Matte Makeup is Trending, Check Out These Tips to Really Nail The Look

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By Olivia Cefalu
Published on November 12, 2024
Close-up of a woman with sultry, matte smoky eye makeup look
Close-up of a woman with sultry, matte smoky eye makeup look

Fall is well underway and we’re loving the sounds of crunchy leaves, drinking pumpkin spice lattes any chance we get, and prepping for Halloween. But as beauty lovers and experts, nothing gets us more excited than a new season full of beauty trends.

The trend we’re loving this fall? Everything matte makeup! Matte makeup is soft, velvety, and wearable—giving that perfect autumn glow that pairs well with cashmere sweaters and dark denim. We’re talking Taylor Swift’s (Taylor’s Version) RED album cover autumn glow. You know the look: red lipstick and deep matte eyes!

While you scramble to stash away your shimmer sticks, glitter eyeshadows, and popsicle-colored lip tints, let us share our best makeup tips to nail matte makeup glam this fall. Read on for everything you need to know, plus matte makeup product recommendations you’ll want to hit add-to-cart on.

Meet the Expert

Naseeha Khan is a certified, professional makeup artist and the co-founder of the award-winning, South-Asian founded beauty brand CTZN Cosmetics.

How to Wear the Matte Makeup Trend?

  • It Needs to Be Just Right

Simply put, makeup with a matte finish takes a little bit more effort when it comes to making it look just right. Don’t get us wrong, it’s multipurpose and can still create either a no-makeup-makeup-look or a dramatic makeup look but it’s all about placement and blending.

  • Skin Prep is Key

“The key to wearing matte makeup is to ensure you properly prep beforehand. Moisturizing before applying your matte makeup products and using a rich and hydrating eye cream or serum will help the products blend and to prevent any heavy creasing or flaking of the skin,” says Naseeha.

  • Choose a Hydrating Skin Product to Finish Your Routine 

One product she has in her skincare routine is the ORPHEUS Bio-Shield Cream. It’s an ideal product to prep skin as it’s super lightweight yet very hydrating.

  • It’s Longwear–and Oily Skin Types Can Benefit

Naseeha adds that matte makeup is perfect for long days as it doesn’t take much effort to refresh or reset. “All you need is a little touch up with powder here and there throughout the day. Super dewy looks tend to shift more when you’ve had the makeup on for a while. I advise that clients with oily skin types lean into matte makeup looks as they help to keep shine at bay and prolong wear-time,” she says.

Matte Makeup Mistakes to Avoid

Like we mentioned, the key to nailing the matte look is making sure you have a solid skincare routine to prep the face. Besides this, knowing what to use in conjunction with a full face of matte makeup is important too.

Layering matte makeup products with oil or cream based foundations, concealers, blushes, bronzers, or highlighters can make your makeup look cakey or patchy. Naseeha notes this includes oil based setting sprays too.

“It’s super easy to overdo it on powder too which can leave your skin looking super dry, cakey, and even flakey. Be careful not to pack too much powder on your face!” says Naseeha.

Matte Makeup Products We Love

Ready to choose your products? We’ve made it easy. Check out our five favorite matte makeup products for a full face!

1. Best Matte Foundation:

MILK MAKEUP Blur Liquid Matte Foundation, $40

MILK MAKEUP Blur Liquid Matte Foundation
MILK MAKEUP Blur Liquid Matte Foundation

This is the perfect full coverage matte foundation that’s easy to blend and caters to a variety of skin tones. It’s lightweight and silicone free, so it doesn’t feel heavy or cakey on skin. It layers well with other matte complexion products as well, and doesn’t pill.

2. Best Matte Lipstick:

FRECK BEAUTY Makeout Club Soft Blur Lipstick, $24

FRECK BEAUTY Makeout Club Soft Blur Lipstick
FRECK BEAUTY Makeout Club Soft Blur Lipstick

If you’re looking for a soft matte lip for your makeup routine, look no further than FRECK’s newest launch. It’s buildable with a medium to full coverage range, but what sets it apart from other matte lipsticks is it isn’t drying! It doesn’t crack or dry out lips thanks to nourishing orchid, magnolia, and vegan lanolin oils. You’ll want to carry it everywhere with you—making it the perfect companion to your trusted lip liner.

3. Best Matte Eyeshadow Palette:

URBAN DECAY Naked2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette, $29

URBAN DECAY Naked2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette
URBAN DECAY Naked2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette

Everyone needs to own this iconic, multipurpose palette from URBAN DECAY. It features six of their best-selling neutral matte shades. They’re everyday basics with amazing pigment and 12 hours of wear. You can create both natural looks and deeper, more dramatic looks too.

4. Best Matte Eyeshadow Stick:

ILIA Liquid Powder Eye Tint, $28

ILIA Liquid Powder Eye Tint
ILIA Liquid Powder Eye Tint

Ilia’s newest eye makeup products are these matte powder eye tints. They come in eight shades, ranging from a stunning lavender to a deep burgundy. Pair with your favorite eyeliner and mascara and you’ll have a full eye look in minutes.

5. Best Matte Blush:

PYT BEAUTY Hot Flush Blush, $20

PYT BEAUTY Hot Flush Blush
PYT BEAUTY Hot Flush Blush

A matte blush that’s only $20? Yes please! PYT BEAUTY never fails us, and we highly recommend trying this soft matte blush, which comes in three different colors. It’s soft and swipes on cheeks easily for a velvety smooth look.

Want to be in the know about new makeup trends? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram @IPSY.

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