Beauty Debate: Glowy Makeup vs. Matte Makeup — What Team Are You On?
December 01, 2020
When I say my makeup goals are to look like a glazed donut, I’m only partially kidding. I love makeup products that make my complexion look dewy and radiant. But while I’m personally not into a matte makeup finish, every time I see my colleague Jillian rocking a matte complexion with a bold red matte lip, I have to admit, I’m completely enamored. Here, we’re debating the pros and cons of our go-to makeup styles. Which team are you on — glowy or matte?
The Case for Glowy Makeup
First, I think it’s important to define the type of glow that I love. It’s not a sparkly, glitter glow, it’s more of a softer sheen. I strive to look like I’m glowing from within and exude a natural radiance that makes my skin look healthy, plump and smooth. I think my love for this kind of finish stems from my minimalistic makeup preferences and combination-oily skin type. When it comes to achieving a matte finish for me, it usually requires a full-coverage foundation and lots of setting powder and quite honestly, I’m as low maintenance as they come. With a couple of cream products, (some of my favorites are the Maybelline New York Cheek Heat and the Live Tinted HUEGLOW in Dawn) I’m able to achieve that soft glow I’m looking for and I don’t have to worry about the inevitable oily t-zone that hits at 12PM because it only gives me more of a subtle dewy look.
The Case for Matte Makeup
Listen, I’m all for glow, but when it comes to my personal makeup routine, there’s definitely a specific time and place for it, and that’s not in my daily lineup. My everyday look pretty much always consists of a bold lip and a defined brow, so I’ve found that if I pair that with a glowy complexion, it’s all too much. Couple that with my preference for full-coverage foundation to cover my rosacea, and a matte finish is the way to go. Maybelline New York Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation is my go-to for my base because it gives me a smooth, airbrushed finish and completely conceals any redness or blemishes I might be dealing with, while still being lightweight enough to balance out the boldness of the rest of my look. I just haven’t been able to check all those boxes with a glowy finish — #sorrynotsorry.
Design and Illustration: Hannah Packer
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