There is a new kinda matte makeup that’s been dominating the runways everywhere. It’s lightweight, luminous and gorgeously versatile—fresh enough to complement your crisp white dress or that stunning red monokini on a balmy summer afternoon. While spring has traditionally been all about all things shimmer, this season’s unexpected matte look has put gleam and polish (sans shimmer) right up there on lips, eyes, nails, and skin....and we’re loving it!.
Thankfully, these products are far from boringly flat. The effect is versatile and cool with elegant neutrals and edgy brushed metals making waves and bringing back fresh radiance to the fore. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that they’re super easy to apply and complement all skin tones and textures. Here’s why we’re gushing over them; these genius formulations are made of smaller particles (read micro-particles), allowing the products to blend seamlessly without falling flat on our faces. Add to it super hydrating benefits and you have a winner. If that’s not all, matte makeup today is no longer limited to just foundations or primers; think metallic lips, pop hued nail paints and quirky eyeshadows—all in a creamy matte texture. Did someone say matte heaven?
We’ve put together a guide on the best mattifying products out there. Time to suit up, ladies!
Skin First
Begin by prepping your skin with the Revlon Photo Ready Prime + Anti Shine Balm Clear, a beauty investment worth every penny—it’s like a pore-blurring, shine-busting photoshop filter in real life. Next, look for an oil-free foundation that will look totally natural and gorgeous on your skin. We recommend the NYX Professional Makeup Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation that gives a full coverage with a mineral enriched matte finish. The water-based formula keeps everything light and breezy. Finally, finish with a mattifying powder to set your makeup. Try the L'Oreal Paris True Match Minerals Finishing Powder, enriched with Mineral Silica for a luminous matte finish that lasts all day.
Pro Tip: For a perfectly natural coverage, pump a small amount of foundation on the back of your hand to warm it up slightly. Apply with a brush and then gently tap with your fingertips for a seamless blend.
Eyes On You
Matte eyeshadows are intimidating, only if you want them to be. Try the earthy tones from PAC Matte Eyeshadow Palette 7 Colors which are some of the easiest formulas to work with. Don’t get us started on the silky texture that blends like a dream. For some extra drama, opt for the Makeup Revolution Ultimate 144 Eyeshadow Palette Matte 2018 with pop aqua and pastel purple hues—perfect for those gorgeous sundowners.
Pro Tip: Dampen your brush before applying eyeshadow to intensify the color. You can even use your eyeshadow wet to create an eyeliner that can be smudged out for a sultry effect.
Lip Loves
Matte lipstick is a classic and the newest formulas have moisturizing ingredients for a soft matte look and feel. The Maybelline New York Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick with its intensely pigmented formula will last you through endless cups of coffee and won’t dry your lips out. Lusting over metallics? Try the Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Metallic Lipstick that has shimmery color-changing pigments with a high metallic matte finish. However, don’t forget to exfoliate and moisturize your lips before you swipe these on.
Pro Tip: If you are opting for strong colors, line your lips first before applying lipstick. Then use a concealer pen to clean around the edges. Instant glam.
Nail It
Whether it’s a statement red to complement your little sequined dress or work-appropriate nudes, a matte-mani is all you need to update your look in a jiffy. We are obsessed with the Nykaa Matte Nail Enamel Collection that dries to a stunning matte finish. Did we mention that these 30 gorgeous hues are inspired from delicious desserts. Matcha Tiramisu anyone?
Pro Tip: Apply your regular polish and layer it with a matte top coat for instant results. Our pick—the Jaquline USA Matte Stroke Mattifying Top Coat that can give a matte effect to any nail enamel.
