Matte Matters

There aren't many makeup products that leave me feeling totally ickified, but Urban Decay's De-Slick Mattifying Powder ($28) is one of them. Everything from the application method to the way it looks and feels on your face is a colossal disaster.

The hard-pressed light lavender (although it claims to be translucent) powder is difficult to get onto your brush, so you are pretty much forced to use the puff that comes inside. The powder feels chalky to the touch and doesn't spread well. In fact, because it's so oil-absorbent, it makes your skin feel dry, almost like it's cracking.

I was really bummed with the results, because I like a mattifier for my T-zone from time to time, and a powder compact in a cute purple case seemed like a great solution. Unfortunately, I'm afraid that unless you are going for a Bride of Dracula, Dita Von Teese, super-matte, pale face look (or if you happen to be someone with extremely oily skin), I'd steer clear of this powder.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!

New for fall is another unbelievable product by Givenchy called Prisme Foundation. This time, it's a powder foundation that promises to make your skin look as flawless as the face of the brand, Liv Tyler. Well, it doesn't promise... but if you follow the three easy steps, there's little room for error!

It comes in the famous square sleek black palette with four blocks of powder foundation inside. What makes this prisme different from the other blushers, bronzers and highlighters is that the bottom two squares are the same shade, so there are actually just three colors in total—not four. That confused me when I first read about it, so I hope my explanation helps.

It's made from a finely milled, sheer, silicone-coated powder that blends easily and evenly into your skin. In addition, it contains Mat Balance Mica, an ingredient that absorbs sebum and oil so that your skin stays shine-free. It is available in seven shades.

To learn how to use Prisme Foundation, read more

About a month ago I told you about the new Chanel Mat Lumière Foundation. I've been using the SPF 15 liquid formula for a couple of days now and I am so happy with it, I wanted to share some feedback with you.

It glides on smoothly, and all you need is about two pumps to go the distance to cover your face and the top of your neck. It absorbs quickly and leaves a velvety finish on your skin—not a thick, cakey and flaky look like lots of other foundations can.

Also, what I really love is that it absorbs the excess oil on your skin, which is perfect for this time of year. I find that it really evens out my skin tone too, and since it's so smooth, I actually prefer to blend it in with my fingertips (that's how amazingly silky it is).

The only problem is that it's still not out for another few weeks and since I've told so many people about it, I'm running low from giving out so many samples! Basically, I've come to accept why Chanel is so popular. Besides their nail polish, which I find chips horribly and quickly, they are always creating the best.

Watch out flawless skin, here comes the newest foundation collection from Chanel called Mat Lumière. Although it's not due out until September, this new formula is already making headlines. Inspired by light, Mat Lumière draws light onto skin creating an illuminating effect, all the while also creating a matte veil (hence the name). The idea is that you no longer have to compromise radiance for a flawless finish!

Unlike most mattifying foundations, which can make skin look dull, dry and heavily powdered, this formula leaves nothing behind besides an invisible velvet coating (made of good-for-you proteins) that absorbs quickly. All that remains is a smooth, even and bright complexion.

The collection comprises three products: an SPF 15 liquid foundation, an SPF 15 cream compact (which comes in a refillable case) and an SPF 10 Éclat Lumière Stylo Embellisseur (concealer pen). All those who suffer from shiny skin can now rejoice!

Lola Cosmetics Refine Shine Anti-Shine Gel ($24) is a water based mattifying liquid that can be worn either under or over your makeup. Creator Victoria Jackson wanted to invent something absorbent that can be applied to the skin anytime you feel a like you're becoming a little bit greasy.

This blotting gel is formulated with tons of antioxidants like guava and grape seed which help to close pores, soften wrinkles and create a velvety smooth finish. It also contains caffeine, biotin and witch hazel extract to detoxify, energize and control sebum production. Lastly, hydrolyzed vegetable proteins ensure that your skin stays moisturized and firm.

It is suitable for all complexions and especially those of you who are looking for a way control shine. Also, here's a tip: if you apply it as a traditional primer, it'll make your makeup last longer!

Welcome to the final installment of Matte Matters, my three-part series on designer blotting papers. (In case you missed them, here's Part I and Part II.) Oil-absorbing sheets have gone high-end, so you can now maintain a flawless matte face on the go and indulge your designer side, too. Here are three more new additions to the high-end blotting market.

Bourjois Anti-Shine Blotting Sheets ($13.50) are powder-free anti-shine papers that help absorb any excess oils and sebum on your face. And who can resist the stylist animal-print package? Each packet contains 50 sheets.

For two more blotting papers, read more

Welcome back to Matte Matters, my three-part series on designer blotting papers. (To read part one, click here.) Until now, oil-absorbing blotting papers like the ones from Papier Poudre were available mainly as a budget buy, but now these products are getting an upgrade. Here are three more new additions to the high-end blotting market.

Rodan + Fields Unblemish Oil Absorb Blot Papers ($19) contain a special ingredient called Zincidone, which not only absorbs shine but also promises to reduce the amount of oil your face produces over time. Each box contains 60 blotting sheets.

For two more blotting papers, read more

Since I discovered the new and luxuriously large Perfecting Powdered Sheets from NARS, I've noticed that more and more designer brands are now making blotting papers. Until now, oil-absorbing sheets like the ones from Papier Poudre were available mainly as a budget buy, but now these products are getting an upgrade. So I've put together a three-part series to introduce the new market for designer blotting papers.

Dior Blotting Papers ($21) help absorb any excess oil on your face. All 150 sheets are folded into a beautiful silver envelope with a mirror inside. Simply blot around your T-Zone for a magnificent matte look.

For two more blotting papers, read more

Just in the nick of time for the hot and humid summertime weather comes the latest launch from NARS Cosmetics. Called Perfecting Powdered Sheets and hitting stores July 1, these blotting sheets are designed to absorb oil and sweat from your face. They help eliminate shine and leave you skin feeling fresh and clean. Each paper contains a light layer of velvety NARS powder that is scented with rosemary — nice!

The powder sheets ($19.50 for 100) come in a thin black plastic case, but what I liked best about them is that they are really big! (I usually need about three of those tiny rose-colored powder papers to do the trick.) It's a perfectly compact solution to keep in your car or your tote for those muggy days ahead.