Beat the Shine How to achieve the perfect matte complexion for your skin type

“It's always a weird thing to get shiny skin when you tend to be on the drier side. Makeup can tend to sit on top of dry skin so I always use a spritz of a cosmetic hydrating spray before massaging moisturiser into the skin. Usually they contain humectants that attract moisture and help makeup to apply more smoothly. Instead of powder I love to use a clear over-makeup mattifying cream pressed onto the skin over the shinier zones as it keeps skin shine-free and natural looking.”

“I start by using a primer then a lightweight, natural-looking foundation with a great concealer but only to cover where needed. Anything too heavy can look “plasticky” when the skin gets oily - even the more matte foundations.  A loose powder is great for oily skin and is best when pressed down onto the skin rather than swept across so that it locks everything in place. Finish with a makeup setting spray with SPF 50 which helps keep skin looking matte without the need for too much product.”

“Combination skin can really use a mix of products to achieve evenly balanced looking skin. Use a primer to even the texture of the base - look for a light weight primer that applies more like a liquid than a thick cream so that it won't be too heavy on the shiny areas. If you are oily through the middle of the face and dry around the forehead and jaw then you may need to do a little foundation cocktailing: Start with a sheer, hydrating foundation as a light base and then layer a more matte foundation through the T-zone to minimize shine. Use only minimal powder in the T-zone only so as not to make already dry areas look drier.”