5 Genius Shine-Busting Makeup Hacks

“Shiny” is a word I’d like to describe jewelry—not our skin. In the ongoing quest to banish that telltale sheen once and for all, here’s a compilation of makeup artist approved tips for the best shine-busting makeup tricks.

Say hello to your new, beautifully matte visage.

Cleansing is a must

When it comes to avoiding shine, start with your morning beauty routine, specifically, the products you use to wash your face. Cleansers with salicylic acid in them really help cut oil production. Makeup artist favorite? Murad’s Clarifying Cleanser ($26).

Prep with a Primer

To prevent unwanted shine from creeping up throughout the day, make sure to prep your canvas. Mattifying primers are the BEST ways to bust shine. Colorscience’s Mattifying Face Primer SPF 20 ($46) and Arbonne’s Makeup Primer ($38) are the best of the lot.

Mattify with Moisture

Using a moisturizer with mattifying properties will help kick shine to the curb. Look for ingredients like vitamin E and zinc, or mineral-based moisturizers, which help prevent shine. Recommended? Embryolisse’s Emulsion Hydra-Mat ($40) for non-greasy hydration that gives you a smooth matte finish.

Use Two Foundations

Foundations targeted towards those with oily skin usually leave a matte finish, so use that in the T-zone or anywhere else prone to shininess, and a normal foundation everywhere else. Best to use Make Up For Ever’s Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation ($36) in the T-zones and either Tom Ford’s Traceless Stick Foundation ($78) or Kevyn Aucoin’s The Radiant Reflection Solid Stick Foundation ($45) on the rest of the face.

Blot Away

Immediately after you apply your foundation, always blot. This will soak up any excess oil, as well as extra product. Try Boscia’s Blotting Linens ($10) or Shiseido’s Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Paper ($19). On the go? Try this trick: separate a two-ply sheet of toilet paper and use it as stand-in blotting paper.

How do you deal with unwanted shine? Share with us in the comments!