Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin in New Zealand
Quick answer: The best skincare routine for oily skin is simple: cleanse gently morning and night, apply a lightweight hydrating serum, finish with a light, non-greasy moisturiser and wear a separate sunscreen every day. Avoid harsh, stripping products, because skin that feels dehydrated often looks shinier. Start with Thin Lizzy Probiotic Amino Purifying Cleanser, a gentle foaming cleanser that leaves skin feeling clean without feeling tight.
Oily skin can feel like hard work: shine that's back by mid-morning, makeup that slides by lunchtime and pores that look larger than you'd like. New Zealand's humid days don't help either. The good news is that oily skin doesn't need a cabinet full of products. It needs a gentle, consistent routine that keeps skin feeling balanced instead of stripped. Here's a simple step-by-step guide.
What Makes Skin Oily?
- Genetics: some of us simply produce more oil than others.
- Hormones: changes through life can shift how oily or dry your skin feels.
- Humidity and heat: warm, muggy weather can make skin look shinier.
- Over-cleansing: harsh, stripping products can leave skin feeling tight, and it often looks oilier afterwards.
- Skipping moisturiser: skin that feels dehydrated can still look oily on the surface.
Oily skin doesn't stop at a certain age. Many women find their skin becomes combination over time, with an oily T-zone and drier cheeks, so pay attention to how different areas of your face feel.
What to Look for in Products for Oily Skin
- A gentle foaming cleanser that lifts oil and makeup without harsh alcohols.
- Lightweight, water-based hydration, such as a hyaluronic acid serum, that won't feel heavy.
- A light, non-greasy moisturiser that absorbs quickly and sits well under makeup.
- Fewer, better products: layering lots of rich creams is more likely to leave skin looking shiny.
Our Picks
Probiotic Amino Purifying Cleanser
Best for: cleansing away oil and makeup without that tight, stripped feeling.
A lightweight cleanser that creates a gentle foam to lift away dirt, pollution and leftover makeup. It's formulated without traditional harsh alcohols and with amino acids, probiotics and botanical extracts, so skin feels fresh and clean but still comfortable.
- Gentle foaming formula
- Formulated without harsh alcohols
- With amino acids, probiotics, black rose and cucumber extracts
- A small amount lathers well
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Best for: light, weightless-feeling hydration that won't add shine.
A hydrating serum made with hyaluronic acid in the form of sodium hyaluronate, plus Sophora Flavescens root extract, which helps pores look smaller and skin look smoother. Pressed into damp skin, it helps skin feel hydrated and look fresh without a heavy layer.
- Made with sodium hyaluronate
- Helps pores look less noticeable
- Light, fast-absorbing texture
- Suits all skin types
Real Complexion Cream
Best for: a light moisturiser that also evens the look of your skin.
An 8in1 brightening cream with hyaluronic acid that hydrates and helps skin look smoother, brighter and more even, with the look of pores, redness and uneven tone softened. It absorbs quickly, so you can wear it alone on no-makeup days or as a smooth base under foundation.
- 8in1 brightening cream
- With hyaluronic acid
- Suitable for all skin types
- Wear alone or under makeup
Your Morning Routine for Oily Skin
- Cleanse gently: massage a small amount of foaming cleanser over damp skin for 30 to 60 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Hydrate: press a few drops of hyaluronic acid serum into slightly damp skin.
- Moisturise lightly: smooth on a small amount of a light cream. Focus less product on the T-zone if it gets shiny.
- Protect: finish by applying sunscreen. Choose a light, non-greasy texture so it sits comfortably under makeup.
Your Night Routine for Oily Skin
- Remove makeup and sunscreen: cleanse thoroughly, and cleanse twice if you've worn long-wear foundation.
- Hydrate: apply your hyaluronic acid serum to damp skin.
- Moisturise: a light layer of cream is enough. Oily skin still needs moisture overnight.
Exfoliating and Toning Oily Skin
A gentle exfoliant two to three times a week can help pores look clearer and skin look smoother. Choose a mild product over a harsh scrub, which can leave skin feeling irritated and looking shinier. A toner is optional: if you like one, look for an alcohol-free formula that feels refreshing rather than tight.
Habits That Help Oily Skin
- Don't over-cleanse. Twice a day is enough.
- Use blotting papers or a light dusting of powder through the day rather than washing your face again.
- Keep your hands off your face, and change your pillowcase regularly.
- Clean makeup brushes and sponges once a week.
- If you have spots or redness that don't settle, check in with your GP or pharmacist.
For more help, read our guides to choosing foundation for oily skin, choosing a serum for your skin type and whether a toner is right for you.
What Customers Say
"I love this product, cleanses really well but very gently"
Coral A., verified customer (Purifying Cleanser)
"Lovely feeling on your face. My skin feels nice and soft. Would definitely recommend it."
Julie S., verified customer (Hyaluronic Acid Serum)
"I love this cream its not greasy"
Leticia J., verified customer (Real Complexion Cream)
Read all Probiotic Amino Purifying Cleanser reviews →
Frequently Asked Questions
Should oily skin use moisturiser?
Yes. Skipping moisturiser can leave skin feeling dehydrated, and it may look oilier on the surface. Choose a light, non-greasy formula and use a small amount.
How often should I wash oily skin?
Twice a day, morning and night, is enough. Washing more often can leave skin feeling tight and looking shinier.
Is hyaluronic acid good for oily skin?
Yes. It's a lightweight, water-based hydrator, so it adds moisture without feeling heavy or greasy. Apply it to damp skin and follow with a light moisturiser.
Do I still need sunscreen if my skin is oily?
Yes. Wear a separate sunscreen every day, and choose a light, non-greasy texture that sits well under makeup.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy skincare in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Farmers, Life Pharmacy, Chemist Warehouse and Unichem stores across New Zealand. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.
Looking for a deal? Many of our best sellers are available in bundle offers from time to time. See our current Bundle Offers →
Final Thoughts
Oily skin looks its best with a gentle, consistent routine: cleanse softly, hydrate with a light serum, moisturise and protect every day. Keep it simple, and your skin will look more balanced and less shiny.
