Our Best Water-Based Moisturizer for Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you may notice that your complexion looks extra-shiny come midday. That doesn’t mean you should skip out on applying moisturizer, however. Water-based moisturizers are a great pick for oily skin, as they offer lightweight hydration that’s perfect for your skin type. Here, we explain how to pick a water-based moisturizer when you have oily skinand we share our best water-based moisturizer for oily skin, as well as how to put together a skin care routine for oily skin.

HOW TO CHOOSE A WATER-BASED MOISTURIZER FOR OILY SKIN

When you have oily skin, you might think that you can get away without using moisturizer. But regardless of your skin type, you should moisturize daily, as skin hydration is super-important in terms of how your skin looks. That being said, there are certain things to keep in mind when you’re picking out a moisturizer for oily skin. For starters, what works for other skin types might not necessarily work for yours. While those with dry skin might benefit from using a heavy cream, you may only need to use a lightweight lotion if you have oily skin. When it comes to water-based moisturizer for oily skin, look for one with a matte (a.k.a. non-shiny) finish. An oil-free water-based moisturizer could be a good option for oily skin—and we just so happen to have one for you!

OUR BEST WATER-BASED MOISTURIZER FOR OILY SKIN

In normal and oily skin, external factors such as pollution and UV rays and excessive cleansing can damage skin’s moisture barrier, causing loss of moisture and increase in oil production. As a result, your complexion can end up looking unbalanced and overly shiny. The L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Oily Skin is formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration—and, it has a matte finish. This water-based moisturizer is like a “boost” of water for the skin, continuously refreshing it with hydration. It’s oil-free and non-greasy. Smooth it over your face and neck after cleansing morning and night.

7 SKIN CARE TIPS FOR OILY SKIN

Finding the best water-based moisturizer for oily skin isn’t the only step you can take to care for your complexion. Here are other skin care tips for oily skin to add to your skin care routine.

1. Cleanse twice a day—and after sweating

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should cleanse your complexion morning and night, as well as after heavy sweating—let’s be real, it’s bound to happen from time to time during the summer. As far as what facial cleanser to use for oily skin, try the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Cleanser. This facial cleanser is formulated to transform from clay to mousse, removing everyday impurities without over-drying. It’s formulated with three different clays and enhanced with eucalyptus. Immediately, skin is purified of dirt, oil, and pollution. Once a day, squeeze a small amount of facial cleanser into your hands and add water to transform it from clay to mousse. Gently massage the facial cleanser onto your face using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

2. Take sun protection measures daily

Sun protection should be something you think about year-round. And this goes for all skin types, not just oily skin. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily—and reapply it at least every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. For oily skin, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is oil-free. But applying (and reapplying) sunscreen isn’t the only sun protection measure you should take. According to the FDA, you should also limit your amount of time in the sun (especially during the sun’s peak hours, which are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), seek shade, and cover up exposed areas in pants, long sleeves, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat.

3. Try a mattifying face mask

Don’t just think of a face mask as an indulgence—it can have a place in your weekly beauty routine if you have oily skin. Day after day, impurities, dirt, makeup, and excess oils can build up on the surface of your skin, leaving your complexion looking overly oily. Oftentimes, a facial cleanser isn’t enough. The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Face Mask is formulated with three types of clay (kaolin, montmorillonite, and Moroccan lava) and enhanced with eucalyptus leaf extract to help draw out the buildup of impurities, dirt, and oils, and reduce the look of excess shine. Apply an even layer to clean, dry skin, leave the face mask on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Use three times a week for best results.

4. Use a primer before applying makeup

If you have oily skin, does your makeup tend to slip and slide around your face throughout the day? Well, it could very well be time to introduce a primer into your makeup routine. Primer can help create an even canvas for the rest of your makeup application as well as help keep your face makeup in place. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer helps smooth the look of lines, pores, and imperfections. The silky, lightweight formula glides onto skin with a matte finish. Apply it dot by dot and blend in a gentle circular motion over your entire face or to targeted areas (think: your T-zone for a matte result). You can wear it alone for a flawless matte finish or apply under foundation for smoother, more even application and wear. We have a feeling primer is going to find a permanent place in your makeup bag, not just for the summer but year-round!

5. Stick to matte foundation.

We’ve been telling you about the benefits of using matte products when you have oily skin quite a bit lately—so you’re probably not surprised that we’re suggesting you use a matte foundation if you have oily skin. Matte products have a flat, non-shiny finish, which is why they’re often popular picks amongst those with oily skin. Radiant finish makeup can often make you look greasy, so pick up a matte foundation, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation, and apply it with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender, bouncing and blending the foundation onto your skin. Help set your look by dusting on the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Powder.

6. Toss blotting papers into your tote.

Find yourself looking greasy midday? Reach for blotting papers! These handy sheets can help sop up excess oils—and they won’t take up much real estate in your purse. Keep a pack on hand for touch-ups throughout the day when needed if you have oily skin.

7. Remove makeup with micellar water at the end of the day.

Once the day is over, it’s time to take off your makeup. Sleeping in your makeup might be tempting after a long day, but it’s not a good idea. That’s because your makeup can mix with the dirt and oils on the surface of your complexion, which can lead to clogged pores—and clogged pores can lead to breakouts. Make things easy on yourself by stashing a no-rinse cleansing option, like micellar water, on your bedside table. Micellar water is powered by tiny micelles—oil molecules—that act as a magnet to lift dirt, oil, and makeup up and away from the skin. The L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin purifies and mattifies. All you have to do is saturate a cotton pad with the micellar water and wipe the pad across your face.

Want more skin care recommendations for oily skin? We’ve got you covered! Read our article, 5 Products That Can Help Mattify Oily Skin.