'I tried the anti-shine product that lasts three times longer than powder. Here's my verdict.'

Mamamia’s Tried and Tested series is your weekly review of the latest to hit our desks in beauty, health and wellness. You won’t find any #sponsored content here, just honest, relatable and independent advice. This week, Beauty and Health Editor Erin Docherty reviews Rae Morris Invisible Mattifier. 

As someone with the moisture level of an actual raisin, powder makeup is something my skin doesn't like. It clings to dry patches, feels like I'm wearing a mask, and doesn't blend well. I'm breaking out in hives just thinking about it. 

Over the years, I've concluded that base powder just isn't for dry skin. Which is a shame, really. While a little bit of shine is great (makes you looks natural!) I have certain areas of my face that are just a wee bit too shiny.

Watch: You know what I also tried? Lube. On my face. Post continues below. 

But then makeup artist Hilary Holmes taught me that dry skin can and should use powder. She told me I just hadn't found The One.

But the search for an anti-shine powder that actually sits nicely on dry skin turns out to be a serious TASK. 

I had some front-runners (honourable mention to ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder) — but they just didn't last and still don't look great on my face (patchy) (weird) (not like skin).

So when our very own Mia Freedman recently posted about her 5-minute makeup routine, I spotted a product that's been on my 'must try' wishlist for yonks. I'd forgotten about it. But have wanted to try it since the legendary celebrity makeup artist recommended it to Mia here. 

It's called Rae Morris Invisible Mattifier, and it's usually $80, but I grabbed it in the Black Friday sales a little cheaper.

Speaking to Mia about anti-shine alternatives, Rae had explained that instead of reaching for powder, she should use a mattifier, as it will "last two to three times longer than powder". 

And m'am. Let me get this on my face immediately.

Here's what happened when I tried Rae Morris Invible Mattifier.

What is Rae Morris Invisible Mattifier?

If you're confused if this is a powder or a gel or some kind of liquid — allow me to explain. 

The Rae Morris Invisible Mattifier is a clear gel-to-powder hybrid formula that absorbs excess sheen and gives the skin a velvety, mattified finish. 

It also makes your skin feel silky smooth (it reminds me of the Benefit POREfessional Primer finish) and helps even the skin tone and soft-blur any irregularities (like acne scars, etc.).

On the website it says, "Think of it like the most perfect longer lasting ‘blotting paper’ that you can use over and over again throughout the day, but with better oil absorption technology than the paper."

And yes, this sounds delightful.

Described as the perfect product for everyday use, you can either apply it on top of makeup or on its own, and it promises to suit all skin types.

Here's what it looks like on my creased bedspread, in case you're curious:

Rae Morris Mattifier. Image: Supplied.

And just FYI, supermodel Shania Shiak even puts it on her face and loves it. Which feels important.

In a review on the website, she wrote: "I’ve had the extreme pleasure to work with Rae Morris for so many years. This woman knows skin and makeup. I love this product so much. The Invisible Mattifier works wonders for me, because I have oily skin. Rae would always use the invisible mattifier on me for every photoshoot, event and even for my wedding day! No mess or excess dust... it’s genius. Obsessed."

How did you go with it?

One of the main things I remember Rae Morris telling Mia in the recent Very Peri Summit, was just to make sure she didn't go too ham with the mattifer — and to only use it on specific areas where there's excess sheen. 

Which is hard, because it really does feel so nice on the skin. The reason behind this? The trick is to make sure you still keep a bit of that healthy shine so your skin still looks like beautiful, glowing skin. Has some dimension. Doesn't look flat. 

Anyway, I kept this in mind and didn't go willy-nilly with the application. 

I used a complexion brush to apply it (Mia uses her fingers — so whatever works for you!) and I mainly focused on my T-zone area, around my nose, and my chin. Oh, and the upper lip. For the sweaty mo'. I left my cheekbones as they were (can't ruin that Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Wand glow!), the bridge of my nose, my eyelids, etc.

Here's what my face looks like after using the Rae Morris Invisible Mattifier:

After using Rae Morris Invisible Mattifier. Pls don't judge the flyaways. Image: Supplied.

See? Still glowy! Fresh! Non-cakey!

The verdict.

Okay, now understand why Mia is such a fan and I'm honestly kinda annoyed I didn't try this way sooner and really do wish I'd saved my money on trying 42 powders that look like poo on my face. But IT'S FINE.

I like many things about this product, but mostly the fact that it didn't get into the creases around my eyes or mouth, or mess around with my hairline. I also loved how non-drying it was on the skin — it's comfortable and makes your makeup last. Also, it makes my skin feel like a fancy velvety robe.

I would purchase this again (and again) and will continue to use this as part of my regular makeup routine — both for minimal makeup looks and the ones with a little bit more coverage.

So! If you're someone with dry, combination or over 50s skin and struggle with powders and slippery skin — this is the perfect product for a smoother, less shiny, but natural-looking appearance.

Powder, sweetie — just... go home x

Want to hear more from Erin Docherty? You can follow her on Instagram. 

Feature image: Supplied/Canva.