Many people overlook the most important step in their makeup routine—understanding their skin type. Different skin types require different skincare and beauty products. Without knowing your skin type, it’s difficult to create a truly customized makeup look, and this can lead to issues like makeup not lasting, or exacerbating skin problems. So, how can you determine your skin type and choose the right cosmetics based on your skin’s needs?

Basic Skin Type Classifications:

1. Dry Skin

Dry skin is characterized by a rough texture, tightness, and a tendency to develop dry lines and peeling. The skin often lacks oils, giving it a dry and under-moisturized feeling. People with dry skin are particularly affected by seasonal changes, especially in winter, when cracks, itching, and other issues are more likely to occur.

2. Oily Skin

Oily skin is characterized by an overproduction of sebum, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), which often appears shiny. Oily skin tends to have enlarged pores, blackheads, and acne. While oily skin is less prone to dryness, the excess sebum can cause makeup to slide off, leading to short-lasting makeup.

3. Combination Skin

Combination skin is the most common skin type. It is characterized by an oily T-zone but dry or normal cheeks. People with combination skin often need to use different skincare and makeup products for different areas of the face to achieve the best results.

4. Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is particularly reactive to environmental factors and chemicals, causing redness, stinging, itching, and peeling. People with sensitive skin often have allergic reactions to certain ingredients in cosmetics or skincare products and need to be especially careful about product ingredients and usage.

5. Normal Skin

Normal skin is the ideal skin type, characterized by balanced sebum production. It is neither dry nor oily, with fine pores and an even complexion. People with normal skin have more flexibility when choosing cosmetics but should still opt for gentle, non-irritating products.

How to Determine Your Skin Type?

1. Observe Skin After Cleansing

After washing your face, let your skin dry naturally and wait for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Then, observe how your skin feels. If it feels tight and dry, you may have dry skin. If it feels greasy and shiny, especially in the T-zone, it may be oily skin. If your T-zone is oily and your cheeks are dry, you likely have combination skin. If you experience redness, stinging, or irritation, you may have sensitive skin.

2. Use Oil-Absorbing Paper Test

Gently press an oil-absorbing paper on different areas of your face, especially the T-zone and cheeks. Check for oil on the paper. If there’s a lot of oil, you may have oily skin. If there’s little to no oil, you likely have dry or normal skin.

3. Observe for Allergic Reactions

Sensitive skin often reacts to certain ingredients in skincare or makeup products, causing redness, stinging, itching, or peeling. If you’ve experienced allergic reactions after using certain products, your skin may be sensitive.

Skin Type and Makeup Product Choices:

1. Makeup for Dry Skin

For dry skin, it’s essential to choose moisturizing, hydrating makeup products. Opt for moisturizing foundation formulas or cushion foundations, and avoid matte foundations. For skincare, choose creams rich in hydrating ingredients to keep your skin moisturized. Additionally, you can use face masks or serums to provide extra hydration.

2. Makeup for Oily Skin

People with oily skin should opt for oil-controlling makeup products that help balance sebum production. Choose oil-free foundations, and avoid using heavy primers and foundations that add extra oil. Oil-controlling setting powders are also a must for oily skin. Avoid overly moisturizing skincare products to prevent excess oil production.

3. Makeup for Combination Skin

Combination skin requires different products for different areas of the face. For the T-zone, choose oil-controlling products, while for the cheeks, use more moisturizing formulas. For foundation, opt for a balanced product that provides coverage without drying out your skin.

4. Makeup for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin requires special attention to the ingredients in makeup products. Choose gentle, non-irritating products, and avoid makeup with alcohol, fragrances, or dyes. When shopping for makeup, opt for products labeled “suitable for sensitive skin,” and always perform a patch test to ensure they won’t cause allergic reactions.

5. Makeup for Normal Skin

People with normal skin have a wider selection of products to choose from and can generally use most types of makeup. However, to maintain skin health, it’s still recommended to select gentle, non-irritating products and avoid using overly heavy or harsh products.

Conclusion

Understanding your skin type is the first step in makeup application. Only by knowing your skin type can you choose the right skincare and makeup products. With the right product selection, you can create a long-lasting, natural makeup look while avoiding skin issues caused by unsuitable products.