Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Lab Series’ New Oil Control Grooming Line Prevents Summer Sheen

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Because we’re men, our faces naturally product more oils than our female counterparts. This has its benefits. More oily skin is great because our faces tend to age better naturally over time thanks to the increased hydration, but on the flip side, it also means our faces become sheen-coated, shiny oil-slicks by early afternoon in summer, accompanied by follow-up breakouts and blemishes. There are ways of preventing this afternoon oil show like mattifying moisturizers, blotting papers, and avoiding going outside when both the heat and humidity get too high. But avoiding daylight hours is impractical, mattifying moisturizers can’t do it all alone to prevent midday shine, and blotting papers only solve the symptom, not the problem. Wouldn’t it be great if there were a system of skincare products dedicated to reducing the oil pouring from our manly pores? Thanks to Lab Series, there is.

Lab Series new Oil Control Trio composed of a clay cleanser and mask, a clearing solution (or toner), and an oil control moisturizer. Combined, the three products create a powerful trifecta of oil fighters.

Oil Control Clay Cleanser + Mask – $26
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The first step in the three-step process is actually a two-fer. Lab Series Oil Control Clay Cleanser + Mask works as both an effective cleansing face wash and an oil-absorbing clay mask. When used as a face wash, it elminates oil, dirt, and pore-clogging junk while reducing the size of pores. When used as a mask, it absorbs excess oil and unclogs pores all while provide another dose of instant mattification. We found that using this as a mask and then a cleanser directly after is a little too drying, so steer clear of doubling up on this bad boy unless you’ve got an oil-derrick ready face.

See It

Oil Control Clearing Solution – $22
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This toner, the second step in the three-step process, also contains Amazonian white clay, with the added benefits of including algae extract  to calm and reduce signs of irritation and redness, and Witch Hazel, a natural astringent, to remove excess oil and tighten pores. These three ingredients combined help to slough off dead skin cells, reduce oil, and balance the skin. And, according to Lab Series, with frequent use, the Oil Control Clearing Solution can actually work to reduce and regulate sebum production–meaning over time, your face will actually get less oil. Win!

See It

Oil Control Daily Moisturizer – $36
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This oil-free moisturizer includes Amazonian white clay, known for its ability to absorb excess oil while detoxifying, salicylic acid to minimize breakouts and exfoliate the skin’s first layer, and sea whip extract for its soothing properties. Apply this moisturizer after the next two steps and ride out the next eight hours shine-free. If you’re already oil by the time you slather this on, not to worry, because it also offers instant mattification, meaning you can swipe it on and be ready to head out the door in the same moment.

See It

And now that you’ve found your oily-skin solution, make sure to keep up the good work when it comes to sun protection too. Check out the best non-greasy sunscreens for guys with oily skin. Your beach bod will thank you.

Editors' Recommendations

Chase McPeak
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Chase McPeak is the former Lifestyle Editor. Chase regularly appeared on Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Manual Podcast where…
Best men’s cologne sales: Save on Tom Ford, Creed, and more
Someone spraying a Tom Ford cologne on themselves.

The best cologne is an important investment for everyone. You might look great but your scent is a great way of endearing yourself to others, whether at a work meeting or on a date. More importantly, you want to feel great about how you smell, right? Learning how to apply cologne is vital before finding the best men’s cologne sales so you can invest in some great new scents. We’ve tracked down all the best men’s cologne sales and listed them below so you can soon find the right aroma for your personal brand.
Today’s best men’s cologne sales
Across the internet, you can find great men’s cologne sales on major brands like Montblanc, Prada, Versace, Tom Ford, and many others. It’s a great idea to stock up on a few different scents so that you have different colognes for different occasions. Here are the best men’s cologne sales around today.

Creed:
Dior:
Cartier:
Clive Christian:
Hermes:
Versace:
Tom Ford:
Givenchy:
Burberry:
Prada:
Montblanc:

Read more
How to shape a beard: The ultimate guide for every face shape
Trimming a beard

You never want to be caught with a scratchy, messy beard while you're out and about. Regardless of the time of year, it's vitally important to keep your beard grooming on point. For starters, having high-quality beard oil or beard balm will definitely help you get started, product-wise. Whether you're still getting the hang of growing one out, or are a seasoned pro, it's crucial to upkeep and maintain the best beard shape for you and your face shape. Yes, you read that right, learning how to shape a beard will help you maintain the best beard shape for your facial features.

Shaping your beard takes diligence, yet it yields incredible results and will make you look more handsome, as opposed to Tom Hanks in Cast Away. Whether you have experimented on your own with trimming your beard or not, now is the perfect time to learn how to trim your beard properly to freshen up your look.

Read more
How often should men wash their hair? Experts weigh in
Washing hair in shower

How often should men wash their hair? It's an important question you may not be asking.

"Men aren’t as educated with haircare as women," said Mezei Jefferson, former assistant vice president of education curriculum and digital content for L’Oreal. "Men are growing savvier, but more so in the beard care arena." That means you still may be washing your hair improperly, but that’s a whole complicated matter in its entirety. Let’s just focus on one aspect you’ve been getting wrong for years: Hair washing frequency.
How often should you wash your hair?
You should wash your hair every one to three days, according to Jessica Wu M.D., Los Angeles dermatologist and author of Feed Your Face.

Read more