Make it matte

Make it matte

It’s not easy to stay shine-free in summer – but these tips and treatments might just help…

Your number one weapon when it comes to keeping skin matte and shine-free? Primer. It’s the perfect product to absorb excess oil and promote a smooth, velvety finish. Dermalogica’s multi-tasking Hydrablur Primer hydrates and transforms skin into an even surface with a dramatic blurring effect. As well as providing a flawless canvas for make-up application, it’s also great for a naturally radiant, make-up free appearance: ideal for summer! Balance Me’s new Hyaluronic Plumping Primer  is another great option: it works topically to instantly fill fine lines, target surface dehydration and offer an immediate, visible plumping effect to the skin.

Moisturising your skin might sound counter-intuitive, but it’s essential if you want a matte finish: trying to dry out your skin can send your natural oil production into overdrive. Choose a moisturiser suited to your skin type – particularly if it’s naturally oily or prone to breakouts. Dermalogica’s Clear Start Matte Moisturizer SPF15 has an ultra-light, non-greasy hydrating formula to control oily areas. Providing an all-over matte finish, added SPF helps to shield against the UV rays that can make breakouts worse and cause dark spots. If you want a clearing moisturiser with a higher SPF, Dermalogica’s new Clear Start Clearing Defense SPF30 provides a long-lasting matte finish and protects skin from environmental assault.

 

A touch of witch hazel is another way to keep the shine at bay. You could add a few drops to your primer or moisturiser, or look for a simple witch hazel ​water to apply directly. Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream is designed to address dark shadows, firm skin and reduce puffiness – and thanks to the addition of witch hazel, it won’t create a shiny sheen around the eye area; instead, it tightens skin and reduces inflammation and puffiness.

Over-washing skin is easy to do in summer, when you feel hot and bothered. But over-washing can cause over-drying – and the skin compensates naturally by creating more oils to self-moisturise. Stick to washing your face twice a day, in the morning and evening and use a facial spritz or spring water spray during the day if you need a refresher: Dermalogica’s Multi-Active Toner 30ml is perfect for popping in your bag and will help to maintain hydration levels throughout the day.

SPF is essential in summer, but many sunscreens contain oil (with the aim of combating the drying effects of the sun). If you’re susceptible to shiny skin, this isn’t helpful. Dermalogica’s Oil Free Matte SPF30 helps to prevent shine, regulate oil production and soothe inflammation. With oil-absorbers, to help maintain an all-day matte finish without a powdery residue, it provides lightweight, ultra-sheer broad-spectrum sun protection.

A healthy diet will also help to balance oily skin and encourage a matte complexion. Avoid food that’s high in fat and sugar, swapping for fruit, vegetables and lean protein. Spicy food won’t help you avoid the sweats on a sticky day (or night) so choose your spice levels wisely – and cutting down on sugar-sweetened beverages can help, too. There is some evidence that dairy products, including cows’ milk, butter and cheese, and red meat can lead to increased oil production – so try not to overdo it on the burgers and ice cream. There are lots of plant-based treats you could try instead when you’re eating out or cooling down.

Applying powder is an ‘old faithful’ in terms of achieving matte skin – but it can produce unintended – and unpleasant – results. Not only can it create a ‘cakey’ effect, it can also block pores, which can cause breakouts. If you do prefer a powder, Amazing Cosmetics Velvet Mineral Pressed Powder Foundation Light Golden instantly minimises the appearance of pores and fine lines without settling; it feels undetectable, never caking or creasing and allowing skin to breathe.

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