In the multifarious world of beauty, some things are perennial. Like the constant pull of a scarlet bullet, an inky cat liner, or soft beach curls. But for those inclined to a spot of experimentation, its spanning universe of trends opens up portals of possibilities. To dimensions less discovered, to theories less practised. But like most things that wax and wane, the best beauty trends always swim its way back to the surface. And perhaps the best of them return in more evolved, tempered ways. Like 2024’s returning make-up swerve: matte make-up.
Swiftly replacing the wet, glazed shine that led the way for the past few years—since the takeover of high-octane glosses and dewy bases—the matte look is earning new credentials amid the beauty lot. Gone are the days of its bold, foundation-led counterpart, the matte renaissance sees its associative search terms being soft matte and ‘cloud skin’. In essence, matte is back, but the desired effect is one that is softly blurred, with a lit-from-within finish that makes your mien still feel minimalist and natural.
To do so, prepping your base is crucial. Hydration is key in the long run, to ensure that your skin is ready and moisturised enough before applying the subsequent fleet of products; be it your foundation, concealer, or primer. And the defining product to achieve the much-coveted sheer look? A loose, setting powder—essential to rewarding you with that effortless finish. Of course, true matte enthusiasts will know the fun hardly ends there. A tonal matte look is best accomplished with one final masterstroke: a beautifully blurred, velvety pout. But don’t just hear it from us.
With the beauty industry bringing matte back in a big way, see the most potent mattifying formulations to cop and add to your arsenal, from oil-controlled foundations that’ll endow one with the airbrushed effect to deliciously velvet bullets to pamper your lips with.
Best matte foundations
Best matte primers and setting spray mists
Best matte powders
Best matte lipsticks and tints
