Makeup Artists, TikTok, and Editors Say These Are the 14 Best Matte Foundations

Matte foundations can be real tricky, to say the least. If you have dry skin, I’d probably avoid them altogether, but if you have oilier skin, you’ve come to the right place. Using a foundation with a matte finish helps with oil control and creates that poreless, airbrushed finish we all know and love. It sounds pretty perfect in theory, but celebrity makeup artist and founder of Color May Vary, Renée Loiz, has a bit of advice when it comes to choosing the right one for your skin

“With matte foundations, I like them to have a satin velvet finish so the skin still looks natural and soft. I’m not a fan of skin looking too heavy or powdery from matte foundations. Matte foundations are usually oil-free formulas that help skin that is on the oilier side or skin with larger pores. They help even out oily skin and conceal those larger pores. They’re often medium to full coverage as well, so make sure you start out with a light hand and add more only if you need it.”

Of course, I asked Loiz and another celebrity makeup artist, Beck Wainner, for their favorites. But I also decided to round out the list with a few viral foundations TikTok won’t shut up about and beauty-editor picks. It’s truly a well-rounded lineup and there’s a formula for everyone. Keep scrolling for the best matte foundations out there (in our humble opinion). 

“This is an elevated foundation that works perfectly for those with oily skin, leaving a soft matte and natural finish. It also stays in place all day but doesn’t clog your pores.”

“Uoma Beauty’s Say What!? Foundation meets your skin where it’s at, which is perfect for those with combination skin. It mattifies oilier areas of the skin while hydrating drier areas. It has a silky and lightweight feel to it but definitely has amazing coverage. It’s also Black-owned and there are 51 shades.”

“This formula absorbs oils and is shine-proof. It also wears all day and leaves skin with a natural matte finish. I love that it doesn’t oxidize (aka changes colors after applying). The color stays true throughout the day and it comes in 34 shades.”

“This oil-free, matte foundation lasts for up to 24 hours and boasts a large shade range to choose from. I’d recommend this foundation to anyone more on the oily side. It blends like a dream while not looking cakey and gives you a flawless finish.”

Makeup artists have spoken—this is officially one of the best matte foundations out there. “If you’re looking for a matte foundation that lasts all day and is good for oily or combination skin, look no further. This foundation is strong enough to cover blemishes but soft enough to have a natural matte finish and is perfect for any camera!”

Several TikTok users placed this full-coverage foundation on their best of the best list. It features the brand’s Flexi-Fit complex that delivers oil-absorbing powders for shine control and keeps the formula from flaking, even after hours of wear.

TikTok users had a complete field day with this matte powder foundation from L’Oréal. I mean, it’s hard to argue with the results they achieved. I’m not usually a huge fan of powder foundations, but this one is definitely a great drugstore option that really works. It looks so silky and gives a total airbrushed effect without being cakey.

Another viral favorite is KVD Beauty’s Good Apple Foundation Balm. I, too, joined the craze on this one and did love the matte finish. This is a bit of a heavier formula, though, and isn’t quite as breathable as other options on this list. But if you’re looking for a fuller-than-full coverage foundation, this is the one for you.

Although this powder foundation didn’t go quite as viral as a few others, it still garnered some serious attention on TikTok for its buttery-smooth and buildable coverage.

Charlotte Tilbury’s cult-classic Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation provides a full-coverage, matte finish and lasts all day long. The formula is also considered a makeup-skincare hybrid that has Magic Replexium technology that reduces the appearance of fine lines.

This liquid, mousse-like formula blends so seamlessly. It provides a natural-looking finish but still gives quite a bit of coverage. Pro tip: It also blends beautifully with the brand’s Natural Bronzer.

My fellow associate beauty editor Katie Berohn is a big fan of this Make Up For Ever formula that has a matte finish. “I kind of manipulate it to make it not matte when I use it, but I do really like the formula!”

The name of this formula truly says it all. This matte-finish foundation really does last 24 hours, creates a flawless finish, and is great for oilier skin types. It also comes in over 55 shades.

This matte foundation from Maybelline was my ride or die for years before I became a beauty editor. It actually is one of the best drugstore matte foundations in my opinion. It really refines the look of your pores and provides great coverage, especially for the price.

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