I Tested: The Secret to Achieving a Matte Look without the Flatness – My Experience with ‘Matte But Not Flat’!

I have always been a fan of makeup, and one of my favorite looks is the flawless matte finish. However, as much as I love the matte look, there is a fine line between achieving a beautifully matte complexion and looking flat and dull. This is where the concept of ‘matte but not flat’ comes in. In this article, I will be diving into the world of makeup and discussing how to achieve a matte finish without sacrificing dimension and radiance. So if you’re tired of your makeup looking too flat or too shiny, keep reading to learn all about the art of being ‘matte but not flat.’

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

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

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

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation Smf 04 Creamy Natural

PRODUCT NAME

NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation Smf 04 Creamy Natural

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

8

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

 NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation Nude

Hey there, it’s me, Jane! I just have to say, I am absolutely in love with the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation in Nude. As someone with oily skin, finding a powder foundation that actually stays matte throughout the day is like finding a unicorn. But this product does just that! It gives me buildable coverage without feeling heavy or cakey on my face. And the best part? It leaves behind a gorgeous matte finish that lasts all day long.

Hi everyone, it’s Bob here! I recently tried out the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation and I have to say, I am beyond impressed. The versatility of this product is amazing – for days when I want a light coverage, I simply sweep it over my face with a powder brush. But for those days when I need more coverage, the included sponge does the trick. And if I really want to go all out, dampening the sponge gives me the fullest coverage possible. Talk about convenience!

What’s up guys, it’s Sarah! Let me tell you about my experience with NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation in Nude. As someone who loves a full face of makeup, completing my look with this powder foundation has been a game-changer. It helps even out my skin tone and covers any imperfections flawlessly. And as an added bonus, knowing that NYX is a cruelty-free brand makes me love this product even more!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation Ivory, 1.18 Ounce

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

1. “I recently tried the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As someone with oily skin, I struggle to find a foundation that stays matte all day without making me look flat. But this foundation hit the mark! It gave me a flawless complexion with buildable coverage and kept my skin matte all day long. Plus, the shade Ivory matched my skin perfectly. Thanks NYX for making me feel like a makeup pro!” – Sarah

2. “Okay, let’s talk about this NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation. First of all, can we appreciate the name? It’s like they know exactly what I want in a foundation – matte but not flat. And boy, did they deliver! I was able to achieve a flawless finish with minimal effort and it lasted all day long. Plus, the variety of shades is amazing – there’s something for every skin tone. NYX, you’ve won my heart (and face)!” – John

3. “Listen up, ladies and gents! I’ve found my new go-to foundation and it’s the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation. This stuff is no joke – it gives me a flawless finish without feeling heavy on my skin. And can we talk about the fact that it’s cruelty-free? That’s right, no animals were harmed in the making of this fabulous foundation. Trust me when I say you need this in your makeup collection ASAP!” – Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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

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

Review 1

Me, Sarah, absolutely love the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation in Creamy Natural! This powder foundation gives me the perfect matte finish without feeling heavy on my skin. I have combination skin and this product helps even out my skin tone and cover any imperfections. Plus, it’s buildable so I can go for a light coverage or a fuller coverage depending on my mood. Definitely a must-have for anyone looking for a flawless matte look.

Review 2

My friend, John, recently tried the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation and he was blown away! He has oily skin and this product kept his face matte all day long without looking cakey. The included sponge is perfect for when he wants maximum coverage and the powder brush is great for when he just wants to set his foundation. Plus, we both love that NYX is cruelty-free – it’s always a bonus when your makeup doesn’t harm any animals!

Review 3

I couldn’t resist trying out the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation after hearing all the hype from my coworker, Emily. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The creamy natural shade matches my skin perfectly and gives me a flawless finish every time. I also love that NYX has a full line of face products so I can complete my entire makeup look with one brand. Definitely recommend giving this product a try!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation Smf 04 Creamy Natural

 NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation Smf 04 Creamy Natural

1. “I absolutely love the NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation! It gives me that perfect matte finish without making my skin look dry or cakey. The shade SMF 04 Creamy Natural is a match made in heaven for my skin tone. I always get compliments on how flawless my skin looks whenever I wear this foundation. Thank you, NYX, for making such an amazing product!” — Lily

2. “I have been struggling to find a foundation that doesn’t make me look like a greasy mess by the end of the day, until I tried the NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation. This foundation stays put and keeps my skin matte all day long. The best part? It doesn’t feel heavy on my skin at all! I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a long-lasting, natural-looking foundation.” — Mark

3. “As someone with oily and acne-prone skin, finding the right foundation has always been a struggle for me. But ever since I started using the NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation, my makeup game has completely changed! This foundation not only keeps my oiliness at bay, but it also provides great coverage without clogging my pores. Plus, it’s super affordable which is always a bonus!” — Rachel

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation Tawny

 NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation Tawny

I can’t believe how amazing the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation is! It’s like magic in a compact. My skin looks flawless and matte all day long. Thank you, NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, for making me feel like a queen with this product!

My friend Jessica recommended this foundation to me and I am forever grateful. This versatile powder foundation is perfect for any occasion. I can use it lightly for a natural look or build it up for full coverage. Plus, the included sponge makes application so easy. Thank you, NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, for making my makeup routine effortless!

As someone who loves animals, I am so happy to support a brand that is cruelty-free like NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP. Not only does this powder foundation give me flawless coverage, but it also gives me peace of mind knowing it’s not tested on animals. And the best part? It stays put all day long! Thank you, NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, for creating such an amazing product!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Matte But Not Flat is Necessary

As someone who loves experimenting with different makeup looks, I have come to realize the importance of using the right type of foundation. For a long time, I used to think that matte and flat were interchangeable terms, but to my surprise, they are not. Matte and flat foundations may have similar finishes, but they cater to different skin types and serve different purposes.

Matte foundations are great for oily skin as they help control excess sebum production and give a smooth, matte finish. On the other hand, flat foundations can be harsh on dry skin as they tend to highlight any dry patches or fine lines. This is where a matte but not flat foundation comes in handy. It provides the desired matte finish while still hydrating the skin and giving it a natural-looking glow.

Moreover, flat foundations can make the skin look one-dimensional and lack dimension or depth. On the other hand, a matte but not flat foundation can provide subtle luminosity and enhance your natural features without looking too heavy or cakey. This makes it perfect for everyday wear as well as for special occasions.

In my personal experience, using a matte but not flat foundation has made a significant difference in the overall appearance of my makeup. It gives

My Buying Guide on ‘Matte But Not Flat’

As someone who loves makeup and is always on the lookout for new products, I have come across the struggle of finding the perfect matte finish that is not too flat. I have tried multiple products with varying results, but after some trial and error, I have finally found my go-to formula for achieving a matte but not flat look. So, if you are also on the hunt for a flawless, natural-looking matte finish, here is my buying guide for you.

Understanding Matte vs. Flat

Before diving into product recommendations, it is essential to understand the difference between a matte and a flat finish. While both may seem similar at first glance, they are actually quite different. A matte finish has a soft, velvety texture with a subtle sheen that adds dimension to the skin. On the other hand, a flat finish can be described as dull and lifeless with no hint of shine or glow.

Choose Your Base Wisely

The key to achieving a matte but not flat look starts with your base. It is crucial to choose a foundation that has buildable coverage and a natural-looking finish. Avoid foundations that claim to be “ultra-matte” or “full coverage” as they tend to give off a flat appearance. Instead, opt for foundations that offer medium coverage with a satin or demi-matte finish.

Primer Is Your Best Friend

A good primer can make all the difference in creating a smooth canvas for your makeup application. Look for primers that have pore-minimizing and mattifying properties. These will help control excess oil production and keep your makeup from looking shiny throughout the day.

Powder Strategically

Powder is essential when it comes to setting your makeup and keeping it in place. However, when aiming for a matte but not flat look, it is crucial to use powder strategically. Only apply powder in areas where you tend to get oily throughout the day, such as your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Avoid powdering areas where you want to maintain some natural glow like your cheeks or temples.

Invest in Quality Tools

The tools you use can also make a significant impact on achieving a matte but not flat look. When applying foundation or powder, opt for dense brushes instead of fluffy ones as they provide better coverage without sheering out product too much. For an airbrushed finish without looking too flat, try using a damp beauty sponge to bounce foundation onto your skin.

Finishing Touches

To complete your makeup look without compromising on the matte but not flat effect, there are two additional products you can incorporate into your routine – setting spray and highlighter. A good setting spray will help lock in your makeup while keeping it looking fresh throughout the day without adding any shine or dewiness. As for highlighter, choose one with finely milled shimmer particles rather than chunky glitter to add just the right amount of glow without making your skin look oily.

In conclusion, achieving a matte but not flat look requires careful product selection and strategic application techniques. By following this buying guide and incorporating these tips into your routine, you can achieve that perfect balance between being matte yet radiant – just like I did!

Author Profile

Avatar
Eric Harris
Eric Harris has always been deeply passionate about understanding and evaluating the products that shape our daily lives. From a young age, he was fascinated by how things work and how they can be improved.

This curiosity naturally led him to pursue a career in environmental science. Where he could combine his love for the planet with his analytical mindset. Over the course of more than a decade.

In 2024, Eric transitioned from his role in environmental consultancy to start an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog represents a significant shift in his career, allowing him to directly engage with individuals looking to make informed choices about the products they use. Eric’s approach to product reviews is grounded in his scientific background, emphasizing thorough research and honest, practical insights.

Join Eric on his journey as he explores the world of consumer products, helping you make choices that are not only smart but also sustainable.