Beauty mags have been dishing out advice for years about how to mattify the “T-zone.” The T-zone includes the forehead, nose and chin area of the face and tends to be the oily zone for women with combination skin, while the skin of their cheeks (and around the eyes) can be dry.

But I’ve yet to hear anyone coin a “-zone” phrase for us girls who have oily T-zones AND oily eye areas AND oily cheeks. What do you call it when you get oily in all zones of your face? What letter is that? I tell you one thing, it must be in a foreign alphabet because it doesn’t exist in ours. I’m thinking…Greek.

You feeling me?

But all joking aside, here are the tried and true products that make up my 3-step plan of attack against facial oil slicks. I recommend this cleanser, toner and lotion/sunscreen combination to all my Theta and Phi “sorority” sisters everywhere.

• Jason Super-C Cleanser (6oz/US$10.00 retail)
  • Product category: Gentle, yet exfoliating facial cleanser
  • BUY IT NOW for only $5.90 at www.vitacost.com
  • Company literature states the product “combines the antioxidant benefits of Vitamins C and E and Orange Fruit Extract to slough off dry skin cells from the skin’s surface. Gently removes makeup and excess surface oil without drying. Ideal for all skin types.”

TCS’s review: I became a fan of Jason products about 10 years ago while searching for natural and organic beauty products. Jason products are certified organic, use no animal by-products and the company does not conduct testing on animals. The company offers a few different lines of facial products, yet I’ve only used the Super-C product line. I’ve found the products to be superior exfoliators. No other facial exfoliator on the market (in any price range) has renewed my skin and given me the glow I’ve obtained with the regular use of the Super-C line.

The cleanser is hands down the best cleanser I’ve ever used. Yes, you read that correctly. The best EVER. This foaming, liquid cleanser has a light citrus scent and combines the antioxidant benefits of Vitamin E, orange fruit extract and Vitamin C. I noticed an immediate glow in my complexion after the very first time I used it. You can increase the exfoliating effects by leaving the product on for a few minutes before rinsing. The light, non-irritating, non-drying formula is perfect for those with acne-prone, oily and/or sensitive skin.

• Prescriptives Immediate Matte Skin Conditioning Tonic for Normal/Oilier Skin (6.7oz/US$18.50)
  • Product category: Skin toner for use after cleansing and before moisturizing
  • Ads state that this tonic “tones skin, refreshes and absorbs excess oil to matte out shine. Gently unclogs and tightens pores. Reduces oil production and helps clear away oily build-up that can cause blemishes. Oil-Free.” www.prescriptives.com

TCS’s review: I discovered this toner a few years ago. I’d always been told that skin toning was a necessary step that shouldn’t be skipped. Still, my experiences over the years with facial toners had always been quite stinging…literally. The merging of my sensitive skin plus high levels of SD alcohol was just not a winning combination. When I did find gentler skin toners they would often leave my face feeling sticky or more prone to shine. So I continued to skip toning, until I tried Prescriptives‘ offering. What a difference!

Prescriptives Immediate Matte tonic is a combination of a liquid toner and a mattifying powder. The powder settles at the bottom of the bottle, so you have to shake the bottle before usage. The combination of ingredients (which includes green tea extract and sodium hyaluronate) work synergistically to matte out shine, absorb excess oil and reduce sebum production. The tonic leaves your skin feeling clean and looking matte. It is not at all oily, sticky or irritating. Trust me, it is worth the $18.50 (the 6.7oz. bottle actually yields months of usage).

• Cosmedicine Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion, SPF 20. (1.35oz/US$42)
  • Product category: Combination facial lotion and suncreen
  • FREE 7-day samples available while supplies last at Sephora stores! www.sephora.com
  • Ads for this lightweight, mattifying lotion state that it controls sebum production, reduces shine for up to 8 hours and is gentle enough for even sensitive skin.

TCS’s review: I’ve been using Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion for about 2 months and I really, really like it. I use it under my pressed powder and I can honestly say that it does indeed reduce sebum breakthrough. Something exciting that I’ve noticed: When used consistently on a daily basis, the mattifying effect is cumulative– my skin would be less oily with each passing day. However, if I skipped a few days, my skin seemed to revert to an oilier state. If used daily, I feel that the company’s claim of an 8-hour shine reduction is entirely possible; I certainly had many 5-6 hour stretches of ‘pretty darn close to matte’ skin.

I also have sensitive skin and this lotion has not caused any irritation or pore blockages. The lotion is light, has a very mild scent and does not feel at all greasy. It’s a keeper, ladies. Go out and get some free samples!