Using makeup designed for your skin’s needs is essential. Do you know if you’re using the right products for your skin type? If you’re using the wrong cosmetics, it can affect the finished look of your makeup and the way your skin feels after you apply it.
We’re here to help you to decode these skin-care mysteries while giving you product choices perfect for your collegiette budget!
Dry Skin
This skin type often makes your face feel tight after cleansing. Add in weather that’s either too hot or too cold, and your skin can dry out easily. If you have dry skin, you need to be cautious and make sure you’re using enough moisturizer to keep your skin from being irritated.
A good foundation choice would be a pick from the Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse Ultra Hydrating Cream Whipped Foundation ($8.45) line. It’s super moisturizing and long-lasting, and it provides a medium to full coverage. It won’t irritate your skin, and it will provide just the right amount of moisture that your skin needs.
For a more simple option, try Maybelline’s Dream Fresh BB Cream ($7.68), which is full of skin-loving benefits and has a lightweight finish that will leave your skin feeling moisturized and smooth.
The Supermoisture Makeup line from Clinique ($26) is another awesome pick for dry skin. Just like the name implies, it gives your skin plenty of moisture to keep it feeling fresh.
Normal/Combination Skin
If you have normal to combination skin, your T-zone (nose, forehead and chin) is often slightly oily, while your cheeks are a bit dry, with additional dry patches of skin on different areas of your face.
The tricky part about this type of skin is that you need to take care of different areas of your skin in different ways. For example, if you tend to have an oily T-zone, you’ll want to use astringent only on those parts of your skin to absorb oil, and you’ll want to do so right after you wash your face.
Luckily, the Revlon ColorStay Foundation line ($12.99) makes a foundation designed specifically for combination to oily skin, and it lasts all day long. If you’re used to your foundation sweating off by the end of the day, have no worries when it comes to this foundation! The coverage is on point, so blemishes or dark marks will stay covered.
Another pick is the Mary Kay Mineral Powder Foundation ($18), which will allow you to adjust your application technique based on the areas of your skin that may need more oil-absorbing benefits. You’ll also have more power over how much coverage and color you’ll want or need based on your skin-care concerns.
For combination skin that tends to be a bit oilier, Clinique’s Perfectly Real foundation ($26) helps to control shine in your most oily areas.
Oily Skin
Collegiettes with oily skin tend to be shiny all over, especially in their T-zones. Since oily skin is the result of overactive sebaceous glands, you might be more prone to blackheads and acne.
When it comes to blush and bronzer, opt for a powder version, since it will help to absorb some of the excess oil and will leave your skin looking less shiny. A good blush option is the Cheekers Blush from CoverGirl ($3.58), which comes in a cute and compact container that is easy to take with you on the go. You can find a good match for your skin with the 14 different shade options. It comes with a small brush, but using your own big, fluffy blush brush such as the Large Angled Blush Brush from Coastal Scents ($2.95) will give you a more natural-looking finish.
A good pick for bronzer is the Multi-Colored Face Powder from Physicians Formula ($11.99). Since it’s not just one solid shade, the combination of various shades will keep your finished look natural and illuminated.
For a shine-free finish, make sure your tinted moisturizers and foundations say “oil-free.” A good foundation option is Neutrogena’s SkinClearing Makeup ($12.77) since it balances oil while also treating and preventing blemishes. Because those problems often come hand in hand if you have oily skin, your skin will have a flawless finish with this foundation that will work to clear up all of your skin concerns.
Another smart pick is Rimmel’s Clean Finish Matte Foundation ($3.97). It has oil-absorbing minerals that allow your makeup to last for up to 12 hours. The matte finish will also make sure your skin doesn’t wind up looking shinier than when you started.
Finally, the Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup ($27) from Clinique helps to treat acne and control oil for a smooth finish.
Sensitive Skin
When you have sensitive skin, certain products might make your skin react negatively and become red or irritated. Your skin is thinner and more delicate than others and you have finer pores, so you’ll want to be super cautious when it comes to choosing your makeup.
According to Boston-based aesthetician Lisa Flanagan, “Any skin type can be sensitive,” so you can have sensitive skin even if your skin falls into one of the above categories. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to keep an eye out for products that are mild and unscented. This will prevent allergy or irritation from harsh product scents that might make your skin fussy.
The True Match Foundation Line from L’Oreal Paris ($10.95) won’t irritate your face but will cover up any skin concerns.
Likewise, the Fit Me Foundation line from Maybelline ($7.09) is another long-lasting formula that gives mild coverage and a fresh, natural look. The dewy finish and even tone of this foundation will help to make your skin look refreshed and smooth.
For blush and bronzer, check out theSmart Shade line from Almay for choices that are proven to not irritate your sensitive skin. Both formulas are hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested. They’ll be able to provide you with a brighter, healthier-looking complexion with a smooth application.
When you pick the right makeup for your skin type, you’ll ensure your skin looks fresh and flawless every time you put on your makeup!