Although the school’s intentions for enforcing this policy might be in the right place, they aren’t considering the negative effect that a makeup ban could have on some students. Thanks to many makeup companies who create blendable foundations and natural looking products, teens can easily fly under the radar of the makeup ban. Aside from that, a natural look beats thick caked on makeup any day, whether or not your school monitors makeup use.  Here are some tips on how to create your best natural makeup look! ​

Acne is something that teens (and many adults) must battle daily. Unfortunately, acne is worse for some than others. While one person may only get 2 breakouts a month, others suffer from several per day.

​First & foremost, follow a good cleansing routine to ensure that breakouts don’t get worse. One simple and inexpensive treatment is to apply organic Apple Cider Vinegar as a toner, in the morning and evening. It prevents bacteria from cloistering inside pores, and kills the bacteria already present. Some people like to use it full-strength, but others dilute it with 50% water. You can try a few different application methods, to find the one best suited toward your skin.

Many chemical based toners are available on the market - just be sure to avoid ones that contain alcohol, as this can cause dryness and peeling. Contrary to popular belief, over-drying oily skin is not advantageous. Instead, skin will compensate by producing even MORE oil! For that reason, it's best to select toners that contain gentle and natural ingredients such as Witch Hazel, Essential Oils, Vinegar, Fruit Acids, and Aloe Vera. 

To cover existing blemishes, use a gentle concealer designed for acne prone skin. Powder concealer is best, as it allows skin to circulate oxygen, so blemishes heal faster. Try Mattify Cosmetic’s Conceal-Zit & apply with a small concealer brush. It’s nearly impossible to find a liquid concealer without silicone (dimethicone), which is notorious for clogging pores. If your pores are on the smaller side, you could try Almay’s Clear Complexion, or a stick concealer like Tarte’s Waterproof Concealer. For those who need a sweat-proof and waterproof concealer, try Smart Cover Crème. ​

Coverage doesn't need to look thick or fake to be effective. This video shows a great before & after makeup tutorial that girls with acne are going to love! 

Whichever foundation you select, it’s important to use a damp beauty blender, to smudge the edges around chin, jaw, and bottom of nose. This prevents any defining lines and helps makeup look more natural. ​

Those with oily skin already know that matte face powder is a must-have product in your makeup routine. It’s best to go with transparent powder rather than tinted - especially when you’re going for a “no makeup look”, as it doesn’t add a thick layer of coloring to your complexion.
One of the most versatile and natural looking matte powders on the market is Mattify Cosmetic’s ULTRA Powder for Oily Skin. This powder is a true multi-tasker, and can be used alone, as primer, and/or as setting powder.

For those who have a clear complexion that doesn’t need much coverage (but still requires oil control) men and women alike can apply this powder alone, to achieve a shine-free finish.  This is ideal for anybody wanting to control unsightly oil, without looking like they have applied makeup. ​

Trace a line of shimmery brown eye liner VERY close to upper lash line & smudge into a slight wing. Using brown eye shadow instead of black for this task will add depth to eyes without adding a noticeable stripe of color. Try Urban Decay’s 24/7 Eye Pencil in Underground. ​ If you prefer using powder eye shadow, try Mattify Cosmetic's Long Lasting Eye Shadow in Disco Sunset. 

​So how exactly do you go about creating a dewy makeup look without looking oily? One of our beauty collaborators shows you how in this tutorial: How to Do a Yoga Skin Makeup Look for Oily Skin

Using Mattify's Powder products, she shows you the correct way to layer products, so you end up with a natural look that glows, instead of looking greasy. 

Mattify has compiled a list of makeup, skincare & beauty companies who are cruelty-free! Please don't hesitate to share this list with all of your animal-loving friends. Many of the companies on the list also specialize in vegan products. 

Exciting news! In September 2018, California passed a bill banning the sale of products that have been tested on animals. This bill, set to be enforced in January 2020, is the first of its kind in the USA - and we hope more states follow suit. It's a far cry from cosmetic & skincare product laws in China, which dictate that a company MUST conduct animal testing to lawfully sell their items. 

Although we did extensive research, we are sure many cruelty-free companies are out there that don't appear on this list. If you know of any, please let us know and we will gladly confirm & add! 

Click here to view the full list of cruelty-free makeup & skincare companies. 

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, to prevent pores from clogging
Step 5: Apply your favorite 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 to control oil
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 use 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 light weight moisturizers for oily skin and acne prone 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 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.  
​
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.  ​

​

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. ​

​# 1) Be sure to use an oil absorbent primer, prior to foundation application! Mattify Cosmetics Transparent Powder for Oily Skin works as a skin-perfecting primer, to absorb oil and protect pores from foundation. It can be used before any type of makeup, to prevent foundation from settling into pores, and to absorb oil before unsightly shine begins to appear. 

​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?
​
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? ​

Acne Prone Skin: If you suffer from breakouts and blackheads, water based foundations work best, as they are unlikely to clog pores. Stay away from any foundations that feel heavy, waxy or thick.  Try Tarte Cosmetic’s Rainforest of the Sea, and apply with a brushor sponge, or go with Dinair Natural Foundation which can be applied either with finger tips or an airbrush spray gun. These two formulas are water-resistant and provide excellent coverage, while feeling feather light on the skin. ​

What can blur powder do to help my complexion?


This step allows foundation to look truly flawless! Blurring Powder acts as a soft-focus filter, taking any remaining fine lines or pores, and virtually erasing them. It also sets makeup for long wear! 


Oily Skin:  The same Powder Primer you used in Step 1 (Mattify ULTRA Powder) also multi-tasks as an oil-absorbent blurring powder. Using a powder puff, pat the ULTRA Powder over your entire face. Blend in circular motions with a fluffy powder brush, to create a flawless complexion. This invisible powder sets makeup in place for long wear, and absorbs unsightly oil for hours. The product is completely matte and does not contain common irritants to oily skin such as mica, bismuth, or pearl powder. 


Dry Skin:  (try Smashbox Halo Hydrating Powder). Finally, those with dry skin can create a dewy complexion! Using a fluffy powder brush, apply this moisturizing powder in light circular motions until blended. Since the product does have a luminizing sheen, it is best used on dry skin types (because it can make oily skin look oilier). 

 
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 Base Tape Hydrating 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 repellent 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! ​When skin is oily, 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, has been featured on beauty blog  www.mybestfriendshair.com. Click the link to discover 4 ways highlighting can uplift your look! ​You can also click here for another tutorial on how to apply highlighter to oily skin.