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Makeup Placement Guide for Combination Skin

For combination skin, place contour, blush, brows, and highlight to balance oily and dry zones: mattify the T-zone, hydrate cheeks, and use targeted products.

Makeup Placement Guide for Combination Skin

Prep: Balance Your Base

Start by applying a mattifying primer to the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and a hydrating primer to your cheeks. Use a satin-finish foundation for a natural look, then set only the T-zone with translucent powder to control shine while keeping cheeks radiant.

Contour Placement for Combination Skin

  • Apply a cream or powder contour just under your cheekbones, blending upward toward the temples. Avoid contouring the center of the forehead or nose if these areas get oily - focus on the outer edges of the face.
  • If your chin is oily, contour just under the jawline, blending downwards, but skip the chin itself.
  • Scan your face with Makeup Check AI to identify your unique face shape for precise contour mapping.

Blush: Hydrate and Glow

  • Use a cream blush on the apples of your cheeks, blending slightly upward and outward. This hydrates and adds glow to drier areas.
  • Avoid applying blush on the T-zone or near the nose to prevent unwanted shine.
  • Choose shades that complement your undertone - scan your face to get personalized color recommendations.

Brows and Highlight: Enhance, Don’t Overwhelm

  • Fill in brows with a pencil or powder, focusing on your natural brow shape. Avoid heavy gels if your forehead is oily.
  • Highlight the tops of your cheekbones with a cream or liquid highlighter. Skip highlighting the bridge of the nose or center of the forehead if these areas are oily.
  • Apply a subtle highlight under the brow arch for lift, but avoid shimmer in oily areas.

Personalize Your Placement

Everyone's combination skin is unique. Use Makeup Check AI to scan your face and identify your exact face shape, brow structure, and undertone. This ensures your contour, blush, and highlight placement is tailored to you - not just a generic template.

Not sure of your skin type? Makeup Check AI reads your skin from a selfie so you pick formulas that actually last.

Try Makeup Check AI

FAQ

Where should I put contour on combination skin?

Apply contour just under the cheekbones and along the jawline, avoiding the oily T-zone. Focus on the outer edges for definition without adding shine.

What type of blush is best for combination skin?

Cream blush works best on combination skin, especially on the cheeks. It hydrates dry areas and blends smoothly for a natural, healthy glow.

How do I keep my makeup from sliding off my T-zone?

Use a mattifying primer and set only the T-zone with translucent powder. Choose a satin-finish foundation to balance both oily and dry areas.

Should I highlight my nose if I have combination skin?

If your nose is oily, skip highlighting the bridge. Instead, highlight cheekbones and brow arches to keep shine controlled and skin balanced.

How do I know my face shape for contour placement?

You can scan your face with Makeup Check AI to get an accurate analysis of your face shape and receive personalized contour placement advice.