Nothing makes a girl start frantically searching for “the best matte makeup products” quite like the insane heat and humidity of summer. Even if you typically have dry skin, you’re bound to find your T-zone getting shiny by midday—and your usual dewy-finish makeup definitely isn’t helping. In the dog-days of summer, it can feel like you’re fighting a losing battle against shine; so what’s a girl to do?
Two words: Mattifying products. Banish thoughts of the perfectly one-dimensional skin of the late 90s; the modern matte is totally natural-looking. That’s why we put together this helpful guide to the best mattifying products out there. From matte-finish sunscreen to blotting papers, every single step required for a flawless beauty look is covered—at every price point. Get ready to say goodbye to shine and hello to a carefree, matte summer.
The Product: Sunscreen.
STEAL: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock ($11).
We love how this sunscreen feels and looks—it’s like you’re not wearing anything at all. It’s great for layering under makeup, it absorbs quickly with no chalky residue or greasiness, and even has a light, pleasant scent.
SPLURGE: Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50 ($28).
Sometimes when you’re out and about, you realize its time to reapply your SPF—but how to do that without disturbing your makeup? That’s where this genius spray comes in handy. Not only does it have SPF 50, but it also sets makeup with a matte finish.
The Product: Primer.
STEAL: Maybelline FaceStudio Master Prime Blur + Smooth Primer ($10).
Not only will this primer help control shine and oil all day and make a great base for makeup, but it also really does blur pores. Try it yourself and see—you’ll be amazed at the final effect.
SPLURGE: First Aid Beauty Oil-Free Mattifying Gel ($30).
This gel is a serious multi-tasker. It hydrates skin while controlling oil, helps makeup glide on smoothly, and reduces the appearance of pores. With or without makeup, you can expect a matte finish that lasts all day after using this gel.
The Product: Foundation.
STEAL: L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte 24HR Foundation ($13).
This is a great drugstore foundation for those with oily skin (or even if you just happen to get extra sweaty in the summer). It feels extremely light and airy and contains blotting spheres that help to absorb sweat and oil throughout the day, creating a matte appearance that lasts. It is available in 10 shades and offers medium coverage which you can build to full coverage if you prefer.
SPLURGE: Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation ($36).
If you prefer to use a powder foundation, this weightless powder gives full coverage and a matte finish. It’s easy to apply and blends in quickly, giving a natural look and light feel despite the full coverage. It’s available in 16 shades, and it’s waterproof. Summer score!
The Product: Setting Spray.
STEAL: NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray ($8).
If you don’t own a setting spray yet, you’re missing out on an essential step in your beauty routine–especially in the summer. Simply spritz on a bit of this spray to make your makeup last longer, look better, and stay matte.
SPLURGE: Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray ($30).
Time to break out the big guns: this waterproof makeup setting spray does exactly what its name implies. It makes your makeup last and stay matte for up to 16 hours, no matter how much humidity or sweat you’re dealing with. Use this spray when you need your makeup to stay put and shine-free for a long day (or night).
The Product: Powder.
STEAL: Neutrogena Shine Control Powder ($13).
If a setting powder is more your style, try this offering from Neutrogena. It gives a natural, non-cakey look and helps to instantly nix any shine. It won’t clog pores or dry out your skin. Carry it with you in your bag for touch-ups and you’ll never be caught with a shiny face in photos this summer again.
SPLURGE: Becca Blotting Powder Perfector ($38).
This powder is a great option for any skin type. It’s free of irritants like fragrance or parabens so it’s safe for sensitive skin, it’s non-drying, and it absorbs oil while creating a matte finish. You’ll love how light and natural this powder appears while it works to control shine and blur imperfections.
The Product: Blotting Papers.
STEAL: Palladio Oil Absorbing Rice Paper Tissues ($4).
These blotting papers are a great choice for several reasons. They’re affordable and compact (plus the clever packaging makes it easy to extract each tissue). Not only do they absorb excess oil, but they also deposit a sheer layer of rice powder to deliver a truly matte finish. These are an everyday bag staple.
SPLURGE: Shiseido Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Paper ($18.50).
These are not your typical blotting papers. Not only do they come in a high-quality portable pouch, but they also contain powerful oil-absorbing ingredients such as Hydroxyapatite and lipid peroxide. You’ll only need one sheet to get rid of even the most excessive oil without disturbing your makeup, leaving you with a perfectly mattified complexion.
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