Oil free

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The facts of life are simple and unchangeable: the sun rises in the morning, the seasons change (men on the other hand don’t), the big fish will eat the smaller one and oily complexions are a big problem. If you’re wondering why, then you probably don’t have oily skin. If however you are nodding your head feeling eager to read the rest of the column then you probably sympathize so I won’t keep you waiting long.

After trying almost every oily skin remedy product (seriously) I decided on 6 products that work really well, almost miraculously on my very very oily skin, because they limit the shine, the i-have-mud-on-my-face feeling and pimples.  Indeed, oily complexions are prone to blackheads, spots and acne (Dear God) and…indeed, I am saying this to the group that doesn’t sympathize but continues to read because they like the way I write.

To be honest with you however, oily skins have one such great advantage that is worth the trouble of shine and spots: IT AGES SLOWER. So keep reading and chin up, all those girls with perfect matte skins will age quicker than you (do you still like the way I write?).

The recipe of success

• Cleansing

If you have an oily complexion and yet you don’t wash your face in the morning and the evening then acne is just around the corner. Cleansing is essential and the best product to help you with it is the cleansing gel Effaclar by La Roche-Posay. It swipes away oiliness and dirt (makeup, dust etc) while respecting your skin. The great thing about it is that, although it acts against oiliness it doesn’t leave your skin uncomfortable like most special soaps and it prevents breakouts.

• Lotion

Yes, you need lotion and probably more than any other type of skin. It might seem like a boring and unnecessary step of cleansing but trust me it isn’t. Lotion helps your opened from washing pores to tighten keeping out anything that might cause spots and it swipes away excess soap that might still be on there. The perfect lotion? It’s the Normaderm Astrigent Lotion by Vichy. It is soft, friendly to the skin and with regulatory factors that put a stop to shine and spots.

• Exfoliation

By exfoliating your skin you help it breathe as all the dead cells are removed leaving you with soft new skin. My personal favorite is the 8 week Turnaround Radiance Peel System by Clinique. It provides the maximum results of exfoliation with the minimum stress for your skin, perfect.

• Hydration

Having oily skin doesn’t mean that you do not need to hydrate it. Indeed, creams can be tricky as they may cause problems to oily skins if they are too heavy but if you get the Effaclar Duo Cream by La Roche-Posay you will be hydrated and protected, guaranteed. Also it acts against breakouts and it corrects spots, how great is that.

• Makeup

Good or bad? While it is a rule that powders are best for oily complexions I need a little more coverage. The Superfit Makeup by Clinique is oil free, creamy yet light and with a dewy not shiny effect so it is perfect for me.

• Accessories

One thing that should never leave your bag is blotting tissues and more specifically the Tea Tree Blotting Tissues by The Body Shop. They save the day (and night) by removing excess oil and shine with just one dab without ruining your makeup.