This is part one of a multi-part post
As a product junkie, I run in circles with a lot of other product junkies. Like any niche group, they wax poetic about the latest and greatest new “undiscovered” brand, and trash the establishment. Sometimes I agree with them. But I’ll tell you one thing about the establishment—you can count on them.
Take, for example, Lab Series. Launched back in the 80s by parent company Estee Lauder, the brand is found on every specialty retailer men’s counter (Macy’s, Dillards, etc.). Sure, new and exciting companies come along with fabulous new products that I fall in love with…and then go out of business shortly thereafter, or discontinue the item because they can’t support the minimum buys on components, bulk, etc. (the sum of parts to put the product together-most companies in every industry use sub-vendors for various parts).
Don’t get me wrong –I love trying the new stuff. I can’t help myself, in fact! But for my persistently oily facial skin I need to know I can wake in the morning and count on an old friend to keep me matte throughout the day. Plus, with 20 years in the game and the resources of Estee Lauder, they know a thing or two about making products that work.
I like a few of the Oil Control products from this line because, like most guys, my skin is thicker and oilier than women’s. My favorite from the line for my acne prone, oily skin is:
Lab Series Oil Control Daily Hydrator
Oil free, fragrance free, allergy tested, shine-controlling hydration – what’s not to love? And it’s one of the more affordable and easiest to find prestige brands in the market.
Consistency is light and absorbs nicely into skin without leaving any tacky after-feel. Skin is left hydrated while excess oil and shine are minimized.
The formulation includes a blend of natural moisturizing factors such as Wheat Germ Extract, an Oligopeptide, a pH adjuster, and Silicones. Together, these ingredients optimize skin’s natural barrier function, leave skin smooth, and help reduce pore size appearance.
There’s also Green Tea, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, Peppermint, which is anti-microbial (great for treating and preventing acne). It also has Hyaluronic Acid, one of my favorites (see my previous post “Acid Trip”).
The marketing claims state that this also helps prevent clogged pores. I don’t see anything like Salicylic Acid in the ingredient list that would support this, however when I use this product my skin definitely looks and feels fresh and remains blemish free.
Lab Series Oil Control Hydrator
$27.00 / 1.7 oz
