Getting rid of the shine - my top five powders

When REM wrote ‘shiny, happy people’, my guess is that they weren’t trying to describe how it feels to have an oily t-zone. If, like me, you have the delight that is combination skin, keeping things matte can sometimes be a bit tricky.

Before we get down to the nitty gritty on five fantastic powders, let me tell you, blotting papers are your friend. Not only do they help soak up the oil in a handbag friendly package, you can sometimes get them with cute designs on the front, a la the Paul and Joe dolphin ones I’ve got stashed away.

Anyhow, on with the actual topic of this post: face powders. These five made the cut for different reasons and work for different budgets, but all will help you keep the shine at bay, and become a non-shiny, happy person.

Green People Pressed Mineral Powder* – a pressed powder with organic credentials, this gives a light dusting to help mattify skin, without looking cakey. It comes in 5 shades, and the handy compact means it’s easy to apply on the go. It's also got an SPF 15 in, giving some added protection from the sun. £20.95

Bourjois Java Rice Powder – based on their iconic powder product from 1879, this is a loose powder with a translucent finish. It can be a tiny bit messy getting it onto your brush, and I find the best way is to tip a small amount into the lid and then to apply with a large, fluffy brush. It will leave skin looking radiant and doesn't cake. £9.99 from Boots, Selfridges and Superdrug.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Pressed Powder* - this pressed powder compact from Urban Decay is something I slip into my handbag on a regular basis. The powder is ultra fine and gives skin a slightly luminoius quality, as well as helping to keep the shine at bay. It comes in a range of 5 colours (mine is the lightest) and caters for pretty much every end of the skin tone spectrum. £22

Laura Mercier Foundation Powder* – technically part of their foundation range, I’ve found this Laura Mercier powder to be great for when you’re wearing a lighter base, such as a BB cream, as it can help to build coverage in those areas you need it most. It can also be used for top ups throughout the day, and comes with a handy sponge tucked underneath the powder compact. £32

Ben Nye Fair powder – Ben Nye’s Banana powder has been a bit of a cult favourite ever since Kim Kardashian let loose that she loves it. While Banana might be a great shade for her, for those with a lighter or more pink skin tone, try the Fair powder instead. It’s got the same great formula and really helps to set makeup. This one is a bit mesy to get out of the pot for application, but the final effect will be worth it. You’ll need to track this one down online – try PAM (also visit their London store if you can, it’s amazing) and the small size pot (pictured) will set you back £6.10

What’s your favourite powder product?