Must-Have Matte Makeup Products

Matte makeup is back!

Matte makeup is timeless, so it’s no surprise it is making a comeback in 2023. A matte makeup look showcases skin in the best and most natural way possible, giving the appearance of pore-less skin and hiding imperfections well. Smooth, shine-free and long-lasting are just a few benefits that come with adopting a matte makeup routine. Typically, most would think of matte makeup as over-powdered and harsh lines, however this new style of matte encompasses a soft and smooth, real skin-like finish.

Those of us with oily skin will be happy to see the return of matte beauty as it helps maintain a shine-free finish that lasts on the skin all day. Dry skins tend to shy away from matte formulas, but many contain nourishing ingredients that suit dry skin types too. 

Keep reading to find out what matte makeup looks like in 2023 and how to choose the right matte products for your skin type!

Matte makeup look (cloud skin) using a full face of InClinic Cosmetics mineral makeup products.

Defining Matte in 2023

This popular-again makeup trend is a change to the unnatural radiant, glossy finishes that you may have seen all over your social media lately. Last trending in 2016, matte makeup was full-coverage, thick and heavy. This time around, the matte look has been reinvented to a more natural, sophisticated and soft-focus matte finish. Matte makeup has re-entered the beauty world but has revolutionised into a softer matte finish that is somewhat of a cross between dewy and super matte skin. 

Matte makeup as it was, was all about full coverage and lots of powder to get rid of any skin luminosity. The new natural makeup, titled ‘cloud skin’ in the social media world, is a softly mattified complexion that isn’t dull or flat but also isn’t overly radiant as many put down intense highlighters. 

The Secret to Nailing the Matte Look

Primer

To achieve a smooth, shine-free skin canvas, a pore minimising primer is the best place to start before applying your foundation. The ideal primer will minimise the appearance of pores, fine lines and imperfections for a resurfaced appearance. Shop InClinic’s Pore Refining Primer.

Liquid Foundation

To create that cloudy-matte effect, a soft matte finish liquid foundation is ideal. Try not to apply a thick layer of foundation, use a foundation brush to spread the product around the face and buff it into the skin. A matte liquid mineral foundation will maximise your skin’s health with calming and soothing benefits and provides a natural-looking, shine-free finish. Shop InClinic’s Mineral Matte Liquid Foundation.

Powder

Welcoming the term ‘matte’ back into our makeup routine means you can bring back all those powders you’ve avoided while dewy, radiant skin was trending. However, the way you use your powder is what differentiates matte makeup this time around.  Pressed powder is the integral ingredient in achieving the blurred, soft looking and velvety skin and knowing how to apply it is just as important as selecting the right powder. When choosing a pressed powder to set your makeup look, look for something that will blur pores and keep shine to a minimum while locking your complexion products in. A mineral pressed powder foundation is the best option as it is free of skin-irritating ingredients and allows the skin to breathe. A mineral powder with skincare ingredients will help to improve skin while providing that blurred, soft looking finish. Shop InClinic’s Mineral Powder Foundation.

InClinic's Powder Brush is an essential tool for creating a soft, smooth, matte makeup base.

When applying powder it's important to choose a fluffy powder brush (such as InClinic's Powder Brush), coat the bristles in powder and tap the brush in an upright position on the edge of a hard surface (usually bench or sink). Tapping the brush on a hard surface helps settle the powder into the bristles and removing any excess powder that could lead to a patchy application and using too much powder. Press and roll the powder into the skin using gentle pressure all over your skin for a smooth, natural finish. Alternatively, you could use a sponge to roll your powder into the skin, keeping in mind however, that makeup sponges tend to harbour bacteria, dead skin cells and potential allergens that can lead to acne and skin irritation. 

Blush

To achieve the ultimate blurred complexion, it is essential to finish with a matte blush that melts into the skin and delivers a smooth-satin texture. Sweep the blush across your cheeks, nose and eyes to restore colour into your complexion. Ensure that all edges are diffused so there are no sharp lines. Shop InClinic’s Mineral Matte Blush.

This naturally seamless matte look is classic and timeless when compared to the overly radiant and dewy finishes that have been popular over the last few years. Aside from the benefits of it lasting all day, taking you from day to night, a soft matte complexion is sophisticated and polished. Mineral makeup products are breathable, lightweight and do not clog pores, making it the best choice of formulations to select when creating your soft matte look. 

Not sure what shade is right for you? Take InClinic’s Foundation Finder quiz today or shop our entire range!