Every day, new trends develop in the fast-moving world of beauty, but one of the continuing crazes that is still practiced by many is the use of the stomach acid-reducing agent, Milk of Magnesia, as a matifying face primer.
I am quite fascinated by this beauty hack, but can’t get over the fact that women are putting their skin at risk just to achieve the sought-after matifying effect in their makeup. Milk of Magnesia might work well and achieve the results you are looking after, but how healthy can it be for your skin in the long term?
While I don’t doubt that it absorbs excess grease on the face, particularly those who have oily skin, it’s important to remember that first and foremost, it is a laxative! Also, any skin product that aggressively blocks the skin from generating natural oil, essential for keeping the skin hydrated, shouldn’t be in your beauty regime. It could likely put you at risk of skin irritation like acne and pigmentations.
I’m not going to leave you hanging though. There are many other oil-controlling beauty products out there, that won’t leave your skin dehydrated but can still minimise the level of oil that your skin produces once applied, with or without makeup.
L’Oreal Infallible mattifying primer: Gives a matte finish with velvet- touch. RRP £8.99
NYX Professional Makeup Shine Killer primer: For matte finish that lasts all day, wearable under a foundation or by itself to control oil. £11
MAC Oil Control Lotion: Great oil free moisturiser for oily skin. It can be used on its own or before makeup application. Also available in 30ml, great size for traveling. £25
dermalogica Clearing Mattifier: A great medicated moisturising treatment that helps reduce congestion and controls shine; can also be used to prep before makeup application. This product is also available in oil control lotion. £47.50
Cover|FX Mattifying Primer (with anti-acne treatment): Oil free gel primer, reduce the appearance of pores and prevents blemishes. £15
This article was written by Omotolani Shokeye
