28/07/2026
MAKEUP THEORY CLASS – DAY 3
TOPIC:
The Five Skin Types and How to Identify Them
Before you apply foundation, concealer, powder, or any other makeup product, you must first understand the client’s skin.
Why?
Because makeup does not sit the same way on every skin type. A product that gives one person a smooth, glowing finish may make another person look oily, dry, patchy, or uncomfortable.
As a professional makeup artist, knowing how to identify skin types will help you choose the right products, prepare the skin properly, and achieve a clean, smooth, long-lasting makeup finish.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
At the end of today’s class, students should be able to:
1. Name the five major skin types
2. Explain the characteristics of each skin type
3. Identify different skin types correctly
4. Understand how skin type affects makeup application
5. Select suitable skincare and makeup products based on skin type
THE FIVE MAJOR SKIN TYPES
1. NORMAL SKIN
Normal skin is well-balanced. It is neither too oily nor too dry.
Characteristics of normal skin:
The skin feels soft and smooth
It has a healthy and balanced appearance
The pores are usually small or not very noticeable
There is little or no excessive oil
The skin does not feel tight, flaky, or dry
Breakouts are not frequent
How to identify normal skin:
After cleansing the face, the skin remains comfortable. It does not become excessively oily, dry, tight, or irritated.
Makeup tip:
Use a lightweight moisturizer and a suitable primer. Normal skin usually works well with many foundation finishes, but the products should still be chosen according to the desired makeup look.
2. DRY SKIN
Dry skin produces little natural oil. It may lack moisture and often feels tight or rough.
Characteristics of dry skin:
The skin may feel tight, especially after washing
It may look dull or rough
There may be visible dry patches or flakiness
The skin may feel uncomfortable or itchy
Foundation may cling to dry areas
Fine lines may appear more noticeable
How to identify dry skin:
After cleansing, the face may feel tight, uncomfortable, rough, or dry. The skin may also show flaky areas, especially around the nose, mouth, cheeks, or forehead.
Makeup tip:
Proper skin preparation is very important. Use a hydrating moisturizer and a hydrating primer. Avoid applying too much powder because it may make the skin look dry or cakey.
3. OILY SKIN
Oily skin produces excess natural oil, also known as sebum.
Characteristics of oily skin:
The face becomes shiny or greasy
The pores may appear larger
The skin may feel oily, especially around the forehead, nose, and chin
Blackheads and breakouts may occur more frequently
Makeup may move, separate, or fade quickly
How to identify oily skin:
A few hours after cleansing, the face becomes noticeably shiny or greasy. When a clean tissue is gently pressed against the skin, it may pick up visible oil.
Makeup tip:
Use lightweight, oil-controlling skincare products and a suitable mattifying primer. Apply foundation in thin layers and set oily areas carefully with powder. Avoid using too many heavy or greasy products.
4. COMBINATION SKIN
Combination skin has both oily and dry or normal areas.
The forehead, nose, and chin are called the T-zone. These areas are often oily, while the cheeks may be normal or dry.
Characteristics of combination skin:
The T-zone becomes oily or shiny
The cheeks may feel normal or dry
The skin behaves differently in different areas
Pores may be more visible around the nose and forehead
Makeup may wear differently on different parts of the face
How to identify combination skin:
After cleansing, the forehead, nose, and chin may become oily, while the cheeks remain normal, comfortable, or dry.
Makeup tip:
Treat different areas of the face according to their needs. Use oil-control products on the T-zone and hydrating products on dry areas. Do not apply the same amount of powder everywhere.
5. SENSITIVE SKIN
Sensitive skin reacts easily to certain products, ingredients, weather conditions, heat, or friction.
Characteristics of sensitive skin:
The skin may become red easily
It may feel itchy, irritated, or uncomfortable
Some products may cause burning, stinging, or reactions
The skin may react to strong fragrances or harsh ingredients
The skin may become irritated after rubbing or using unsuitable products
How to identify sensitive skin:
The client may report that certain skincare or makeup products cause irritation, redness, itching, stinging, or discomfort. Always ask questions before applying products.
Makeup tip:
Use gentle, fragrance-free products where possible. Avoid trying unfamiliar products on the client immediately before an important event. Apply products gently and avoid excessive rubbing.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Skin type is different from skin condition.
Skin type is generally the natural behavior of the skin, such as oily, dry, normal, combination, or sensitive.
A skin condition can change due to weather, stress, hormones, dehydration, product use, or other factors.
For example, a person with oily skin may still have dehydrated skin. A person with dry skin may also experience breakouts.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A CLIENT’S SKIN TYPE
Step 1:
Ask the client about their skin.
Questions you can ask include:
How does your skin usually feel after washing?
Does your face become oily during the day?
Do you experience dryness or flakiness?
Do you react easily to skincare or makeup products?
Do you often experience breakouts?
Step 2:
Observe the skin carefully.
Look at the forehead, nose, chin, cheeks, and jawline. Check for shine, dryness, visible pores, flakiness, redness, or irritation.
Step 3:
Feel the skin gently and professionally.
Do not rub the skin roughly. Notice whether it feels oily, dry, rough, smooth, or balanced.
Step 4:
Choose products based on what you observe.
Do not use the same products or preparation method on every client. Professional makeup application begins with understanding the skin.
CLASS ACTIVITY
Look at your face in a mirror and answer these questions:
Does your face become oily during the day?
Do you experience dryness or flakiness?
Is your T-zone oilier than your cheeks?
Does your skin react easily to products?
Which of the five skin types best describes your skin?
HOMEWORK
Identify your skin type and explain why you chose it.
Also, observe the skin of one family member or friend and describe the signs that helped you identify their skin type.
NEXT CLASS
How to Prepare Different Skin Types Before Makeup Application
Remember:
The secret to flawless makeup is not only in the foundation. It begins with understanding and preparing the skin correctly.