In the hot, humid climate of Mauritius, combination skin needs to balance the T-zone (oily) with the cheeks (dry). A suitable routine starts with a gentle cleanser, a light cream on the T-zone and a richer moisturiser on the cheeks. Use a liquid or powder foundation and a mattifying powder on the T-zone only. Opt for a cream blush for a natural effect, and a moisturising lipstick. Finish with a mattifying setting spray for long-lasting hold and a fresh complexion despite the heat.
Characteristics of combination skin:
- Oily T-zone, prone to shine, dilated pores and sometimes pimples.
- Cheeks and eye area often dry or normal, more sensitive.
- Requires products adapted to each zone for an even, comfortable complexion.
Ideal make-up routine :
1. Preparing the skin :
- Gentle cleansing:
Use a balancing cleanser that eliminates excess sebum without drying the skin. Gel cleansers are often well tolerated by combination skin.
- Targeted moisturising:
Apply a light, mattifying cream to the T-zone and a more moisturising cream to the cheeks. Formulas containing hyaluronic acid are ideal as they moisturise without weighing the skin down.
- Foundation primer:
Apply a mattifying primer to the T-zone to reduce shine, and a hydrating or luminous primer to the cheeks for a natural glow.
2. Foundation :
- Liquid or powder formula:
Choose a mattifying foundation that remains light so as not to overload dry areas. Adjustable coverage is ideal for treating imperfections without drying out the cheeks.
- Targeted application:
Apply a thin layer all over the face, with slightly more emphasis on the T-zone if necessary.
3. Concealer:
- Use a mattifying concealer to camouflage imperfections on the T-zone, and a moisturising concealer under the eyes and on dry areas to prevent dry marks.
4. Powders and blushes:
- Mattifying powder:
Apply a translucent powder to the T-zone to control shine, while avoiding too much on the cheeks.
- Powder or cream blush:
Choose a powder blush for warmer days, or a cream blush for drier climates, to add freshness to cheeks without drying them out.
5. Highlighter:
- For a luminous complexion, apply illuminator to dry or normal areas, such as the top of the cheekbones and the cupid’s bow. Avoid using it on the T-zone to avoid accentuating shine.
6. Eye make-up :
- Long-wearing eyeshadow:
Powder eyeshadow works well for oily eyelids, but apply a base first to prolong wear. For greater comfort, opt for slightly moisturising formulas if your eyelids are dry.
- Mascara and eyeliner:
Choose waterproof formulas to prevent make-up from running due to excess sebum on the eyelids.
7. Lipstick:
- Moisturising formulas:
Choose creamy lipsticks or tinted balms to keep lips supple, as they can easily become dry.
- Light hold:
A touch of translucent powder in the centre of the lips can help lipstick last longer.
8. Setting :
- Setting spray:
Use a mattifying setting spray, but don’t hesitate to choose one that contains a little moisture, so as not to unbalance the skin.
Additional tips:
- Targeted moisturising:
In addition to cream, a moisturising mist can be applied to the cheeks during the day for a refreshing effect.
- Multi-functional products:
Opt for products that are balanced and suitable for combination skin, such as semi-matte foundations or balancing primers.
- Mattify without drying out:
Use mattifying papers to absorb excess sebum in the T-zone without adding powder, which could dry out other areas.
To apply make-up to combination skin, you need to balance the oily and dry areas of the face. Use a light skincare product for the T-zone and a more moisturising one for the cheeks, a suitable foundation and a mattifying powder for the oily areas. A cream blush and a mattifying setting spray will help you achieve a fresh complexion despite the heat.
To find out more about skin types, check out the article “Different Skin Types”.
