While I have combination skin, I’ve been weary of matte foundation formulas bc they tend to be waaay too dry for me. I don’t like piling on powder to help with oil-control, however, so after recommendations from friend + beauty Youtuber Peyton Charles, I decided to test out the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte 24 Hr Foundation ($12.99) to see how it worked.
While “Pro-Matte” is the focus on the packaging, it’s actually a demi-matte formula. It gives you a velvety smooth finish but it’s not flat, and the formula is buildable. It dries really fast, and doesn’t transfer, so once it sets, you don’t have to worry about it getting everywhere. It runs yellow, so I’ve had to mix 2 shades (Caramel Beige (108) + Classic Tan (109)) in order to to have a perfect match. I’ve also mixed it with other foundations + BB Creams and it gives them more coverage but still retains their “glow”.
If you have dry skin, make sure you exfoliate well and apply a good moisturizer-otherwise it’s gonna get patchy. If you have oily/combination, a primer won’t hurt (bc sometimes you still need it to cover pores), but the foundation actually looks better as your natural oils start to break through. I can’t say that it lasts 24 Hrs (bc who wears makeup that long???), but, I can get through a full 8 hour workday only having to touch up around my mouth after eating. If you live somewhere humid, definitely add a primer-your makeup won’t move but you can’t fight that heat and will shine.
I’ve applied with both a brush + a damp beauty blender, and I like the beauty blender application best. Also, do NOT put more than 2 light layers on. I accidentally applied too much one day and my face was TIGHT. I was “beat to the gawds” but I hated how much face felt and I kept spraying rosewater on myself to try and loosen it up (didn’t help, lol). After 1 light layer, wait about 10 seconds and them apply only in spots where you need the extra coverage. In the winter I will switch back to other foundations but this is my go-to for the rest of the Summer!