How to Mix a Face Oil With Foundation for the Ultimate Dewy Glow

The Best Way to Mix Your Foundation With Face Oil

According to Patinkin, there are two ways to go about mixing your foundation and facial oil. “You can either add a couple of drops into your foundation, or you can apply the oil directly onto your skin as a foundation primer,” she says. 

For the latter method, you may not want to cover your entire face with oil before foundation application. “If I'm applying directly onto the skin as a primer, I stick to the high points of the face like on the tops of the cheeks, not on the areas of the face that produce oil on their own, like in the T-zone.” This will keep the makeup looking more lit-from-within and less greasy. 

Even those with oily skin shouldn’t be discouraged from giving this makeup hack a try. 

“If you are prone to oiliness and shine, you can use a small amount of powder to set your foundation in place,” advises Patinkin. “I like to apply powder very sparingly with a damp sponge instead of a brush because powder can build up very quickly on top of oil and end up looking cakey.” The damp sponge helps keep the powder looking smooth and gives your complexion an overall more hydrated appearance.

Choose Your Tool to Apply Your Face Oil and Foundation Combination

It’s all about personal preference when it comes to your application tool for face oil and foundation. Patinkin prefers a combination of a brush and a makeup sponge to get the job done. “Because oil thins out your foundation, I prefer to apply first with fingers or a brush and then use a damp sponge to tap it into place and soften any streaks,” she says.

Why Mix Face Oil With Your Foundation?

Aside from helping you achieve a dewy-looking complexion (and who doesn’t want that?!), blending together a face oil and foundation can help you customize your coverage. “Mixing oil into your foundation can thin out full coverage, make a matte foundation look a little more luminous and can make your application glide and buff more easily,” says Patinkin. “Plus it can add needed hydration to skin that's dry.”

Our Foundation Recommendations:  

Try Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Foundation, Maybelline New York SuperStay Longwear Foundation or L'Oréal Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation In A Powder (use the oil-first application method with this one).