Real Talk: How I Manage Oily Skin

I have oily skin. Like could-use-up-an-entire-blotting-sheet-and-probably-a-second oily.

I remember doing those “what type of skin do you have” quizzes in Cosmo and Teen Vogue when I was in my teens. My results inevitably landed me in the oil control product section of the article. I always went on to read the dry skin questions and solutions (doesn’t everyone?) just to be sure, which always questioned: “do you feel the need to re-moisturize in the middle of the day?” Uhh nope never in my life.

Since oily skin is the card that I’ve been dealt, I have found ways to manage it throughout the years. Here are my tips on how to keep the oil at bay, and how to embrace the glow.

Milk of Magnesia. This is kind of a secret. Milk of magnesia is actually a laxative (yikes) but…hear me out. Shake the bottle up really well, put a small amount on a sponge and blot your t-zone. Then proceed to put your makeup on. It works to keep oil at bay. I put it in a different bottle so that when I travel or get ready with my friends they aren’t like “dude you’re putting instant-colon-explosion on your face.” If you try this, make sure you purchase the original kind, not the mint or cherry.
Wash your face. This might seem obvious, but I can’t promote it enough. Use a really good cleanser morning and night and always after a workout. This will keep your face fresh and will help you from breaking out. Never ever go to sleep without taking off ALL your makeup. No matter how many glasses of wine. I like Philosophy’s Purity or Peter Thomas Roth Cleansing Gel.
Consider using a Clarisonic or other cleansing brush. The brush will help really clean out your pores and help you start fresh, rather than piling makeup and skin products on top of more gunk. I know it is pricey, but the breakouts and stress that it has helped me avoid is priceless.
Use a serum. Some days I use a serum rather than a full blown moisturizer. I know the inimitable “they” say that if you don’t moisturize oily skin, it just produces more oil. I find this to be untrue. On days when you seem oilier than usual or your skin feels congested, skip the heavy moisturizer and just go for a lighter serum. I’m currently enjoying the Palmetto Derma Collagen Boosting Serum, and the Iluma Bleaching Serum for dark spots.
Makeup setting spray. Spray this on to set your makeup. I like Urban Decay’s De-Slick. It really does make a difference! If I don’t use this my makeup will just slide off my face.
Change your pillow case. Oily face means yucky pillowcase. Actually sleeping in general just gets gunk on your pillow. I change mine at LEAST twice a week. On top of that, I mix some tea tree oil (just 8-10 drops) and water in a spray bottle and spray my pillowcase. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and helps to kill germs.
Use matte foundation, never the dewy kind. Unless you want to look like a disco ball. Use a highlighter in places where shine should go, like the top of your cheekbones and your brow bones. I love Jouer Matte Moister Tint and I highlight with The Balm’s Mary-Lou Manizer.
Eye primer and waterproof mascara are your friends. Oily eyelids are a thing, my friends. Pop on some primer (I like the Urban Decay or Lorac primers.) If you like to put mascara on your bottom lashes, use waterproof so it doesn’t smudge. I usually skip the bottom lashes all together because truthfully I am too lazy and I have not found a mascara that does not smudge on me.
Fun fact: toilet seat covers double as oil blotting sheets. If you are at work or an event and your face looks too shiny, grab a clean toilet seat cover and blot your face. It works really well in a pinch and it is free.
Just start over. If you are like me, you have come to accept that your make up sometimes will not last throughout the day. If I am going out or have an event at night, I will wash everything off and just start fresh. There is no harm in that!

Overall, I have learned to embrace the natural glow of my skin. I also heard that oily-skinned gals don’t get wrinkles as quickly – so that’s always a plus! Please also note that I am not a health professional – these are just some tips I have learned from my personal life experience.

Did I miss anything? Share your tips in the comments!

–Roxanne