8 mattifying masques to help with 'summer-to-fall' skin woes

An oily, slick t-zone is a beauty conundrum for the ages, and is caused when the sebaceous glands, that produce oil to keep the skin moisturized, start to work overtime thanks to things like exposure to excess dirt and the summer heat. This extra oil production may lead to acne (but not always), and will certainly leave you with a shiny complexion. Excess sebum is also the cause for blackheads and enlarged pores, because the pores are unable to handle the new amount of oil being produced.

You would think attacking the problem with vigorous scrubs and washing your face multiple times each day would help combat the problem, but it will only exacerbate oil production. So lean on a regimen of washing twice per day—three times if you work out or get really sweaty—and use a mattifying or clarifying masque once or twice per week.

Most mattifying masques contain clay or charcoal, which help to draw impurities from the skin, including oil and dirt, but can be drying to areas that do not over produce sebum. So multi-mask by using a paste masque on your t-zone and a hydrating one elsewhere, or, if you have an oily complexion all over, reach for a sheet masque.

Here are a few options to help you get clearer pores and a more matte finish.

Go green

A gentle mattifying option to try, this Garnier masque contains green tea extract to help mattify the skin, while tightening pores, and it won't dry out your complexion, thanks to an infusion of hyaluronic acid.

Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask The Super Hydrating Mask Mattifying, $3.99, mass market retailers and drugstores

In a rush

If masquing is not your thing, or you're simply strapped for time, L'Occitane created a masque that utilizes peony to help free skin of excess sebum, revealing tighter pores and a soft, smooth look in only three minutes.

L'Occitane Peony Purifying Minute Mask, $8, ca.loccitane.com

Grey area

This four-use package contains a natural clay-infused treatment that helps to balance skin and provide a shine free look. After three weeks, 80 percent of testers said their complexion felt instantly mattified.

Sephora Collection Clay Masks in Grey Clay, $10, sephora.com

Oh-so-pure

This all-natural charcoal and clay masque is full of balancing ingredients like rose petals (an anti-aging wonder that helps skin absorb vitamin C), hibiscus and chamomile flowers (think firming and reducing inflammation respectively), and sugar extract (to help exfoliate).

Apoterra Activated Purifying Mask with Charcoal + Flowers, $32, clementinefields.ca

It's all over

Made with green clay, cypress, lavender and lemon essential oils, and aloe vera extracts, this spa-quality masque, which only requires a thin layer to be effective, provides hydration to the entire face while helping to maintain a shine-free complexion.

Darphin Skin Mat Purifying Aromatic Clay Mask, $67, beautyboutique.ca

One, two punch

With tremendous healing power, this masque is made from Canadian colloidal clay, which absorbs dirt and cleanses the pores, while peppermint and strawberry extracts work to clarify a dull complexion. This is an all-natural detox and pore shrinking power masque!

Artifact Skin Co. Glacial Coast Detox Masque, $52, healthhutboutique.com

Clean and clarified

This clay and charcoal masque absorbs oil and minimizes pores while salicylic acid stimulates exfoliation. Use two to three times per week, leaving an even layer on for ten minutes, or use as an overnight spot treatment on blemishes for clearer skin comes morning.

Beautycounter No. 3 Balancing Facials Mask, $55, beautycounter.com

Get dirty to get clean

Made with a sustainably sourced dense sap from Greek mastic trees, this transparent mud masque only requires a thin layer to be effective. The brand also recommends to use it in the morning, and to increase its efficacy, after rinsing, use a blowdryer on a warm (but not hot!) setting to gently dry your face and amp up the visible results of the treatment.

Niod Mastic Must, $37, niod.com