In the world of makeup matte foundation is king for its ability to create a perfect, shine-free canvas that stays in place all day long. Matte Foundation is good for oily and combination skin types, matte foundations have a natural smooth finish to them that helps control shine without giving an overly powdery appearance. Keep reading to dive into everything you need to know about matte foundation, from its benefits and types to application tips and a few of our top product picks.
What is the Matte Foundation?
Matte foundation is a type of makeup product that is made to provide your skin with a shine-free flat finish. Matte foundations are somewhat similar to dewy foundations, but matte offers a non-reflective finish which is great for oily skin. They are therefore particularly suited to those of you with oily or combination skin.
Benefits of Matte Foundation
It has its own set of benefits, especially for those women who have oily skin and do not want excess oil compositions in their matte foundations. The benefits of the themes are the following;
Controls Oil:
Matte foundations have oil-absorbing properties such as clay or silica which helps in keeping the sebum production under control hence it is best suited for oily skin.
Long-lasting
It wears this way because of how it will keep oily skin at bay, allowing you more time to go before having to touch up where needed.
Reduction in the Appearance of Pores:
Matte foundations can give an illusion of minimized pores, making your facial skin look more even and smoother.
Coverage for Everyone:
They have a matte to full coverage that you can control with just how much or how little you apply on your skin that day.
Matte:
Matte foundations are flat and non-reflective and so are excellent for photography, or any scenario where you wish to prevent shine.
Types of Matte Foundations
There are all sorts of ways to put together a matte foundation formulation depending on what you like and your skin type.
Liquid Matte Foundation:
It has a buildable coverage formula that works with most skin types. In application, it is soft and glides across the skin with ease. For instance, the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation is a suitable candidate for this skin type (Maybelline New York).
Powder Matte Foundation:
It is perfect for those with oily and combination skin, as this foundation offers you a matte yet breathable finish at the same time keeping oil from breaking through your morning routine. You could use them alone for sheer coverage or as a setting powder over liquid foundation for more coverage.
Stick Matte Foundation:
Offers full coverage and is easy to apply on the go. It is super easy for touch-ups and has a matte finish that doesn’t weigh anything on your skin.
Cream-to-Powder Matte:
Offers the blend-ability of a liquid with the finish of a matte powder. Great for those who need medium to full coverage, with a matte finish.
Mousse Matte Foundation:
Lightweight, whipped, matte finish. Generally for normal-oily skin types.
Selecting The Best Matt Foundation
When it comes to matte foundations, there are different formulas that you should try based on your skin type, undertone, and coverage preference. Here, we provide you guidance to search for the best match:
Skin Type:
If you have a combination of oily skin, choose a foundation that is mattifying/ oil-free and may have ingredients such as clay or silica. If you have combination skin, opt for one that provides a balance between oil control and extra hydration.
Skin Undertone:
You must know whether your skin undertone is cool, warm, or neutral so that you can choose a foundation color that aligns with your natural skin tone. Maybelline offers a lot of shades, from different undertones (Maybelline New York).
Level of Coverage:
Determine whether you want a light look, something for all-day wear, or full coverage.
Formulation Preference:
Pick your poison, liquid for a blendable option, powder if you want something that won’t weigh down your makeup, or stick from application if you need convenience.
How to Apply Matte Foundation
Here is how to apply matte foundation for a poreless matte finish:
Prep Your Skin:
Begin with your clean, moisturized face. Before foundation, it circles primer on like a mattifying circular to smooth your skin’s texture and give your foundation an extra layer to cling to.
Apply Foundation:
Use a makeup sponge, foundation brush, or your fingers to apply the matte foundation. Start from the center of your face and blend outwards for no harsh lines.
Coverage Build:
Apply additional coats in thin layers to build up coverage as needed. Many matte foundations are also buildable without looking too cakey.
Aid with Powder:
Seal the deal by setting your foundation with a translucent powder that will lock it all in place and keep you matte throughout the day.
Finish:
Pop some blush, bronzer, and setting spray to round out the look allowing your makeup to stay in place all while maintaining a solid matte appearance.
Best Matte Foundations to Try
Since a huge number of people go for dewy and fresh looks, countering it with a few matte foundations that have been able to deliver top-notch matte finish has become a promising answer. Some of the best recommendations are:
Maybelline Fit Me Matte＋ Poreless Foundation:
Ideal for skin that tends to be oily this foundation gives a natural-looking & matte finish, reducing the appearance of pores (Maybelline New York).
L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation:
This foundation provides a full, demi-matte coverage that is marketed as being long lasting for all-day wear.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation:
With over 40 shades to choose from, this matte foundation offers medium-to-full coverage.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation:
The OG of full coverage, long-wearing foundations in matte finish for all skin types.
NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation:
If a true matte finish and full coverage are what you’re after, this budget-friendly option is a great pick.
Matte Foundations Wearing Tips
Even though it can help with controlling shine and providing a flawless surface, if it is applied incorrectly then it will have the opposite effect by showing up any dry patches or texture. So, here are a few tips to help you perfect the matte finish trend:
Regular Exfoliation:
Keep your skin in the best possible condition by sloughing off dead skin cells to ensure that the surface shines beneath your foundation.
Moisturize:
Even if you have oily skin, never forget to moisturize your skin. When you apply it over skin with moisture, you ensure a more even application, which stops it from looking chalky and dull.
Primer:
A mattifying primer, it can help to abate a bit of shine and prolong the life of your smooth-skin covering.
Don’t Powder Too Much:
Setting the foundation is important, but too much powder will dry everything up and make you look cakey. Set your makeup with a light translucent powder.
Blotting Papers:
Blot away excess oil throughout the day time without moving your makeup.
Best Matte Foundation for Oily Combination Dry Skin:
It is typically deemed the enemy of oily skin, with proper pre-application rituals, it can be made to work for a range of different people:
Oily Skin:
If you have oily skin then go for a matte foundation which also works with oils, it should not make your dry areas even drier. Use a hydrating primer on any dry areas before foundation.
Normal Skin:
People with normal skin can use a matte foundation without fearing something like excess oil. Prime with a hydrating primer to ensure balance.
Dry Skin:
Although a matte foundation can exaggerate dryness, you can still achieve a matte finish for a smooth and soft-focused look without the flat line by using a hydrating primer or applying it gently.
Fragrance-Free and Made For Sensitive Skin:
Find a matte foundation that is fragrance-free and made for sensitive skin to avoid triggering an allergic reaction. There are several myths about it:
Matte Foundation is Not Only for Oily Skin:
While matte foundation works perfectly well for oily skin if you prepare your skin well and the formulation suits your care routine, they can work on other skin types as well.
Matte Foundation Looks Cakey:
This is another myth, that has resulted in many stopping using the best matte foundations.
Myth:
It makes the skin dry. Modern matte foundations come with hydrating properties that give a matte finish without drying out your skin.
Conclusion
Matte foundation is a product everyone needs in their makeup kit because of the shine-free finish and smooth look it gives you irrespective of skin type. Whether you’re oily and need lasting oil control, or matte is your finish of choice, there’s a mattee foundation out there to suit your skin. With the help of your skin type, proper formula application, and techniques we will get you that flawless matte complexion to enhance your natural beauty.
FAQs
It can be used on dry skin Moisturize your skin with a hydrating product and use primer before applying as it could exaggerate dry patches.
When determining the perfect shade, take into consideration your skin undertone (warm, cool, or neutral) and test it on your jaw for a foolproof blend. Many of the brands have shade-finder tools online (Maybelline New York).
Layer and blend the foundation in thin coats, being careful not to over-powder so your face doesn’t look caked up. Then, apply a damp makeup sponge which will further help in getting the natural finish.