How to Do Makeup for Oily Eyelids

Co-authored by Shara Strand

Last Updated: May 6, 2020 References

It is frustrating to spend time on a meticulous eye makeup look only to have it melt off. Getting makeup to stay for long hours on oily eyelids can be a struggle. Fortunately, there are several effective actions you can take. By starting fresh, carefully preparing the area, and following some key makeup application tips, you can achieve long-lasting eye makeup, even when your eyelids are naturally oily.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Starting Fresh

1
Remove any old eye makeup. When applying face makeup, it's vital that you start with clean eyes. First, make sure that you have no eye makeup residue left from last night. Remove any last traces using an eye makeup remover in a gentle manner with a cotton ball or pad. Now, wash your face with a cleanser and pat it dry.^{[1]
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- Never rub your eye.
2
Apply an oil-free eye cream. Putting concealer and foundation on a dry under-eye area is not a wise decision. Instead, apply a moisturizing yet light-weight eye cream. Pat the cream onto the area around your eye (including your eyelid) until fully absorbed. Wait 2-3 minutes before you begin with your makeup so that it can sink into the skin completely.^{[2]
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3
Blot any excess shine. Just to be sure that there's no oily residue left on your eyelids, use an oil blotting sheet. Press it lightly against each eyelid. Oil blotting sheets are amazing at controlling shine. They may also prevent the need for numerous touch-ups throughout the day.^{[3]
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- If you don't have a blotting sheet, there are alternatives you can use: a napkin, perm-end wrappers, or parchment paper.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Priming the Area

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Apply eyeshadow primer. An eyeshadow primer helps create a barrier between the oil on your lids and the product you put on, as well as giving your eyeliner and eyeshadow something to adhere to. Squeeze a tiny amount of primer onto your fingers, warm it up between your fingers and thumb, and apply it all over your eyelids.^{[4]
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2
Put on an eyeshadow base. Eyeshadow base is similar to primer, but it is a little different. It is used to intensify the staying power of your eye makeup, intensify eyeshadow colors, and make the skin tone of both your lids look even. If you really want your eye color to pop, eyeshadow base is a good idea. Eyeshadow bases often come in pencil form. After applying primer, color your eyelids with an eyeshadow base pencil.^{[5]
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- You can find products that are eyeshadow primer and base in one.
EXPERT TIP

Shara Strand
Makeup Artist
Shara Strand is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Shara Makeup Studio, a makeup and image consulting studio based in New York City. She has over 15 years of image and makeup consulting experience including working as a regional artist for Bare Escentuals and Estee Lauder, Saks 5th Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Bergdorf Goodman. Her work has been featured in WNBC, Fox 5, Direct TV ABC morning news, and Hamptons Magazine. She is the creator of Shara Cosmetics and is a two time Billboard charted singer. She holds a BFA from New York University.

Shara Strand
Makeup Artist

Our Expert Agrees: To prevent your eyeshadow from creasing, apply a light layer of cream base shadow or a flat matte eye shadow base all over your eyelid. Then, put your shadow on top of that.
3
Dust your eyelids with translucent powder before powder eye shadow. Once you have applied these products, apply a thin layer of translucent loose powder over your lids. Use a shadow brush or makeup sponge to apply it. In case you don't have this powder, you can also use your regular compact (just apply it lightly).^{[6]
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- You can skip this step if you are using cream eye shadow.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Applying Your Makeup

1
Apply eye shadow. Layering eye makeup helps build extra staying power. Apply a cream eyeshadow all over your lids, using your ring finger. Then apply each color of your powder eye shadow and blend.^{[7]
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- You can also use a powdered eye shadow if you've primed with a dusting of translucent powder. Powder may be a good option if you want a more natural look.
2
Apply eyeliner and mascara. You will want to layer your eyeliner as well. Begin with a pencil or gel based eyeliner to draw a line on your eyes, and give it a minute to set. Then, apply a waterproof liquid eyeliner to seal your efforts. Finish with your favorite mascara.^{[8]
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- If you are using kohl, you can set it with a matte black eyeshadow.
- If you are going for a more natural look, use one layer of waterproof eyeliner. It will have staying powder if you've applied your primer and base.
3
Use the "sandbagging technique." The "sandbagging technique"--as popularized by Kim Kardashian's makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic--stops eyeshadow, mascara and kohl from traveling outside the line. Use a damp sponge loaded with translucent powder and apply it on area underneath your eye. Try getting as close to your waterline as possible. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then remove the excess using a fluffy powder brush.^{[9]
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4
Use makeup setting spray. If your under eye area appears a little cakey, make use of a makeup setting spray. Spray it from an appropriate distance after you've done your makeup completely. Let it settle for several minutes. You will be surprised to see that it takes down the powdery look and lends a long staying power to your makeup.^{[10]
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Community Q&A

Question

How do I keep my eyeshadow from creasing?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You can apply a primer and/or concealer underneath your eyeshadow to prevent creasing. Using a smaller shadow brush and pressing the shadow into your lids can also help prevent creasing.
Question

How do I get my eye makeup to stay on all day?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Make sure you start with clean, toned, and moisturized skin. Apply a primer underneath your makeup and finish with setting spray.
Question

What helps oily eyelids?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Applying primer can help reduce the shine of oily eyelids, as can setting makeup with setting spray. Throughout the day you can use blotting paper to soak up any shine.