If you struggle with eyebrow makeup for oily skin, you need a clean sequence that resists slip and transfer. This smudge proof eyebrow routine creates structure with light pencil work, sets texture with a clear or tinted gel, and locks in lift with precise highlighting for long lasting brows on oily skin.
Why Brows Smudge On Oily Skin
Sebum breaks down creamy textures, moves pigment, and softens edges. Rubbing (phones, hats, sunglasses) and heavy skincare around the brow zone make transfer worse. You do not need more product. You need thinner layers placed with intention and set in the right order.
Tools You Need For A Smudge Proof Setup
-
Cotton swab
-
Spoolie
-
Relume Full On Brow Pencil in your shade
-
Clear or tinted brow gel such as Sky Rise Gel (coming this fall)
-
Relume Bright Eyes Brow Highlighter
Step By Step Eyebrow Makeup Routine For Oily Skin
Step 1. Clean Skin
For your brow pencil to apply smoothly and stay put, it’s important that the skin underneath is clean and free of excess oils. This applies whether you naturally have oily skin or are using oil-rich products like moisturizers, serums, foundations, or sunscreens.
The area where your brow pencil actually goes is tiny, just a few millimeters. After applying your foundation, take a Q-tip with a small amount of makeup remover (we recommend micellar water) and gently clean only the spots where you’ll be adding pencil.
Don’t worry, you’re not stripping away your foundation or sunscreen where you need it. You’re simply creating a clean canvas in the brow area so your pencil glides on easily and stays natural-looking.
Step 2. Build Structure Mid Brow With Light Pencil Strokes
Begin in the center. Use Relume Full On Brow Pencil with the strong quick pressure to sketch hairlike strokes in the direction of growth. Anchor the arch and tail with a light outline on top and bottom of the arch to tails. Sparse areas get strokes, not shading. If you are unsure about undertone or depth, watch the tutorial on How to Choose the Right Color for Natural, Hairlike Strokes to see pressure, angle, and shade selection in real time. This approach to eyebrow makeup for oily skin prevents the heavy blocks that smear.
Step 3. Set And Tint With Clear Or Tinted Brow Gel
Use a clear or tinted gel such as Sky Rise Gel (coming this fall). Apply gel in a gentle backcombing motion to coat every layer of hair. Then use your Full-On Relume Pencil spoolie to brush the brows into place at an up-and-out angle, about 45 degrees, not straight up and not to the side. This creates lift while still looking natural and helps cover the areas where tails tend to be sparse.
Step 4. Place Bright Eyes Brow Highlighter Under The Brow And Blend Down
Trace a thin line of Relume Bright Eyes Brow Highlighter directly under the brow from front to tail. Blend back and forth into the lid with a small brush or fingertip so the edge near the hairs stays crisp. This contrast cleans up slips, and adds lift without more color. For long lasting brows for oily skin, keep this layer thin so it sets smoothly.
Step 5. Midday Refresh With Tissue Blotting Instead Of More Product
When shine appears, press (do not rub) a clean tissue across the skin near the brow area.
Best Eyebrow Makeup For Oily Skin That Smudges
The most reliable pairing is a precise, firm brow pencil for micro strokes, a clear or softly tinted gel for flexible hold, and a skin like highlighter for a clean under edge. Heavy waxes and thick creams tend to slide on oily skin. A lightweight gel like Sky Rise Gel grips without greasiness and keeps the natural hair texture that makes brows look real. This balance delivers long lasting brows on oily skin while staying comfortable.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If the front looks square, sweep a clean spoolie upward once to break the line and restore a natural start. If the tail turns fuzzy, re-trace a tiny line of Bright Eyes Brow Highlighter under the tip and blend down instead of adding more pencil. If sunglasses rub off your arch, give that area an extra second of gel and let it set before wearing frames.
Why This Sequence Works
The order matters. Pencil strokes provide structure with minimal product. Gel seals hair texture so strokes stay visible. Highlighter adds lift and a clean edge that survives shine. Small resets throughout the day rely on blotting, not stacking more makeup. Follow this eyebrow makeup routine for oily skin and you will see fewer touch ups and cleaner lines.
Achieve clean, smudge resistant brows on oily skin by using thin layers, setting with a clear or tinted gel, and finishing with a sheer under brow highlight for lift. If you want a tailored routine and shade match, book Relume Virtual Brow Coaching today.
