The Art of Disguise: Mattifying Foundation

Enlarged pores, greasy shine, acne – all this gives the owners of oily skin a lot of trouble. Mattifying foundation not only hides imperfections, it corrects them. How to choose the right remedy?

Features matting foundation

The words “radiance” and “shine” are synonymous, but only if we are not talking about skin care! Here their meanings diverge. They dream of a radiant complexion, but they want to get rid of the shine in the T-zone. Moreover, it did not begin in the XNUMXth century, but much earlier. Tanned, sweat-shiny faces of peasant women were contrasted with the pale, dull, powdered skin of aristocrats. And although class distinctions have disappeared, glossy skin is still associated with something inappropriate and indecent. To some, this seems to be the result of a lack of proper care, and to someone, excessive greasiness reminds of teenage hormonal storms. And the expression “powder your nose” is still relevant. Although, in the case of a matting foundation for the face, it’s more likely to “cover up” rather than powder.

The mattifying base can be used even by owners of dry skin.

In general, matting agents are best used locally. The fact is that there are a lot of drying components in gels for narrowing pores and correctors, and they can dehydrate dry areas of the skin. But this does not apply to tonal creams.

Says Lancôme grooming expert Valeria Khokhlova (personal page of our expert), “matting tonal foundation, if desired, can be used even by owners of dry skin – on it, the fluid will create perfect coverage and a velvety finish.” That is, if the skin is combination, you can apply a matte foundation to the entire face, avoiding only the area around the eyes, since there are practically no sebaceous glands.

What gives a foundation with a matte finish?

  • Visually evens out skin tone, hides minor imperfections.

  • Prevents untidy shine throughout the day.

  • Tightens pores, absorbs sebum.

BUT: it can tighten the skin and accentuate wrinkles.

After taking our test, you will find out which foundation is right for you.

Rating of the best matting foundation for the face

Among these matting tonal creams or fluids (the editors of Healthy-Food made their rating of the best), you can surely find “your own”. Please share your feedback later!

BB cream “5-in-1 Hyaluronic Aloe Care” for combination and oily skin, Garnier

Enriched with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera extract, the cream moisturizes, mattifies and protects the skin all day long thanks to SPF25.

Infaillible Long Lasting Ultra-Mattifying Foundation, SPF 18, L’Oréal Paris

The coverage is absolutely weightless: natural finish, no mask effect. The cream spreads easily, is sweat resistant and leaves the skin matte for a long time.

Tonal fluid Teint Idole Ultra Wear Nude, Lancôme

The coverage is light, smooth and durable. The fluid is almost not felt and looks absolutely natural, while it perfectly masks skin imperfections. And, in our opinion, it’s one of the longest lasting matte foundations we know of.

Foundation for the face “Fit Me. Matte Skin + Invisible Pores, Maybelline New York

The cream contains clay and powder particles that mask pores and prevent the appearance of greasy shine. The product has a very pleasant texture, is easy to apply and leaves a pleasant matte finish on the skin.

The composition of the matting foundation

The composition of matting agents almost never includes oils. But a significant role is played by components that narrow the pores and absorb excess sebum. In addition to perlite and silicon, these can be:

  • algae extracts;

  • zinc;

  • skullcap root extract;

  • wheat starch, etc.

In addition, exfoliating and soothing ingredients are often added to the foundation with a matte effect:

  • salicylic acid;

  • chamomile extract or other soothing herbs.

And where without moisturizing ingredients:

  • hyaluronic acid;

  • thermal water;

  • natural polysaccharides.

Previously, only skin care cosmetics could boast of such a rich composition. Now the best cosmetic ingredients work in foundations, including for a matte effect.

How to choose an effective matte foundation

Primarily Valeria Khokhlova advises to determine the desired degree of coverage: for the effect of retouching, a denser matting foundation is required. If there is nothing special to mask (there are no enlarged pores, no pimples, no deep wrinkles), you can choose a fluid or light matting foundation.

According to the type of skin, matting tonal products are usually not divided. It is supposed to be an essential item for oily skin. But, as we have already found out, it can be used for combination, and even for dry – however, only after thorough pre-wetting.

Tips for using foundation with a matte finish

Even the very best matte foundation will not do its job (disguise imperfections) if it is not used correctly. Let’s try to figure out how to. We answer user questions.

How to apply matte foundation correctly?

Shake the bottle and with gentle smoothing movements evenly distribute the cream over the skin. The tool will lie perfectly if you pre-moisturize it and / or use a primer.

How to choose the right shade of foundation with a matte effect?

Choose three shades and test them – no, not on the wrist, but in the chin area. The one that “merges” with the skin is yours!

How to avoid the effect of a mask when applying foundation with a matte finish?

Use a two-tone foundation and a highlighter or blush for contouring and sculpting. They will add the desired volume and radiance, and make-up will look as natural as possible.

How to choose a matting foundation depending on the season?

In winter, shades a tone warmer than your natural skin color and with radiant particles are appropriate – they visually rejuvenate, refresh the face. In the summer, you can choose a tone-on-tone cream, but you need to take into account that the skin can tan, which means that the shade will have to be adjusted towards “a little darker”.

Which matte foundation do you prefer – regular or waterproof?

If you plan to spend many hours in a humid environment, it certainly makes sense to choose a waterproof foundation. The ability to matte is not related to the water resistance of the formula.

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