The alleged perk of looking younger longer is the only good thing that comes with combination skin. While what is technically referred to as a T-zone can sometimes resemble a dewy glow, during the summer months it can turn into a greasy mess, which puts me anywhere but in the zone. Luckily, the beauty industry is full of mattifying and oil controlling options and so I enjoy extending my youth and stay confident with these staples from Dr. Dennis Gross, boscia, MAC, e.l.f. and TATCHA.
The Clarifying Colloidal Sulfur Mask from Dr. Dennis Gross is a fantastic overnight spot treatment for stubborn blackheads or surprise breakouts as it purifies, refines, and decongests troubled complexions. Applied on the T-zone after cleansing and left on for 10-20 minutes, it absorbs excess oil and tightens any pore, making it appear smaller. Infused with Colloidal Sulfur (5%), Retinol, Licorice Root Extract, and Prickly Pear, this Bentonite Clay based mask is calming and mattifying but neither harsh nor drying. Filed under: multi-tasker, summertime staple. $42 – 1.7 oz at sephora.com, dgskincare.com
Soothing and hydrating, boscia No Pores No Shine T-Zone Treatment is a lightweight yet powerful daytime moisturizer. Suitable for all skin types, this botanically driven lotion features oil absorbing Silica, pore refining Artichoke Root Extract, and antibacterial Burdock Root. Silky and quickly absorbent, No Pores No Shine significantly reduces the appearance of enlarged pores and keeps the complexion matte for most of the day. Filed under: instant and long term realness. $36 – 1 oz at sephora.com, boscia.com
The iconic Blot Powder from MAC is hands down the pioneer make-up item in the oil controlling category. Containing both Mica and Silica, it absorbs oil and controls shine without adding significant color or texture. Ideal to set your makeup or touch it up during the day, this pressed powder is ultra airy and borderline invisible. Sleek, unique, and and just as portable, it is available in five shade options that guarantee completely flawless performance. Filed under: never be without, lasts forever. $26 – .42 oz at macccosmetics.com, Nordstrom.com
The HD Mattifying Balm from e.l.f. (eyes, lips, face) is arguably the best $6 you will ever spend on your T-zone. Clear and dense, this almost waxy balm glides on with the sponge applicator, which creates a soft focus effect and blurs any imperfections. It completely smoothes out the surface of the skin. Nourishing Jojoba, Grape, and Meadowfoam Seed oils balance out oil production to help avoid excessive shine. Resembling a solid primer, it is phenomenal under your makeup or to freshen up your look midday. Filed under: best deal ever, it works. $6 – .32 oz at eyeslipsface.com
As intricate as every TATCHA product ever made, the Aburatorigami japanese beauty papers are the luxed up version of a common blotting tissue. These super soft sheets are made of fibrous Abaca Leaf that when pressed against the skin, lift off the oil without disturbing the makeup or extracting moisture from the skin. True to ancient Japanese artisanal craft, the Aburatorigami papers are studded with flakes of gold, exactly the way a Geisha uses them in her beauty ritual. Larger in size than any other blotting sheet, one whisper thin sheet makes for a perfect single application. Opulent and effective, these belong in every handbag. Filed under: won’t travel without. $12 for 30 sheets at sephora.com, tatcha.com