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If you’re hoping to lock in an all-day matte makeup look through sweat, meals and the elements, you have to add two kinds of products to your routine: a mattifying makeup primer, and a mattifying setting spray or setting powder. The primer kicks things off on the perfect canvas, and setting products help, well, set everything in once you’re done creating your ideal look. But how to choose from the plethora of options out there?
We did the research and dug up the 10 most highly-rated mattifying makeup marvels on Amazon and Nordstrom, from silky-smooth and sticky-gel primers to easy-breezy setting mists to pore-blurring, soft-focus-creating setting powders. There are options for every need and every skin type here, so scroll on to find what will make you feel and look the most confident throughout the day’s adventures!
Mattifying Primers
Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer
- Pros
- Cons
- Wear it alone or with foundation
- Blurs the appearance of pores
- 8 hour shine control
- Might not be enough for super-oily skin
Smashbox Photo Finish Control Mattifying Primer, 1 oz.
- Pros
- Cons
- Ideal for both combination and oily skin types
- Bestselling product, trusted brand
- Might not be as useful for those with dry skin
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
- Pros
- Cons
- That makeup isn't going anywhere!
- Infused with hyaluronic acid to retain moisture
- Some shoppers may not like the slightly sticky feel
Gucci Sérum de Beauté Mattifying Face Primer
- Pros
- Cons
- Developed for all skin types
- Blends seamlessly with foundation for natural, non-cakey finish
- Higher price point
- Only 1 oz. for the price
Estée Lauder The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer + Finish
- Pros
- Cons
- Made specifically for shine control
- Can be refreshed throughout the day to keep skin looking matte
- Some with more oily skin need more touch-ups throughout the day
Mattifying Setting Sprays & Powders
Skindinavia The Makeup Finishing Spray
- Pros
- Cons
- Extra strength formula
- Cry, kiss or sweat — you'll still look great
- Unbeatable heat & moisture protection
- Some feel it doesn't work
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder
- Pros
- Cons
- Celebrity-approved
- Instagram famous brand
- Great reviews
- Higher price point for a powder
- Not a huge range of shades for skin matching
Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray, Mini
- Pros
- Cons
- Tested up to 16 hours of continuous mattifying wear
- Makes skin and makeup look smoother
- Soft-focus finish
- SUPER matte — seriously
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, 1 oz.
- Pros
- Cons
- Applies evenly and blends effortlessly
- Adds a touch of sheer coverage
- Soft-focus effect, blurring fine lines and imperfections
- Best for normal to oily skin types (not dry)
- BYO powder puff
- Some shoppers report breakouts
NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray, Matte Finish
- Pros
- Cons
- Under $10!
- 16-hour mattifying finish
- 5-star rating across an incredible 69,000+ reviews on Amazon
- Not heavy-duty enough for some
- Some feel it's actually a bit greasy
Not done shopping yet? See more of our favorite products below:
