The battle of oily skin in summers is an arduous one. And the constant heavy shine on one’s face make us wash it so often that we actually end up doing more damage. “Over-cleansing actually dehydrates skin, signalling your body to produce more oil,” says Dr Kiran Lohia, Dermatologist.

If oil is bad to eat, it looks worse on your face! Scientists the world over are developing makeup to achieve shine-free complexion. If you’re battling breakouts, perhaps your makeup and lack of love for your skin are to blame for. “I always recommend avoiding heavy layers of makeup – especially in the summer,” says makeup guru Clint Fernandes, adding, “Go for sheer, oil-free, and water-based formulations that feel feather-light on your skin.”

Despite using oil-free, non-comedogenic products, sometimes shine can still occur during the day. Follow hottie Nargis Fakhri’s shine-control tip – “Instead of applying powder, use an oil blotter to get rid of excess shine. These are an excellent way to soak up oil, perspiration and runny makeup without having to wipe off and reapply,” says Fakhri.

While most of us know how to treat our skin during the summers, keeping makeup from melting in the scorching heat is a battle we often lose.

“It is not just what products you use, but how you use them that matters,” says Clint Fernandes, adding, “Too light a hand, and your tinted moisturiser and cream blush look lovely for fifteen minutes, then melt away as soon as the humidity crests 50 percent. Too heavy a hand with powders and long-wear lipsticks, and you look like a Christmas tree in the middle of May!”

Leading makeup artist Ojas Rajani says, “If you want your makeup to last, you HAVE to prime your skin using an oil-free primer and set it with a powder. Using primer is even more important for those who have oily skin. Primers are extremely useful and prove to be a boon for uneven skin tones, with lines and/ or blemishes.” As Fernandes says, “Apply primer over your moisturiser but underneath your makeup — or simply use primer in place of a lotion.”

Here are three of our must-have products that will give your makeup arsenal that edge in the heat:

1. The Face Shop Dr Belmeur Daily Repair Toner

I bought this from Nykaa after a friend went crazy recommending it. I paid Rs 1600 for 200ml that I found a tad steep for a toner. But once I started using this, I realised the worth of this product. Firstly, it works like a dream. I use just about 3-4 drops of the product on some cotton wool and dab it on my face. If I am at home, I usually don’t apply moisturiser – and it works as a basic moisturiser as well. Secondly, a little goes a long way. I have been using it for a month and have barely reached the three-fourth mark. Most significantly, I have noticed a 50 per cent reduction in pore size. I use this twice a day – once in the morning after my bath and once at night time – after cleansing my face and before using a night cream. The Dr Belmeur Daily Repair Toner is a mild hypoallergenic toner that calms skin and boosts moisture. It is a daily mild moisturising solution and the birch tree sap that is an ingredient in this one is used to help form a moisture layer to calm dry skin.

2. Benefit The Porefessional Face Primer

The best-selling product from Benefit is my favourite product too! I cannot dream of an evening makeup look without this primer. This is a silky balm that feels like powder that can be applied under as well as over makeup to reduce the appearance of pores and if applied on its own (especially during the day), it gives a natural, no-make-up-and-yet-clean look to the skin. Its dreamy, translucent, oil-free formula complements all skin tones and helps makeup stay put. Contains a Vitamin E derivative, known to protect skin from free radicals. Again, it may seem overpriced at Rs 2230 for 22ml, but you need a really tiny squeeze. What you do need to be careful about is to blend it in really fast as it dries rather quickly on the skin. This is one product that you cannot think of summers without!

3. Revlon Photoready Skinlights Face Illuminator

I always had a thing for highlighters – but what would one do when one’s face was dripping in oil and dullness :/

This was my approach to highlighters till I found the best ever version from Revlon. The Revlon Photoready Skinlights Face Illuminator in Peach Lights shade (Rs 995 for 30 ml) is a beautiful peachy rose gold shade with little illuminating particles. I think this shade is perfect for Indian skin tone – it gives a nice pinkish glow that is not OTT. My secret tip – I mix two drops of this with the same amount of moisturizer during the day to get that overall sheen on my face. The most significant thing is that this product is not heavy at all! It feels like the finest lace on your skin. Go buy this one now!

Text and images by Aarti Kapur Singh