WIPE THAT GREASE OFF YOUR FACE!!!!!!!

FACT: no one like a greasy shiny face.  Oily skin is something I have always had to deal with, then factor in a hot, humid, muggy Iowa summer and it’s not a good outcome for my makeup.  So here are some tips and tricks that have worked for me. 

*I will have a later blog about makeup products that have also helped control the shine

*Wash your face with an oil free face wash 

Always start out your day with a fresh, clean face and end your day with a clean face.  NEVER GO TO SLEEP WITH YOUR MAKEUP ON!!  Here are some of the face washes I recommend (and I have tried A LOT!)

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser

            This face wash is a #1 dermatologist recommended acne fighting cleanser as it has salicylic acid in it to prevent breakouts and black heads.  An added bonus is that it leaves your face feeling refreshed because of the grapefruit while eliminating oil and dirt.  I don’t use this everyday because it is meant to clear and prevent acne; it can be harsh on skin.  (I don’t usually have acne or breakouts)  There's a whole line of this and now, they also have the makeup wipes that come in handy when you’re traveling or out and about.  AND this can be found at Wal-Mart for around $6!

           

Mary Kay TimeWise 3-in-1 Cleanser (combination to oily)

            This face wash also has micro beads in it so it gently exfoliates your face while cleansing and leaving it freshened.  I keep this face wash in my shower, as I think it works best with the steam from the hot water.    

Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser

            The clays in this face wash extract and remove excess oils and refine the skin’s texture.  It really has no scent to it.  This is my favorite face wash of all time; I have been using it for years.  However, it is fairly pricey as it is around $30.  It’s definitely worth the money along with any product in this line. 

*Face Primers

          Before I do my makeup, I always apply a face primer to my clean face.  This will create a barrier between your skin and makeup and will help absorb the oil before it shines through. 

My favorite one is…….Monistat Chafing Gel!

            Yes, the Monistat you use for your vah jay jay!!!!  It leaves my face so soft and my makeup lasts hours longer than without it.  I would highly recommend this to anyone who gets shiny throughout the day or night.  And the best part, it is around $5 at your local Wal-Mart or drug store. 

Mary Kay Oil Mattifier

Smashbox Primer 
        Smashbox has several different primers that in addition to help with oil control but can correct other issues with your skin.  The one shown below, is their basic primer to help with oil control.  EX: if you have a lot of redness, there is a green toned one that will balance out the redness.  Your local Ulta will carry all of these and a beauty consultant would be more than happy to help you find the right one for your skin. 

Makeup Forever HD Primer
        Makeup forever also has several different options depending on your skin.  This can be found at your local Sephora. 

*Set makeup/skin with a translucent powder

Whether I am going to rock makeup or no makeup, I set my makeup or skin with a translucent powder.  I prefer translucent (no color) because the ones with color can make your face look cakey. 

Makeup Forever HD Translucent Powder

            This is by far my favorite powder.  It works amazing!  It sets my makeup and mattifies the skin which helps hide imperfections and it helps prevent shine.  This product is pricey as it is around $30 for 3.5 ounces.  In addition, it can be messy as it is a loose powder and it does not travel well either.  When I got to Arizona and opened the lid, there was powder everywhere and in turn, I wasted a lot of expensive product.  I would definitely recommend not traveling with this. 

Mac Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder (Pressed and Loose)

            This also helps reduce shine and minimizes imperfections on the face.  It comes in both pressed and loose.  I have this in pressed because it travels better and I can throw it in my purse without a mess.  This product is slightly cheaper too at around $23.

*Oil Absorbing Sheets

I always carry these in my purse and have them on hand at ALL TIMES.  Whether I’m wearing makeup for not, these work great during the end of the day or night when I’m starting to feel greasy.  You want to blot your face, NOT WIPE or you will smear your makeup.  If you are wearing makeup, you don’t want to just put on more makeup, or you will end up even more greasy.  You want to get rid of the excess oil first. 

Mary Kay Beauty Blotters

            These are my favorite.  You get 75 tissues and they are decent sized to blot a whole face.  They are translucent with no powder on them which works for me because after I blot, I will touch up my face with powder or bronzer.  (If you prefer ones with a powder on it, I would recommend Palladio Rice Paper Powdered Blotting Tissues-they come in translucent as well as ones with color.  They can be found at Sally's or Ulta) 

I know the Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets have been popular for years, however I personally do NOT care for them.  They are so small that I need 2 or 3 just to blot my face and I go through them really fast. 

*Additional Tips  

Always wash your face before bed.  NEVER sleep with your makeup on.

Change your pillow case AT LEAST once a week

Use toners to clean your face (I prefer Clinique)

            I do the toner before bed because the less stuff on my face before my makeup, the better

Always moisturize

            I am guilty of not putting moisturizer on before I do my makeup, but I do wear an oil free moisturizer to bed

Medicated pads with salicylic acid

Oil free sunscreen (I prefer Clinique)

Masks

            Right now I am using the Mint Julep Mask from CVS.  It leaves my face feeling so clean and refreshed while shrinking down my pores.  And it was under $5.  I do this once a week, usually on Sunday nights. 

Don’t touch your face!  The dirt and oil from your hands will get on your face, EW. 

Adjust your skin care routine based on the seasons and how your skin changes

Finally, drink lots of water! 

Hope this helps you look less greasy and shiny!!! Thanks for reading, XOXO!!!!!