Milk Of Magnesia has amazing oil-absorbing properties that have been know to bring people to tears of joy. It can be used as a treatment for oily skin; to tighten pores, as a mattifier and a makeup primer for oily skin or in humid climates (or sweaty nightclubs).
Beyonce´s makeup artist Billy B supposedly uses it below her makeup for her concerts, but more convincing to me are the rave reviews of Milk of Magnesia on Makeup Alley. Originally, MoM is used for digestive problems, but it also works soothingly on the skin. I´ve looked through dozens of reviews on Youtube and elsewhere, and people swear that after using this they´ve never had to blot their face to remove the grease and rescue their makeup. Frustratingly, I have not been able to get my hands on it, but those of you in the US should try out this apparently magic product ! You should be able to get it in pharmacies where it´s sold as a laxative.
What you need:
Pure milk of Magnesia, without flavour, mineral oil or any other additives. Any additives might clog the pores or irritate your skin. The Phillips brand has been recommended, and buying the cheapest thing available is not the best idea.
Who should use Milk of Magnesia ?
It is meant for oily or mixed skin, those with a dry skin might find it too drying. Always remember to moisturise afterwards, even if your skin is oily !
How to use:
As a treatment for oily skin:
Apply a thin layer of Milk of Magnesia over the oily parts of your face and allow it to dry for at least 10 minutes. Rinse off. Follow this up with a bit of olive oil or jojoba oil or a moisturiser. MoM can be drying, and if you don´t moisturise your skin afterwards, your skin might react by producing more oil.
How often you use it depends on how oily the skin is. Once a week is a good start for most persons. Remember that the pH of MoM is slightly alkaline, so frequent use won´t be good for the skin.
As makeup primer
For those of you with problems with the makeup staying on, either due to sweat or grease. It helps makeup to glide on smoothly, it will keep kohl and eyeliner in place, and prevent eyeshadow from collecting in the eye creases.
How to: dab a very small amount of Milk of Magnesia on your skin, where you need it. Just a few drops will do ! You can use a wet sponge or mix up MoM with distilled water in a spritzer. Wait till it dries, then apply make-up. If you´ve go a white cast, you´ve used too much ! And yes, it also works for dark skin.
As a pore minimiser
Poreless "no makeup look" by Moyabean: apply a few coats of MoM to problem areas, and let dry. Rub off the excess white film, and your pores will stay closed !
Sources: skincare.lovetoknow.com, Makeupalley
