Our Best Matte Foundation and How to Use It

If you ever experience oily skin, it’s time to learn about the benefits of matte foundation. Designed to get rid of excess shine so that your skin looks less oily, matte foundations are known for their long-wear abilities and flawless finish and often are the best foundation formula for oily skin. Now that you know a little bit about this face makeup must-have, keep reading to learn five reasons to use a mattifying foundation, and get the full scoop on our best matte foundation.

5 REASONS TO USE MATTE FOUNDATION

Tired of dealing with foundation formulas that just don’t cut it? It’s time to experience the wonders of a matte foundation. Below, find five reasons you should consider using a matte foundation in your makeup routine.

REASON #1: ELIMINATES SHINE

If you struggle with oily skin, a matte foundation formula will instantly pull your makeup look together. Matte foundations instantly absorb oils to keep that annoying shine away for a flawless finish.

REASON #2: PHOTOGRAPHS AMAZINGLY

Flashback who? Nothing is worse than taking photos and realizing that your makeup has a white cast. While some foundation formulas require a setting powder to stay in place, matte foundations can fly solo. How does that play into avoiding flashback? Well, setting powders increase the chance of having that dreaded white cast appear.

REASON #3: STAYING POWER

Once you apply a matte foundation and the formula settles, the product will stay put. The formulas are made to dry down and stay in place for the long haul—or at least until you wash off your makeup at the end of the night.

REASON #4: BUILDABLE COVERAGE

We can all agree that natural-looking makeup is the ultimate goal. And with the right matte foundation formula, you can achieve buildable coverage without the fear of a thick and cakey result.

REASON #5: SUITABLE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES

While people with oily skin types tend to reach for matte foundations, mattifying formulas can also work well for normal to dry and combination skin types. As long as you find one that isn’t drying (we’ll offer up a recommendation in just a moment), you should be good to go, regardless of skin type.

OUR BEST MATTE FOUNDATION

Ready to take your makeup look to the next level? The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation is a match made in heaven for matte foundation lovers. With a lasting demi-matte finish, the foundation never looks dull or flat, rather it makes for a flawless-looking complexion. The long-lasting formula stays put all day, while the medium coverage and air-light texture are perfect for getting a natural look. No cake face here!

THE ULTIMATE MATTE MAKEUP ROUTINE USING MATTE FOUNDATION

Keep reading for a step-by-step tutorial on using matte foundation and other matte makeup products.

STEP 1: PRIME YOUR FACE

The first step of any long-lasting, flawless-looking makeup complexion is to apply primer. When the goal is to create a matte visage, try using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer. Simply blend a few dabs of the primer onto your face to help create a perfectly smooth base for the rest of your face makeup application.

STEP 2: APPLY MATTE FOUNDATION

Once you’ve applied your primer, it’s time to apply your matte foundation. To get the look, squeeze some of your matte foundation onto a makeup blender, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender, and stipple the foundation onto your face. Use repetitive stippling motions to create an airbrushed effect with your matte foundation.

STEP 3: CONCEAL ANY PROBLEM AREAS

Next, take note of any blemishes, dark spots, or areas that you’d like to lighten up a bit. Use the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Super-Blendable Multi-Use Concealer and dot the concealer onto all those areas. To blend the product out, use the makeup blender mentioned above and repeat those same stippling motions. You never want to drag your makeup blenders, as it can disrupt all the makeup that’s been applied underneath what you’re currently working on.

STEP 4: SET YOUR LOOK WITH FACE POWDER

Once you’re all finished with creamy liquid products, we like to apply setting powder. Like we said, you can go without powder when wearing a matte foundation, but we would only recommend that if you aren't planning to follow with any more powder products, like a powder blush. While some people think setting powder is solely to be used as the very last step of your makeup routine, we like to apply it after the last liquid face makeup product to ensure that the powder products layered on next don’t cake up with the cream. Use a big fluffy powder brush and lightly dust the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Set Loose Setting Powder onto your face to set your base.

STEP 5: ACCENTUATE YOUR BONE STRUCTURE WITH BRONZER, BLUSH, AND HIGHLIGHTER

Next, take some time to bring a bit more attention to your head-turning bone structure. To get the job done, arm yourself with the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Bronze It Bronzer, L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Blush, and L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glow Nude Highlighter Palette. First, apply the blush to the apple of your cheeks, curving it up ever so slightly toward your temples for a sheer draped look. Be sure to blend it all out for natural-looking rosy radiance.

Next, swipe your bronzer onto the hollows of your cheeks, down the edges of the bridge of your nose, under your bottom lip, and at the outermost edges of your forehead—essentially anywhere you want to create a slightly sunken appearance to accentuate other aspects of your face. So, when you apply it to the underside of your bottom lip, it will make your lips appear poutier; and when you apply it on the hollows of your cheeks, it will make your cheekbones look more sculpted. Top off your chiseled face work with a highlighter shade of your choice along your cheekbones, again swooping up, only this time, bring the illuminator up to your brow bone.

STEP 6: PERK UP YOUR PEEPERS WITH EYELINER AND MASCARA

With a face that looks that good, you’ll want to make sure your smize looks on point, too. Instead of distracting from your gorgeous matte face makeup with a statement eye, consider keeping it simple with a touch of eyeliner and mascara—the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner and L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara will do the trick.

STEP 7: FINISH WITH A MATTE LIP

Last but not least, tie your whole matte look together with a pretty matte lip. Instead of reaching for a matte swivel lipstick, try using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Les Chocolats Scented Liquid Lipstick. Available in six shades, these scented lipsticks are perfect for highlighting the muted mauve beauty trend.

Now that you know how to master the matte makeup trend, you may want to brush up on the glowing skin trend, too. Our article, Your Glowy Makeup Look: Makeup Tips for Glowing Skin, will put you well on your way to being a total glow expert.