I showered, cleansed my face thoroughly and applied Instablur—a “face perfector” from The Body Shop (P1,195). The effect is that I looked fresh for six straight hours without air-conditioning—with only a slightly shiny nose and forehead that needed a bit of powdering.

 

The consistency and color resemble a preschooler’s paste; it does not stick to the fingers and may fall off, so one has to make sure finger pads are facing up.

 

Press on, rub in right away and watch it cover up pores, blend into any skintone, blur spots and control shine for up to 12 hours in controlled temperature.

 

It is designed to be a makeup primer which evens up the skin’s surface by filling in lines, leveling bumps and gaping pores. Foundation or makeup goes on smooth and stays longer as the skin oils are blocked off to prevent makeup from getting corrupted and breaking down.

 

The biggest surprise was the selfie that some very well-made-up friends ambushed me with. While I did not have any makeup on, my skin looked so fresh without the usual greasy forehead and nose I have come to expect.

 

If you want something on top to mattify greasy sunblock, try OC Eight—used by “American Idol” contestants to prevent greasing up and beads of sweat from running down the face under the hot lights.

 

Apply over sunblock or cream-based makeup like liquid/stick foundation and crème based blush to preserve the look for eight hours. Best for those with very oily skin.

 

It is only available at certain dermatologist clinics. (Call 6723599.)

 

Product at work

 

When I used both Instablur and OC Eight, perspiration could not break through my usually sweaty face. I enjoyed long, easy hours of fresh face and pristine skin and makeup. I knew it was the product at work because the areas without them, like the hairline, scalp and neck, were gushing with sweat.

 

While Instablur and OC Eight are meant to beat oily shine, Etude House Precious Mineral Cotton Fit BB cream (P848) is for long-lasting, even-toned glow with a satin-y finish instead of matte.

 

It has SPF 30 PA++ in three shades with whitening, antiwrinkle  and anti-darkening properties.

 

The trick to counter dry, dull skin is not to go too oily or shimmery to avoid looking messy in photos.

 

A nongreasy BB cream provides the right amount of shimmer-free hydration, so you look dewy like a baby instead of shiny. Look for the shade that blends seamlessly with your skin.

 

E-mail the author at [email protected].