To glow is one thing; to glisten and shine is quite another. Such is the challenge of oily-skin care — especially during the summer months. Here are three products that have become permanent members of my hot-weather beauty arsenal. If you have oily skin, you’ll thank me.
Step 1: Cleanse
Keeping pores clear is the key to a smoother complexion. The trick is to find a way to exfoliate regularly without irritation — if you have clogged, oil-prone skin, scrubs meant to be used only once or twice a week aren’t going to do much good.
A better idea: daily gentle sloughing. G.M Collin Active Exfoliant refines and exfoliates with rice powder granules, plus fruit-based enzymes derived from papain and bromelain (papaya and pineapple).
$39, available at spas and skin1.com
Step 2: Mattify
Finally, a mattifyer that really and truly works (take it from me: I’ve tried them all). Avène Eau Thermale Mattifying Fluid does precisely what it says, sans oily-feeling silicones. The star ingredient here is patent-pending Glutamic acid, which works to inhibit sebum production. The formula itself is a gel-fluid, with just enough hydration for people like me, who feel that regular moisturizers just exacerbate the oil-slick syndrome. Skin is left with a naturally fresh, matte finish.
$26, aveneusa.com
Step 3: Enhance
Perfect for a natural-yet-polished look, Miracle Skin Transformer Acne Control evens out skin tone with a hint of translucent color. Plus, it contains salicylic acid and anti-microbial peptides to soothe redness and prevent and heal any errant zits.
$48, sephora.com
—Mary Clarke