The beauty fix for oily eyelids

One of the most common make-up questions I get asked (besides,“what foundation can I use for my fair skin?”) is about oily eyelids. More specifically, how to stop eyeliner from smudging in the creases.

I thought it was about time I popped the answer up on the Internet so that all of you can benefit (there were a lot of people I told, “good question. You’ll have to wait for the article on beautyheaven”).

Here are four handy tips to help you combat Oily Eyelid Syndrome*:

AVOID OILY LIDS TIP #1: SAY NO TO FOUNDATION AND CONCEALER

As an eyelid primer, that is. See, your eyelids already produce quite a lot of oil (which is why oily lids is such a common problem), and when you add a creamy formulation like concealer or foundation, it’s a lot easier for your eyeliner to smudge into the eyelid crease.There are two exceptions to this rule:  1) if you use mineral or powder foundation or 2) if your base products are water-based (rather than oil).

AVOID OILY LIDS TIP #2: CHOOSE YOUR LINER CAREFULLY

Kohl eyeliners are typically smudge-y liners. That’s how they’ve been designed (you know, for all of those sultry, smoky eye looks). So if oily lids are a big problem for you, avoid kohl liner and opt for a gel liner instead, like Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Gel Liner. The formulation means that once it dries, it won’t budge until you remove it. If you prefer something more pencil-like, try Benefit They’re Real! Push-Up Liner.

AVOID OILY LIDS TIP #3: SET YOUR LINER

If you really want to use a kohl or pencil eyeliner, set the colour with an eyeshadow powder. After you’ve drawn your line, grab an angled eyeliner brush (like the Clinique Eye Definer Brush) and an eyeshadow in the same shade as your eyeliner, and gently sweep the powder over your eyeliner line. The powder will essentially absorb the oil in the eyeliner and prevent it from making its mark on your eyelid crease.

AVOID OILY LIDS TIP #4: THE POWER OF POWDER

Once your eye look is complete (whether that’s just some eyeliner, a winged look or some beautifully blended eyeshadow), use a soft eyeshadow brush to gently sweep a touch of translucent powder on your lids. A big fluffy brush and some Face of Australia Translucent Loose Powder should do the trick to keep your lids smudge-free. The key is to have a light hand with the powder – you don’t want your lids to look cakey.

*Not an actual medical term. I made it up, because as far as I’m concerned it’s an actual thing.

Do you suffer from Oily Eyelid Syndrome? How do you stop your eyeliner from smudging?