Is matte or shimmer makeup better?

Makeup products come in many different finishes (velvet, satin, metallic – the list could go on), but the two big players are matte and shimmer.

Essentially, one is on the sheeny, glittery side (shimmer), while the other (matte) puts a stop to all signs of shine and has more of a misty, flat finish.

RELATED: Gel liner vs. liquid liner

You may find you prefer one over the other, or like to use a mixture of both, but if you’re just a little confused about it all, the below might help to clear things up.

MATTE BRONZER

Matte bronzer adds warmth to the face, but the finish also means you can create natural-looking shadows for definition – or as many like to refer to it; contouring.

Application tips:

Makeup artist Ann Hassarati says, “Applying matte bronzer under your cheekbones is a great way to help them stand out.”
“Think about the number 3 and use this to stencil out your contour pattern,” says make-up artist Hayley Dutton. “Start at the top of the forehead, along the hairline, curving that down around the temples and then under the cheekbone and then curving that back out again down and around the jawline.”

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SHIMMER BRONZER

Shimmer bronzer is great for those who want a sun-kissed, golden look as the light-reflecting particles illuminate in the sun, giving the skin more of a glowing, dewy look.

Application tips:

“Apply this to the areas of the face the sun would naturally hit,” says Hayley. “Aim for the top of your forehead, top points of your cheeks and down your décolletage, and tap any excess product softly on the nose, cheeks and chin.”
Use a light, fluffy brush to apply your shimmer bronzer. “The more dense the brush, the stronger the colour will come out,” explains make-up artist Donna Kelly. “[If the colour is too strong,] this can make you look dirty instead of just bronzed.”

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MATTE LIPSTICK

Matte lipsticks are perfect for making a statement, as they take away the natural sheen and shine of lips. They’re bold and completely opaque, so the focus is solely on the colour.

Application tips:

Always prep the lips properly before applying matte lipstick. First exfoliate with a lip scrub or spare toothbrush, and then pop on some lip balm for hydration. This will ensure the matte formula glides on smoothly.
Talia Cich, Education Content Manager at Anastasia Beverly Hills recommends using an oil-based make-up remover to easily remove your matte colour without drying out your pout.

Try:

MODELROCK Liquid Last: Liquid to Matte Lipstick in Prescilla
Rimmel London Kate Moss Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick, $US20, Sephora

SHIMMER LIPSTICK

Shimmer lipsticks usually aren’t referred to as so, because the majority of lipsticks have shimmer particles or moisturising ingredients in them, which leave behind a hint of shine or sheen. These lipsticks give the lips a more hydrated appearance.

Application tips:

To make your shimmer lipsticks last longer, apply one coat to your lips, blot with a tissue and then reapply.
To stop lipstick from bleeding, Global Makeup Artist for Napoleon Perdis, Shev Kelly, says to line the lips last. “Begin by applying your favourite lipstick over the entire lip,” she says. “Next, line [the] lips using a sharpened lip pencil, this will help keep the lip edge looking crisp and prevent your lipstick from smudging.”

Try:

jane iredale PureMoist™ Lipstick
Nutrimetics nc Hydra Brilliance Lipstick
Napoleon Perdis Dévine Goddess Lipstick, $38, napoleonperdis.com/aus

MATTE EYESHADOW

Matte eyeshadows are ideal for creating smoky and dusty eye looks. They pack a punch when it comes to pigment, but can also be subtle on the eye because of the smooth, non-glittery finish. Using matte, neutral shades on your eye crease is a great way to enhance your natural eye colour.

Application tips:

Make-up guru Napoleon Perdis says, “Always remember to conceal the eyelid before applying matte textures to the eyes as it creates a base for the shadows to hold to and makes them easier to blend.”
Use two eye brushes; one to apply your colour and a clean one to blend.

Try:

TARTE Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette, $67, sephora.com.au
Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Camel
Bourjois Little Round Eyeshadow Pot in 06 Taupe Matte

SHIMMER EYESHADOW

Shimmer eyeshadows add that extra sparkle to the eye and look especially great in metallic shades like silver, bronze and gold. For an extra dewy look, use cream versions.

Application tips:

If you’re using cream eyeshadow, Shev says to set your eyelids with either a pressed or loose powder (that’s translucent) on top. “This will help to prevent excess shine throughout the day and provide longevity.”
When using extra glittery eyeshadows, Hayley says an easy way to clean up any excess fallout is to use sticky tape. Just make sure to “stick it to the back of your hand first to remove a small layer of adhesive before applying to your face.”