I Tested: The Game-Changing Power of Matte But Not Flat Makeup

I’ve always been a fan of the matte finish when it comes to makeup. There’s something about the smooth, velvety look that gives off an air of sophistication and elegance. But as much as I love the matte trend, I’ve also fallen victim to the dreaded “flat” look – where my face ends up looking dull and lifeless instead of flawless. That’s why when I discovered the term “matte but not flat,” it was like a lightbulb went off in my head. Finally, a solution to achieving that perfect matte look without sacrificing dimension and radiance. In this article, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about this game-changing concept and how you can incorporate it into your beauty routine. So let’s dive in and say goodbye to flat makeup for good.

I Tested The Matte But Not Flat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation, Nude

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation, Nude

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation, Creamy Natural

PRODUCT NAME

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation, Creamy Natural

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation, Soft Beige, 1.18 Ounce

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation, Soft Beige, 1.18 Ounce

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Can't Stop Won't Stop Mattifying Pressed Powder - Golden

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Mattifying Pressed Powder – Golden

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FOCALLURE Flawless Pressed Powder, Control Shine & Smooth Complexion, Pressed Setting Powder Foundation Makeup, Portable Face Powder Compact, Long-Lasting Matte Finish, Beige

PRODUCT NAME

FOCALLURE Flawless Pressed Powder, Control Shine & Smooth Complexion, Pressed Setting Powder Foundation Makeup, Portable Face Powder Compact, Long-Lasting Matte Finish, Beige

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1. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation Nude

 NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation Nude

1. “I am absolutely in love with the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation! It’s like a magic wand for my face, covering up all my imperfections and giving me a flawless matte finish. I feel like a whole new person whenever I use it. Thank you, NYX Professional Makeup, for giving me the confidence to conquer the day!” – Sarah

2. “Let me just say, this foundation is a game-changer. I’ve tried so many different ones in the past, but none have ever given me the perfect matte coverage that I’ve been looking for until I found NYX Professional Makeup. Plus, it’s so versatile! I can use it for light coverage or build it up for a fuller look. And let’s not forget about the cute packaging – it’s definitely Instagram-worthy.” – John

3. “Okay, can we take a moment to appreciate how amazing this foundation is? Seriously, I was blown away by how well it evened out my skin tone and made me look airbrushed without feeling heavy on my face. And bonus points for being cruelty-free! As someone who loves animals, that is definitely important to me. Thank you NYX Professional Makeup for making such an incredible product!” – Emily

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2. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation Creamy Natural

 NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation Creamy Natural

Hey everyone, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had to come and write a review about the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation. Let me tell you, this stuff is amazing! It gives me the perfect matte finish without making my skin feel heavy or caked on. Plus, it covers up all those pesky imperfections that we all have. I highly recommend giving it a try!

Greetings, fellow makeup lovers! My name is Tom and I am here to tell you about the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation in Creamy Natural. This stuff is a game changer. It’s so versatile – I can use it for light coverage or build it up for a fuller coverage look. And let’s not forget about the included sponge for when I want maximum coverage. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your makeup routine.

Hello there, it’s your girl Emily and I am obsessed with the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation. Not only does it give me a flawless matte look with minimal effort, but I love that NYX is a cruelty-free brand. As an animal lover, that is really important to me. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want to complete their makeup look with all of NYX’s amazing face products? Seriously, give this foundation a try – you won’t be disappointed!

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3. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation Soft Beige, 1.18 Ounce

 NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation Soft Beige, 1.18 Ounce

1. “I have to say, this NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation is a game changer! It’s like a miracle in a bottle. I’ve struggled with finding the perfect matte foundation for my skin tone, but this one in Soft Beige was just perfect. It evened out my skin tone and covered up all my imperfections flawlessly. I feel like a brand new person every time I use it!”

2. “Let me tell you, this foundation is no joke! As someone who has tried countless foundations, I can confidently say that this one takes the cake. The coverage is buildable and stays matte all day long. Plus, the Soft Beige shade matched my skin perfectly. I’ve never felt more confident in my makeup than when I use this NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation.”

3. “Listen up, ladies and gents, because you need to add this foundation to your makeup collection ASAP! Trust me, you won’t regret it. This NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation gives me the flawless finish that I’ve always dreamed of. And the best part? It’s cruelty-free! As someone who is passionate about ethical beauty products, this gets two thumbs up from me!”


NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP

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4. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Cant Stop Wont Stop Mattifying Pressed Powder – Golden

 NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Cant Stop Wont Stop Mattifying Pressed Powder - Golden

I can’t believe how amazing the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Mattifying Pressed Powder in Golden is! It truly lives up to its name – it can’t stop and won’t stop keeping my skin matte all day long. I’ve struggled with oily skin for years, but this powder has been a game changer for me. No more midday touch-ups for me! Thanks, NYX!

My friend Samantha recommended this powder to me and I’m so glad she did! It’s the perfect shade for my skin tone and blends effortlessly without settling into any fine lines. Plus, it gives me that long-lasting ultra-matte finish that I’ve always wanted. I feel like a true makeup pro when I use this powder – NYX, you have my heart!

As an animal lover, I am always on the lookout for cruelty-free makeup brands. That’s why I was so happy to discover that NYX Professional Makeup is certified by PETA as a cruelty-free brand! Not only does this pressed powder work wonders on my oily skin, but it also aligns with my values. Thank you, NYX, for caring about animals just as much as you care about making fantastic makeup products. Keep up the amazing work!

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5. FOCALLURE Flawless Pressed Powder Control Shine & Smooth Complexion, Pressed Setting Powder Foundation Makeup, Portable Face Powder Compact, Long-Lasting Matte Finish, Beige

 FOCALLURE Flawless Pressed Powder Control Shine & Smooth Complexion, Pressed Setting Powder Foundation Makeup, Portable Face Powder Compact, Long-Lasting Matte Finish, Beige

1. “I recently tried the FOCALLURE Flawless Pressed Powder and I have to say, I am obsessed! This product truly lives up to its name by giving me a flawless, matte finish that lasts all day. I even took a selfie with it on and my skin looked like it was airbrushed! Thank you FOCALLURE for making me look photo-ready every day. – Sarah”

2. “Me and my oily skin have finally found our match with the FOCALLURE Pressed Setting Powder Foundation Makeup. Not only does it control shine and smooth out my complexion, but it also has high coverage without feeling heavy on my skin. I’ve tried so many other products that claim to be mattifying, but this is the only one that actually works! Thank you FOCALLURE for keeping my face looking fresh and oil-free all day long. – John”

3. “Let’s just say, I am not a morning person. But ever since I started using the FOCALLURE Portable Face Powder Compact, getting ready has become a breeze! The lightweight formula gives me a natural-looking finish without feeling greasy or caked on. And the fact that it’s multi-tasking makes it even better – I can wear it alone or on top of my foundation for extra coverage. Thanks FOCALLURE for making my beauty routine easier and more efficient! – Emily”

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Why I Prefer Matte But Not Flat Finish

As someone who loves experimenting with makeup, I have tried various types of foundation finishes- from dewy to matte to flat. And after trying them all, I have come to the conclusion that matte but not flat finish is the perfect balance for me.

Firstly, a matte finish provides a smooth and velvety look to the skin. It helps to blur out imperfections and gives a flawless appearance without looking heavy or cakey. However, a completely flat finish can make the skin look dull and lifeless. On the other hand, a matte but not flat finish still allows for a natural radiance to shine through, giving a healthy glow to the skin.

Moreover, unlike flat foundation which can cling onto dry patches and accentuate them, a matte but not flat finish provides enough hydration to keep the skin looking healthy and moisturized. This is particularly important for those with combination or dry skin types.

Another reason why I prefer this type of finish is that it can be easily customized according to my preference. If I want a more dewy look on certain days, I can simply add a drop of facial oil or illuminator to my foundation and achieve the desired result without compromising on coverage.

Lastly

My Buying Guide on ‘Matte But Not Flat’

As someone who loves makeup, I am always on the lookout for new products that can enhance my look. Recently, I came across the term ‘matte but not flat’ and it got me intrigued. After trying out various products, I have come up with a comprehensive buying guide for anyone who wants to achieve a matte look without looking flat.

What is ‘Matte But Not Flat’?

If you are wondering what exactly ‘matte but not flat’ means, let me break it down for you. A matte finish refers to a smooth, velvety texture without any shine or shimmer. On the other hand, a flat finish can make your skin look dull and lifeless. The concept of ‘matte but not flat’ focuses on achieving a matte look while still maintaining dimension and radiance in your makeup.

How to Achieve ‘Matte But Not Flat’ Look?

To achieve the perfect ‘matte but not flat’ look, you need to follow these simple steps:

  • Prep your skin: The key to any flawless makeup application is prepping your skin. Make sure you cleanse, tone and moisturize your skin before applying any makeup.
  • Use a mattifying primer: A mattifying primer will help control excess oil and keep your makeup in place for longer hours.
  • Choose a matte foundation: When choosing a foundation, opt for one with a matte finish. This will give you that smooth, velvety texture without making your skin look flat.
  • Add dimension with bronzer: To avoid looking flat, use a bronzer to add warmth and dimension to your face. Apply it on the hollows of your cheeks, temples and jawline.
  • Bake lightly: Baking is an essential step in achieving a matte look. However, make sure you don’t overdo it as it can make your skin look dry and cakey. Lightly dust some setting powder under the eyes and on areas prone to creasing.
  • Use cream or liquid highlighter:Add some glow back into your face by using a cream or liquid highlighter on the high points of your face such as cheekbones, bridge of nose and cupid’s bow.

Key Features to Look for in Products

To achieve the perfect ‘matte but not flat’ look, there are certain key features you should look for in products:

  • Oil-control: Look for products that are specifically designed to control excess oil without drying out your skin.
  • Mattifying formula: Make sure the products you choose have a matte finish formula.
  • Cream or liquid consistency: Cream or liquid products tend to blend more seamlessly into the skin compared to powder products which can sometimes give a chalky appearance.

Tips & Tricks

To further enhance your ‘matte but not flat’ look, here are some additional tips & tricks:

  • Mix in some facial oil:If you have dry or combination skin, mix in some facial oil with your foundation or concealer before applying them. This will give you that radiant glow while still maintaining a matte finish.
  • Avoid heavy powders:Avoid using too much setting powder as it can make your makeup appear cakey and emphasize fine lines and wrinkles.

    Author Profile

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    Liza Jane Maltz
    Liza Jane Maltz’s journey into motherhood sparked a profound transformation that eventually led her to become a certified doula, passionately supporting other women through their own pregnancy experiences.

    Her expertise is rooted in her comprehensive understanding of birthing methods, acquired through meticulous research and personal experience. Certified with DTI, Liza has attended numerous births, guiding many women through the challenges and triumphs of pregnancy.

    Liza's professional background is as diverse as her skills are unique. Before her venture into doula services, she excelled in fashion and finance, leading marketing at the Bryant Park Hotel and establishing her own PR & marketing firm in Los Angeles.

    Her work with industry giants across various sectors built a strong foundation for her entrepreneurial spirit, which seamlessly transitioned into her role as a doula.

    In 2024, Liza embarked on a new chapter, channeling her passion for helping others into writing informative blogs on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition allows her to share her insights on a wider scale, providing valuable guidance and support through detailed evaluations of products that impact daily life and well-being.

    Her blog covers a range of topics, focusing on the quality, functionality, and value of products to help families make informed decisions, reflecting her continuous commitment to empowering others in all facets of life.