The 10 Best Mattifying Primers and Setting Products for All-Day, Shine-Free Skin
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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
This skin-perfecting mattifying primer from Rimmel has an ultra-lightweight formula that controls shine while never feeling greasy or heavy.
Pros
Wear it alone or with foundation
Blurs the appearance of pores
Cons
8 hour shine control
Might not be enough for super-oily skin
Smashbox Photo Finish Control Mattifying Primer, 1 oz.
This longtime favorite primer from Smashbox delivers a matte look while controlling oil and defending skin — literally creating a 'photo finish'!
Pros
Ideal for both combination and oily skin types
Bestselling product, trusted brand
Cons
Might not be as useful for those with dry skin
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
Power Grip is a different kind of primer — gel based, which has a slightly sticky feel that helps to grip your makeup and prevent it from sliding right off as the day wears on.
Pros
That makeup isn't going anywhere!
Infused with hyaluronic acid to retain moisture
Cons
Some shoppers may not like the slightly sticky feel
Gucci Sérum de Beauté Mattifying Face Primer
This Gucci mattifying primer keeps makeup looking fresh while leaving skin feeling cared for, with a non-sticky cool gel formula.
Pros
Developed for all skin types
Blends seamlessly with foundation for natural, non-cakey finish
Cons
Higher price point
Only 1 oz. for the price
Estée Lauder The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer + Finish
The Mattifier does just what the name says — it creates a silky-smooth matte canvas for makeup application by controlling oil and reducing shine for a healthy-looking finish.
Pros
Made specifically for shine control
Can be refreshed throughout the day to keep skin looking matte
Cons
Some with more oily skin need more touch-ups throughout the day
Mattifying Setting Sprays & Powders
Skindinavia The Makeup Finishing Spray
Skindinavia's finishing spray was originally developed for brides, so you know it can lock in makeup through just about anything!
Pros
Extra strength formula
Cry, kiss or sweat — you'll still look great
Unbeatable heat & moisture protection
Cons
Some feel it doesn't work
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder
Here's a super-luxe microfine powder with soft-focus nanoparticles, made to blur away lines and imperfections for effortlessly flawless skin.
Pros
Celebrity-approved
Instagram famous brand
Great reviews
Cons
Higher price point for a powder
Not a huge range of shades for skin matching
Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray, Mini
This weightless, alcohol-free mattifying setting spray promises to lock in makeup for up to 16 hours.
Pros
Tested up to 16 hours of continuous mattifying wear
Makes skin and makeup look smoother
Soft-focus finish
Cons
SUPER matte — seriously
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, 1 oz.
This sheer, silky, best-selling powder from Laura Mercier sets your makeup and feels luxuriously dense in the jar and refined on your skin.
Pros
Applies evenly and blends effortlessly
Adds a touch of sheer coverage
Soft-focus effect, blurring fine lines and imperfections
Cons
Best for normal to oily skin types (not dry)
BYO powder puff
Some shoppers report breakouts
NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray, Matte Finish
Last but certainly not least, we end with this classic from NYX, a viral favorite setting spray at a fabulously inexpensive price point.
Pros
Under $10!
16-hour mattifying finish
5-star rating across an incredible 69,000+ reviews on Amazon
Cons
Not heavy-duty enough for some
Some feel it's actually a bit greasy
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