What is your skin type:the first step to applying makeup

What Is Your Skin Type?

The First Step to Choosing the Right Skincare & Makeup

Before you dive into makeup techniques, blending brushes, or glowing foundations, there’s one truth that can’t be ignored:

If you don’t know your skin type, your makeup will never sit right.

This post is your clear, beginner-friendly guide to identifying your skin type — so you can finally understand what your skin really needs, and how to treat it with the right products.

Why Knowing Your Skin Type Matters

Your skin type affects everything:

• How your foundation wears through the day
• What kind of primer you need
• Whether your makeup looks patchy, oily, dry — or flawless

Makeup isn’t magic — it’s part science, part art. And science starts with skin.

The 5 Main Skin Types (And How to Know Yours)

1. Normal Skin

Balanced. Clear. Not too oily or dry.

• Barely any visible pores
• Rare breakouts
• Makeup sits easily with little to no creasing

If your skin rarely reacts, feels smooth most days, and you don’t notice any shine or flakiness — you likely have normal skin.

2. Oily Skin

Shiny. Enlarged pores. Prone to acne.

• Noticeable shine, especially on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
• Makeup slides off or breaks apart during the day
• Frequent blackheads or clogged pores

If blotting sheets always come back oily and your makeup needs touch-ups by midday — you’re likely oily.

3. Dry Skin

Tight. Flaky. Dull appearance.

• Feels rough or itchy
• Makeup clings to patches
• Fine lines may appear more visible

If your skin drinks up moisturizer fast and feels tight after washing — you probably have dry skin.

4. Combination Skin

Both dry and oily areas.

• Oily T-zone, dry cheeks
• Pores may be visible only in some areas
• Foundation might separate in certain zones but cling in others

If you’re always trying to balance two skin worlds — this is you.

5. Sensitive Skin

Reactive. Easily irritated.

• Redness, burning, or stinging after trying new products
• May break out from fragranced or harsh formulas
• Often confused with other skin types

If you’re always reading ingredient labels and can’t try everything others do — your skin is likely sensitive.

Quick DIY Test to Know Your Skin Type

Want to confirm what category you fall into?

Try this simple blotting sheet test:

1. Wash your face and pat dry
2. Leave it bare (no moisturizer) for 2 hours
3. Press blotting paper on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin
4. Hold it up to the light

What you see tells the truth:

• No oil: Dry
• Oil everywhere: Oily
• Oil only on T-zone: Combination
• Even moisture, no shine: Normal
• Redness/tingling: Sensitive

Coming Soon: My Skin Type eBook

Still unsure? Want more in-depth help?

My upcoming eBook will include:

• Full diagrams for each skin type
• Skincare product suggestions
• How to prep your skin before makeup
• A full routine for each skin type

This isn’t just knowledge — it’s a guide built to change how your makeup works with your skin.

Final Note: Know Your Skin. Glow with Confidence.

Understanding your skin is not about perfection — it’s about self-awareness.

It’s the key to choosing the right products and unlocking makeup that actually works for you.

Whether you’re just starting or rebuilding your routine, this is where your journey begins.

Watch the full video now to get clarity in under 5 minutes — and glow better, not harder.

Written by Esther Eseh

@esther_eseh