Estée Lauder Clear Difference Oil Control/ Mattifying Hydrating Gel

Estee Lauder's Clear Difference Oil Control/Mattifying Hydrating Gel is a moisturiser that is excellent for skin that is frustratingly hormonal, yet shows the first signs of aging. When I was on the hunt for a new day cream, the sale's lady at the Estee Lauder counter recommended this product to me after a quick skin consult. The gel consistency makes this product feel super-light and beautifully silky on the skin. This does set to a light matte finish, but if your skin is more than a little oily, you'll see shine relatively quickly, especially if you're layering this over hydrating serums, boosters, oils etc. I would not recommend this product to the overly oily skin as it seems to take the edge off the breakthrough shine I can experience throughout the day. I loved how the gel made my skin feel so hydrated without feeling heavy, like I was going to end up with a break out. After trial and error with oily skin prone to hormonal breakouts, I found that hydrating, yet lightweight, semi-matte products work best for my skin to ensure that the natural oils aren't being stripped off the skin, which, in turn, can result in the skin produces excess sebum that can turn into breakouts. I also found that when I have used this on the occasional breakout period, the cooling gel formula acted as a soothing friend to the uninvited ones on my face! The only negative I've found with this product is the packaging. I'm not a fan of skin products that come in jars, simply because of 1. the unhygienic issue of cross contamination if you are using your fingers to the product, especially if you have open breakouts that contain so much bacteria, because, lets face it, who can really be bothered using something else to dispense the product. 2. It is well known that once a jar is open, the active ingredients steadily decline after mixing with oxygen so you have to use it up pretty quickly. I'd advise to keep this moisturiser in the fridge, especially for summer it has a lovely cooling affect on the skin. I believe that refrigerating the product could also assist with the bacteria prevention. On the whole, I found this a great hybrid product that has eased the transition to young hormonal skin, to slightly oily that is experiencing the first signs of aging. I would re purchase this moisturiser, perhaps with an Estee Lauder serum to boost the benefits.