Is matte foundation better than dewy foundation?

Each formula has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to select the right formula for your skin type and your desired finish. If you tend to get shiny throughout the day, a matte foundation can help to reduce an oily appearance, whereas dewy foundations reflect light, which can help dry skin look more glowy and luminous.

Should I use a primer with my matte foundation?

While matte foundations usually tend to be long-lasting on their own, you can certainly layer a primer underneath your foundation if you want to extend the wear or simply create a smoother canvas for your makeup.

Can I use matte foundation if I have dry skin?

You certainly can, but since matte foundation can have a dry appearance and often enhances any flaky areas, you’ll need to prep your skin accordingly. Be sure to layer on moisturizing products beforehand, and if you choose to use a primer, opt for a hydrating formula.

The 10 Best Matte Foundations of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Dewy skin is in these days, but for those with oilier skin, a dewy glow isn’t exactly something you have to strive for—it’s the default setting. If you find yourself constantly blotting your t-zone or not getting enough coverage to blur the look of your pores, a matte foundation can help you achieve a more smooth and balanced-looking complexion. “The best skin types for matte foundations are combination skin, oily skin, or skin with larger pores," explains celebrity makeup artist Renee Loiz. "Matte foundations help the oil on the skin disappear and also smoothes over those large pores to hide them.”

Luckily, modern matte foundations are not the heavy, cakey formulas we once knew—at least most of them aren't. But to help you select the very best option for yourself, we conducted in-depth research, spoke with experts, and even put several to the test. We evaluated each one based on how well it applies, the finish, the coverage, how long it wears, and the shade range. Whether you prefer a classic powder or a creamy liquid, we’ve rounded up the best formulas that matte finish for velvety skin all day long.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall :

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation at Amazon

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Best Drugstore:

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Armani Beauty Power Fabric Foundation at Nordstrom

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Best Long-Wearing:

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Foundation at Nordstrom

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Best Full-Coverage:

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation at Nordstrom

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Best Medium Coverage :

Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation at Nordstrom

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Best for Everyday:

Dior Face & Body Foundation at Sephora

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Best Shade Range:

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Foundation at Sephora

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Best for Deep Skin Tones:

Juvia's Place I Am Magic Foundation at Amazon

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Best Powder:

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation at Nordstrom

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What To Look For
FAQ
How We Researched & Tested
Why Trust Byrdie

4.4

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Bloomingdales

What We Like

Lightweight consistency
Natural matte finish
Buildable coverage
Long-wearing
Fragrance-free
Extensive shade range

What We Don't Like

Nothing

This foundation has been a fan-favorite for a while, so were wary when we found out that brand recently reformulated it. But have no fear, it's seriously better than ever. They made the formula might more liquidy and lightweight, meaning it's easier to blend and it looks more skin-like once it sets. It offers the same buildable full coverage, and it's long-wearing and fragrance-free.

"I've been on the hunt for a truly lightweight matte foundation that works well with my oily skin and wears all day, and I've seriously met my match with this one," says Commerce Writer, Alyssa Kaplan. "I adore how comfortable it is to wear, which I attribute to the ultra-thin texture, and I was blown away by how good it looked when I returned home from the office after a long day."

Price at time of publish: $57

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 50 | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No

L'OrÃ©al Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation

Walmart

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Walmart

What We Like

Oil-free
Long-wearing
Buildable

What We Don't Like

Can oxidize
Has a strong scent

A favorite of Hallie Gould, General Manager of Byrdie, this oil-free foundation rivals some of its more expensive matte foundation counterparts. The demi-matte 24-hour shine control and buildable, medium-to-full-coverage. It's also resistant to sweat, heat, and transfer, making it a great pick for warm weather and humid climates. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that will keep your skin looking matte all day long, this is the one we recommend the most.

Price at time of publish: $14

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 22 | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No

4.2

Armani

View On Nordstrom View On Sephora View On Giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

What We Like

Lightweight
Buildable
Contains SPF
Creates airbrushed finish

What We Don't Like

Could be more long-wearing

The sister of the iconic Luminous Silk Foundation, this formula is on the higher end in terms of price—but we think it's worth the money. The luxurious formula has super-smooth consistency that provides full coverage while remaining lightweight and buildable. It gives skin a stunning airbrushed finish that's perfect for glam makeup looks, and we love that it contains SPF 25. We also appreciate that the shade range contains several options with unique undertones.

Price at time of publish: $69

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 30 | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No

4.8

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Liquid Foundation

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Oil-free
Buildable
A little goes a long way
Stays put all day

What We Don't Like

Can be drying

All-day coverage? Check. Diverse shade range? Check. Oil-free matte formula? Absolutely. This longstanding favorite in the matte foundation category still remains a top pick for editors with oily skin, noting that it stays put even during humid summer days. It's the perfect option to take you from a long day at the office straight to a night out—it remains looking smooth and matte on the skin for hours on end. We also love that you can build it up or sheer it out by mixing it with moisturizer or a dewy primer, making it super customizable.

Price at time of publish: $48

Coverage: Medium to full | Shade Range: 55 | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No

4.8

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

Sephora

View On Nordstrom View On Sephora View On Bloomingdales

What We Like

Long-wearing
Super buildable coverage
Transfer-resistant
Inclusive shade range

What We Don't Like

Can cling to dry patches

This popular foundation won best overall in our test of the Best Full-Coverage Foundations of 2023, and it's an excellent option for anyone who wants a matte product that offers serious covering capabilities. It has a rich texture that blends across the face, covering pretty much all signs of redness, hyperpigmentation, and blemishes. We found it lasts all day without fading, and we were incredibly impressed by how well it performed in the transfer-resistance portion of our test. Tons of our editors back this one, and we highly recommend it if you have oily skin.

Price at time of publish: $49

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 44 | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15

Sephora

View On Nordstrom View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Natural-looking on skin
Medium buildable coverage
Lightweight
Long-wearing
Extensive shade range

What We Don't Like

Can emphasize dry patches

Another favorite of Commerce Writer, Alyssa Kaplan, this one is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a matte foundation that offers adequate coverage while maintaining a skin-like appearance. "I love that this formula feels breathable and looks natural on my skin, but it offers enough coverage to blur the appearance of blemishes and cancel out redness," she says. Though she found that it did emphasize a bit of dryness on her nose, she found that proper exfoliation and moisturizing before applying it totally prevented this the next time she wore it. All-in-all, we love how lightweight the formula is, the medium coverage it provides, and how long-wearing it is on the skin.

Price at time of publish: $52

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 42 | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Dior.com View On Ecosmetics.com

What We Like

Weightless texture
Natural matte finish
Natural coverage
Easy to blend

What We Don't Like

Clings to dry patches

A lot of matte foundations are thick and full coverage, making them more ideal for full-glam or special events. But this one is totally different—it's a liquidy formula that feels utterly weightless on the skin and it offers light to medium buildable coverage. Our editors with all different skin types love it because it looks natural and matte on the skin without looking flat. It's incredibly easy to blend, and it layers beautifully with other cream and powder complexion products. It will cling to dryness a bit, so be sure to properly moisturize before applying it. If you're looking for a matte option that's fitting for everything from a day of errands to a fancy night out, this is the one for you.

Price at time of publish: $39

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 40 | Size: 1.6 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation Review

4.9

Fenty Beauty Pro Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Ulta View On Fentybeauty.com

What We Like

A little goes a long way
Long-wearing
Lightweight
Extensive shade range

What We Don't Like

Shades dry down a bit darker than when you initially pump them out of the bottle

Fenty Beauty's Soft Matte Foundation Kept My Skin Shine-Free in the Georgia Heat

Our Byrdie editors can’t get enough of this long-wearing matte foundation, and makeup artist Renee Loiz also sings its praises. “I love it because it doesn’t give skin that 90s powdery matte foundation feel," she says. "It’s an updated and elevated foundation that works perfectly for those with oily skin, leaving skin with a soft matte look that still looks natural.” And as you probably know already, the shade range is out of this world. It boasts 50 shades that range from super fair to super dark, meaning that everyone should be able to find their match.

Price at time of publish: $39

Coverage: Medium to full | Shade Range: 50 | Size: 1.08 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta

What We Like

Paraben- and sulfate-free
Lightweight
Extensive shade range

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note it transfers easily

This soft matte formula has a shade for practically everyone (so fair and medium tones, this is for you too!) but it especially shines with its perfect match offerings for those with deeply melanated skin. It features many deep and dark shades with varying undertones and depths. The full-coverage formula is great for evening-out complexions, refining skin texture, and erasing blemishes.

Price at time of publish: $22

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 42 | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes

MAC Cosmetics

View On Nordstrom View On Ulta View On Target

What We Like

Buildable
Long-wearing
Sweat and humidity-resistant

What We Don't Like

Can be drying

This one-step powder foundation gives skin a smooth, ultra-matte finish with medium-to-full buildable coverage. The velvety, non-cakey formula still allows the skin to breathe and lasts for a full 12 hours. It’s sweat-resistant, humidity-resistant, and comes in an inclusive 53 shades. We love that it can be worn on its own or layered on top of a liquid foundation for even more coverage and a totally matte finish.

Price at time of publish: $39

Coverage: Medium to full | Shade Range: 53 | Size: 0.52 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation. It's ultra-lightweight, offers full coverage that maintains a natural appearance on the skin, wears well all day, and comes in tons of shades. But if you're looking for a powder formula that you can wear on its own or layer on top of liquid foundation, we recommend the MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation.

Meet the Expert

Renée Loiz is a celebrity makeup artist who has worked on clients like Quinta Brunson, Cynthia Erivo, and more.

What to Look for When Buying a Matte Foundation

Formula

Though most of the options on this list are liquid formulas, they're all a bit different. The right one for you ultimately comes down to your preferences. If you like a completely weightless texture, go for the Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation. If you prefer something richer in texture, we recommend the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation. And if you're looking for a formula that offers great coverage plus SPF protection, we think you'll enjoy the Armani Beauty Power Fabric + Longwear High Cover Foundation SPF 25.

Staying Power

Not all matte formulas are made equal. Some boast 12- to 24-hour staying power while others promise eight hours of shine control. Keep in mind that typically the longer-lasting the formula, the more matte it'll be—which can be a major bonus or present a challenge, depending on the dryness or oiliness of your skin. If serious long-wear is important to you, we recommend the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation.

Coverage

It’s important to know if you’re looking for a light, medium, or full-coverage look. For full coverage, you’ll want to apply with a very light hand and slowly build up to ensure the most natural look, while you can be more generous with lighter coverage. Which formula you choose can simply be a matter of preference or if you’re going for an everyday look versus full glam. If you're in the market for something that offers full coverage to totally blur imperfections, the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation is your best bet. For something more fitting for everyday wear, we suggest trying the Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation.

FAQ

Is matte foundation better than dewy foundation?

Each formula has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to select the right formula for your skin type and your desired finish. If you tend to get shiny throughout the day, a matte foundation can help to reduce an oily appearance, whereas dewy foundations reflect light, which can help dry skin look more glowy and luminous.
Should I use a primer with my matte foundation?

While matte foundations usually tend to be long-lasting on their own, you can certainly layer a primer underneath your foundation if you want to extend the wear or simply create a smoother canvas for your makeup.
Can I use matte foundation if I have dry skin?

You certainly can, but since matte foundation can have a dry appearance and often enhances any flaky areas, you’ll need to prep your skin accordingly. Be sure to layer on moisturizing products beforehand, and if you choose to use a primer, opt for a hydrating formula.

How We Researched & Tested

To compile this list, we gathered insights from our editors' and contributors' personal experiences using and testing matte foundations. We had them consider key features—like coverage, formula, shade range, wear, and finish—before sharing their final thoughts on the products. We also spoke with Renée Loiz to get her expert recommendations and took to the internet to do in-depth research on options for categories we felt were missing, helping us to fill the gaps and create a well-rounded list of picks.

Why Trust Byrdie?

Byrdie contributor Kindra Moné has been creating fashion and beauty content since 2013. Whether contributing to some of the top women’s lifestyle magazines or working in-house with global brands, Kindra has collaborated with some of the most knowledgeable beauty professionals in the industry. When she isn’t writing or trying out Instagram recipes, she’s giving wellness tips and sharing fashion news on The StylingSOUL Podcast.

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.

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