how i keep my t-zone matte (skincare, primers, powders, etc.)

Like most women I know who have either combo-oily or oily skin, I struggled with keeping my T-zone matte while maintaining glowing, luminous cheeks.  After years of experimenting with matte foundations (that tended to look 'flat') and highlighters OR dewy foundations with matte powders and primers, I think I've finally found a combination that works for me, which mainly consists of skincare, primers, powder and blotting papers.

skincare and beauty empties (march 2016)

I really enjoy watching empties videos on youtube and learning about products that other people have used up.  To be honest, I'm often astonished about how much product the beauty youtubers go through, but since it is their job to review product, I suppose it isn't that astonishing.  

As an experiment I attempted to keep my empties for the last 8 months to see what I go through.  In viewing the results, it is obvious skincare is my obsession... but then I remembered that if I feel a makeup or skincare item isn't working for me, I usually give it away to my friends instead of letting it expire or wasting it.  Therefore this is a list of items I used up AND remembered to keep - with mini reviews.   I hope it's helpful!

I tried to group them in categories, so here goes: