Robb Recommends: This Pore-Refining Face Cream Is an Instagram Filter in a Jar

Welcome to Robb Recommends, a regular series in which our editors and contributors endorse something they’ve tried and loved—and think will change your life for the better.

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A key aspect of my job as a grooming writer is, of course, to write articles (like this one here). But I also have to go on camera a lot, to talk about products I love. And I’ve been doing that much more often lately, which means I’ve been a lot more mindful of the way my skin looks on camera. I prefer something “barely there”—not a ton of makeup, more focused on degreasing the skin and preventing shine, while neutralizing redness and dark spots. I also don’t need the camera zeroing in on any fine lines. Big picture: I need a product that “centers” my complexion to pull focus from anything distracting.

And I found the best product for that task: Dr. Dennis Gross’ DermInfusions Blur + Repair Cream . This masterpiece moisturizer is getting much more mileage than just those on-camera needs: It’s also a new essential for dinners with friends, Zoom calls (a different kind of “on camera”), and business trips. As a grooming writer, I’m hyper-aware of how my skin looks—people are a lot more likely to trust what I say if my skin looks great. The truth is, as an oily-skinned, acne-prone, redness-happy, dark-spot-burdened individual who is nearing 40, no single product is holding this show together. But the Blur + Repair Cream is a new backbone for the regimen.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DermInfusions Blur + Repair Cream

Here’s how it works: The shea butter and ceramides in this formula give an instant blurring effect to the skin, smoothing over fine lines and pores, while simultaneously nourishing your face and supporting barrier protection. Resveratrol and peptides get to work boosting collagen production, which in the long term helps to promote supple, firmer skin. The product wears “velvety”, as the industry like to say: That is, it is more or less matte, but with a healthy—not greasy—glow.

This formula also includes four different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, which means that the quenching and plumping ingredient reaches different layers of your skin to make skin appear fuller, firmer, and smoother.

While this product is marketed for day and night use (and has its long-term benefits when used regularly, like any great moisturizer), for me it’s something I use on an as-needed basis. When I need to go on camera, or I need to put my best face forward IRL, then this Blur + Repair Cream is what I reach for.