4 Reasons We're Absolutely In Love With Matte Makeup
Think all velvety makeup is dry and cakey? Not so! Today's formulas are light and easy to wear. One look at the flurry of new contenders and you'll be raring to go to the matte. Here's how:
Cheeks
When you wear a matte foundation, use a slightly luminous, creamy blush. When you're sporting a glowy base, use a fan brush to apply a matte blush for a sheer dusting of color. Combining the two finishes—matte and luminous or glowy and matte—adds dimension, says Los Angeles makeup artist Pati Dubroff.
We like: MAC Powder Blush ; $22.
Eyes
Matte shades give the eye more definition than shimmery ones, says Dubroff. They're also a better option if you're concerned about fine lines, which shimmer may emphasize. (To add a little brightness to your new look, you can lightly apply a shimmery shadow on the browbone.)
We like: Sonia Kashuk Six-Pan Eye Palette , $14.50, in Color Euphoria.
Lips
Matte lipsticks used to contain mainly wax and powder, says Sarah Creal, creator of the Estée Edit by Estée Lauder. But new formulas include oil, so you get a matte finish without feeling uncomfortably dry. The most flattering way to wear a matte lipstick? As a stain. Apply the color (avoid nude shades, which can appear flat) to the center of your mouth and blend it toward the edges, says Dubroff. Note: It's a good idea to apply a hydrating balm first to keep lips smooth. Let the balm sink in before applying your lipstick, or the finish will become glossy.
We like: The Estée Edit by Estée Lauder Mattified Lipstick , $22, and L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Gloss ; $7.50.
Face
Prep first with a moisturizer, especially if your skin is dry. The key to applying matte base: Use a light touch and focus on the center of your face, says Dubroff. Dab foundation under your eyes and around the sides of your nose and mouth with a makeup sponge, then blend it out toward the hairline, ears, and jawline.
We like: Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint SPF 30 , $44, and Maybelline New York Dream Velvet Foundation ; $8.30.
When you wear a matte foundation, use a slightly luminous, creamy blush. When you're sporting a glowy base, use a fan brush to apply a matte blush for a sheer dusting of color. Combining the two finishes—matte and luminous or glowy and matte—adds dimension, says Los Angeles makeup artist Pati Dubroff.
We like: MAC Powder Blush ; $22.
Eyes
Matte shades give the eye more definition than shimmery ones, says Dubroff. They're also a better option if you're concerned about fine lines, which shimmer may emphasize. (To add a little brightness to your new look, you can lightly apply a shimmery shadow on the browbone.)
We like: Sonia Kashuk Six-Pan Eye Palette , $14.50, in Color Euphoria.
Lips
Matte lipsticks used to contain mainly wax and powder, says Sarah Creal, creator of the Estée Edit by Estée Lauder. But new formulas include oil, so you get a matte finish without feeling uncomfortably dry. The most flattering way to wear a matte lipstick? As a stain. Apply the color (avoid nude shades, which can appear flat) to the center of your mouth and blend it toward the edges, says Dubroff. Note: It's a good idea to apply a hydrating balm first to keep lips smooth. Let the balm sink in before applying your lipstick, or the finish will become glossy.
We like: The Estée Edit by Estée Lauder Mattified Lipstick , $22, and L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Gloss ; $7.50.
Face
Prep first with a moisturizer, especially if your skin is dry. The key to applying matte base: Use a light touch and focus on the center of your face, says Dubroff. Dab foundation under your eyes and around the sides of your nose and mouth with a makeup sponge, then blend it out toward the hairline, ears, and jawline.
We like: Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint SPF 30 , $44, and Maybelline New York Dream Velvet Foundation ; $8.30.
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