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    The beauty fix for oily eyelids

    Updated:11 May 2016 1:16 PM | Posted by
    bh's Carli Alman's picture
    bh's Carli Alman
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    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?

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    91 Member Comments

    Natalie123 19 Jun 2015 8:28 AM

    I think i need to invest in an eye primer! By the end of the day I tend to get a crease on my lids - but either way an eye primer will help keep lovely eye make up looking great all day ;)

    Jade504 13 Apr 2015 2:41 PM

    The only thing I have ever found to actually WORK is liquid eyelid primer - trust me I have tried everything listed here!

    Shop A Everyday 11 Apr 2015 9:46 AM

    Nothing worse than running eye makeup

    Sydneyswans910 8 Apr 2015 1:37 AM

    I used to have very oily skin and lids, now it doesn't bother me too much, but I have found that applying eyeshadow before (base colour) and after (to set the eyeliner) works really well. I also have eyeshadow primer which I use for fancy events and it works well as a base - Urban Decay's eyeshadow primer is fab!

    Chicklet 7 Apr 2015 9:09 AM

    My lids don't seem to get oily.

    Platinum Ms 7 Apr 2015 5:40 AM

    Very interesting, I thought a primer was the only way to stop oily lids, mineral or water base products stop the smudging as much as possible is nice to know!

    clearcrystalwater 7 Apr 2015 12:00 AM

    I think I get more dryer eyelids than oily these days but sometimes if I've put too much eye cream on it gets a bit oily!

    dream-angels 6 Apr 2015 3:18 PM

    Great tips for my oily lids

    CherryBlossom 6 Apr 2015 12:32 PM

    I think it happens to me once in a while, usually when I'm running around and am stressed.

    Miss19 6 Apr 2015 8:49 AM

    I definitely suffer from oily eyelids

    MeganA 6 Apr 2015 8:27 AM

    Primer definitely made all the difference. Powder is definitely my next step. Every time I use it, my lids look all cakey.

    Linda_Vesinger 6 Apr 2015 7:52 AM

    Awesome tips - I do suffer from oily eyelids, I find using a good eye primer helps reduce issues

    Misy Rose 6 Apr 2015 7:36 AM

    Great tips! I'll have to remember them for next time :)

    Beckky 6 Apr 2015 6:45 AM

    I've never had a problem with oil on my eye-lids before.

    fluffnut 17 Feb 2015 3:08 PM

    I suffer from Oily Eyelid Syndrome! Great tips. Having a good eye primer is essential.

    Petal 3 Feb 2015 5:40 AM

    I do not have oily eyelids, but I have hooded eyes which can result in eyeliner travelling higher up my upper eye area. Last year I tried a few kohls and they were not the best for me. I have more success with gel and some liquid eyeliners.

    Elunia 2 Feb 2015 9:04 PM

    I do have an oily lid problem and I never realised that preping it with foundation was part of the problem. I need to remember to stop

    Shop A Everyday 1 Feb 2015 1:28 AM

    I usually brush a little foundation over first

    Zeynep1 31 Jan 2015 10:24 PM

    This does occasionally happen to me, good tips.

    Laboheme 29 Jan 2015 11:35 PM

    This is a 5 STAR article. I always had problems with eyeliner smudging and most eyeshadows (except Christian Dior) creasing. I've tried most of these suggestions, but never thought of a dusting of powder over the eyeliner. Like another commenter, I have oily and hooded eyelids and the oiliness has only reduced with maturity.

    Elefante 28 Jan 2015 10:18 PM

    Setting my liner! I have never thought of that!

    Jan52 28 Jan 2015 6:10 AM

    Great tips! I can't go a day with out my eyeliner though I don't wear to much makeup.

    Czarina84 27 Jan 2015 7:58 AM

    This article was written for me, lol. I love Urban Decay's 24/7 range, works well for me. I want the whole lot!

    rochelle1991 27 Jan 2015 6:39 AM

    By lunchtime, half of my eye makeup is in my crease, or gone forever- i will definitely be trying these tips!

    Joanne182 26 Jan 2015 5:58 AM

    Great tips!

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