La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat - Optimal Primer and Pore Reducer for Oily/Combo Skin

There may be nothing that La Roche Posay as a brand can't counter when it comes to skin issues and complaints. One of my all time Holy Grail products is the miraculous Cicaplast Baume B5, but Effaclar Mat, to me, is more than a solution, it's a wonderful addition to my daily skincare.

Whilst my skin is normal, like the best of us, the warmer weather and my busier schedule toward the end of the school year means my make up is literally melting off my face at every given opportunity. That's where Effaclar Mat has stepped in. It makes several hugely useful promises such as:

• Helps neutralize shine for lastingly matte, clear and balanced skin
• Light, oil-free formula; leaves skin feeling fresh
• Helps clear sebum-clogged pores at the source
• Non-comedogenic

But for me it has become Optimus Prime, the primer to end all primers. I've been using it under the new YSL Le Teint Touche Éclat first thing in the morning (7am or earlier) and come clocking off time (6pm or later) my make-up is still flawless, absolutely the new foundation plays a part but Effaclar Mat brings it to a whole other level.

My pores are visibly reduced even before my make up glides on, unlike many other silicone based primers (I'm giving you the side eye here, Porefessional), this doesn't roll on my skin or clog my pores. Shine is eliminated effortlessly and continuously. Effaclar Mat lasts all day and removes quickly and cleanly come nightfall.

Priced at €17.25 from all good pharmacies, if you're on the market for a new primer or suffering from a case of the shinies, Effaclar Mat is certainly worth a look. This tube was sent for review but I will be repurchasing along with Cicaplast ad infinitum.

Do you have a favourite primer or, even better, a favourite LRP product?