An Endless Search for an End to Oily Skin Problems

The last few months of my life has been spent on reading, buying, and trying various skin care products that claim an end to problems for people with oily skin. Over the last month, I have found a few products that are not "miracle worker" by any means, but they assist the solution, which is to mattify.


Here is a list of those products:

Phillips Milk of Magnesia (Original)

Givenchy Tone It True Mattifying Lotion
Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Mattifying Moisturizer
ELF Blotting Paper
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer


1) Phillips Milf of Magnesia is a product raved by many people on Youtube as the ultimate solution to shiny skin. Unfortunately, I did not get those noticeable results. Infact, this did nothing to reduce my shine. Within 2 hours of makuep application, I was oily as can be. I will continue to use this to see if my mind changes, but so far I am not satisfied with this.


2) Givenchy Mattifying Lotion (which is actually a toner) and the Mattifying Moisturizer were designed to work together to increase the mattifyed look. The appeal of my current makeup routine is based off of a good skin prep routine. These two products do wonders for me. Despite the fact that they don't control the oil production of my skin, they do help to control the intensity of that oil for as long as possible. On the pricier side, but totally worth it for me. I use it after cleansing in the morning and night.


3) E.L.F. Blotting Sheets (AKA Shine Erase) are my new love. In an 8-10 hour day, I use 2-3 of these sheets and pat them all over my face. Effect: Instant mattifyer and shine eraser. Retails at $1 and can be bought at some Targets or online at the E.L.F website.


4) Smashbox Primer. Primers are essential to people with oily skin. Dryer skin types can live without it if their face doesn't need too much coverage. This primer doesn't control oil but provides another layer that the oil has to go through to reach the surface of the skin. It also makes my foundation glide onto my skin. Refines the visibility of pores and gives a flawless effect. It also helps makeup stay on face longer so it doesn't just melt off your face during intense heat or with an accumulation of too much oil.


Have a Beautiful Day!!
Harsimran

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra

Immidiately After Application

After two-three hours without touch up

Hello my fellow ladies. Makeup foundation is essential to putting together any look, whether that is for your everday wear or for special occasions. A good or bad foundation can either make or break your look. So, it is very important to try out a few foundations to see which one works with your skin. It's important to have the right tools to tackle any project.

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra:

Cons:

-Price

-Oxidation

-Lack of Oil Control

Pros:

-Packaging

-Coverage

-Color Selection

-Texture

-Finish

-Long Lasting

First off, the price of this luxury brand foundation is $42. Yes, you read correctly. This bottle comes in a glass bottle and holds 1 oz. of product (which is the average size of a liquid foundation). This foundation is ideal for oily skin due to its oil-free formula. This foundation has a tendency to oxidize on my skin (due to the oil production on my face). So, I would suggest to go one shade lighter than your normal color (especially in the summer), after an hour or so of wearing this foundation, it will mix in with the oils on your face and become darker. Since I have really oily skin, this is a common effect of foundations on me. Despite its oil free formula, this product does not help with oil production. If I was wearing this foundation during the day, I would still have to blot my face with blotting paper 2-3 times.

Now the good things...The packaging is very convenient glass bottle with a plastic pump. This ensures less wastage since you only dispense what you need. Also less chances of bacteria buildup since there is minimal contact with air exposure due to the pump. Although the foundation is claimed to be a full coverage, I would have to say that it is medium to full coverage. So, you can decide how much you need and build accordingly. There are 19 shades available with a wide selection from fair to dark and from warm to cool undertones. 


They have a good variety for ethnic skin tones as well as caucasian ones. The texture of this product is not cakey at if applied correctly.  I have noticed that with fingers and brushes, it becomes streaky. I prefer to apply it on my face with a standard foundation brush, then blend it with a beauty blender.   Infact, it looks like your own skin, that has been improved. A little product goes a long ways. Easily blends, but blends quickly, so work with one area at a time. The finish is neither matte or dewy. Rather it is satin, which is right in between. This looks non-greasy but still emphasizes a natural glow from within. 


The foundation claims to be a 14 hour retouch free. That is a pretty bold claim that doesn't quite meet its expectations. It is long wearing (I have worn it up to 10 hours), however, even then, I do have to blot and retouch with powder.

Overall, I would rate this foundation as a 4.0. I love the finish as well as the natural look of this foundation. The downside is definitely the inability to control oil and the fact that it oxidizes. However, paired with a primer, it helps with the oils seeping through. But I could care less than to wear a primer on an everyday basis.