Some of our customers & reviewers have come forward to let us know the real game-changer when using makeup setting spray:  Applying it both before and after foundation!

Yes, that’s right – not only should setting spray be used after foundation, but when used beforehand, it creates a dry base that locks foundation in place, while preventing liquid foundation from seeping into pores.
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Here at Mattify, we’ve done some testing of this theory – and the results are tremendous. Not only does it stop skin from getting shiny, it prevents the dreaded “foundation transfer” onto clothing or hands. It works with both liquid makeup and powder foundation, and combines beautifully with Mattify’s transparent powder, to provide a natural matte look that stays oil-free for hours. 

​Basically, all you need to do is use the setting spray both before and after foundation – but here’s a detailed list of steps you can take for the ultimate long lasting finish:
 
Step 1: Cleanse face as usual and towel dry.
Step 2: Apply your favorite acne treatments and moisturizer. Allow to absorb for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Spray a fine mist of your chosen Setting Spray onto entire face, with eyes closed. Allow to dry for a few minutes.
Step 4: Apply your selected Mattify Transparent Powder, as primer
Step 5: Apply your chosen liquid or powder foundation
Step 6: Apply all other cosmetics (blush, bronzer, highlighter, eye liner/shadow)
Step 7: To set products in place, apply 1 more dusting of Mattify Transparent Powder
Step 8: Mist once again with your Makeup Setting Spray
 
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​You now have a matte look that will last all day and into the night! It also doesn’t budge during hot humid weather, and is a great way to waterproof your makeup.
 
*Most makeup setting sprays do contain alcohol – so if your skin is hyper-sensitive to alcohol, this may not work for you. As long as a light weight moisturizer is used beforehand, the alcohol will not be overly drying to your skin. 

**Avoid Setting Sprays that contain shimmery ingredients or Glycerin, as those will make skin appear even oilier.  If you have acne prone skin, avoid sprays that contain dimethicone (silicone), as it tends to clog enlarged pores, creating a breeding ground for acne bacteria. Also beware of anything titled “hydrating mist”,  “refresher mist”, or “rosewater spray”, as these are not designed to lock makeup into place. They are intended for dry skin types and provide a dewy finish – the last thing most people with oily skin would want! 

Urban Decay All Nighter – Felt light weight, non-sticky, non-drying. Did well with setting makeup, but didn’t seem to control much oil.
 
Ben Nye Final Seal – Genuinely waterproofed our makeup, very long lasting & stopped oiliness. Careful not to apply too much (2-3 sprays is perfect), or it can feel a bit constrictive.
 
NYX Makeup Setting Spray - Felt flexible and light, but didn’t control oil at all, so makeup still transferred a bit. Would probably be best for dry to combination skin types.
 
MAC Prep & Prime Fix - This one actually made skin feel even oilier, and didn’t set makeup at all. Face felt sticky, and almost like the product never really dried. Definitely would not recommend for oily skin types, only for dry skin.  
 
Model in a Bottle – This is one of the original setting sprays to hit the market, and is still one of the best. It felt light and flexible, prevented any transfer, and was up to the task of preventing skin from getting oilier. 

The question: How do I get a flawless look if I have large pores, oily skin and acne?

The Answer (and another question!):  Have you ever taken pictures under perfectly soft lighting where everybody looks like ethereal beings, with nary a flaw in sight? Well THIS is what blurring powder can do for you!  Regardless which type of foundation you use, or what your skin type, blurring powder provides an airbrushed finish that looks impossibly flawless. 

Blur powder is designed to float over pores, fine lines and scars – offering an even finish that diffuses light. Regardless of the type of lighting you’re under (from horrible fluorescents to beaming strobes), skin will have a soft-focus look when you use blurring powder.




When applied alone, blur powder allows your natural skin tone to show through, while distracting from flaws. When used over foundation, pores practically disappear, and skin has a uniform natural looking finish.  Most blur powders are very light weight and transparent – so they provide a natural look without adding excessive amounts of color or texture. Now let's take a look at the different types of blur powder.

​Matte powder is your best bet. Products that contain shiny ingredients like Mica and Pearl Powder have a tendency to accentuate flaws such as large pores, breakouts, and acne scars. In addition, these ingredients can become lodged inside of pores – enlarging them even more, while also causing blackheads and breakouts. Especially when oily skin is a problem, it’s best to opt for a matte formula; then add highlighter to carefully selected areas of the face, if you want a natural looking glow.  

​Oily skin types should try Mattify Cosmetics ULTRA Powder, as this product not only blurs pores, but also absorbs more oil than any face powder on the market. Intended to be used both before and after foundation, the feather light formula protects pores from getting clogged by liquid makeup, plus provides an airbrushed finish when used as setting powder. And did we say oil absorbent? Oily skin has never seen a product that controls oil like Mattify ULTRA Powder.  It prevents shine for hours, and stops foundation from feeling sticky when oil starts to emerge.  

As an added benefit, this powder is 100% natural and Vegan, and does not contain other common skin irritants such as Bismuth, Dimethicone, or Talc. 

Dry skin types can look washed out and dull if the right powder products aren't used. What's more, completely matte powders can cling to dry spots, making them stand out even more. In contrast to oily skin types, dry skin does well with products that contain a bit of sheen, as it adds an overall brightness. 

Women with this skin type are lucky and can get away with using any type of blurring powder – but you may want to avoid excessively shiny powder if you have an oily T-Zone. Try No Sebum Blur Powder, which will take care of random oiliness, without over-drying other areas.  This product does contain Dimethicone, which can settle into pores and trigger breakout for some - so beware of using it if you have large pores. When using any type of product that contains Dimethicone (liquid primer, foundation etc.) you should always exfoliate during cleansing. Try Mattify Cosmetic's The Exfoliator, which contains Apricot and Bamboo to flush out pores, and Green Tea, which firms the skin.  

Another good selection for combo skin is Bye Bye Pores, by It Cosmetics.  This one provides a beautifully airbrushed look over foundation, and feels very light. Silk Powder (one of the main ingredients) is designed to hold and release moisture when needed, making it perfect for combination skin types – who will love the satiny feel and look of this product. Its barely-there sheen helps skin look slightly luminous, without looking overly shiny. This one isn’t suitable for Vegans though, as the product does contain Collagen.

Of these two brands, neither offer massive oil control - so if your combination skin has an annoyingly oily T-Zone, you might want to use Mattify ULTRA Powder for Oily Skin on select areas first, and then finish with Bye Bye Pores or No Sebum Blur Powder. 

​Blur powders should be every girl's best friend - because they're like an Instagram photo filter you can wear in real life. They get to work filtering out harsh light, while providing an amazingly even skin tone.
​Three cheers to blurring powder!! 

A: Cold winter weather leaches humidity from the atmosphere, which is why skin tends to feel dry and tight while you’re outdoors. To create a comfortable temperature, most indoor buildings have central heating, which also removes moisture from the air. You may notice that no matter where you spend most of your time during winter, your skin always feels dry – even if it’s prone to being oily. 

​As winter approaches, these skin care tips can help your complexion stay in balance:   ​

#1 Rule: Be sure to moisturize!
​Nothing sends skin into a frenzy worse than disruption in moisture levels. As skin recognizes its need for hydration, it begins pumping out even more oil than usual.

This translates to clogged pores, breakouts, and skin that feels dry & tight, but looks extra shiny. 

The majority of moisturizers on the market have a tendency to be overly emollient and thick. They rarely absorb fully into skin, leaving behind a sticky film that attracts environmental pollutants and prevents skin from feeling clean. What’s worse, they combine with foundation, forming a sticky mass that gets lodged inside of pores.  Hello breakouts!

Those with oily skin should always look for gel or serum moisturizers, which hydrate without  contributing to excess oil production. Mattify’s Incredi-Gel and Stop-Zit moisturizers for acne prone oily skin have been formulated especially for those who have had bad experiences with traditional moisturizing products. Their aloe gel base is saturated with essential oils and absorbs within seconds, sending the medicinal properties of these plant oils deep into pores, destroying acne bacteria and balancing oil production – without adding any shine to skin, or disrupting makeup application. 

Rule #2: Spot Treat! 
If you’re using chemical based acne treatments, spot-treat each breakout individually, rather than applying the product to your entire face.

Most chemical acne products contain ingredients intended to dry out the breakout - so when they’re applied to your whole face, they can severely dehydrate skin, which leads to excess peeling and oil production.  

Instead, use a face scrub that helps prevent acne in the first place. During your morning and/or evening routine, apply Mattify’s The Exfoliator in slow circular motions, to remove dead skin cells that can trap debris inside of pores. 
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Once the scrub has been rinsed away, use a face wash that contains Mattify’s Essential Oil Additive Treatment for Acne Prone, Oily Skin. The plant-based ingredients in this additive help to balance oil production, rather than stripping skin of moisture, as some harsh soaps can do when used alone.  The formula also deters acne bacteria, so you end up with fewer breakouts in the first place. 

In a struggle to obtain a harmonious balance, body systems go haywire and hormonal changes can even occur.  Excess hormones, combined with body-wide inflammation can trigger breakouts and excess sebum production.

If a breakout is just beginning, the inflamed area expands, as the body’s fight response goes into over drive.  Acne bacteria also feed off an acidic environment – turning that tiny breakout into a much larger pustule, that can take weeks to heal.  
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By controlling inflammation internally, the pH level of blood becomes neutral, disallowing further bacterial growth. This in turn prevents acne, while minimizing swelling of existing breakouts.  ​

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Wouldn’t it be nice if fast food restaurants offered fresh green smoothies at the drive-through? Unfortunately, most of them don’t – so if you’re short on time in the morning, blend one of these up at night, and pour into a cup with a lid, so you can drink it the next morning. Simply shake & go! 

To create a thick smoothie, mix using a regular blender or a Ninja. For a thinner drink, the fruits & veggies can be pressed through a juicer. You can also sub the ½ cup coconut water with regular water or almond milk. Adjust the amount for desired thickness. 

Summer heat can cause problems when it comes to keeping your makeup looking good! Add oily skin to the mix, and it's a recipe for disaster. Follow these tips to get a perfectly matte look and combat oily skin woes. ​

​Sunscreen is notorious for being thick and heavy – definitely not optimal for those prone to breakouts! If you’re in search of the best sunscreen for acne prone skin & oily skin, try these:

CoTZ - SPF 40 Sunscreen 

• Waterproof Formula
• Contains natural ingredients
• Light weight and oil-free
• Provides a fresh matte finish
• Comes in Tinted or Clear 
• Natural / Mineral Based
• Suitable to wear under foundation

Neutrogena Clear-Face Liquid Lotion 

• Fragrance-free
• Does not clog pores
• Waterproof formula
• Ultra light-weight 
• Weightless / absorbs fast

​Comes in SPF 30 or 55

Hide Those Pores!

If you have large pores and oily skin, it can seem impossible to achieve a flawless look with makeup. Foundation often sinks into pores, accentuating and clogging them, while oily skin causes streaking, caking and fading.

View these 3 simple steps to creating flawless makeup, using primer and blurring powder, in combination with a long lasting foundation designed for your skin type. ​

Why is Face Primer important to creating a flawless look?
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When foundation is applied without primer, it sinks deep into pores and fine lines- rather than skimming over the surface of the skin. This results in a blotchy, uneven complexion, with accentuated pores and likelihood for breakouts. When foundation enters pores, it stretches them out - causing them to look abnormally large. Primer essentially “fills in the gaps”, allowing foundation to look silky smooth. 

Oily Skin or Combination: Use a Powder Primer (try Mattify ULTRA Powder for Oily Skin). Women with oily skin normally have large pores and suffer from acne. Unlike gel primers, powder primer will not clog pores or cause breakouts.  Rather, application of this powder primer actually protects skin from makeup. In addition it absorbs excess oil, to help foundation look smooth and last longer, without creasing or fading. As an added bonus, this specific ULTRA Powder doubles as your Blurring Powder for Step 3 below! 

Dry Skin: Use a Silicone Gel Primer (try Benefit’s Porefessional Primer). 
Dry skin typically has small pores, but many fine lines. Silicone based primers settle into wrinkles, allowing foundation to skim over the top. Since foundation is essentially banned from seeping into fine lines, they become invisible and skin looks beautifully smooth. 

Selection of long lasting makeup allows foundation to survive the day without fading or rubbing off. This is especially important if you have oily skin, as that skin type tends to dissolve makeup even faster! Drugstore foundations normally last 4-6 hours, while higher end brands can last 6-10 hours.

Which type of foundation is best for my skin type? ​

 
1) It really is all about that base! Apply a primer before foundation. Using primer before applying any type of  makeup will allow the products to stay put on your skin. Dry skin types will do well with gel or cream primers such as Tarte's Clean Slate Primer. Oily skin types will require a powder primer that absorbs oil, like our Mattify Cosmetic's ULTRA Powder. Best of all, ULTRA Powder doubles as a setting powder to help foundation stay fresh for hours.
 
2) Jump right in! Select waterproof or water-resistant makeup. Look for those words on any type of makeup you purchase for summer. Even if you don't plan to go swimming, this is an important step. Humidity and sweat will cause makeup to smudge and smear. Oily skin makes the problem even worse! Water repellant makeup is much more resistant to any such elements.
 
3) Ready. Set. Go! Use a makeup setting spray.  A few mists of setting spray will give any type of makeup (waterproof or not) extra staying power. Try Ben Nye Final Seal, now available on our Mattify website, or Model in a Bottle Setting Spray, to set everything from eyebrows to lipstick in place. This is a must-have item during hot summer months. 

**Extra Tip**
For an added glow, contour and highlight! ​

Don’t be afraid to highlight if you have oily skin! Mattify Cosmetics Strobing Highlighter contains natural ingredients to absorb oil, so you look glowy – not greasy! ​The most important step in highlighting is to make sure you have a perfectly matte finish before applying highlighter. This ensures your oil-absorbent base will soak up any shine, leaving a subtle glow wherever your illuminator has been applied. 

“Get that Glow! Powder Highlighter for Oily Skin” ~ Mattify’s Powder Highlighter, featured on beauty blog  www.mybestfriendshair.com. Click the link to discover 4 ways highlighting can uplift your look! ​