How To Wear Matte Makeup Without It Looking Cakey
Leave the shine behind.
There’s a lot to love about matte makeup: It provides a smooth, velvety-looking finish, helps keep excess shine to a minimum, and lends itself exceptionally well to glam makeup looks. But it’s important to use the right products—and apply them properly—to achieve the desired effect. A heavy-handed approach could leave your skin looking dull or flat.
Fortunately, figuring out how to avoid cakey makeup when using matte finish products isn’t too difficult. Ultimately, it comes down to technique—less is often more. Here, we’ll share our tried-and-true tips for keeping your matte makeup looking smooth, not flat, and offer a look at some of our favorite products for creating a seamless matte makeup look.
Hey, everybody. Imani Lee Marie here. Welcome to the l'Oreal Paris channel. In today's video, I'm going to be showing you guys a matte makeup tutorial using all l' Oreal products. So let's get into it. So we're going to start with the brows today. Today I'm going to be using the L' Oreal Paris up to 24 hour brow lamination. This is going to tame my brows. I'm someone who is considered someone very fortunate to have a lot of brow hairs. It comes with its highs and its lows, but. But I love using a really good brow gel or brow lamination product. So we're going to go in with this today. And what I like to do is just brush all of my brow hairs up. This just really gives a nice lifted look to my brows, especially when it's not really groomed at the moment. So really brushing the brow hairs up helps to give you that really nice and groomed look. This also gives a nice flow, fluffy brow, very natural look. I like to take the spoolie and kind of shape it into my desired shape as well. This just gives, again, a really nice, clean look to my brows. So this is this side with the brow lamination, and this is it on its own. My brows are doing whatever it wants on this side with my fingers. I kind of just like to take the residue, from around the brow, but instantly my brows are done. Now let's move on to the complexion. For your complexion, you want to make sure that it's matte. If you're oily skin, this is the product for you. You're going to ensure a really nice matte finish look by the end of this makeup look, because you're using this foundation right here. So today I'm going to be using the l'Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation. So this is going to give you a really nice matte finish. It's oil free and it's very lightweight. I'm in the shade 112, and then I like to just apply some to the back of my hand. This is the swatch of it as well. And as you can see, it's a bit runny. So that shows you that it's a really lightweight product. So I just like to take my foundation brush and really warm it on the back of my hand and then just go in with, dabbing motions on my skin. So instantly, this gives me a really nice matte finish. We love that. And with the residue that's on the brush I like to go over my, nose area. You also want to avoid putting any product underneath your eyes. That's going to prevent less creasing you to just keep your under eye for your concealer. So today I'm going to be using the L' Oreal Paris Infallible up to 24 hour full wear concealer. This is in the shade 415. Now this is considered two to three shades lighter than my complexion. So this is going to really help brighten up my under eyes. So I'm just going to focus this right underneath my eyes. And this again is full coverage. So you're going to guarantee covering up dark circles and then we're just going to, blend it out. The one thing I love about this concealer is that it is transfer proof and waterproof as well. It is long lasting as well. And you definitely are going to get a really good coverage with this concealer. I'm also going to put some of that concealer on the eyelids to conceal my dark eyelids. One thing about this concealer, you got to work with it fast because it is full coverage. It does tend to dry down a lot more faster than, just something that was a little bit more lightweight. So taking the same concealer and just a flip flat brush, I'm just going to really shape up my brow to give me that sharp look to this makeup look. And then again, just blend out, that concealer. We are now ready to go in with some powder. So today I'm going to be using the L' Oreal Paris infallible blurfection up to 24 blurring, brightening, loose setting powder. Now this is going to set your makeup. It blurs imperfections, it extends your makeup wear control, shine, and your under eyes will look instantly brighter after use. So with this powder, you're going to sure that your makeup stays matte throughout the day, especially if you're an oily skin person. This is going to make sure that your oils are controlled. We made sure to use a matte foundation. Now of course, we want to use some powder to set it in place. So I'm going to use this underneath my eyes to, set my eyes and I am just going to take a brush to lightly press in this powder. Now before you go in with this powder, always make sure to blend out your concealer. Blend out anywhere that usually creases. You don't want to set that crease with powder. I'm also going to apply it on my forehead because these areas tend to get oily. Throughout the day. So today I'm going to be using the L' Oreal Infallible up to 24 hour fresh wear bronzer. And I'm in the shade 500 dark. I really love this bronzer because for my skin tone, it is the perfect mix between a nice warm shade that's just going to warm up the skin. I love this product because it's so subtle. You don't have to worry about it popping up on you with the pigment. The pigment is definitely buildable, so if you want a bit more pigment, you can always go over it. So taking the same bronzer, I'm going to go in with an eyeshadow brush and we're just going to apply this bronzer to our, crease. So you just want to dip into the bronzer with your eyeshadow brush and apply it in circular motions on your crease of your eyes. This is just going to look like you did a little something with your eyes. And you can also put it on the lids as well to give you just a nice brown, smoky look to your eye. So this really gave some dimension to my eye look. So today I'm going to be using the l' Oreal Paris Infallible Grip Gel Mechanical Liner. This is up to 36 hour wear and I love using this in my waterline. This is just going to make sure that it's not smudging. It's going to stay right there, stay put in the waterline. And I love this because it glides on. It's so smooth and easy to use. All right. And then to finish up the eyes, I'm going to go in with some mascara. Today I'm going to be using the l' Oreal Paris Paradise Big Deal mascara. I'm just in the shade Blackest Black. And we're going to apply this to the top and bottom lashes. I just love a nice under eye lash. I love defining my under eyes. So today I'm going to be using the L' Oreal Paris Infallible up to 24 hour fresh wear Blush. And this is in the shade Legendary Berry. And this is going to add a beautif flush of color to this look. I'm definitely a blush girl. I feel like I can't finish a makeup look without blush. And this is such a nice, subtle blush. You have the option to build it up as well. So today I'm going to be using the l' Oreal Paris Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick. This is in the shade Breakfast in bed. This is such a nice nude shade, an everyday nude. So I'm going to go in with this today, and I like to use my finger to kind of feather it out. Now, we want to lock this makeup in place. We want to make sure that does not budge and that it stays matte. So a really good L' Oreal setting spray is the L'Oreal Infallible 3 second setting mist. So I'm going to go in with this today and just set this beautiful matte makeup look. All right, so this completes this matte makeup look. If you're interested in any of the products that I use today, visit l'orealparisusa.com and all links are also left down below. That is about it. Bye, guys.
What Is Matte Makeup?
Matte makeup refers to any type of makeup that sets on the face without shine, sparkle, or luster (in short, it’s the opposite of a dewy finish). Nearly any product you use can have a matte finish, from foundation to lipstick—and while they appear velvety or powdery on the skin, matte makeup comes in a range of formats, including liquids, creams, and powders.
When deciding between matte vs. dewy makeup, there are a few things to consider. The first is your skin type. Those with oily skin tend to already be on the glowier side, and using dewy-finish products can make the skin look overly shiny if you’re not careful. Matte makeup, by contrast, helps minimize the appearance of shine for a more balanced, harmonious look.
You’ll also want to determine what sort of makeup look you’re after. While matte makeup can certainly be used for natural makeup, it really shines (metaphorically, anyway) with more glam looks. If a second-skin like effect is what you’re after, meanwhile, you may get better results with satin or dewy-finish products.
Ultimately, though, your personal preferences are what matter most. If you prefer a smooth, velvety look over a shiny or glowy one, matte makeup is your best bet.
How to Avoid Cakey Makeup When Using Matte Products
Because matte-finish makeup has a drier, more velvety texture than satin or dewy-finish products, it can look cakey if applied incorrectly. So if you find yourself wondering “Why does my makeup look cakey?” anytime you wear matte products, keep reading—ahead, we’re sharing seven tips for keeping your matte makeup looking its best.
1. Prep your skin well
Skin prep is important in any makeup routine, but especially crucial if you plan to wear matte makeup, as these products can cling to dry patches and emphasize skin texture. Cleanse your skin thoroughly before applying any makeup then apply a hydrating moisturizer to help ensure your makeup has a smooth, even base to sit on.
2. Use a makeup primer
Makeup primer helps give your products a smooth, even base to adhere to and improve the longevity of your makeup. Some can even help address skin concerns like redness, dullness, or unevenness. Just be sure to apply a thin layer to avoid pilling later down the line.
3. Take your time blending
Thorough blending is the key to any good makeup look, but it’s especially important where matte makeup is concerned. Because matte-finish products have less shine than your skin, you’ll want to blend it out thoroughly to avoid any harsh lines of demarcation between your skin and the products you’re using.
4. Use powder where necessary, especially on the T-zone
Powder can be a helpful tool in minimizing excess shine, but it’s important to use it sparingly: coating your face in a thick layer of powder is almost guaranteed to leave you looking cakey. Lightly pat powder onto the areas that need it most (like your nose and chin) and skip the drier areas to ensure a natural matte makeup look.
5. Apply products in thin layers
In many cases, cakiness results from an improper application technique—specifically, applying too much makeup. Because matte makeup lacks shine or radiance, it can look flat if over-applied. To minimize cakiness, adopt a less-is-more approach and apply your products in thin layers. If you find there are areas you’d like additional coverage, you can always go back in and build it up.
6. Avoid applying liquids over powders
While you can (and, in many cases, should) apply powder products over liquid products, applying liquids or creams over powder makeup can result in a patchy, cakey finish. If you’re using both liquid and powder products, apply all of your liquid makeup before reaching for the powders.
7. Use a setting spray
Setting spray helps lock in your makeup, minimize creasing, and prevent your products from settling into fine lines—all must-haves if you’re worried about your matte look becoming cakey as the day goes on.
How To Get a Matte Makeup Look
If you’re interested in trying matte makeup but need a little inspiration, keep reading. Ahead, we’re sharing a simple makeup routine starring some of our favorite matte-finish makeup products.
Step 1. Start with a matte primer
As we mentioned above, priming your face can help improve the longevity of your makeup. Some formulas can also help address skin concerns—such as dullness, unevenness, or redness—as well. If you’re looking to tamp down on excess oil before you apply your foundation, we suggest priming with the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Matte Setter. The non-comedogenic formula instantly mattifies shiny skin and helps extend makeup wear for up to 24 hours.
Step 2. Apply buildable foundation
Once you’re done priming, you can begin working your way through the rest of your matte makeup routine, starting with a long-wear foundation. For a smooth, matte base that doesn’t look cakey or flat, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation. It has a light-as-air texture and provides medium coverage with a smooth, demi-matte finish. If you favor a full-coverage base, we suggest reaching for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up To 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder. This powder foundation covers like a liquid, mattifies the skin without looking cakey, and offers up to 24 hours of comfortable, breathable wear (it’s even waterproof).
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Step 3. Build definition with bronzer
Bronzer can be incredibly helpful in giving your matte makeup look some (natural-looking) definition. You don’t need to go overboard: dusting a matte bronzer across your cheekbones, upper forehead, chin, and décolletage can help add warmth without the need to pile on product and risk a cakey finish. Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer, which gives skin a sunkissed glow with a matte finish that’s simultaneously waterproof and transfer-proof.
Step 4. Sweep on blush
Add a flush of lively color by sweeping a matte blush over the apples of your cheeks. For maximum pigment, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush, which comes in four stunning shades of pink and purple to complement all skin tones. This transfer-resistant and sweat-resistant formula applies smoothly, won’t emphasize skin texture or clog pores, and boasts a soft matte finish that perfectly complements a natural matte makeup look. Blend it out with a fluffy brush for a natural look free of harsh lines.
Step 5. Add eye makeup
An eye-catching matte makeup look just isn’t complete without eye makeup. While you can go in any direction with your matte eye makeup, we’re big fans of a soft brown smoky eye. Start by sweeping the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Brown Bliss onto your lids, extending the color past your crease for a diffused effect. Then, use an eyeshadow brush to pat a slightly darker shadow onto your outer corner, blending the pigment outward to create a soft, smoky wing.
You can apply your eyeliner as usual, using a matte eye pencil like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Intense Black. It glides on like a creamy gel eyeliner and wears for up to 36 hours without creasing or smudging. If you prefer liquid liner, perfect your cat wing with the L’Oréal Paris Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner in Black, which boasts an ultra-fine pointed tip that makes drawing sharp, clean lines a breeze.
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Step 6. Coat your lashes
To finish your matte eye makeup look, you’ll need mascara. And no, you don’t need to stress about finding a matte mascara—just grab whichever one is your favorite, since the formula most likely dries more matte anyway. If you want eyelashes with voluptuous volume and lush length (who doesn’t?), use L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Instant Lift Waterproof Mascara—it lifts, lengthens, and volumizes lashes without a heavy, weighed-down feel.
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Step 7. Add matte lipstick
Consider a bold matte lip the pièce de résistance of your matte makeup look—it’s the finishing touch that ties everything together. For a classic (and undeniably glam) look, red is hard to beat. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick in Le Rouge Paris—the crimson hue is incredibly flattering, and the lightweight formula delivers long-lasting color while feeling hydrating on the lips. Plus, it wears for up to 16 hours while resisting smudging and transferring.
If you prefer cream lipstick over liquid lipstick, opt for the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick, which boasts a powdery matte finish that feels comfortable all day long. The lineup includes 22 vibrant shades to flatter a range of skin tones—try a soft, pinky-nude with Worth It, or opt for a more colorful lip look with the vibrant Le Coral Gracious.
An extra optional step is to use a lip liner to line the edges of your lips before filling them in completely. Try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner to prime your pout and help the color stay put longer.
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Step 8. Set your matte makeup
Complete your natural matte makeup look with a setting spray that won’t disturb the shine-free finish you just worked so hard to achieve. You can use a mattifying formula or reach for a setting spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist, which leaves a natural, healthy-looking finish that lasts for up to 36 hours. Spritz it over your entire face in an “X” and “T” motion for flawless, matte finish makeup that doesn’t crease or settle into fine lines.
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Next Up: The Correct Order to Apply Makeup
Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris
