-free and gives a matte finish. Some foundations even contain acne-fighting salicylic acid that keeps pores clear of oil build-up -- which means a shine-free complexion all day. To fight shine even more, dust on some loose powder makeup, which isn't compressed with oil like some powder compact foundations.
Go Natural
Treat your skin to a little TLC with mineral makeup. Besides being friendly to sensitive skin, mineral makeup is also noncomedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores. This leaves your skin free to breathe without an overload of bacteria and oil buildup that can lead to breakouts.
Keep It Light
Your skin's oiliness can oxidize your foundation, making it look a shade darker than it is in the bottle. To allow for this -- especially if you're not using a mattifying primer first -- choose a foundation that's a shade lighter than your skin. This is especially smart for women with dark skin tones who want to enhance their olive, bronze or ebony features without darkening like a storm cloud as the day goes on. A sunny, shine-free complexion -- no matter how light or dark -- is an accessory every savvy girl should own.
