It took me fifteen minutes, but I found visual proof of the high shine glow.Every summer season I fight the battle of the shiny t-zone. I have very few pictures of me during the summer because of the high shine glare that happens when light hits my skin. This beauty disaster while prevalent year round is definitely worse in the summer season, the warmer temperatures cause my skin to produce more oil and sweat excessively. Also being fair skinned I need to bring out the SPF big guns in the summer, which means heavier sunblock (my pores can't breathe just writing about it). Most sunblocks add to the oily situation that's already happening on my face and some even caused me to breakout. Fun! That was then and this is now. This summer after years of rouge skincare experimentation and some informed medical advice (consulting a dermatologist) I have found some simple solutions to get me through this summer shine free. I might even have some pictures to show for it.
Elta MD Skincare UV Clear SPF 46 - This is unlike any sunscreen I have ever tried. My dermatologist recommended this formula after I remarked how most sunscreens make me super oily and breakout. A little goes a long way with this lightweight formula. The lotion is thin (decidedly ungloppy), goes on smoothly, absorbs quickly and dries to a silky matte finish, no high shine SPF glow here. I have been using it for two weeks and my skin has not had a negative reaction (clogged pores or breakouts), in fact my skin appears more even toned and less red. It's not cheap, but a bottle seems like it will last a long while. Tip: Allow moisturizer and sunscreen to absorb fully into the ( at least 5 minutes) before applying makeup on top.
Make-up Forever HD Microfinish Powder - I received a sample of this in a gift bag and I waited a few weeks before giving it a try. I was skeptical, the powder is pure white and I wasn't that keen on looking any paler than I already am. One morning I couldn't find my regular powder compact and this was the only other powder on hand. I tapped out a small amount onto the lid, swirled my powder brush into the ultra fine mix and bravely dusted my face. The result was surprising, instead of looking like a black and white film star or a cast member from any vampire show/ movie, I looked like me. Just with a nice matte finish to my skin, the powder also kept my skin matte for longer than any other powder formula I have tried. I am pretty pale so I am not sure how this white concoction would fare on darker complexions, but you can test drive it in Sephora before taking it home. Tip: for midday touch-ups load up a retractable powder brush with a dusting of power and stash in your purse, like this Kabuki brush from Eco Tools .
Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets - These are the emergency brake in my shine free skin plan, if all else fails pull these out. These little blue sheets quickly pull oil away from my skin without smudging my makeup too much. I sometimes marvel at the amount of oil the sheet collects from my skin, it goes from being opaque to sheer, like a grease stained napkin (yuck). I have found that I definitely need more than one to sop-up mid afternoon grease so buying on sale and in bulk helps to prevent running out in the middle of a heat wave. Tip: These are bright blue, discreet they are not, hightail it to the ladies room or a corner somewhere if you don't want to attract curious stares.
Are there any other greasy girls out there? What do you do to control shine, especially when the heat is on?
