Makeup for different skin types

What should you choose if you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin?

Choosing the right makeup depends a lot on your skin type. Korean makeup is about more than just covering imperfections; the philosophy is to simultaneously care for and improve the skin. The products often contain natural, gentle ingredients with healing and moisturizing properties, and many are hypoallergenic and free from harsh chemicals. The result is effective yet gentle products that minimize the risk of irritation. Additionally, Korean brands avoid common irritants, for example, they often replace drying alcohol with moisturizing ingredients and use milder active ingredients that do not damage the skin barrier. In short, Korean makeup works with the skin rather than against it, making it ideal whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive, or somewhere in between.

Below, we go through what you should consider depending on your skin type – dry, oily, sensitive, or normal, and which properties of Korean makeup products are best suited for you.

Dry skin

Dry skin can feel tight and dull, and it easily develops dry patches where makeup cracks or looks cakey. For dry skin, it's important that all the makeup you use also provides extra moisture and protection. Fortunately, many Korean makeup products are developed with hydration in mind. If you have dry skin, look for base products described with words like “moisturizing,” “hydrating,” or “glow.” Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, and ceramides are invaluable; they bind moisture in the skin and strengthen the skin barrier so that your skin stays soft all day. Korean cushion-foundation are often excellent for dry skin, as they combine makeup with skincare essences and provide a thin, even coverage with a dewy finish without emphasizing dry flakes.

Avoid overly matte, powdery products in large quantities, as they can absorb the little moisture you have and make the skin feel even drier. A completely matte foundation or a lot of powder on top can make dry skin look lifeless. Instead, consider adding a step in skincare before applying makeup, such as an extra rich face cream or a facial primer with oil to saturate the skin with moisture. Korean primers for dry skin often focus on providing glow and nourishment rather than just filling pores, which gives radiance to lifeless, dry skin. With the right hydrating makeup that works with the skin, even dry skin can wear makeup beautifully, without the base cracking or feeling uncomfortable during the day. K-beauty's focus on moisture truly works wonders here.

Things to consider for dry skin

• Choose moisturizing makeup. Look for words like “hydrating” or “glow” and ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, and ceramides – these help dry skin stay soft and supple.
• Avoid excess matte powder products. They absorb moisture and can make the skin look even drier and flakier.
• Prepare the skin well. Use a rich moisturizer or an oil-based primer before applying makeup, so the skin is properly hydrated and the makeup applies more evenly.

Oily Skin

Oily skin is characterized by excessive sebum production, a shiny T-zone, and a tendency for clogged pores, blackheads, and pimples. For this skin type, makeup should help balance the oil rather than exacerbate it. Choose lightweight, oil-free formulations that allow the skin to breathe. A heavy foundation or creamy concealer with a lot of oil can otherwise mix with the skin's sebum and lead to clogged pores. Therefore, opt for products labeled “non-comedogenic” (non-pore-clogging), preferably those specifically designed for acne-prone skin. Korean brands excel in this area; their makeup for oily skin often contains ingredients that absorb sebum and reduce shine. For example, a foundation with mineral powder like silica or clay can help absorb excess oil during the day. A naturally matte finish is desirable on areas that easily become shiny – you can advantageously choose a light cushion-foundation or BB cream that dries to a semi-matte result, instead of a greasy cream base with shimmer.

Also, look at the ingredients. Salicylic acid (BHA) is a common mild acid in K-beauty that helps keep pores clean, and it is found in some Korean primers, foundation, and powders targeting problem skin. Other helpful extracts are green tea, tea tree oil, and centella asiatica (cica) which counteracts inflammation and redness in acne. At the same time, it is good to avoid makeup products with known pore-blocking ingredients; mineral oil, lanolin, coconut oil, and similar fatty substances can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) and should be avoided in base makeup if you easily get pimples. Remember to always wash off makeup thoroughly every evening. Even the most skin-friendly makeup can cause impurities if left on and mixed with sebum overnight. By taking care of cleansing and choosing light, balancing products, Korean makeup can actually help oily skin look more matte, clear, and healthy, without drying out or irritating the skin.

Things to consider for oily skin

• Invest in lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic makeup that allows the skin to breathe. It helps balance sebum production and reduces the risk of clogged pores.
• Ingredients that absorb oil are your friends. Mineral powders like silica or clay absorb excess sebum and keep the skin matte longer. Even mild active ingredients like salicylic acid can help keep pores clean and the skin clear.
• Avoid heavy oils in base products. Ingredients like mineral oil, lanolin, or coconut oil can clog pores, so it's wise to choose oil-free alternatives. And don't forget to wash off your makeup thoroughly every evening to prevent breakouts.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin easily becomes red, irritated, or reacts to new products. In such cases, it's important to use formulations that are as mild and pure as possible. Korean products are often a good choice for sensitive skin, as they are developed with the requirement to be both effective and gentle. Look for makeup that is hypoallergenic and free from perfume, strong preservatives, and drying alcohol, meaning formulations without unnecessary irritating substances. Many K-beauty-products meet just this, as they are formulated without harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin. Instead, they often contain soothing, natural ingredients with healing effects. Centella asiatica (cica), aloe vera, and snail secretion (snail slime) are examples of popular Korean ingredients that reduce redness and strengthen the skin barrier. A thin BB cream or cushion-foundation with centella can, for example, help even out skin tone while cooling and soothing sensitive skin.

You should also avoid makeup with strong fragrances or a lot of essential oils – even if the scents come from “natural” sources, such substances can stress sensitive skin and cause contact allergies. Keep the ingredient list as simple and skin-friendly as possible. This way, you get makeup that works with the skin instead of triggering reactions, and you minimize the risk of the makeup causing redness, stinging, or rashes.

Things to Consider for Sensitive Skin

• Mild and gentle are key. Use hypoallergenic products without perfume, alcohol, or other common irritants to reduce the risk of the skin reacting negatively.
• Look for soothing ingredients. Korean favorites like centella asiatica, aloe vera, or snail secretion can help reduce redness, cool down, and strengthen a sensitive skin barrier.
• Avoid strong fragrances and essential oils in makeup. Even natural scents and oils can irritate sensitive skin, so it's best to stick to fragrance-free options.

Normal Skin

Normal skin is relatively balanced - not too dry, not too oily, and rarely super sensitive or acne-prone. If you have normal skin, you have a bit more leeway when it comes to makeup choices, but that doesn't mean anything goes. You want to maintain the skin's fine balance and prevent future problems, so continue to opt for gentle, skin-friendly products even though your skin "can handle anything." For normal skin, it's mostly about maintaining the good starting point and then adapting the makeup to the result you want. Do you want to enhance your natural glow? Then a Korean foundation with a dewy finish and perhaps light-reflecting ingredients is suitable. Do you prefer a more matte and velvety look? There are also plenty of K-beauty options with semi-matte or velvet-matte finishes that even out the skin tone without looking cakey. In short, K-beauty offers something for all preferences - whether you want glass-skin or matte perfection, high coverage or a very natural result, there is a Korean product that fits.

With normal skin, you can let your personal taste guide you a bit more, but a tip is to still stick to makeup with built-in skincare benefits. Why not use a foundation with sunscreen (SPF) and antioxidants like vitamin C, or a setting powder enriched with probiotics for the skin barrier? Your skin will benefit from these extra considerations even if it doesn't require them, allowing you to keep the skin strong, healthy, and radiant in the long run.

Things to consider for normal skin

• Continue with gentle products. Even normal skin benefits from mild makeup that preserves the natural balance and does not disturb the skin unnecessarily.
• Choose the finish according to your preference. Normal skin can handle both glow and matte - Korean products are available for everything from dewy "glass skin" glow to semi-matte, without the result looking cakey.
• Utilize skincare benefits in makeup. Even if your skin is problem-free, choose makeup with caring properties (e.g., SPF, vitamins, probiotics) to keep the skin healthy and beautiful longer.

Final tips

Regardless of skin type, the result is always better if you take care of your skin before applying makeup. Your makeup will sit and look much better on clean, well-moisturized skin. A good skincare routine before makeup provides a smoother base, better durability, and also helps the skin feel good under the makeup. So remember to cleanse your face thoroughly, moisturize with a cream that suits your skin type, and let it absorb. Then you can confidently apply your Korean makeup, which thanks to its skincare ingredients, works in symbiosis with your skin. By choosing K-beauty products tailored to your specific skin type, you can avoid common problems (dryness, shine, irritation) and instead achieve healthy, balanced skin with a beautiful glow - with makeup that both highlights your best self and cares for the skin.