How to Get Filtered Skin With a Matte Makeup Look

Matte makeup is having a major moment. With cloud skin trending, we’re seeing a lot of soft-filtered, blurred, velvety makeup looks happening. And 2023’s take on matte makeup is not just for those with oily skin like years past. This time around, it’s for all skin types, says Sara Wren, Milk Makeup’s Director of Artistry. Those with dry skin can finally explore the world of matte, soft-focus makeup thanks to the latest shine-free formulas on the market, which are packed with hydrating, non-drying ingredients.

Although the latest and greatest matte makeup will keep shine at bay, you can still maintain a glow. The only difference is that you’ll look more candlelit-through-frosted glass than dewy and reflective. Sara recommends this finish for hot, humid days, as well as special events, like weddings and galas, where flash photography is definitely going to happen.

Below, Sara shares exactly how to do the ultimate matte makeup look with Milk Makeup’s best matte formulas.

Prep + prime your skin

Starting off your matte makeup routine with skin prep is essential for keeping your complexion velvety and fresh—never flaky and dry. No matter your skin type, Sara recommends slathering on a rich daily moisturizer first, like our Vegan Milk Moisturizer, before reaching for a mattifying primer, namely Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer. “This will help control oil and provide a super-smooth base before foundation and concealer,” she adds.

Be sure to layer Pore Eclipse onto your skin—concentrating on your T-zone and smoothing it outward—while your moisturizer is still damp, Sara says. Then, allow the primer to dry down for 60 to 90 seconds to let its blurred finish lock into place. “I keep calling Pore Eclipse the Instagram Paris filter in a bottle,” she adds.

Pore Eclipse Primer

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Pore Eclipse Setting Spray

Shop Pore Eclipse Setting Spray

Apply your base

Pore Eclipse softens the look of pores and smooths out texture much like complexion formulas do. It also gives the makeup that goes over top that blurred finish. You can go in with a foundation or skin tint for your base. Decrease the appearance of redness, dark circles, and blemishes with our Future Fluid All Over Cream Concealer. Our medium-to-full coverage concealer has a natural, second-skin finish that will melt seamlessly into your primed base.

Sculpt and Bronze

Sculpt Stick and Matte Bronzer will help you add dimension, depth, and summery warmth to your matte complexion. First, add your Sculpt Stick along your forehead, the hollows of your cheeks, and down each side of your jaw. Then, you can add warmth to your skin with Matte Bronzer across your cheeks and nose in a W-shape, Sara says. You can also place it along your hairline and jaw.

Add blush

The best matte blush we have for this aesthetic is Lip + Cheek, Sara says. The placement and shade are up to you. ICYMI: We recently added Enigma (rosy beige), Muse (deep burgundy), and Smirk (shimmery dusty rose) to the shade lineup. Try them out with one of these ultra-cool placements.

Finish eyes + lips

If you want to keep your eye makeup and lips just as matte as the rest of your face, draw Infinity Long Wear Eyeliner onto your waterline and smidge it out for a ’90s grunge vibe. Then, swipe KUSH Mascara onto your lashes to amp up the drama and Lip + Cheek onto your lips for creamy, matte color.

Set with powder

A great way to maintain that overall matte look is to set your face with a loose setting powder like Pore Eclipse Matte Translucent Setting Powder. It contains lentil extract to keep shine at bay, plus it sets your makeup so it lasts all day with a smooth matte finish.

Use it all over your face with a fluffy brush (like the Pore Eclipse Setting Powder Brush) to set your makeup and tamp down any oils. Use it with a powder puff on your under eyes to set your concealer and get that airbrushed finish.

If you get a little shiny throughout the day, just re-apply with a brush it to freshen up your look. It's got a mess-free sifter that makes it easy to use on the go. Just drop it in your makeup bag.

Finish with setting spray

Matte setting spray is arguably the most important when creating the perfect matte makeup look with the most flawless finish. Our brand-new Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray will excel as the final product of your matte makeup routine. Not only is it spiked with oil-absorbing lentil extract and pore-blurring microspheres to stave off unwanted shine all day long, but it also will intensify your complexion’s dreamy, soft matte finish and long wear. Pore Eclipse Mattifying Setting Spray is free of alcohol and moisture-depleting ingredients, so it won’t leave your skin feeling tight or parched. Plus, “It can be reapplied during the day if your skin needs a bit of extra matte-ification magic,” Sara says.

Meet the Expert

Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.