Read ALL about my review process including how I take swatches, photos, and more here.
So I’ve been a huge Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer fan for the last like 10+ years. And it’s mainly because back when I first tried it, it was pretty annoying to find a moisturizer that didn’t feel like it sat on my skin’s surface and made my already oily skin feel even oilier, so I stuck with what worked well. I still love my Perricone moisturizer but since it doesn’t have SPF, I’d often have to add an SPF product to wear it during the day (you can also use it as a night moisturizer which made it very multitasking). But what kind of beauty blogger would I be if I only tried ONE moisturizer. Plus living in a city that has four distinct seasons, it doesn’t even make sense for me to have just one moisturizer because skincare needs change as the weather does.
I’m also a huge fan of Murad and have been for years. One of my favorite moisturizers for oily skin is the Murad Oil-Control Mattifier—I use it during summer or when it’s warmer than usual out—or if I’m traveling to a warmer climate. The thing with skin is that, again, your skincare needs can change with the seasons. I can’t use the same things I used in summer that I can use now in fall and I switch things up again in the winter when it gets cold and dry here. And if you live somewhere that has distinct seasons, I’m sure that’s the same for you, too. Also, our skin changes as we get older. I’m still oily but not as oily as I used to be and right now I’m definitely not as oily as I get in the summer. I’m always looking for new moisturizers to try (again: what kind of beauty blogger would I be if I only tried and used ONE of anything…lol) and went through my beauty closet and found Murad Balancing Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 15 | PA++. When the brand first sent this to me, I was on my Murad Oil-Control Mattifier cycle so I set it to the side. Now that it’s a little cooler out but not cold enough for me to need a heavier moisturizer, I decided to give it a whirl.
Read the things you shouldn’t be doing if you have oily skin here
Official info:
What it is:
A lightweight moisturizer that helps control oil to prevent shine and blackheads while providing broad spectrum sun protection.What it is formulated to do:
Balancing Moisturizer delivers lightweight hydration and protection against UVA/UVB rays, as it helps control oil to prevent shine and blackheads. Microscopic spheres containing vitamins A, C, and E support natural cell turnover to promote healthy, radiant skin while Japanese alder flower extract aids in preventing blackhead formation. Lactic acid and amino acids provide lightweight hydration that helps keep skin in balance. This must-have moisturizer is recommended as a step three moisturizer in any Murad pore reform regimen. It hydrates and protects skin to promote a clear complexion as part of Dr. Murad’s Inclusive Health® system of care.
I like that this sinks into my skin and I don’t feel heavy residue. This is an odd time of year where one day it can be in the 80s and the next in the 60s so this is definitely something I’d use when the temps are closer to the 60s or maybe low 70s (though I typically would wear a mattifying moisturizer when it’s in the 70s and higher). I obviously had some oil breakthrough throughout the day when I was testing it on a 70-ish degree day, but nothing like I’d normally get so there was definitely some oil control action going on (but obviously not like the Murad Oil Control Mattifier). When it was a bit cooler out (like in the 60s) it was pretty much perfect for me. This will be one of my go-to moisturizers for my fall and early winter skincare (unless the weather takes a drastic turn).
See more skincare posts here
Bottom line: Murad Balancing Moisturizer is a good try if you have oily or combo skin and you’re experiencing moderate weather where you are. This might be a good try for normal to dry skin in warmer weather. Your best bet as always with skincare like this is to get a sample at Sephora and try before you buy.
Price and where to buy: $40 at Sephora (plus 4% cash back when you use eBates)
Oh girlll!!! You are right on time with this. I followed your coverfx infusion drops post from instagram over to your blog (which I go on quite frequently and this is by far the BEST beauty blog I have EVER came across) and then I ended up on this page, which is what I am currently struggling with. I have clicked on every link you have that directs me to other skin care products on your blog including murad, boots no. 7 products (serums, peels, cleansing oils), what to not to when you have oily skin, season changes with skincare etc. Thank you for always providing extra information for your readers. You rock! So, here is my struggle at the moment. I have really really oily skin. Acne prone oily skin, although I have tackled much of the acne by using retina at night. My favorite foundation is the Lancome 24 hour foundation and it looks flawless on me, well it used to… Ever since the last week of August my makeup has not been looking the same. Nothing has changed in my routine so I am stuck on what is causing the issue. It seems my skin has gotten much more oiler than normal, my makeup doesn’t look flawless (skin-like) like it normally does and it doesn’t last. I will put on a full face and it wouldn’t look like it. Now I know you said that during season changes we have to change up our skin care routine and that’s what I first thought of, but coming from summer to fall wouldn’t necessarily cause more oily skin, right? So I first started with my moisturizer, I have been using Neutrogena oil-free moisturizer for the past year and I love it, between that and my rimmel stay matte primer and urban decay de slick oil control spray (before and after my makeup), my makeup tends to stay flawless for about 5 hours. Anything after that requires blotting which is typical for me…. So I tried this Formula 10.0.6 shine free mattifying moisturizer from Walgreens and the hourglass mineral veil primer (for oily skin)… didn’t work. Then I tried the infamous Becca Ever Matte Primer with the same moisturizer… didn’t work. I even tried the Murad oil control mattifier that you and everyone else raves about and it still didn’t work! I don’t know what to do. Of course everyone’s skin is different and requires different needs but I value your opinion. Do you think I should try the murad balancing moisturizer? Have you tried the Boots no. 7 beautifully matte primer? I want to try that. Would you think it is the primer I’m using is the issue or moisturizer? I know this is a really long post and I probably sound desperate, because I am lol. I just want my flawless face back … :(
Author
Hey Ashley!
Thanks so much for reading! Makes me SO happy to hear you love the blog :)
I know you’ve read through a lot of posts, but I think you *might* be doing something I talked about in this post: https://www.thestyleandbeautydoctor.com/2015/07/oily-skin-skincare-routine-tips/
I don’t think you need to try anything new yet—skincare-wise. If the weather is getting colder where you are right now, you won’t need a mattifying moisturizer because the skin need something more hydrating in colder weather (yes, even oily skin) and you could actually be drying out your skin and making it produce more oil if you’re not properly moisturizing.
It seems like you’ve got a good hang on knowing to switch your skincare as the seasons change, but you also have to change your makeup. I don’t wear the Lancome foundation (I don’t have a shade match—they either get too dark or too light or wrong undertone) but it could be that it’s too “heavy” for you. Try using less of it and see how that goes. Are you using a powder to set it? That’s also important for getting your makeup to last.
I haven’t tried the boots primer yet. Some primer formulas don’t mix well with foundations though—for example some brands make their primers to work best with their own brand’s foundations.
You’ll have to try different scenarios to figure out what works best and before you buy anything full size—get samples. I can’t really tell what the issue might be but I’m thinking it might be that the foundation formula isn’t right for right now. (or wasn’t right for the summer for you).
Hope this helps! Keep me posted on how it works out.
Author
also I tried that Formula 10.0.6 stuff and it felt like it made me oilier…lol.
Yes!! I think that is what is happening to me as well.
Thank you so much for replying to this long post. i will take your advice and change up the foundation or use less of it. I will refrain from using the formula 10.0.6 stuff as well lol. It is a waste.. I will also try to use a more hydrating moisturizer and use powder bc I don’t set it with powder, I only set my highlighted and contour areas and apply powder highlight. Thanks again!!! You will be hearing from me ;)