The Best Mattifying Beauty Products

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24hr Matte Cover Foundation, £9.99

This is considered one of the best mattifying foundations on the market for good reason. With rave reviews across the board, it uses micro sponges to absorb any unwanted oil as the day wears on. Despite its long-lasting formula, it feels thin in consistency, never occlusive, providing a flattering veil of pigment that has a demi-matte glow for a fresh finish. What’s more, it’s got an in-built SPF of 18, helping to shield against UV rays.

Available at Boots.com

BECCA Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector, £28 

You can add this primer to any other formula (blusher, foundation or eyeshadow) and it will give you a matte finish that lasts longer. It can also be applied on its own to keep any oily T-zones in check without any piling or flaking of product. The key is to spend time patting the formula into any areas of oiliness, letting it sit and then applying the rest of your make-up. This way you’ll stay shine-free for hours.

Available at SpaceNK.com

Benefit The Porefessional Matte Rescue, £25.50

More of a gel treatment than a primer, this clever product battles excess oil and shrinks enlarged pores. Lightweight in texture, it sits imperceptibly underneath the rest of your make-up, providing skin with a natural-looking matte finish. You can wear it on its own for a soft-focus finish, or with other products to extend their wear and smoothness.  

Available at JohnLewis.com

Blotting paper, DHC, £3.60

These clever blotting papers stop shine and grease in its tracks. One sheet is all you need to lift off any unwanted oil without adding any extra product on top. Ideal if you’re someone that’s constantly on-the-go and afraid of using too much powder. 

Available at LookFantastic.com

Erborian Matte Crème, £37 

Bridging the gap between skincare and make-up, this silky-smooth cream uses silica powder to blur imperfections and bumps with a matte finish. Dubbed a ‘filter for the skin’, it works like a primer, but can also be used without any foundation for a Photoshop finish. Likewise, you can tap it over the top of your make-up throughout the day to prolong your base and prevent any slide or oiliness. 

Available at SpaceNk.com

Glossier Priming Moisturiser Balance, £23

Designed for oily skin types, Glossier’s latest drop uses bamboo extract, niacinamide and willow bark extract to clarify, tone and reduce the appearance of pores. Its watery-gel texture sinks in fast and mattifies almost immediately with a satin dry down. Apply one to two pumps to cleansed skin and you’ll soon realise how impressive it is at reducing shine, yet still delivering moisture. Innovative and effective, this is a summer skincare staple. 

Available at Glossier.com

Hylamide Matte 12, £17

This one-of-a-kind formula is meant to be applied after your foundation and concealer to set everything into place. It’s made without any talc or chalk so you never have to worry about breakouts; instead it uses elastic spherical polymers that bind to surface oils to minimise shine and grease. The best bit? Despite its matte benefits, it doesn’t leave skin feeling tight or dry – just smooth. Testers claim it lasts for at least 12 hours, so you’ll get your money’s worth. 

Available at Hylamide.Deciem.com

Indeed Labs Nanoblur, £19.99

This clever product harnesses optical blurring technology to smooth and refine your complexion. It’s suitable for every skin type and tone, enhancing without ever camouflaging or feeling too thick. Use it as a substitute for your foundation, or brush it on over the top of your make-up for a glass skin finish that’s matte, without looking too dry. 

Available at Boots.com

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Prep & Set Powder, £8.99

Regularly recommended by MUAs and industry insiders, this thin powder is ideal for those that want to prevent their make-up from slipping. As it’s a loose texture, it’s easy to apply and never wrinkles upon application. Use a brush and dust it onto any oily areas for the best results – notably the T-zone – taking a light-handed approach as you go. You can also use a smattering on your eyelids to prolong the longevity of any smokey eye. A high-street win. 

Available at Boots.com

Origins Original Skin Matte Moisturiser, £28

A cult classic, this matte moisturiser works to plump and hydrate with mineral oils and willowherb, while blurring the appearance of any uneven tone. It can be worn under make-up as a primer, or used morning and night to boost luminosity and promote a refined complexion. It works well to curb oiliness, but also boost softness of the skin.

Available at JohnLewis.com

Trinny London Face Finish Mattifying Balm, £25

A hero in the summer months, this velvety skin enhancer uses silicones to zap away shine, shrink pores and even out redness. Take a small amount of the balm and pat on top of your make-up with your fingers. It allows you to mattify the skin and your T-zone without disturbing any luminosity or dewiness your other products are lending you. A must-have for those who don’t like loose powders.

Available at TrinnyLondon.com

Volition Oil-Control Mattifying Mist, £25

For those that like a quick fix, this new mist calms, rebalances skin and rids shine fast. Great for anyone wanting to take down oiliness at speed, thanks to a humectant powder that absorbs any grease as your spritz. It also features an amino acid complex to hydrate, promote moisture levels and balance your skin’s pH levels for minimal irritation. It’s also free of any nasties like sulphates, parabens and synthetic fragrances.


Available at CultBeauty.com