Estée Lauder The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer + Finisher

Is it just us or has this summer so far been rather swampy? We don't mind the hot weather. We do, though, mind what it does to skin – as a glance in the mirror reveals rather more shine than we care for, or is flattering.

This is a really brilliant solution from Estée Lauder, suitable for any skintype (great on our dry-ish skins, actually) – but obviously great for oilier and combination complexions. It's a smoothing 'veil' which glides on beautifully and really does take down shine without making the face look flat and dull. Instead, it perfects skin (good for minimising pores, too) – and what we also like is that it can be applied during the day over make-up whenever you feel you're looking a little too 'radiant'. (It can easily slip into a handbag.)

So: let your personality shine.

Not your whole face.

Estée Lauder The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer + Finisher/£25 for 30 ml at johnlewis.com