FAN MAIL FRIDAYS: Tips in reducing oiliness

I'm still on a high after yesterday's wedding proposal; I mean, I've always known we'll come to that day, but man, it's really different if you're already in the moment; you can never prepare for it and the overwhelming feeling that will tide you over, but it surely is the happiest feeling and moment I have been in in a while. I would love to do it over and over again. :)

I digress. Our Fan Mail Fridays for today is from Renata, a reader of mine from Indonesia; she's asking about tips and products that will help minimize facial oiliness.

Hi Renata!

Thanks for writing to me; sending lots of digital love all the way from the Philippines! Oiliness is a constant problem of a lot of Filipinas including I; you can wear all the mattifying, long- wearing, long- lasting makeup products out there, but sometimes, there are just things such as environmental factors that make them fade faster than expected. Here are a few steps to add to your routine (and products too) that will help minimize oiliness.

1. MOISTURIZE

- There's this common misconception that moisturizers should be skipped when wearing liquid bases because they will make face oilier. The truth is, lack of moisture is the reason why skin produces excess oil; it's a protective mechanism of the body that prevents the epidermal surface from getting too dry and vulnerable. To keep skin from producing excess sebum, use moisturizer and take an ample amount to prepare your skin before makeup; just make sure it is absorbed properly before proceeding with makeup. If you have oily skin, try oil- free, non-comedogenic, and gel or water- based moisturizers.

TRY: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Essence

2. PRIME

- Now that the weather is getting hotter and hotter (at least here in the Philippines), I firmly believe that a primer is not an option anymore, but rather a must. If you have oily skin and you want to keep your makeup intact for a few more hours, lock 'em with a primer.

TRY: Benefit The Porefessional Matte Rescue Gel

3. SET

- You know, setting spray is like electricity: you don't really see it, but it works. A setting spray may seem like a trivial product that can be substituted by water, but as a devoted user, I could say that it really helps prolong makeup!

TRY: Mary Kay Makeup Finishing Spray

4. BLOT

- Smart people pile on makeup when oil starts to show up. Brilliant people blot when oil starts to show up. Applying makeup on top of an oily surface can sometimes make face look cakey, ergo slick and greasy. Blotting is the best way to go; I'd also recommend that you blot an oily surface before retouching makeup on it.

TRY: SILK SECRETS ALOE VERA; CLEAN AND CLEAR OIL BLOTTING SHEET

5. FINISH

- Most pressed powders don't have intense oil- controlling abilities so what I do is I finish the coverage with an oil- controlling setting powder. It works in keeping my skin oil- free longer and minimizing the oily feeling too!

TRY: BANILA CO. PRIME PRIMER

That's all! Do share your tips on reducing facial oiliness

**Got a burning question on makeup, skin care, fragrance, diet, exercise, blogging, and anything under the sun? Email me at martha.stabarbara@yahoo.com, send me a message via POWR form, or message me at THE BEAUTY JUNKEE Facebook fan page.