Top 10 Matte Foundations
Keep Oil At Bay With A Top Matte Foundation
Summer skin is all about getting a good glow, but as the seasons change, we begin to crave a little more coverage—and not just in the form of cute cashmere. One of the biggest seasonal swaps we'll be making to our beauty bags is in the foundation department, and we have our sights set on all things matte. Matte foundations not only provide a heavier look that feels right for fall, but they're also excellent options for those with oily skin since they expertly mask shine and blur imperfections without sliding off midday. And contrary to popular belief, matte does not have to mean flat, cakey, or flakey. Below, we're proving it to you with an algorithm-backed list of the best matte foundations the beauty shelves have to offer—all of which contain skin-loving ingredients like antioxidants and argan oil to keep things hydrated during the season of dry skin. Ahead, discover and shop the Top 10 formulas that made the cut and get ready to rock your flawless, shine-free finish all season long. Opening image: @fentybeauty
Love our 10 Best Matte Foundations? Check out our 10 Best Face Masks For Oily Skin next!
October 28, 2019
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation
BEST FOR: For full coverage, look no further. From acne to age spots and, yes, even tattoos, this baby hides and conceals like no other.
HELPFUL TIP: When we say full coverage, we mean it—even a full pump is too much product for your face. Start with pea-sized droplets until you achieve your desired finish.
Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
WHAT IT DOES: Just as its name suggests, this light-as-a-feather foundation leaves skin with an ultra-smooth, pore-diffused, shine-free finish—no Insta filter required.
FUN FACT: Thanks to the climate-resistive technology that fights against sweat and humidity, this formula won't clog pores. Genius.
Urban Decay Stay Naked Weightless Foundation
LOVED FOR: This newly launched gem of a foundation not only comes in 50 shades (yes, 50), but it also has a super breathable and flexible formula that leaves skin looking like skin—never cakey, flakey, or flat.
USERS SAID: "This feels like NOTHING on your skin! It’s very lightweight but still buildable, and the finish is absolutely gorgeous!"
Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation
BEST FOR: If uneven skin tone is your main concern, this foundation could be your fix. It visibly smooths texture while diminishing the appearance of blemishes, scars, hyperpigmentation, and redness for a flawless, airbrushed finish—all without feeling heavy or cakey thanks to hydrating ingredients like argan oil and Centella Asiatica.
LOVED FOR: A "radiant powder finish" sounds a bit contradicting, but this formula delivers exactly that. It's perfectly matte, but it's still glowy and bright. In fact, you may not even need that highlighter of yours.
MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
USERS SAID: "Love MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation! It covers better than anything I've ever used but doesn't feel heavy, cakey, or greasy. In fact, I usually don't feel like I'm even wearing anything, but it manages to cover all my freckles (which is a miracle!). I don't usually spend a lot of money on makeup, but this is worth every penny."
HELPFUL TIP: Apply this with a fluffy brush for lighter coverage, or use the included sponge applicator for a fuller finish.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
WHAT IT DOES: This foundation doesn't just expertly match skin tones, but textures too. It works with the unique issues that come with oily skin to minimize pores, blur blemishes, and absorb oil for a flawless-looking finish, making it a standout among matte foundations.
FUN FACT: When a drugstore foundation racks up over 3,400 rave reviews, it's a good one.
Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15
WHAT IT DOES: Formulated with Amazonian clay, this unique foundation not only provides the skin with a big nutritional boost, but it also allows for better, truer, and longer wear—we're talking 12 hours, gals.
USERS SAID: "This gives you the most beautiful, flawless complexion, has good for your skin ingredients, and it's an amazing deal for a high-end end foundation since it's almost twice the size of most. It's so amazing that I end up reaching for it every day, which is huge for me because I have about ten different foundations (I'm a junkie). It truly lasts, never clogs my pores, the finish is incredible, and the shade range is amazing."
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation
LOVED FOR: While many matte foundations are notorious for highlighting flaws rather than hiding them, this one isn't—the velvety smooth formula expertly conceals without clinging.
FROM THE EXPERTS: If you're having trouble finding the perfect shade for your skin tone, look no further than this formula. In a study with 400 women, 98% of participants were able to find an exact match with this foundation.
bareMinerals Matte Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15
BEST FOR: Oily-skinned gals, this one is for you. The formula blurs the look of pores while controlling oil, and it does it with only seven skin-friendly ingredients that won't cause breakouts or blemishes.
LOVED FOR: Very few foundations can effortlessly build from sheer and natural to full and glam, but this one can.
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup
LOVED FOR: Made with combo skin in mind, this comfortable foundation provides medium coverage without feeling mask-like, and it controls shiny spots without clinging to the dry ones. On top of that, it gives top-notch coverage for 24 hours, and it comes in over 55 shades. No wonder it ranks number one.
AS SEEN ON: See it in action on Kendall Jenner.
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