Your face greases up more easily in hot weather. To maintain a fresh, matte complexion, these products – from primers to moisturisers – keep excess oil and enlarged pores in check without drying skin.
Your face greases up more easily in hot weather. To maintain a fresh, matte complexion, these products – from primers to moisturisers – keep excess oil and enlarged pores in check without drying skin.
Serum
From left:
Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Serum, $61
Its star ingredient, Umbrian clay from Italy, has extra high mineral content that helps to neutralise acidity, soak up oil and impurities, and calm irritation.
Laneige Mini Pore Blurring Tightener, $52
Use this as the last step of skincare to blur out pores. It also seals in nutrients from skincare and maintains skin’s oil-water balance.
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum, $100
A concentrated mix of seven alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, such as glycolic, lactic and salicylic, dissolves waxy plugs in pores, regulates oil production and boosts skin renewal.
Caudalie Vinopure Skin Perfecting Serum, $62
It’s ultra-light but has a high concentration of salicylic acid to tackle excess oil and blackheads. Rosewater, antioxidants and essential oils soothe and hydrate to prevent over-drying.
Moisturiser
From left:
Origins Original Skin Matte Moisturizer with Willowherb, $61
Gives you matte skin with a healthy glow. Works well on its own or as a base to help makeup last longer on oily skin.
Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Stay-matte Hydrator, $75
This oil-free moisturiser keeps oily T-zones looking fresh and matte for up to eight hours. Light-scattering optics also reduce the look of pores.
Chantecaille Anti-Pollution Mattifying Cream, $166
Not only does it shrink pores and smooth skin texture, it also protects against free radicals and pollutioninduced damage, such as a weakened skin barrier and slackened pore walls.
Dior Hydra Life Matte Dew Hydration Sorbet Droplet Emulsion, $110
Made for combination skin, it delivers an instant fresh sensation when applied, gives day-long moisture and a lasting matte finish thanks to natural cellulose powder.
Primer
From left:
Guerlain L’Essentiel Pore Minimizer Shine-Control Primer, $84
Evens skin tone and creates a smooth surface for foundation. It also has probiotics to support skin’s moisture barrier, so long-term use means skin is less prone to greasiness.
Cover FX Mattifying Primer, $25
Good for oily, combination and acne-prone skin, this weightless gel has salicylic acid to treat blemishes, and is free of ingredients like mineral oil and talc that may clog pores.
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Blurring, $70
The water-based, silicone-free formula forms a breathable barrier that helps makeup last longer. Microalgae and blurring powder soak up excess oil and condition skin.
Shiseido Waso Poreless Matte Primer, $39
A small pinch applied on the T-zone and oil-prone areas will cut the look of pores and keep skin matte for hours. You can even use it over foundation during the day if you need a touch-up.
Foundation
Clockwise from top left:
Burberry Matte Glow Foundation, $85
Offers high coverage in a lightweight and breathable formula. It goes on like a second skin for a natural, soft-matte finish, plus curbs shine, and is resistant to heat and humidity.
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear, $68
You get comfortable, velvetymatte full coverage, said to last up to 24 hours without discolouring or caking. It conceals redness and pores, and absorbs oil for a flawless touch-up-free look.
Chanel Ultra Le Teint, $88
Its luminous-matte finish and colour lasts all day with no touch-ups required. Natural glycerine and an ultra-fine texture help it melt into skin, forming a breathable and comfortable veil.
Estee Lauder Double Wear Soft Glow Matte Cushion, $75
This medium-to-full coverage cushion provides all-day moisture and shine control so skin always looks plump and radiant. Stays colour-true and won’t cake or settle into pores.
Hera Black Cushion Foundation, $75
Smooth and lightweight, it blends into skin seamlessly and has a formula designed to last. Leaves a semi-matte finish that feels like a light dusting of powder over foundation.
Mist
Sebum levels typically go up around 11am and peak at noon, making that the best time to whip out this travel-sized mattifier for a spritz.
From top:
The Body Shop Mint Mattifying Face Mist, $12
Refresh your skin and makeup with a quick spray of this hydrating and cooling mist. Its mix of mint, seaweed extract and kaolin clay curbs shine while delivering a moisture boost for skin dehydrated by the weather, air-conditioning or insufficient water intake.
Boscia Balancing Facial Tonic, $38
It’s pH-balanced, free of alcohol and preservatives, and uses 100 percent natural fragrance and colour, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It soothes inflammation, hydrates and purifies greasy skin all at once.
