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Combination skin

Combination skin: the routine that works

Combination skin is oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and normal or dry on the cheeks. A gentle cleanser, an alcohol-free toner, a lightweight moisturizer, oil control only where you need it, such as salicylic acid on the T-zone, and daily SPF keep both areas balanced.

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Skincare routine

Skincare routine for combination skin

Morning

  1. 1Gentle cleanser
  2. 2Alcohol-free toner
  3. 3Lightweight moisturizer, with a little extra on dry areas
  4. 4Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher

Evening

  1. 1Gentle cleanser
  2. 2Salicylic acid on the T-zone two or three times a week
  3. 3Hydrating serum all over
  4. 4Moisturizer, richer on the cheeks if they are dry

Key ingredients

Niacinamide
Helps the look of oil and pores without drying the cheeks.
Salicylic acid (BHA)
Use on the T-zone only to keep pores clear.
Hyaluronic acid
Hydrates everywhere without heaviness.
Ceramides
Support drier areas of the face.

Makeup

Makeup tips for combination skin

  • Prep and prime

    • Use a mattifying primer on the T-zone and a hydrating one on the cheeks.

  • Foundation

    • A natural or satin finish works across both zones.

  • Setting

    • Powder the T-zone and keep the cheeks lighter.

  • Touch-ups

    • Blot the T-zone through the day instead of adding powder all over.

General skincare information, not medical advice. Patch test new products, and see a dermatologist for persistent or worrying skin concerns.

How do you know if you have combination skin?

Your forehead, nose and chin get shiny while your cheeks feel normal or tight. Pores are larger on the nose than on the cheeks. Breakouts cluster in the T-zone. Foundation separates on the nose but clings to dry patches on the cheeks.

Questions

Questions people ask

How do I know if I have combination skin?

Wash with a gentle cleanser, apply nothing and wait about an hour. If your forehead, nose and chin look shiny while your cheeks feel normal or tight, you have combination skin.

Should I use different products on different parts of my face?

You can. Many people with combination skin use oil-control products, like salicylic acid, only on the T-zone and richer moisturizer only on the cheeks.

What is the best moisturizer for combination skin?

A lightweight, non-comedogenic gel-cream. Add a little extra on dry areas rather than using a heavy cream everywhere.

Keep exploring

Your skin, your routine

Beautify shows your skin type with a morning and evening routine, plus a skin quality score and seven more beauty scores.

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