Is matte skin making a comeback?

While the glossy look had a long reign, more women are now opting for a shine-free finish

Updated : Dec 19, 2018, 06:20 AM IST

Deepika Padukone opts for a matte look at her wedding

Luminous, dewy skin had been having a moment. It was spotted across designer runways such as Victoria Beckham, Michael Kors and Off-White’s Spring/Summer 2018 showings. Women also eagerly jumped onto the K-beauty Glass Skin bandwagon recreating the 10-step ritual in order to achieve a gleaming, shiny appearance, considered a sign of youthfulness. But it now seems the matte finish is ready to make a comeback. Not the overtly dry effect, but a more neutral finish is being preferred, which works well for the Indian climate too. Recent bride Deepika Padukone too opted for this look on her big day, keeping her eyes heavy but her skin matte.

A CLASSIC TREND

The matte look is a classic and isn’t going to fade away anytime soon. It looks more sophisticated, flawless and stays on better. In pictures too, matte make-up produces a good finish that never looks greasy or shiny, opines Debasmita Panja, Senior Brand manager colour category, Avon. “First, cleanse, tone and moisturise your skin well so that your make-up glides on and stays on. Applying make-up on dry, flaky skin is guaranteed to give you a ‘cakey-pancake face’. Get your skin make-up ready with an oil-free moisturiser followed by a matte primer base,” she advises.

PREP YOUR SKIN

Although the matte look has been gaining popularity, some people still prefer a dewy finish since they have dry to combination skin types. The most important part is prepping of the skin, says Saba Khan, Make-Up Head, MUD. “Begin with a good moisturiser and gently massage the face with your hands for a minute or two. Massaging the face will also help increase blood circulation making the skin look plump and supple. Next, use a pore minimising primer which will also help the foundation last longer. Follow this with a cream or liquid matte finish foundation. Set the base with loose powder. Be careful not to use too much as it will make the skin look cakey. Lastly, complete the look with a setting spray,” she says. Recently, brides too have been opting for the matte look. Saba says this works well with a smokey eye do and a nude lip as in the case of DP or a bold lip and winged liner look.

(From L-R) Givenchy, Versace, and JW Anderson

AVOIDABLE FOR DRY SKIN

Matte make-up is loved for the even, smooth and poreless finish it delivers. However, if you are not really a fan of matte foundation, you can go for a satin finish. This gives a natural sheen without the absence of shimmer and glow, but not as drying like matte. Suyash Singh, Regional make-up corporate trainer, VLCC says, “Avoid this look if you have dry skin. However, if a bride still wants to go ahead with it, she should make sure that the skin is hydrated and a good moisturiser is used. It is advisable to not go for any dermat or peel treatment just before the occasion. The skin starts to look flaky and it becomes difficult to achieve a matte finish post that. Also, while applying make-up, use foundation and powder sparingly and do not overdo it.”