Why Matte Makeup Is Your Summertime BFF
From the best matte lipstick to the best mattifying primer, here’s how to make matte makeup work for you when the temperature rises.
We’ve all been there: It’s a hot day, and by the time you get to work, your makeup does not look the same as it did when you left the house. Your foundation is running, you T-zone is shiny and your lipstick has migrated. If you’re over dealing with that nonsense, we’ve got good news for you: There are some amazing matte and mattifying products that can help you beat the heat. From the right primer to the best matte foundation for oily skin to a red matte lipstick that won’t budge, here are some tips and products you need to nail your summer beauty routine.
- Primer
Priming is a super-important first step to any makeup routine, especially if you’re trying to fight that sweat- and humidity-induced makeup melt. A primer will smooth your complexion, boost your foundation’s mattifying properties and prolong your makeup’s wear. If you have oily skin, you’ll want to look for a primer that has a matte finish. The best mattifying primers promise to fight shine all day, like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Lock Primer. After you cleanse, tone and moisturize your face, apply your primer all over, but focus on the areas that tend to get oilier, like your T-zone. Allow it to absorb for a few minutes before you move on to the next steps in your routine.
- Foundation
When your complexion is prone to shine, and that shine is exacerbated by a hot summer day, finding a foundation that lasts can be frustrating. The best matte foundation for oily skin is lightweight and long-wearing, like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Foundation. Its micro-sponge technology works to absorb excess oil and has a demi-matte finish so it never looks cakey. To keep it sheer, dot a small amount on your face and use a beauty sponge to buff it out. If you want more coverage, layer it on, again focusing on your T-zone, where you might have more shine and redness.
- Powder
Especially if your skin is oily, setting your makeup with powder is a step you can’t skip. Powder will help mattify any excess shine and give a boost to both your primer and your foundation, helping them stay put much longer.
Grab a big, fluffy brush and L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Setting Powder and dust it all over your face. Again, you’ll want to pay special attention to your forehead, chin and nose. Setting powder instantly leaves a more even-toned complexion that will last up to 16 hours. If you find yourself needing touch-ups throughout the day, though, toss your setting powder into your purse so you’ll always be ready for any unexpected oiliness.
- Lipstick
When it’s hot out, you might be inclined to just swipe on lip balm and call it a day. But a bold lip can really complete a makeup look, especially if you’re planning on skipping mascara and eyeliner since you’ll be wearing sunglasses. The most on-trend lip for the summer has a matte finish. If you’re not sure how to apply matte lipstick and make it last, you just need to find the right one and follow a few simple steps.
Prep your lips with a lightweight balm, and then trace them with a lip liner that closely matches the lipstick you’ve chosen. The best matte lipstick will be creamy and comfortable and won’t dry out your lips as the day goes on, like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick. Fill in your lips right from the bullet or use a lip brush for more precision. Then, blot your lips with a tissue and apply another coat to lock it in. If you’re heading out on the town, choose an orangey-red shade like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Matte-ly in Love, and for daytime, go with a bubble-gum-pink shade like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Drop of a Matte. Whichever you choose, you’ll get bold colour and long-lasting wear, and your lips will feel super-hydrated.