Graduation Makeup Ideas for All Skin Types

Graduation season is approaching, and you’re busy getting ready to walk on that stage. Look your best on the big day (and in all your photos for the ‘gram) by planning your graduation makeup according to your skin type. Doing this can help you achieve the best, hulas-proof look – perfect for a long ceremony. Here are some tips.

Oily skin produces excess sebum, which makes applying foundations and creams tricky. Oil-free products can help keep your makeup on for hours and reduce shine. Hydrating your skin is also essential since dry skin produces more sebum to stay moisturized.

Prep your graduation makeup with lightweight moisturizer before applying an oil-absorbing primer for a smooth base that keeps makeup from slipping off your face. Let it sit for a few minutes before applying a foundation that matches your skin tone, blending it well for an even and natural finish.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to stick to matte-finish products if you have oily skin – you have every right to be dewy, too! Just make sure to dust your T-zone with a translucent powder. You can also powder your under-eyes to keep your eyeliner or mascara from smudging too soon. Occasionally blot your face with a soft tissue or face powder to absorb excess oil.

If you have pimples, choose non-comedogenic products to prevent further breakouts. And make sure to use clean makeup brushes!

Skin that tends to flake and look lackluster might be dry. The goal, therefore, is to keep it looking smooth and supple even. Again, prepping is essential.

Start with a moisturized base by washing your face with Dove Pink Bar. It has Dove’s signature ¼ moisturizing cream that cleanses your skin while making it supple and makeup ready. Next, wear a hydrating face mask to soften your skin and infuse it with more moisture. Pat on moisturizer afterward. 

Instead of using a matte and powder-finish foundation that highlights dry and rough skin, go for a creamy foundation and cream concealers for a smooth finish. Top it off with a cream blush for a healthy glow. Use a hydrating lip product – like gloss instead of lipstick – if you have chapped lips.

Combination skin is tricky. You’ll need to use different products for different parts of your face (such as oil-free makeup on your T-zone). On the other hand, you could also try ones that help both. For example, switch to a gel moisturizer, which hydrates the skin minus the weight. Serum foundation is also a good option since it’s light enough for your oily areas without exposing flaky skin.

Try stick eyeshadows to color your eyelids, which tend to be drier. Use a cream, oil-free highlighter to add a dewy finish to the tops of your cheeks. Mist your face with a makeup fixer to keep the different makeup consistencies in place.

Sensitive skin has many triggers. Dehydration, harsh ingredients, or allergies can make it dry, red, flaky, and itchy. Before applying makeup, cleanse your face with Dove Sensitive Beauty Bar to create a soft, smooth, and clean canvas.

As for your look, avoid experimenting with new products to avoid irritating your skin. Stick to your trusted rotation of foundations, blushes, eyeshadows, and lip color.

Instead of foundation, try a tone-up sunscreen to brighten your skin while protecting it from UV rays. If you’re experiencing redness, apply green concealer to cancel it out. For the cheeks and eyes, stay away from pinks and purples, which will only highlight the inflammation. Avoid glitter or frosted shades that have irritating particles, and keep your bronzer or highlighter at a minimum. Complete your look with rose lipstick – choose a shade closest to your natural lip color (that’s your nude!).

On your special day, take a relaxing shower before applying your graduation makeup. Use a moisturizing body wash like the Dove Go Fresh Sakura Blossom Body Wash. It has sakura, Himalayan sea salt extracts, and microbiome gentle serum that moisturize your skin for 24 hours, leaving it visibly soft, glowing, and hydrated.

A lot of pressure comes with graduation makeup – graduation is, after all, a milestone event. But don’t let that take away the fun! Enjoy the process and go with what feels right for you and your skin. You’ll glow on that stage no matter what.