Saturday, January 17, 2009

Makeup for Combination Skin: A Beautiful Duo

Does it seem like different areas of your face can’t seem to agree? If you notice dry cheeks and an oily t-zone, you have combination skin, which requires unique skincare. And, makeup.

Prep time

For all skin types, flawless makeup application starts with basic skincare, and combination skin is no exception. It’s essential to balance the oily and dry areas before you apply makeup, or you’ll likely end up with uneven coverage. Try these tips:

  • Cleanser. Wash the face twice a day with a mildly active cleanser that will whisk away dirt, oil and impurities without irritating the skin, but avoid heavy cream cleansers which can leave the skin feeling uncomfortably heavy or oily. Gel formulas are a great option that will respect the differing needs of the skin such as Murad Refreshing Cleanser.
  • Exfoliation. Exfoliation is a key step for all skin types, especially combination, which can suffer from a build-up of dead, flakey skin in the T-zone. Twice a week, gently massage a dime-sized amount of a facial scrub like PCA SKIN pHaze 4 Gentle Exfoliant over damp skin in a circular motion, focusing on forehead, nose and chin. For an added buffer on dry areas, mix the exfoliator with your cleanser and then apply to the skin.
  • Toners. Toners are used to remove excess oil or cleanser from the skin, so consider using it only on those active areas that need attention, such as the T-zone. Apply with 100 percent cotton or, pat gently over the skin with clean hands, and allow to dry before applying moisturizer. Try: SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner.
  • Masks. Masks are a once-a-week treat that can really benefit combination skin. Formulas with kaolin clay, bentonite clay or mud will refine the complexion without over-drying or causing irritation. Pevonia Balancing Combination Mask will purify and balance oily areas, as well as hydrate and energize dry areas with carrot oil and green apple.
  • Moisturizer. Although it might not seem necessary, all skin types need moisturizer, even combination. And because combination skin struggles with essentially two skin conditions, oily and dry, finding a perfect moisturizer match can be tricky. Luckily, formulas that address this reality are easy to find. Pevonia Balancing Combination Skin Cream not only balances the two areas of the skin, it also protects with anti-aging super ingredients.
  • Sunscreen. Sunscreen is a must, especially when outside or in direct sunlight. Oil-free formulas are a great choice.

Makeup matters

  • Foundation. Foundation is designed to minimize imperfections and leave the skin radiant and luminous. But when two different types of skin are involved, how do you pick the right formula? There are a few options. Cream-to-powder foundation is a great choice for combination skin that will address the concerns of both oily and dry areas. These unique formulas go on like a cream, yet dry down to a velvety matte texture. Apply with a foundation brush for the smoothest coverage and blend carefully in the direction of hair growth.
  • Powder. If further coverage is desired, finish foundation application with a light dusting of powder. Loose powders are often loaded with hydrating agents such as shea butter, and will lightly set foundation without settling into fine lines or causing the skin to look parched or dry while pressed powder is great for midday touch-ups in the T-zone. Mineral makeup is also a great choice for combination skin, offering natural pigments that even out skin tone and reduce shine. Philosophy Supernatural Air Brushed Canvas SPF is a talc-free formula that will leave the skin with a healthy, silken finish.
  • Blush. Traditional powder blush or cheek stains are a great option for combination skin. Colorescience Retractable Blusher Brush is a loose mineral blush which blends smoothly with color-true tints. And for a natural flush, give cheeks a healthy glow with DuWop Blush Therapy, a translucent gel-stain that last all day and looks extremely natural.
  • Eye shadow. According to Eve Pearl, five-time Emmy award-winning makeup artist, combination skin types should use powder eye shadow. The smooth, pigment rich texture of Stila eyeshadow will remain vibrant all day, yet blend with ease. In addition, the deeper tones can double as eyeliner when dampened.
  • Maintenance. Combination skin, like oily skin, may need to touch-up certain areas during the day, such as the T-zone. To control your oily areas, use blotting papers throughout the day to control shine. Boscia Blotting Linens will whisk away excess shine while preventing breakouts (in oily areas) with California orange extract.

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