Matte makeup sings a particular siren song in the colder months when it mirrors the cashmere-soft textures of our winter wardrobe. That said, modern matte couldn’t be more different to the chalky, pore-suffocating powders of old.
As we’ve witnessed over the past few weeks, matte skin still looks nearly bare, but the shine-free finish is neutral rather than flat. In place of obvious sheen there’s a velvety afterglow. Imagine how silk still reflects light but without being shiny, or how the Paris Instagram filter makes your skin look, and you get the picture.
As for how to wear matte on different skin types, oily skin types may have to go matte from the moment their moisturiser hits their skin, before applying primer as an undercoat to a matte foundation. While dry skin types can lean on a feather-light dusting of setting powder down the T-Zone to tap into the matte makeup trend.
“A modern way to wear matte texture across the face is to think monochromatic,” explains makeup artist Neil Young. “Begin with the focus feature and build the makeup around it using tonally similar shades on the eyes, lips and cheeks.”
Matte skin doesn’t mean swerving highlighter altogether, either – but do stick to powder versions.
If you’re ready for matte makeup to become the LBD of your beauty repertoire again, these are the products to try:
Best matte foundation
Best mattifying moisturiser
Best matte primer
Best mattifying powder
Best matte blusher
Best matte bronzer
Best matte nude lipstick
Best matte red lipstick
L’Oreal Parus Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Rouge Determinance, £9.99, Look Fantastic
Best matte eyshadow
For more from Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR’s Acting Associate Beauty Director, follow her on @fiembleton.