Obviously, we think skin is an interesting organ. A person can experience a whole range of things from the oil slick to the parched desert look and we focus a lot on that when we make products, but what about those middle of the road folks? We make the mistake of assuming they can just use any ol’ product and they’ll be fine, but that’s not even close to true. The products, and the makeup, that a normal or combination skinned person uses can tip the scale towards oily or dry and then they’re in for a whole slew of issues.
What is Normal and Combination Skin?
Normal skin is the most difficult to explain because it’s the middle of the road. This is the place most people occupy — it’s the middle of the road skin that sweats during a workout but doesn’t get shiny for no reason and feels a little dry after a day in the wind but there’s no day to day flakiness. The skin care focus is on keeping the balance rather than creating.
Combination skin is similar to normal skin because the focus is still on keeping balance but it can look a little different to the naked eye. Here are a few things that can clue you in about combination skin.
Shininess and oily skin in the T-zone area. The forehead, down the nose, and over the chin makes a little bit extra oil, just enough to be shiny a little while after cleansing.
Clogged pores in the T-zone area. That little bit of extra oil can hold in dirt and grime and cause impurities in the skin in those areas.
Dry, flaky and dull cheeks. Some people with combination skin experience a bit of dryness in the cheeks but not usually anywhere else on their face.
Cheeks and neck that are more sensitive to cleansers. Because combination skin has an oily component, a lot of people use a cleanser for oily skin so that the pores stay unburdened but the drier parts of the skin can be sensitive to the deeper cleansers.
What to Look for in a Foundation for Normal Skin
For you normal and combination skin typed humans, sorting through different foundations can be a real hassle. Liquid foundations can goop or slide on and leave you looking way too oily but using something powdery can leave you with a cakey, bunched look that isn’t flattering. Here’s a helpful list of what to search for to find the best foundation for your skin.
Goes on light. This is just a great general to follow. Unless you’re going for thick full coverage, the best foundation goes on easily and is easily forgotten about. Of course, you want to be able to get the right level of coverage for every occasion but a good lightweight makeup is irreplaceable.
Isn’t too oily or too thick. Oil based foundations can be a total mess for on those oily parts of the skin, it can turn that cute dewy look into an oily slip n’ slide. If it’s too thick, the foundation can cake overtime and exacerbate any fine lines and wrinkles.
One stop shop. Finding the makeup that goes on right the first time is key. Having to layer up on foundation is time-consuming and it can pool in oily parts with cracks in the drier parts.
A setting powder could be helpful. Skin that’s really combination runs the risk of being perfect on the cheeks but a total shine hazard in the T-zone. If you need an oil-based foundation, try using a setting powder on top to get the full coverage you’re seeking.
Balance your ingredients. Of course, you want ingredients that keep your skin in balance (and don’t forget to check to make sure you’re using an all natural makeup brand).
And to complete this list of tips, it is best to also have a good understanding of your skin tone (including its undertone) in order to get the correct shade of makeup.
Minerals by Annmarie Multi-Purpose Foundation
When we created our mineral foundation makeup, we did it with every skin type in mind, including the normal and combination skinned folks. Because there are a few different ways that this shows up in people and because our Minerals by Annmarie Multi-Purpose Foundation is so versatile, there are a lot of ways to use it to get an even, flawless finish.
If you’re using a balancing moisturizer like the Herbal Facial Oil for Normal & Combination Skin, mix a little bit of your shade right into the moisturizer to make a liquid foundation and continue on with your day.
On top of your routine. Just after your usual beauty routine, tap a little bit into your hand and then use a brush to apply it evenly over your face. Click here for a how-to video about using the dry powder.
Both! We get really excited about the Minerals for this skin type because it’s one product you can use the way you need to. Mix together the liquid foundation for your full face coverage and then, on those extra oily places, brush a little bit more on like a setting powder to keep the shine down. Blend it together and you’re all set.
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