Oil Control Week: VMV Hypoallergenics Fine Finish Pore Minimizing Skin Mattifier

Everybody is oily. If your skin does not oil up you're probably dead! Oil is a natural expression of our skin as it keeps the surface of our body lubricated and elastic. Some people have more of it than others and this causes problems like acne and unflattering shine. Now there isn't much you can do about your body's oil secretion levels (causes are gentic or hormonal), but there are ways to manage it - that's where beauty products come in.

Lately, I've discovered a few nifty things that can help with the oil, so this week will be dedicated to them. Allow me to bring you Oil Control Week!

I'll kick it off with a super effective product that I've been loving lately: the VMV Hypoallergenics Fine Finish Pore Minimizing Skin Mattifier (P700). This is a toner meant to be used like any other toner, but what makes it different is its main ingredients, Aluminum Chlorhydrate and Sodium Bicarbonate. These two are usually found in anti-perspirants and deodorants.

You're probably thinking, yuck. But I swear that this is a pretty effective toner! I've been using it for about three weeks now and I have noticed that my skin is much less oily, even when I've been out for like six hours. I didn't change anything about my skincare regimen except for this toner.

This toner is matapang. It lets off a fume-like smell that can sting your eyes if you apply it too near that area; the toner itself also has high alcohol content. My skin feels super dry and tight after I use it! However it feels okay after I apply my moisturizer. 

I'll be completely honest with you, this isn't a pleasant product to use. Even VMV advises that we take your time incorporating it into our skincare routine. The brand recommends to start with just 2x a week, then slowly increase it until our skin can take 2x a day. The packaging also said to expect redness and stinging. How scary-sounding is that? That's why I didn't touch this product for a while. I thought it would be too much for my skin.

But I trust VMV's hypoallergenic promise and true enough, I didn't experience any redness or irritation at all. Yeah, this has a terrible smell and it's uncomfortable on skin, but as long as we follow the instructions on the packaging, there shouldn't be any problems. My suggestion is, keep a fan nearby so that you can fan the alcohol fumes away from your eyes.

I don't like to suffer for my skin, okay, but this product really works. I'm not even at a 2x-a day frequency yet - I just use it once a day. Last Saturday I was out of the house for six hours with one layer of powder foundation (not oil-controlling, at that), no base whatsoever, and my skin barely oiled up. Here's a pic:

I went out 12 noon, went back 6:30pm. I did not retouch or blot at all. You'll see that my makeup has practically melted off.

Note though that I'm not super duper oily, I just have combination skin. I still oil up with this VMV toner but it's much more manageable than before. If you are very oily, I reckon this will help, but if you have dry/normal skin obvs this isn't for you.

So yes, I highly recommend the VMV Hypoallergenics Fine Finish Pore Minimizing Skin Mattifier if you can get past the smell and overall discomfort. It can minimize the oil and sweat that makes it to your face - at least, it worked on me. I can't guarantee the same results for you. Just remember to read everything on the packaging and brochure before applying it on your face!

Let me know what you think, especially if you've tried this too!