Ever look in the mirror in the morning and think, “Wow, my makeup looks great!” and by the end of the day you’re wondering, “How did my face get SO shiny, and where did my makeup disappear to?” Well, these have been my thoughts on numerous occasions.
Between exposure to humidity and the icky heat while waiting for subway trains, it can be a challenge to maintain a shine-free face and perfect makeup all day long. My morning beauty routine usually consists of washing my face, applying moisturizer and dabbing on powder or BB cream to create a matte finish. But, depending on the products I use, keeping up with this look all day can work or really not work.
So, I’ve rounded up my favorite oil-free and mattifying products from my skin and makeup routine in hopes you’ll find them as helpful as I do!
Especially since the matte trend is HUGE for this fall.
Oil-Control Cleanser
If you read one of my previous skin posts, you already know I have acne-prone skin. With that said, oil-control and oil-free products are always my go-to skincare items. One product I have been using for years is Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub. There are so many things I love about this face wash: it’s acne-fighting, oil-free, an exfoliator and it smells AMAZING. If you’re looking to remove stubborn grime at the end of the day, or remove dead skin for easy makeup prep in the morning – this is a great cleanser to try.
Moisturizer
The trick with moisturizer is that you need to let it set. When you’re in a hurry, sometimes it can be tempting to immediately apply makeup over your moisturizer (which I’ll admit I have done a few times, and the results are never good). But, if that is a beauty hump you can’t get over, I recommend Revision Skincare’s Hydrating Serum (oil-free moisture for all skin types). This product absorbs quickly, doesn’t leave your face super shiny and it really hydrates.
Mattifying Powder
As we all know, a “shine-free” look is easy to create in an air conditioned apartment – but the goal is to keep it that way on your commute to work, and then do as few touch-ups as possible throughout the day. That’s why I’ll forever be obsessed with Clinique powders. I have yet to find one that I don’t like. My favorite is Almost Powder Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15. Compared with other powders I have used, this one gave me the most coverage, not to mention it is super light-weight. I love it because I don’t have to use a heavy foundation first. All I need is the powder – and I get a long-lasting matte finish!
And there you have it – three simple steps to stay oil-free and mattified!
I think we have the same skin type…the tip on moisturizing is definitely one I fail to follow as well :(
One of the mattifying products I’ve recently been in love with is the Jouer Matte Moisture Tint. In my opinion, it’s definitely worth a try :)
Michelle – great post!! How about matte bronzers and blush? Do you prefer flat powders to luminous liquids and creams? What about lipcolor? Do you have a longwear matte fave? XOLC
Thanks, Lauren! I am definitely more of a bronzer girl. But from time to time I like to use light pink powder on the cheek bones. I’ve never tired the liquids or creams (I always thought it would make my face shiny–but I’m curious if you have any favs!) As for matte lips…I’m obsessed. I’m looking into getting a new matte lipstick in nude. I absolutely love the ruby woo shade from MAC that you used on me for my makeover!
I will def give those a try then (since they’re LDiva-approved)!
Yes, that makeup story with MAC Ruby Woo will be published soon!!
As for cream and liquid blushes, I love Make Up For Ever HD Liquid Blush, Josie Maran Argan Cream Blush, Sue Devitt Microquatic Gel Blush, Maybelline Dream Bouncy Mousse Blush… There are several really great ones. I mix them with foundation if I need to tone them down or adjust the finish. None will leave you shiny but they do generally have a lushness to them if you apply them straight on. The MUFE and the Sue Devitt dry down to more matte finishes, especially if applied over a matte foundation or powder.
XOLC