This is a pretty good oil-control product for the T-zone. It absorbs almost instantly and leaves a smooth and velvety finish that is shine-free. Try patting it on instead of rubbing it in if you're concerned that the silicones in the product will clog pores.


Other mattifying lotions that I have tried makes my liquid foundation "drag" or streak (The Body Shop's for example), but I love this essence because my make-up glides on easily and stays put.


As for shine control, yes... it is a satisfactory performer as it drinks up the oil for an extended period so that less touch-ups are needed. I would repurchase. (I got mine at US$12 off ebay, but the actual retail price is supposedly US$16.50.)


Here's the marketing literature FYI: "An oil-free, state-of-the-art gel that instantly mattifies the t-zone while reducing the look of pores. This unique formula works overtime, eliminating shine, refining skin texture for a velvety soft feel and eliminating acne-causing bacteria. Convenient size allows you to spot treat shine all day long. Benefits: For oil-prone and combination skin. Oil-free. Mattifies the t-zone and eliminates shine. Reduces the look of pores. Velvety soft feel. Eliminates acne-causing bacteria. Convenient size. Can be used as a spot treatment for shine. Directions For Use: Apply a small amount to nose, chin and forehead as needed for shine control."

I got a great deal on this also at TJ Maxx a couple of months ago, and have hailed this now as my HG primer (I use it under my mmu). I have oily skin with a few fine lines and medium size pores. As soon as I apply it to my bare skin, my pores VANISH and my skin looks and feels so smooth. I used DHC's Velvet Skin Coat a long time ago, and it reminds me a lot of that...however, with this one, my makeup stays put all day. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this stuff and I'm going to most definately repurchase when I run out.

My skin is extremely oily and I've tried a countless number of products to make this problem go away, but to no avail. A few days ago, I bought a tube of this stuff from my local TJ Maxx for $4.99. I used it the next day and loved it so much that I bought 3 more (to share with my mother who also has really oily skin).

I'm convinced that the "essence" is a miracle worker. I love that it goes from a cream to what feels like a powder, and that I only have to use a little bit. It keeps my face looking "matte," and I have yet to find a need to re-apply during the day.

The price tag said the original price was $12.00. I think it is definitely worth that much, and when I run out, I will be buying more.

it is performs better than the equivalent products offered from Origins, Body Shop, Paula's Choice, Clarins and Decleor. I like that it has a drier finish : no thick mask-like layer of silicones sitting on your skin. But as anyone dealing with oily skin knows that there are no miracle products for shine control. I also liked that it doesn't have alcohol or other irritating ingredients. All in all it is a good product, on the expensive side. H2O products are not easily available where i live so i don't buy it regularly but I wouldn't mind buying it again. I would like to try Bliss instant mattification next

This is an oil free essence that instantly mattifies. I find that it is SO much better than lancome's pure focus which is all sticky. It leaves your face very soft and smooth and I use it mainly on my t-zone and in this case less is more, if you put too much on it just counteracts the mattifying effect. It comes in a hygienic 15ml tube, nothing fancy but very practical and is approximately $40AUD. I'm shopping around for something similar since the price is a little steep for such little product, despite the potential for prolonged usage and for that reason, I wouldn't repurchase until I've tried something else.