*Product Battles* M.A.C. Matte Gel vs. M.A.C. Skin Refined Zone

Oh the struggles I've had with this oily skin.  As mentioned in the previous post, M.A.C. Matte Gel was my go to product for a while until Ta Da!!! M.A.C. introduced the Skin Refined Zone.  This along with the M.A.C. Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder have been my mattifying combo for about a year now.

Retails for $18.
A good product for  normal to oily combination skin.  It almost feels as though you are putting a protective barrier on your face to fight off the oil.  It helps to reduce the appearance of pores as well.  It doesn't help to keep my make-up on quite as well as the Prep and Prime Skin or Skin Refined Zone.  The texture is very different from the Skin Refined Zone.  Matte Gel feel just like a gel with a nice velvety smooth finish.  This is still a good product, it just doesn't seem to be as "strong" as the Skin Refined Zone. 

Retails for $19.50
Amazingly instant matte finish that's non silky/greasy.  It has a serum liquidy  texture instead of gel/creamy texture. Ideal for truly oily skin but can be used for normal to oily combo or even oily/dry combo (only in the oily spots of course).  It's fantastic for helping minimize pores and allowing make-up to go on without being blotchy.  I highly recommend this product.  It's the best product that I've found so far in reducing the shine throughout the day, which reduces how many times I have to blot and touch up. :-)  

Retails for $23.
This is hands down the best powder I've ever had.  It has corn starch in it and it's jet milled to a very fine consistency.  It does wonders in giving a flawless matte finish and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores.  It can be reapplied as needed.  It can be used before and/or after make-up ( I use it before and after because of  how oily I am.  Most people would not have to do it both times) YES!!  It really deserves it's own post but because I've been focusing on what I've found to work for reducing the "greasy monster" effect, I thought I'd add it in here.

*These images were taken from the MAC website