You know the summer makeup drill: It’s scorching, your makeup is sliding off, and you’re running to the ladies’ room to layer on more mattifying powder. It’s a (very!) temporary fix, and you eventually find your face caking and flaking. You look like you’ve aged 10 years, and you’re shiny again to boot! Technology, however, has granted us the latest in innovations that solve the shine problem at its root — and will have you vacationing beachside without that makeup bag full of fleeting fixes.
toners
While the toners of yesteryear left you howling in discomfort (hello, Clearasil!), La Mer’s The Oil Absorbing Tonic ($60) is infused with colloidal mineral waters that soothe and tone the skin. Specifically formulated for oily or problem skin, it is infused with algae extracts to significantly reduce excess sebum that can lead to adult breakouts — without overdrying.
Mattifying moisturizers
SLEEKskin’s MATTE Moisturizer ($72.92) is an oil-free moisturizer that combines natural willow herb and salicylic acid to limit oil production, reduce pore size and maintain a clear complexion. Bonus: It dissolves facial oil while gently exfoliating your skin throughout the day.
Forget oily sunscreens that leave you looking shiny by midday. GoClear’s Moisturizing Sunscreen in SPF 15 ($33.00) is a light, oil-free lotion that absorbs quickly, providing broad-spectrum UVA / UVB sun protection, plus oil-balancing botanical extracts and antioxidants. It leaves skin with a smooth, matte finish. With daily use, this PABA-free lotion is touted to help minimize the appearance of pores, as well. Plus, GoClear is free of potentially irritating ingredients, which can cause post-treatment dark spots for acne sufferers (especially for those with sensitive or dark skin).
Primer prep
The Clarifying Oil Control Serum ($65) by Bambola Beauty is packed with a potent concentration of carrot root extract plus glycolic and salicylic acids, which regulate sebum production and encourage balanced, even skin. It’s effective as a daily moisturizer or more frequently as a spot treatment to reduce shine on the T-zone area — or on active blemishes to encourage healing under makeup.
Prime your skin with Skindinavia’s No More Shine Makeup Finish, an over-makeup mattifier that contains an oil control system that absorbs excess oil and controls surface shine. This weightless mist cools the makeup surface by 20 degrees F and prevents oil from shining through foundation, blush and concealer. Light-dispersing particles deflect shininess to deliver a matte (but natural) look for up to 16 hours. Best of all, it actually improves drugstore makeup quality — adding in subtle hydration that reduces makeup slippage into pores, lines, wrinkles and scars.
Last-minute measures
Be hot to blot with Mai Couture Face Papiers ($33), which keeps your skin free of oil and full of fresh color. Gently press the paper to your face to get an instantly vibrant look while boosting your skin with essential minerals. (We love the bronzing papiers, which offer a non-greasy glow.) Don’t forget to extend that sun-kissed glow by including your neck and decollete.
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