Read ALL about my review process including how I take swatches, photos, and more here.
(I normally post my TSABD Edits on Tuesdays but this one took longer than I anticipated plus I’m going to be in Iceland next week so I wanted to get this posted before I leave)
Though it doesn’t feel like it right now (I’m in NYC), warmer temps will be here soon which means the quest for matte skin shall soon rise again. I know all too well the plight of the oily-skinned: you know the oil is a gift because it will help you look younger on average as you age, but fighting to de-Jermaine Jacksonize your skin can be rough. Womp womp.
So while I’ve always been bringing you oily skin tips and product reviews, I wanted to do this round-up because 1. I was browsing around to see what new products were out that caught my eye and it turned out to be a theme 2. Warmer weather IS coming (or might already be there where you live) and for those of us with oily or combo skin, it’s time to break out some of the mattifying products 3. This is also a great time to remind you that the season is changing and it’s time to consider what’s in your skincare routine that needs to be swapped out for something more weather-appropriate.
P.S. I did a TSABD Edit on hyaluronic acid products, so if you want to read about hydrating products, click here.
P.P.S. While we’re on the topic of oily skin, make sure you also read What NOT to Do if You Have Oily or Very Oily Skin.
So here we go!
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Mattifying
Official description:
This all-in-1 mattifying cleanser is surprisingly powerful yet gentle to oily skin, even sensitive. It is specially formulated to effectively cleanse, remove makeup, and help purify pores. Like a magnet, micelles capture and lift away dirt, oil and makeup without harsh rubbing, leaving skin perfectly clean without a greasy residue left behind.Results: Skin is left perfectly cleansed, refreshed, and shine free with no greasy feel.
I saw this at the drugstore and immediately needed to buy it. The mattifying part got me. Plus I was doing research, so it’s justified (haha). Anyway, I really like the version of this that comes in the pink top (the one for all skin types even sensitive) because it feels so soothing on the skin and does a decent job of removing makeup, but I use it more as a third cleansing step when I have on makeup to make sure I’ve removed all traces of foundation without splashing a bunch of water near my edges. But this mattifying one mystified me. Like—how can a micellar water be mattifying? Hmmm. I gave it a whirl aaaaaand…
it wasn’t any different than the original one in the pink top.
SMH.
I mean, yes there are slight differences between the two. For instance ingredients. The pink top All-in-1 says it contains no oil, no alcohol, and no fragrance. The All-in-1 Mattifying contains no oil and no fragrance.
The Garnier site lists the results of the All-in-1 Mattifying as “skin is left perfectly cleansed, refreshed, and shine free with no greasy feel.” For the pink top All-in-1 it’s “skin is left perfectly cleansed and refreshed without a greasy residue left behind.” There may be other nuances, but to me I didn’t notice any major differences between the two. With consistent use though, I’m sure you’d notice a difference especially with the absence of alcohol in the All-in-1 Mattifying. I like them both—two of the best micellar waters I’ve tried so far and I LOVE that they come in huge bottles. OMG if these came in jumbo-size bottles, my head might explode…lol.
Price and where to buy: about $8.99 each at drugstores and mass market retailers nationwide. Find a store near you here.
Estee Edit Pore Vanishing Moisturizer Matte Hydrator + Primer
(sent to me from the brand’s PR)
Official description:
This multiaction whipped gel-cream instantly blurs the look of pores, eliminates visible oil, and smooths skin. It reduces shine and helps control pore-clogging oil with salicylic acid, brightens with vitamin C, and keeps skin feeling calm and fresh with caffeine and bisabolol. Plus, light-perfecting technology with special optical blurring powders creates a natural, pore-perfect finish. Proven to immediately reduce the appearance of pores and provide instant hydration, you can use this formula as a daily moisturizer or as a primer under makeup.
This is a new launch that controls oil, blurs pores, hydrates, and primes for makeup. I love the sleek packaging and the way the product dispenses in smaller, controlled amounts so you don’t waste product.
Estee Edit Pore Vanishing Moisturizer Matte Hydrator + Primer can be worn alone (make sure you use SPF on top if you’re wearing it during the day) or you can use it as an all in one primer & moisturizer (again, SPF if wearing during the day). I like products like these that can help cut steps in your routine. I have a primer I absolutely love and have been using for years (Mally Beauty Perfect Prep Primer) but this Estee Edit one also hydrates so I don’t need a separate moisturizer (I would need an SPF for during the day though).
Depending on your skin’s texture this can help to give your pores a blurred look—keep in mind that it won’t alter the size of your pores nor will it get rid of them—what it does is it makes them look blurred while you have the product on. It also helps to make your makeup look better in the process.
I do wonder if it’s possible to make a formula like this that includes an SPF as well as hydrates, controls oil, blurs pores, and primes the skin for makeup. That would be really great because then you wouldn’t need a separate SPF. This product still rocks for me though.
Price and where to buy: $38 at Sephora, EsteeLauder.com, and Estee Lauder counters.
Hard Candy Glamoflauge Mix-In Drops Turn Me Matte
(sent to me from the brand’s PR)
Official description:
Hard Candy Turn Me Matte Glamoflauge Mix-In Drops are concentrated liquid drops that can be used to change the finish of your liquid and cream makeup to matte. Simply mix several drops of the transformer into your liquid or cream foundation and then apply the mixture to skin as you normally would. Even the dewiest foundations will instantly transform to a matte finish without compromising the look or feel of your foundation. The mattifying drops reduce shininess on the face, especially in the T-Zone, absorb excess oil and sebum, and minimize and blur pores to create a matte complexion. Skin will be more blurred, with pores becoming less visible. Turn Me Matte drops can also be used throughout the day to absorb oil buildup and refresh your makeup.Hard Candy Glamoflauge Mix-In Drops:
Use to change the finish of your liquid and cream makeup to matte
Even the dewiest foundations will instantly transform to a matte finish without compromising the look or feel of your foundation
Mattifying drops reduce shininess on the face, especially in the T-Zone, absorb excess oil and sebum, and minimize and blur pores to create a matte complexion
These are pretty genius—add a few “drops” to your moisturizer or foundation and make it matte. While the product works great and can save you money and space in your beauty stash by allowing you to extend your slightly heavier moisturizers and foundations into warmer temps, I have to put quotes around drops because the product doesn’t really dispense well. It isn’t a huge deal given the product’s price—you CAN just swipe the product off from around the dropper. It works well so a little applicator issue may not be a deal breaker if you’re more concerned with keeping more of your coin in your pocket.
If you prefer a similar product with great packaging and double the amount of product, check out the Cover FX Custom Blot Drops.
Price and where to buy: $7 at Walmart (plus 1% cash back when you use eBates)
REN Clarimatte T-Zone Balancing Gel-Cream
(sent to me from the brand’s PR)
Official description: What it is: A mattifying fluid that leaves combination skin looking balanced, clear, and beautifully healthy.
What it is formulated to do: This lightweight skin care treatment creates a matte effect as it reduces shine and balances combination skin. It provides antibacterial properties and protects skin against free radicals to combat signs of premature aging.
You massage this into your face and neck until absorbed and it helps to balance combination skin and reduces shine. It has a very pleasing (at least to me) spa-like cucumber-y scent and the gel-cream formula feels so cool and soothing on the skin. Clarimatte is able to nicely hydrate the skin without feeling heavy and helps to control shine. It also has added anti-aging properties.
You can use this as your moisturizer, but be sure to use an SPF if you’re wearing it during the day.
Price and where to buy: $52 at Sephora (plus 4% cash back when you use eBates)
boscia White Charcoal Mattifying Makeup Setting Spray
(sent to me from the brand’s PR)
Official description:
What it is:
A setting spray that locks makeup in place while visibly minimizing shine and pore size with the power of white charcoal.Solutions for:
– Pores
– Dryness
– OilinessThe White Charcoal Mattifying MakeUp Setting Spray provides continuous oil control for hydrated skin, all-day makeup wear, and a matte finish. The fine mist sets makeup as it simultaneously treats the skin with a blend of effective botanical ingredients known for their absorbent properties. Binchotan white charcoal controls excess oil, detoxifies the pores, and balances the skin’s moisture content. Artichoke leaf extract and black tea visibly minimize the appearance of enlarged pores instantly and over time by increasing skin elasticity and brightening the pore wall. Vitamin-rich, antioxidant black tea also works to protect skin against free radical damage.
I’ve been a boscia fan for nearly ten years now. Started when I walked into a Sephora and was offered a skincare analysis test and it was recommended that I use their Purifying Cleansing Gel. Since then I’ve found some great products from the line that I love (MakeUP BreakUP Cleansing Oil, Charcoal Deep-Pore Cleansing Treatment Stick, etc.) and was excited to try the boscia White Charcoal Mattifying MakeUp Setting Spray.
I used to swear by makeup sprays years ago, but then found that I didn’t really have a need for them all the time in my routine. But I gave this one a whirl because I really like the boscia brand. The spray gives you a mini spa-like experience—you can use it before makeup to prep the skin and of course after to set your makeup. You definitely want to make sure you follow the directions with this one and hold the bottle 6-8 inches from your face before spraying. Get too close and instead of a fine mist you might get bigger accumulations of product that can look like white tears on your face (no bueno). I liked how you can feel it working—it’s like you actually feel it mattifying. It performed well and my makeup looked great when wearing it, but it wasn’t such a drastic difference for me where I felt I couldn’t do without it. But it is winter (or it was when I tested it) so I could see myself using it a little more in the summer. If you’re curious, I would get the smaller 1 oz bottle before committing to the full size. You *could* also spritz the tester on your face in Sephora to give it a quick test run.
Price and where to buy: $12 for 1 fl oz; $38 for 5.07 fl oz at Sephora (plus 4% cash back when you use eBates) and Boscia.com.
Estee Lauder DayWear Matte
Did I tell you guys I worked for Estee Lauder for a small stint back in 2010? I did! I learned a ton about skin during that time because Estee Lauder puts a lot of science and research behind their skincare (they also seem to put a lot of fragrance in their skincare, too). But I would see firsthand how clients would rave about their Estee Lauder favorites.
I have some EL products I’ve tried and loved, but the fragrance in them typically keeps me from using them regularly. Of course I may just be more sensitive to fragrance in products than others because like I just said, I would see firsthand how clients would rave about their EL faves.
OK—enough babbling, let’s talk DayWear Matte.
Official description:
Goodbye, shine. Hello, matte.
This fresh, ultra-light gel creme, with our powerful MoistureMatte Technology, controls oil up to 10 hours and helps skin minimize visible shine all day; giving skin a healthy matte finish. Reduces the look of pores. Helps resist the first signs of aging. Skin feels fresh, smooth, soft, hydrated.Now, face the day with confidence. It’s more than matte. It’s just what your skin needs.
HOW TO USE
Apply as a last step in your skincare regimen. Avoid eye area.
This has a pretty strong cucumber spa-like scent but I’m not mad at it. I just have to make sure I wash my hands after using it so the smell doesn’t wind up annoying me minutes later. The gel creme is SUPER lightweight and feels so soothing and cool on the skin. I tested it out on a somewhat mild day (mid to high 50s) and it did well to control my oil and keep me matte. Because of the consistency, I can see this being a spring or fall type of moisturizer for me—but I will have to try this out again once the weather is consistently warmer to see if it can work for me in summer-like weather. There isn’t SPF in this so I might use this for times when I go out at night (which is different than using a nighttime moisturizer before bed).
Price and where to buy: $54 at Nordstrom (plus 4% cash back when you use eBates) and other department store websites, Estee Lauder counters nationwide, and EsteeLauder.com
Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15 | PA++
(sent to me from the brand’s PR)
OK—this isn’t as new as the other products on this list, but I couldn’t have a mattifying post without it.
I’ve loved Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15 for YEAAAAAARS. It’s been my favorite mattifying moisturizer for quite some time and is what I typically use when the weather is about 65 degrees or warmer (depends on the humidity, too). It’s like a legit mattifier that not only controls my oil, but as an added benefit helps my makeup stay on a little longer (when I wear this plus my Mally Beauty Perfect Prep Primer my makeup is damn near bulletproof, although I’ll have to try substituting in the Estee Edit Pore Vanishing Moisturizer).
You can see previous posts on Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15 here.
Price and where to buy: $40 at Sephora (plus 4% cash back when you use eBates), Murad.com, and some department stores.
GlamGlow VOLCASMIC™ Matte Glow Moisturizer
(sent to me from the brand’s PR)
Official description:
What it is:
A lightweight, creamy moisturizer with essential minerals to help absorb oil while hydrating skin, without adding shine.If you want to know more…
This pressed, luxurious moisturizer transforms skin with nourishment and moisture for a supple, matte glow. Volcanic minerals act like microscopic sponges to help soak up oil—making skin instantly smooth, but never shiny. The water balm formula delivers optimal hydration and, if used in the morning, provides a prepped, even canvas for flawless makeup application.
I found this to be a very interesting product. If you rub it into the skin like you might apply your regular moisturizers, it gives a very, VERY subtle (like you might not even see it) glow but leaves the skin matte. But if you dab or press it into the skin, you’ll get a dewy kind of glow (meaning the skin looks “wet” as opposed to say a golden sheen) while still being matte (the dewiness look does seem to wear off after a while so if you want to add some luminosity without overpowering your skin, add a teeny bit of a powder luminizer to the moisturizer OR you could gently sweep some on with a brush after you apply this moisturizer). The texture of the product feels really cool, too–it almost looks like a paste and then emulsifies and seems to disappear into the skin. It has a sweet orange vanilla scent—very much like a creamsicle.
I do think this is a try before you buy kind of product. It’s definitely not something you *need* but I still find it pretty cool especially on days when I’m not wearing makeup and want a little something extra.
Price and where to buy: $54 at Sephora (plus 4% cash back when you use eBates)
