February 19, 2025
8 min read
Your skin type has a significant impact on how makeup applies and performs on your skin. Choosing the wrong product or application method for your skin can result in patchy makeup, excess oil or exacerbation of fine lines and wrinkles. Have you ever read online product reviews and noticed some conflicting results? That’s because our skin is unique, and while some highly rated beauty products may receive 5 star reviews from the majority of consumers, some buyers may be left disappointed. Why? In some cases a product just isn’t right for your skin type or it may need to be applied differently to work well with your skin concerns.
DEFINING SKIN TYPES
Before you even consider buying a new product it’s important to understand your skin type and concerns to determine if a particular product will be worth investing in.
Identifying your skin type can be a little confusing, particularly if you have multiple concerns or combination skin that shows signs of oiliness and dryness in different areas of the face. To limit confusion we suggest separating these 2 areas:
Skin Type:
Your skin type is your skin’s ongoing behaviours and will determine what type of products generally work best on your skin. The four basic skin types are Normal Skin, Dry Skin, Oily Skin and Combination Skin.
Skin Concerns:
Skin concerns can include problems such as breakouts, ageing, dull skin, uneven complexion and conditions such as eczema and rosacea. Skin concerns often change over time and usually require specific products to target and treat these conditions.
Skin Type Characteristics
Normal Skin
- Generally well-balanced, not too oily or dry
- You can use a variety of skincare and makeup products with minimal irritation or reaction
- Very few skin concerns
Dry Skin
- Skin can appear dry, flaky and textured
- Skin can feel tight and uncomfortable
- Your skin is ‘thirsty’ and products absorb quickly
- It may feel like you need more moisture, even after you’ve applied moisturising products
- Mature skin often falls into this category as the skin requires additional hydration support as we age
Oily Skin
- Your skin is visibly oily on most areas of your face
- Oil build up is obvious first thing in the morning or at the end of the day
- Pores may be enlarged or congested
- You may find it hard getting your makeup to last a long time
Combination Skin
- You may be oily through your t-zone (forehead, nose & chin)
- The larger areas of your face such as your cheeks are generally normal to dry
- Your skin can become congested and breakout in areas of your t-zone
HOW TO CHOOSE MAKEUP BASED ON YOUR SKIN TYPE
Normal Skin
If you have normal skin - lucky you! Your makeup products and application really come down to what type of finish you want to achieve. Provided you have focused on skin prep to ensure your skin is exfoliated, clean and well hydrated, your skin should take well to most makeup products. If you have skin concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles you may be best to avoid products that are too mattifying, and if you are battling breakouts it would be best to avoid anything too heavy on hydration (particularly oil based) in those areas. LAMAV’s Award Winning BB Cream is a great everyday makeup product for your skin type, offering buildable coverage and a neutral finish - not too matte, not too hydrating. Your skin will also enjoy the benefits of nourishing bio-actives as you wear it - the ultimate skincare meets makeup everyday product!
Oily Skin
Primer:
Look for mattifying primers with oil-absorbing properties. It’s best to avoid primers that contain silicone as they can create a barrier over the skin - which makes your complexion appear smooth but also traps everything underneath. Without a chance to breathe, you’re creating a breeding ground for bacteria, sebum and sweat buildup, resulting in excess oil, inflammation and acne.
Foundation:
Opt for oil-free, long-wearing foundations with a matte finish. Mineral Powder foundations provide excellent coverage and oil control while allowing your skin to breathe. We recommend LAMAV’s Mineral Foundation as it is 100% natural, offering oil-absorbing buildable coverage without clogging pores. It’s also infused with Vitamin C to support skin healing and health as you wear it.
Powder:
A mineral setting powder will be your t-zone’s best friend. It helps to set makeup and deliver additional oil absorption where you need it the most. LAMAV’s mattifying powder is the perfect match for your skin type, offering a lightweight blend of brightening minerals to blur the appearance of large pores while working hard to absorb excess oil.
Dry and Mature Skin
Primer:
Hydrating primers with moisturising ingredients such as hyaluronic acid are essential for an extra burst of hydration prior to makeup application. If you have dry or mature skin, LAMAV’s Organic Bio-Active Primer will be your makeup prep essential to deliver and lock in moisture, ensuring a smooth makeup application and all day glow. Infused with nourishing bio-actives such as Vitamin C, Rosehip Oil and Kakadu Plum, your skin will enjoy the health benefits as you wear it.
Foundation:
Liquid and cream foundations with a dewy finish will be most flattering for your skin type, offering hydration and a smooth finish. Look for foundations that are enriched with natural, nourishing ingredients to support skin smoothing and plumping. LAMAV’s Certified Organic BB Cream is a versatile and lightweight formula infused with age defying bio-actives that nourish your skin while providing buildable coverage and long-lasting hydration. It also contains a small amount of natural sunscreen to support age defence and skin health on the daily!
Ditch the Setting Powder for Setting Spray:
A hydrating setting spray can help to lock in moisture and give your skin a dewy glow after makeup application. Try LAMAV’s Rose Hydrating Mist Spray as a toner in your pre-makeup skincare routine and post makeup application to plump, brighten and re-hydrate your complexion.
Combination Skin
Primer:
Use a hydrating primer over large, dry areas such as the cheeks to smooth, plump and balancing the skin prior to makeup application.
Foundation:
A foundation with a natural finish that is neither too matte nor too dewy works well to support combination skin. Mineral Foundation Powders are best for your skin type as they are generally made with non-drying ingredients, so will support oil absorption over the t-zone without drying out areas of the face that may be more on the dry side. Try LAMAV’s Mineral Foundation powder for natural oil absorption that won’t dry or irritate the skin.
Setting Powder:
Strategically applying setting powder only where needed will result in the most flattering makeup finish for your combination skin. LAMAV’s Mattifying powder will blur and smooth imperfections over the t-zone area while providing additional oil absorption support for smooth skin all day.
MAKEUP TIPS FOR DIFFERENT SKIN TYPES
There are endless makeup hacks and tips to help you look and feel your most confident, however we’ve narrowed down the daily essentials to keep your makeup on point all day long, regardless of your skin type.
ALL SKIN TYPES
There are a few things we all have in common that can make or break a flawless makeup application.
Patch Test:
Skin is complicated, and so are makeup formulations. So, while you may have read reviews and researched suitability for your skin type, patch testing should be the first thing on your to do list when your shiny new product arrives. Apply a small amount to the inside of your arm and leave for at least a few hours to test for possible reactions before you dive in to a full application.
Skincare Matters:
Focusing on healthy skin with a consistent skincare routine that supports your skin type will always result in a better makeup application. Ensuring skin is exfoliated, cleansed thoroughly and hydrated will help to balance the skin and prevent dry patches that makeup loves to stick to.
Clean your makeup brushes:
Regularly washing your makeup brushes and spraying with anti-bacterial spray in between washes will help to prevent bacteria buildup, which can lead to skin irritation and breakouts.
OILY SKIN
Balance your skin prior to makeup application with LAMAV’s Probiotic Toner. Containing fruit derived AHA’s to assist with cellular turnover and probiotics to balance the skin’s microbiome, you’ll reduce inflammation and minimise the appearance of imperfections to keep skin smooth and clear before you reach for your foundation.
Moisturising is super important for oily skin to keep it balanced and prevent over-drying. Invest in a lightweight moisturiser suitable for your skin type such as LAMAV’s Skin Balancing Fluid. This mattifying fluid was specifically designed for oily skin to balance and reduce shine while hydrating and nourishing the skin with oil-free bio-actives.
Keep on top of oil absorption all day by carrying LAMAV’s mattifying powder in your handbag. Absorb excess oil in the t-zone by gently blotting with a tissue before re-applying powder for ultimate, long-lasting oil absorption.
DRY & MATURE SKIN
Nothing ruins a makeup application faster than dry skin patches and fine lines in need of nourishment. Keep on top of hydration daily with plenty of water intake and a skincare routine that delivers on nourishment and moisture. Follow up with LAMAV’s Bio-Active Primer to smooth and plump the skin prior to foundation application.
Foundation feeling a little dry? Create your own moisture boosting skin tint by mixing LAMAV’s Hyaluronic Moisture Cream with your BB cream or foundation for a smoother, glowing finish.
WHEN SEASONS CHANGE, SO SHOULD YOUR MAKEUP
Adapting your skincare & makeup routine for the changes your skin experiences throughout different seasons will ensure a flattering makeup finish, regardless of the time of year. As most skin types experience more oil production throughout summer, it may be time to switch to a mattifying primer or mineral foundation powder when the weather starts to warm. Throughout the cooler months even the oiliest of skin can experience dry patches, so winter may require the addition of a hydrating primer, moisturising setting spray and pulling back on the mattifying setting powders.
