How to Wear Matte Makeup Without Any Signs of Shine

March 08, 2023
Alanna Martine Kilkeary
By: Alanna Martine Kilkeary | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
person looking into the camera wearing a matte makeup look

If you have oily or combination skin, you’re probably no stranger to the struggle of keeping your makeup looking matte, smooth and shine-free throughout the day. Matte makeup products, from foundations to powders, certainly help the case, but knowing how to layer and use them properly with one another is key. Here, we spoke with NYC-based makeup artist Jonet Williamson about her best tips and tricks for applying matte makeup while minimizing the appearance of texture (from flakiness to pimples) and preventing shine. 

How to Mattify Makeup Like a Pro

According to Williamson, mattifying your makeup starts with the right skin prep. This will also help you camouflage skin texture. “If you have dryness or flaking, causing texture in areas of the skin, I recommend using a hydrating primer on those areas and a mattifying primer on areas like your T-zone where you may get more oily.” We love the NYX Professional Makeup Plump Right Back Primer + Serum for a moisturizing option with hyaluronic acid, and the Dermablend Poresaver Matte Primer for oily spots. 

nyx plump right back primer and dermablend poresaver matte primer

After you finish applying any cream or liquid complexion products, Williamson says to seal in the finish with a combination of translucent powder and powder foundation on any areas that you have breakouts or shine. 

For example, start by lightly applying a translucent powder with a brush all over the skin — we love the Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder in Airy for this. Next, press a powder foundation onto these breakout-prone areas using a powder puff or sponge. Our go-to is the Maybelline New York Super Stay Up to 24HR Hybrid Powder-Foundation, which comes with a sponge applicator.

Finally, to ensure your look stays in place, Williamson says that applying a setting spray over top for added staying power is always a good idea. “Be sure it’s a matte finish spray, and not hydrating, which will just add more sheen to the skin,” she says. The Urban Decay All Nighter Matte Setting Spray will do just the trick.

Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder in Airy and Maybelline New York Super Stay Up to 24HR Hybrid Powder-Foundation
Photo: Chaunte Vaughn, Design: Juliana Campisi

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