Estée Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer: Godsend

Special mention of the summer so far has to go to Estée Lauder's Matte Perfecting Primer, which seems to be able to keep even the worst cases of shine-overload at bay. On a recent job, under very hot lights, it was the only thing that managed to make my skin look good - better even, than a top dusting of powder. My skin was so shiny, pre-primer, that I had to take off all my makeup and start again! As soon as I put the primer on, my skin was matte without looking powdery or dull, and my foundation applied smoothly and easily over the top.

I do find that repeatedly powdering my face can turn it into something resembling half-baked flaky pastry, so I much prefer mattifying my skin at an earlier stage. I have no idea how this primer works, just that it does. And well. This will now be a permanent fixture in my emergency kit - along with the Double Wear Concealer that I have trusted for so long!

Estée Lauder Matte Primer, £21.50 from HouseofFraser.co.uk