So here’s the thing: I’ve always loved a matte base.
It makes me feel polished. Put together. Like I’ve got my life sorted (even if I absolutely do not). But somewhere along the way, dewy skin took over the beauty zeitgeist, and suddenly matte was framed as “old-fashioned.” Not glowy enough, not cool-girl enough. I was told to embrace the glow. To get that glass-skin shine. To lean into luminous, radiant finishes—even though I’m out here blotting my T-zone by 10am.
But now? I’m reclaiming matte. And the new Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Burring Second Skin Matte Foundation and Impeccable Setting Spray just gave me the best reason to do it—with zero apologies.
Matte for the modern era
This isn’t 2010 matte. This isn’t “porcelain doll” matte. This isn’t that dry, flat, chalky situation that clings to every dry patch and somehow still slides off your nose by midday.
This is modern matte—and it’s glorious. It’s smooth, not powdery. It’s blurring, not masking. It’s glowy—but not greasy. It’s matte with dimension and vibe, not a mask of makeup
Your skin still looks like skin. Just … perfected. Polished. Camera-ready, but not cakey. It’s that filtered, soft-focus finish that makes you look like you’ve got your act together—even when you’re running on caffeine and chaos.
The foundation: What’s inside this magic bottle?
Ok let’s get a bit technical for a second. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Matte Foundation is:
- Oil-free + fragrance-free = great for sensitive and shine-prone skin
- Sweat- and transfer-resistant = won’t betray you on hot days or dance floors
- Buildable coverage = sheer it out or glam it up
- Flexible, breathable, and smoothing AF = no clogged pores or crusty zones
It goes on like a velvet dream — smooth, even, no patchiness. I’ve used it with a brush, sponge, even my fingers in a pinch, and it always blends like a charm. The finish is what I’d call “matte with glow.” Not shiny. Not sweaty. Just skin that looks quietly flawless.
Enter the setting spray that gets the assignment
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Setting Spray is just as much the star here. It does everything a setting spray should do—locks makeup in, smooths texture, and makes you feel like your makeup has fused with your face in the best way.
But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t kill the vibe. It doesn’t feel tight or dry, and it won’t make your face feel like it’s been lacquered. Instead, it:
- Controls oil (without looking like you’ve been mummified)
- Helps makeup last all day (and night)
- Leaves your skin looking like you, just slightly filtered
I’ve spritzed it under makeup, over makeup, mid-day touch-up style—it works every time. It’s the final step that pulls everything together and makes you feel locked, loaded, and ready for whatever.
For my fellow matte lovers (and the curious dewy crowd)
If you’re like me and feel personally attacked by the current “everyone must glow” culture, this duo is your rebellion. You can have matte skin that looks radiant. You can control shine without killing your vibe. You can wear foundation that doesn’t need a 2pm blot-and-buff routine.
But if you are more on the dewy side? You might be surprised. This isn’t about looking dry or powdery—this is about balance. Matte, but fresh. Blurred, but breathable. Controlled, but not flat. It’s just… elevated.
Final thoughts: the verdict
This is the base routine I’ve been waiting for. Matte that doesn’t apologise. Matte that works with your skin, not against it. Matte that’s stylish, not stifling. The above photo is me SIX HOURS into my day and AFTER a 2km walk from my hotel to a PR showing. I kid you not, not a single touch up and still a matte finish with a glow that isn’t oily or sweaty looking.
The foundation gives a gorgeous, flexible finish with no drama. The setting spray locks it in while keeping you smooth and soft. Together, they make my skin look like I drink three litres of water and have zero stress (lol).
If you’ve been told matte isn’t fashionable anymore, I’m here to tell you that’s rubbish. Matte is back—and frankly, it never left. And Anastasia Beverly Hills just proved it can be modern, wearable and straight-up stunning.
Let the glow girls have their moment. We’ve got blotting papers and taste.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
