The very best matte foundations for an airbrush finish (2023)

FAQs

What is the best foundation with a matte finish? ›

For an airbrushed finish, choosing the right foundation finish is key. A matte foundation is usually your best bet because it reflects less light, which makes pores less obvious and gives your skin a smoother look. It also cuts down on shine, so your makeup will look smooth and flawless as long as possible.

Traditional foundation is way too thick for an airbrush on its own. But you can mix some of your favorite foundation with an airbrush makeup thinner to use it with your airbrush machine. Pro tip: This is pretty obvious, but make sure you read the instructions for your airbrush makeup thinner before using it!

Airbrush Flawless Foundation is where makeup magic meets skincare science; the full coverage, natural matte formula contains Charlotte's magic matrix of ingredients including REPLEXIUM® to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by up to 22%* , and MossCellTec™ No. 1 for boosted skin hydration levels by 216%*!

If you've finished your makeup and your bronzer looks muddy or your foundation looks chalky or cakey, help give it a skin-like texture by adding in an oil at the end of your routine. Just drop a few dots of face oil onto the back of your hand, stamp your beauty sponge in it a few times, then lightly (lightly!)

On dry skin, this type of makeup begins to flake much easily. Makeup artists explain that since airbrush makeup is waterproof, it is not as creamy as a traditional foundation. Hence, making it not so ideal for dry skin.

Airbrush Disadvantage: the product doesn't work well with sunburn, excess hair, or dry skin. The fine mist will pick up any fine hairs or dry skin patches. touch ups will break down the coverage if it is a silicone-based airbrush formula.

The answer is a definite yes. When compared to its traditional counterpart, airbrush makeup has the qualities to perform better on aging skin. More than infusing older skin with youthfulness, it makes it appear more natural, which is the look that most makeup users in any age range want to achieve.

Use Moisturizer & Primer Before Applying Airbrush Makeup

Prepping your skin is critical to setting the tone for airbrush makeup. Moisturizing your skin beforehand, either after you get out of the shower or at the start of your day, opens and hydrates your pores so the makeup is fully absorbed into your skin.

A: You're likely referring to "airbrush" makeup, a new kind of foundation that's now being used by many TV personalities, celebrities and brides. An air-jet wand emits a fine mist of foundation that sits evenly on your skin, minimizing imperfections and leaving you with a poreless, natural look.

How do I prepare my makeup for airbrushing? ›

Make sure your skin is clean and moisturizer is fully absorbed before applying airbrush makeup. Also, skip primer because the makeup will attach to that instead of your skin, and won't last as long. Keep your distance. Always hold the airbrush four to six inches from your skin.

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation is a cult favorite. This foundation is loved by many people, including Mrs. KKW herself. The formula is buildable, creamy, and perfect for Kim's signature soft glam look.

This claims to be a hybrid skincare foundation that delivers full coverage with a flawless, poreless, natural matte finish. The formula is designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles over time, boost hydration and reduce the appearance of pores.

Perfect Canvas Airbrush Foundation: This is a semi-matte foundation with a skin-like finish that delivers 4x more hydration than Hyaluronic Acid and offers the largest shade range of any TEMPTU professional airbrush foundation.

The key to adjusting your matte foundation to more of a dewy, luminous finish is all in the glow-enhancing products you mix it with. Try a few drops of Glow Recipe's Watermelon Dew Drops in your go-to matte foundation—it'll bring a subtle, dewy effect to the finished look.

Classic makeup application requires powdering after you've applied your foundation, but powdering doesn't work for all types of foundation. Powdering works best after applying a water-based, oil-based, or matte foundation that isn't all that matte.

To add more glow and dimension to my matte foundations, I use an illuminating primer and highlighting drops. Together, these create a beautiful effect without compromising the finish, wear time or coverage of my foundation. Keep reading to learn how to make matte foundation look more glowy with just these two products!

Try exfoliating your skin to get rid of dead skin cells. Use a gentle exfoliator like this AHA exfoliator or this glow tonic. Avoid applying makeup on dry skin because it might cause the foundation to look cracked. Moisturize your skin with a lightweight moisturizer like this Hydrating Water Gel Daily Face Moisturizer.

To make your foundation more dewy

Mixing one part of moisturizer into two parts of foundation makes all the difference when it comes to your final makeup look! It gives the skin a beautiful and dewy finish that looks so natural. Try this trick if you have a matte foundation that looks too dry and powdery.

If your makeup looks patchy, even with primer, it might be because the foundation and primer aren't matched properly. If you are using a silicone based primer, use a silicone based foundation. For water based primers, use water based foundations.

Can you wear airbrush makeup everyday? ›

Plus, it's buildable, so you can apply a light layer for everyday wear or a little more for evenings or when you need a little more coverage. Because it's sprayed on, rather than applied with sponge, airbrush makeup doesn't look heavy or cakey and doesn't settle into fine lines or creases.

Airbrush makeup is better for clients with oily skin, and is also a quicker process overall. HD makeup gives a natural and flawless finish that all clients look for nowadays.

Is Airbrush makeup good for wrinkles? Generally, if you have small wrinkles, airbrush makeup can cover them beautifully. However, it is also a bad option for anyone who has large pores or wrinkles. This is because the airbrush makeup will sink into pores or wrinkles, rather than sitting on top of them.

Airbrush makeup requires an airbrush gun and a makeup air compressor. This technique is applied in even thin layers giving off a flawless complexion and finish. Unlike traditional makeup, airbrush makeup is known to last for longer periods of time. This is why it is most commonly used in photoshoots and weddings!

You need to clean your airbrush between every colour change, as well as giving it an extra-thorough clean at the end of the session. For a thorough clean, first flush the airbrush with water to remove the worst of the colour. Follow with a proper airbrush cleaning fluid, then do a final flush with water.

If you have hydrated, well-moisturized skin, airbrush sits beautifully. If not it can be quite dry looking. It can flake and crack or look flat.

Opt for Liquid Foundations

"I recommend a creamy foundation formula for mature skin and to avoid powders," says Follert. This is because powder foundations tend to settle into fine lines and wrinkles, making them more apparent.

Based on its characteristics, matte finish is more suitable for those with oily skin. Its formula can leave zero excess oil, is usually long-lasting, and controls shine leaving matte foundation more loved by people with oily or acne-prone skin.

Matte Foundation 101

“These foundations are typically formulated without oils and with ingredients that will help absorb all of your natural producing oils.” Those with oily skin or acne-prone skin often reach for matte foundations because they absorb excess oil and keep skin from looking overly shiny and greasy.

Is matte foundation better for older skin? ›

While coverage level is a matter of personal preference, those with mature skin will want to blur texture and blend discoloration with a formula that doesn't settle into fine lines or dry patches—meaning it's best to avoid matte makeup, as it's more prone to creasing.

Generally, a matte finish is not ideal for aging skin—it can highlight wrinkles and lines. But this foundation is an exception to the rule. It blurs pores and makes skin look smoother, without getting cakey or heavy.

Exfoliating your skin can help to reduce oil and prepare your face for a matte look. However, keep in mind that exfoliating too much can irritate your skin. To use an exfoliating cleanser, wet your face with some lukewarm water and then work the exfoliating cleanser into your skin using circular movements.

Picking a foundation with a matte finish can actually end up settling into those lines, causing them to appear more prominent and aging you further. “Matte foundations suck the life out of anybody's skins. It clings to the skin, and with mature skin means fine lines and wrinkles.

When looking for your best primer match, consider the end result you're hoping to achieve. For that velvety matte, ultra-smooth texture, a silicone-based primer is ideal.

If you're into a matte finish, you can achieve it with both powder and liquid formulas—although powders are known for their mattifying effect thanks to their oil-absorbing capabilities.

L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation

It has been formulated specifically not to settle into lines, its lightweight blend of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and aloe hydrates as it helps skin look more even.

“Choose a water-based formula that has hydrating ingredients," like moisturizing glycerin or hyaluronic acid, Whelan advises. "Foundations that have sheer coverage and a dewy luminous finish work best with women who are concerned about lines and wrinkles."

Powder foundations are great, but not for those with aging skin, since they usually settle into wrinkles. Really thick, full-coverage foundations can do the same. “A liquid foundation that's on the thinner side is usually preferable,” says celebrity makeup artist Beck Wainner.

What's the best foundation to make you look younger? ›

Our best overall pick is Lancôme Renergie Lift Makeup Lightweight Liquid Foundation SPF 27, which helps to lift the appearance of skin and also contains hydrating ingredients for a creamy base. We love that the formula provides, antioxidant protection, and SPF, too.

Makeup artist Helena Olivares advises swapping vampy plum or brown tones for more neutral shades, as they can look a bit harsh on aging skin. Neutral tones and subtle pinks, she explains, can help you achieve a more youthful appearance, as they instantly give the skin a brighter and cleaner look.