Choosing Makeup for Congested Skin

Healthy, glowing skin is the canvas for every makeup look. But if you have congested skin, the journey to flawless makeup can be a bit more challenging. 

Understanding Congested Skin

Congested skin, often characterised by clogged pores, blackheads, and occasional breakouts, requires careful attention when selecting makeup products. Congested skin can result from various factors, including excess sebum production, dead skin cell buildup, and the presence of acne-causing bacteria. 

How skin care can help your make-up look even better

Skincare plays a crucial role in enhancing your makeup in several ways:

• Smooth Canvas: Healthy, well-moisturised skin provides a smooth canvas for makeup application. When your skin is adequately hydrated, makeup products like foundation, concealer, and powders go on more evenly, creating a flawless finish.
• Texture Improvement: Skincare products containing ingredients like retinoids and exfoliants can improve skin texture over time. Smooth skin texture is essential for a flawless makeup application, as it prevents makeup from settling into uneven areas or accentuating imperfections.
• Protection: Skincare products with SPF provide an essential layer of sun protection, preventing UV damage and helping to maintain your skin's health. Healthy skin is better prepared to withstand the stressors of daily makeup wear.
• Healthy Glow: Skincare that includes ingredients like antioxidants and peptides can improve the overall health and vitality of your skin, enhancing your natural beauty and radiance, and making your makeup look more luminous and fresh.

Choosing your Make-up 

The makeup you choose can either aggravate or help manage these issues. It's crucial to opt for products that are non-comedogenic, meaning they won't clog your pores or exacerbate existing skin problems.

Choosing a Concealer 

Concealers are your go-to product for covering blemishes, dark spots, and under-eye circles. When choosing a concealer for congested skin, consider the following:

a. Ingredients to Look For: 

• Salicylic Acid: This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) helps to exfoliate the skin, keeping pores clear.

• Hyaluronic Acid: It adds hydration without clogging pores.

• Oil-free and non-comedogenic formulation.

b. Brands for Congested Skin:

• Neutrogena SkinClearing Blemish Concealer

• Oxygenetix, Oxygenating Concealer

Choosing a Foundation 

Foundation creates a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup. To keep congested skin under control, follow these guidelines:

a. Ingredients to Look For:

• Matte or oil-free formulas to control shine.

• Non-comedogenic options.

• Added skincare benefits like salicylic acid or niacinamide.

b. Brands for Congested Skin

• bareMinerals Original Foundation: It's mineral-based and free of pore-clogging ingredients.

• LillyLoLo Mineral Foundation SPF 15, recommended by our aestheticians

• NARS, Sheer Matte Foundation

Choosing a Setting Powder

Setting powders helps to keep your makeup in place, reduce shine, and maintain a matte finish. Here's what to keep in mind when selecting a powder for congested skin:

a. Ingredients to Look For:

• Silica or rice powder for oil control.

• Non-comedogenic formulation.

• Talc-free, as talc can potentially clog pores.

b. Brands for Congested Skin: 

• Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder: A cult favourite that's talc-free.

• Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder: Affordable and effective at oil control.

• Youngblood minerals. Our aesthetician, Amelia, recommended this so much!

Additional Tips for Congested Skin

1. Prep Your Skin: Start with a clean and well-moisturised face before applying makeup. This ensures a smoother application and prevents makeup from settling into pores.
2. Regularly Clean Your Makeup Brushes and Sponges: Dirty tools can introduce bacteria to your skin, potentially leading to breakouts. Clean your brushes and sponges weekly.
3. Tinted SPF: When considering an SPF that also offers coverage Renude recommends the ColourScience Sunforgettable brush on range. Unlike other tinted moisturisers that people commonly opt for, this mineral formula is oil-free and is better suited to those who have congested skin.
4. Remove Makeup Thoroughly: At the end of the day, use a gentle makeup remover or cleansing oil to ensure you remove all traces of makeup and prevent buildup.
5. Consider Skincare First: Ultimately, the best way to deal with congested skin is to address it with a solid skincare routine. Incorporate products with active ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide that can help manage congestion.

Makeup for congested skin doesn't have to be a daunting task. By paying attention to ingredients, formulations, and brands specifically tailored to your skin's needs, you can enjoy makeup without worrying about clogged pores or breakouts. Remember that skincare is key, so always prioritize the health of your skin alongside your beauty routine. With the right products and practices, you can achieve a flawless makeup look while keeping your skin in check.