How To Keep Your Makeup From Changing Colors

Has this ever happened to you?  You apply the right shade of makeup foundation in the morning and by the afternoon it's a different color?

It's happened to me and it's frustrating to say the least.  There can be several reasons why this happens but the biggest reason is that you may have oily skin all over or perhaps just in the T-zone.  You see, when pigments in makeup begin to mix with your skin's oil, bacteria and natural pH, they can  actually begin to shift color.  The pigments tend to darken and take on almost a muddy appearance.

Got Oily or Combination Skin?

I'm an oily gal and I'll admit it.  Before I began formulating cosmetics, by the end of the day, my face was shiny and a different shade than what it was in the morning.  My skin looked splotchy and my makeup looked like it was sliding off.  I'd slap more product on my face to counteract this only to have a very heavy and cakey residue left on my skin.  Ick.

After becoming an esthetician and researching this phenomenon endlessly, I finally discovered how to counteract this less-than welcome makeup marvel.

Tips & Tricks Revealed!

If you have oily or combination skin, you should use some sort of primer or oil-control product BEFORE applying your foundation.  Since I formulate natural cosmetics for problematic skin types, I don't like to suggest primers with silicones.  I find them to be occlusive and a problem for skin with a tendency to breakout.  Instead, use a powdered primer with ingredients such as silica, rice powder, silk powder or kaolin clay.  These ingredients won't stop the flow of sebum from your pores but they will help to absorb some of it before it breaks through your foundation.  You can also use this product to 'set' your foundation and control the "oilies" even more.  Just remember to go lightly; a little primer goes a long way.

Another trick you can try is to apply a foundation shade that is one level lighter than what you normally wear.  As the pigments begin to mix with your skin's natural chemistry, the foundation will begin to become your exact match rather than a much deeper shade.  Remember, don't go too light in the beginning, otherwise you'll look pale and sickly.  All you need is just a shade slightly lighter than your exact match.

If you find a shiny breakthrough appearing on your face throughout the day, DO NOT keep applying more foundation or setting powder; oil + more product = MUD.  Simply use a facial blotting paper or even one-ply of a tissue will do.  Blot gently so as not to disturb your makeup.

Have No Fear!  PRIIA's Almost Here!

In February of 2009, PRIIA mineral cosmetics will be available to help with the problem described above.  I'm excited to offer hand-crafted mineral makeup that works with your skin rather than against it.

What Do You Think?
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Cheers!

-The Mineral Makeup Coach

Comments

[Donna Maria @ Indie Beauty]

Kel, this is a very informative post. I have very oily skin, even in the wintertime sometimes. At times, my skin is so oily that by the time I'm showered and dried off, even the lightest mineral makeup goes on cake-y. I have never tried applying a shade lighter though. I'm going to give that a shot. Can't wait for your product line -- maybe I won't have to worry anymore!

[PRIIA Cosmetics]

Thanks for commenting Donna Maria! I can sympathize with you. I've had oily/problematic skin ever since puberty.

Over the years and through my education, I've learned to balance my skin better and use products that work with it rather than against it.

My speciality is working with and formulating for skin types like yours and mine. This is how PRIIA Cosmetics came to be. I can't wait for you to try PRIIA and give me your feedback. I'm confident you'll love it!

Cheers!
-The Mineral Makeup Coach