Instant matte shine control, £29, by Molton Brown
moltonbrown.co.uk

As the days get warmer - well, hopefully - our noses get shinier. This ultra -light moisturiser claims to minimise pores and maintain a matt finish. Creamy, light and easily absorbed. Definitely maintains a pearly-matt surface. Three out of five stars

De-slick mattifying powder,£15, by Urban Decay
Available from Boots branches nationwide

Pale violet-coloured compact containing powder that is perfect for absorbing unsightly sweat or shine. Fine consistency that lasts well. Great for concealing blemishes and redness, too. Four out of five stars

Matt touch oil-free, £25, by Yves Saint Laurent
01444 255700

My favourite of the lot. This cream has a spookily fine texture that seems almost to evaporate as you apply it, leaving you with a velvety, oil-free complexion that is stubbornly shine-resistant. Five out of five stars

Pure focus matifying cream-gel, £43.60, by Lancôme
lancome.co.uk

Cooling gel cream that helps any glisten disappear, targeting excess sebum and supposedly unclogging pores. I didn't notice any evidence for the latter, but it's a lovely lightweight cream that works well on oily skin. Three out of five stars

Pore minimizer oil- blotting sheets, £7.50, by Clinique
0870 034 2566

Small, white sheets that act like blotting pads, absorbing any unsightly shine. Handy for outbreaks, but really essential only for very oily skins - the moisturising version is much more suitable for drier skins. Three out of five stars

Oil control lotion, £23.40, by Dermalogica
0800 591818

Great for problematic skin, reducing shine and help ing to prevent future spots. Light and lovely smelling on the skin; slightly antiseptic aroma, thanks to balm mint and camphor. Leaves complexion feeling soothed and purified. Three out of five stars