UNDERSTANDING YOUR SKIN TYPE BEFORE CHOOSING MAKEUP

One of the most common mistakes beginners make with makeup is choosing products without first understanding their skin type, So the results are usually unsatisfactory and horrifying because Foundation that looks patchy, lipstick that won’t stay in place, or powder that emphasizes dryness.

The truth is, makeup only performs its best when it complements your skin’s natural needs. By identifying your skin type first, you’ll not only make smarter product choices but also save time and money. At Make Up Institute Stockholm, we teach students to start with skin analysis before learning any technique, and at MIST Stockholm, you’ll find products tailored to every skin type.

Why Skin Type Matters in Makeup

Makeup doesn’t stay alone, but rather it interacts with your skin. A foundation that looks flawless on oily skin may look heavy on dry skin. Similarly, a powder that sets makeup beautifully on combination skin could feel cakey on someone with normal skin.

Knowing your skin type allows you to:

• Choose formulas that enhance rather than fight your natural skin.

• Avoid common issues like excess shine, creasing, or flaking.

• Build a routine that helps makeup last longer and look better.

The Main Skin Types Explained

Normal Skin

Balanced moisture and oil, minimal breakouts, and an even texture. Almost any product works well, making it the easiest to shop for.

Oily Skin

Characterized by shine, larger pores, and makeup that tends to “slip.” Look for oil-free or mattifying formulas that keep products in place.

Dry Skin

Feels tight, may look flaky, and absorbs makeup quickly. Cream-based products and hydrating primers are your best friends.

Combination Skin

A mix of oily and dry areas are usually an oily T-zone with drier cheeks. This skin type benefits from tailored application (e.g., mattifying products in oily areas, hydrating ones where skin is dry).

Sensitive Skin

Easily irritated, prone to redness or breakouts. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formulas are the safest choices.

At Make Up Institute Stockholm, we dive deeper into skin analysis so students learn not only how to identify their own type but also how to work with different skin needs professionally.

Choosing Makeup Based on Your Skin Type

Primer

Oily → mattifying primer.

Dry → nourishing primer with hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

Combination skin → customized primer for combination skin.

Foundation

Oily skin → oil-free, matte finish foundations and high coverage

Dry skin → hydrating, luminous formulas.

Combination skin → flexible formulas or silicone based

Powder

Oily → loose setting powder.

Dry → use sparingly or choose a silky pressed powder.

Combination skin → a lightweight translucent powder for the T-zone and a softer, hydrating powder on drier areas for a balanced finish.

You’ll find skin-friendly formulas across the MIST Stockholm collection, carefully selected to suit every type.

Tips for Beginners to Test Their Skin Type/ How to know the skin type? How to know what my skin type is?

If you’re unsure about your skin type, here’s a quick method:

1. Cleanse your face and leave it bare (no moisturizer).

2. Wait about 1 hour.

3. Observe:

   • If it feels tight → dry.

   • If it looks shiny → oily.

   • If it’s both → combination.

   • If it feels balanced → normal.

This simple test can help you decide which makeup products will perform best for you.

Final Thoughts

Makeup isn’t about covering your skin completely, instead it is about enhancing it how it has been given. The better you understand your skin type, the more natural and long-lasting and glowy your makeup will look.

At The Make Up Institute Stockholm, we emphasize skin analysis as the foundation of every great makeup look. And with MIST Stockholm’s product range, you can build a kit that works with your skin.