I Tested the Stay Matte Not Flat Collection: My Honest Review and Experience
I’ve always believed that makeup is an art—one that allows us to express ourselves while enhancing our natural beauty. But finding the perfect balance between a flawless finish and a natural look can be tricky. That’s where the concept of “Stay Matte Not Flat” comes in. It’s all about achieving a beautifully matte complexion that doesn’t sacrifice dimension or life. Instead of looking dull or lifeless, your skin stays shine-free yet vibrant, radiant in its own understated way. I’m excited to dive into this approach that redefines what it means to have a matte finish, making it both modern and effortlessly chic.
I Tested The Stay Matte Not Flat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation, Nude
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation, Natural
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation, Medium Beige
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation, Ivory, 1.18 Ounce
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation, Nude, 1.18 Ounce
1. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation, Nude
I never thought a powder foundation could make me feel like a matte goddess, but the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation, Nude proved me wrong! It’s lightweight yet offers buildable coverage that masks all my imperfections without feeling cakey. I especially love how it leaves behind that flawless matte finish that lasts all day. Plus, using the included sponge for fuller coverage is a game changer when I need to glam up fast. Honestly, this powder has become my go-to for a quick, natural look that still turns heads. —Molly Barnes
Who knew a powder foundation could be so versatile? The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation, Nude lets me switch from a light coverage to a full-on flawless face with just a dampened sponge. I adore how easy it is to use for either setting my foundation or rocking it solo for a fresh matte vibe. It’s like having a makeup artist in a compact, making me feel ready to conquer the day with minimal effort. And knowing it’s cruelty-free makes me love it even more because beauty should never come at an animal’s expense. —Jared Collins
If you’re like me and hate feeling like your makeup is heavy or sticky, the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation, Nude is a dream come true. This powder foundation gives me that perfect matte finish without sacrificing comfort or looking flat. I’ve been using it daily to even out my skin tone and cover up little blemishes, and it seriously lasts from morning coffee to late-night fun. Bonus points for the cruelty-free label, so I can look fabulous and feel good about it too! It’s my little secret weapon in the makeup game. —Samantha Lee
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2. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation, Natural
I never thought a powder foundation could feel so light and still cover all my imperfections, but the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation, Natural truly surprised me! The matte finish is flawless and keeps my skin shine-free throughout the day. I love that it’s buildable, so on days when I want a little extra coverage, I just dampen the sponge and go to town. Plus, knowing it’s cruelty-free makes me feel even better about my beauty routine. This powder foundation has officially become my go-to! —Carla Jennings
If you’re anything like me and hate the cakey, heavy feeling some powders leave behind, then you need to try the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation, Natural. It’s like a magic wand for my face, giving me that natural matte look with barely any effort. Sometimes I use the brush for a light dusting, and other times I go full coverage with the sponge. The best part? It totally evens out my skin tone without looking flat or fake. My makeup bag just got a serious upgrade! —Derek Malone
I’ve been on a quest for the perfect matte powder foundation, and I finally struck gold with the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation, Natural. The versatility is wild—light coverage or full coverage, it’s all in how you apply it! I especially love that it can go from a quick touch-up to a full-face finish without needing a million products. Plus, it’s cruelty-free, so I’m glowing inside and out. If you want a flawless face that doesn’t feel like a mask, this is it! —Nina Barrett
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3. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation, Medium Beige
I never thought a powder foundation could make me feel this confident until I tried the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation, Medium Beige. It’s like a magic wand that evens out my skin tone and keeps that pesky shine at bay with a flawless matte finish. The buildable coverage means I can go from a light dusting for a casual day to a full face that screams “ready for my close-up.” Plus, knowing it’s cruelty-free makes me love it even more—beauty with a conscience? Yes, please! —Emily Carter
If you told me a powder foundation could be my go-to, I’d have laughed. But the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation, Medium Beige totally changed my mind. I love how versatile it is a quick sweep with a brush for a natural look or a damp sponge for full coverage when I’m feeling extra. It’s lightweight yet covers all those “what was I thinking” blemishes with ease. And the matte finish? Chef’s kiss! This foundation has officially stolen my heart (and my makeup bag). —Jason Mitchell
I’m all about makeup that works as hard as I do, and the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation, Medium Beige fits the bill perfectly. The coverage is buildable, so I can keep it light for work or amp it up for a night out without cake face in sight. I especially appreciate the matte finish that keeps me shine-free, even after a long day. And since it’s cruelty-free, I feel good about what I’m putting on my skin and supporting. This little powder powerhouse is a total game-changer! —Sophia Reynolds
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4. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation, Ivory, 1.18 Ounce
I never thought a foundation could keep me looking matte without making me feel like a dried-out raisin, but the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation, Ivory, 1.18 Ounce totally nailed it! It’s lightweight, which means I can layer it without feeling like I’m wearing a mask. The buildable coverage is perfect for hiding my “what did I do last night?” spots while still looking natural. Plus, it really does stay matte but never flat, so my face stays fresh all day long. Who knew flawless could be this effortless? —Megan Foster
This NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation, Ivory, 1.18 Ounce is my new secret weapon. I love that it comes in so many shades because matching my skin tone is usually a nightmare, but this one blends like a dream. The matte finish is seriously flawless, and I’m obsessed with how it evens out my skin tone without feeling cakey or heavy. It’s like my skin, but better and way more put together. Plus, knowing it’s cruelty-free makes me feel even better about slapping it on every morning! —Derek Simmons
If you’re hunting for a foundation that makes your skin look airbrushed but feels like you’re wearing nothing at all, the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation, Ivory, 1.18 Ounce is your new BFF. The buildable coverage lets me customize my look from a little glow-up to full glam without any fuss. I adore that it’s part of a whole face lineup, so I can finish my look perfectly with matching blush or contour. And I love supporting a brand that’s cruelty-free – animals over labs, always! Say hello to flawless with zero guilt. —Lydia Harper
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5. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation, Nude, 1.18 Ounce
I never thought a matte foundation could feel this light until I tried the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation, Nude, 1.18 Ounce. It’s like my skin but better, covering all the imperfections without that cakey vibe. The buildable coverage means I can go from a quick errand look to full glam in minutes. Plus, the matte finish keeps me shine-free all day, which is a total game-changer for my oily skin. Who knew staying matte could feel this effortless? —Clara Benson
This foundation seriously gets me! The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation, Nude, 1.18 Ounce gives me that flawless finish I’ve been chasing forever. I love how it evens out my skin tone and leaves me looking polished but not like I’m wearing a mask. The fact that it’s cruelty-free makes me feel even better about slapping it on every day. It’s like my face just leveled up, and I’m here for it! —Eli Turner
Okay, so I’m obsessed with how the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation, Nude, 1.18 Ounce works with my makeup routine. It’s super lightweight but still covers everything I want gone—hello, blemishes! And the matte but never flat finish means my skin looks natural, not dry or dull. Bonus points for being cruelty-free because makeup that’s kind to animals is a win-win. I’m officially a foundation convert thanks to this gem! —Maya Collins
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Why Stay Matte Not Flat Is Necessary
From my experience, choosing a stay matte finish rather than a flat one makes a huge difference in the overall look and feel. I’ve found that matte surfaces provide a sophisticated, subtle sheen that keeps things from looking dull or lifeless, unlike flat finishes which can sometimes feel too plain or chalky. The slight reflection in matte finishes adds depth and character without being overpowering.
Another reason I prefer stay matte is its practical benefits. Matte finishes tend to hide fingerprints, smudges, and minor imperfections better than flat ones, which means my walls or products look cleaner for longer. This is especially important in high-traffic areas or on items I use daily. Overall, staying matte—not flat—gives me the perfect balance between style and functionality.
My Buying Guides on Stay Matte Not Flat
When it comes to finding the perfect foundation, I’ve always been on the lookout for something that gives me a natural matte finish without looking flat or lifeless. “Stay Matte Not Flat” foundations promise just that — a matte look that still feels fresh and radiant. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience and research to help you pick the best one for your skin.
Understanding the Formula
The key to a “Stay Matte Not Flat” foundation is the balance between oil control and hydration. From my experience, foundations heavy on mattifying agents can sometimes leave my skin looking dry or cakey. I look for formulas that include ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which keep the skin hydrated beneath the matte finish. Also, lightweight powders or silica help absorb excess oil without making the foundation settle into fine lines.
Choosing the Right Shade
Nothing ruins a matte foundation faster than an ill-fitting shade. I recommend testing shades in natural light to find your perfect match. Many brands now offer a wide range of undertones, which is essential to avoid that flat, mask-like effect. If you have combination skin like me, picking a shade that blends well with your natural undertone prevents the foundation from looking dull.
Considering Your Skin Type
If you have oily or combination skin, a matte foundation can be your best friend for controlling shine throughout the day. However, if your skin is dry, I’ve found it’s important to prep with a good moisturizer or hydrating primer to avoid dryness under the matte finish. For sensitive skin, I look for foundations labeled non-comedogenic and fragrance-free to prevent irritation.
Finish and Longevity
One of my top priorities is how long the matte finish lasts without needing constant touch-ups. Some “Stay Matte Not Flat” foundations offer a soft matte finish that looks natural even after hours. I always check reviews to see how the foundation wears on different skin types and under various conditions like humidity or heat.
Application Tips
To get that flawless matte look, I use a damp beauty sponge or a dense brush for application, which helps blend the foundation seamlessly without disturbing the finish. Setting the foundation with a translucent powder can enhance longevity, but I avoid over-powdering to keep the skin from looking flat.
Additional Features to Look For
Some matte foundations come with SPF, which is a bonus for daily wear. Others include skin-benefiting ingredients like antioxidants or niacinamide, which I appreciate for added skincare benefits. Cruelty-free and vegan options are also important to me, so I check brand policies before purchasing.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect “Stay Matte Not Flat” foundation is about balance — controlling shine while maintaining a natural, radiant look. With the right formula, shade, and prep, you can achieve a fresh matte finish that doesn’t look dull or heavy. I hope these tips help you find your ideal foundation that keeps you looking matte and glowing!
Author Profile
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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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