Makeup Forever Matte Velvet Skin: The Best Powder Foundation?

Makeup Forever Matte Velvet Skin Powder Foundation beats the original.

There’s not many powder foundations on the market, and a good powder foundation is hard to come by. Make Up For Ever has proved to be reliable with their powder formulas – their original Matte Velvet Skin was my favorite pressed powder foundation for some time. And, now, the reformulated version has taken its place. Spoiler alert: it’s even better!

Promises vs. Performance: Beautiful, but it takes a bit of TLC to apply.

Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin is comprised of 3 different powders that work to correct, blur, and mattify skin for up to 24 hours. The buildable medium to full coverage formula conceals imperfections, reduces redness, refines pores, and smooths texture, applying easily over any base (moisturizer or primer) without ceasing. It’s water resistant, sweat proof, and smudge proof for all day wear. Make Up For Ever also re-formulated the powder foundation to be a cleaner formula without animal-derived ingredients that is suitable for all skin types.

Let’s start with the application. Most powder foundations have a swipe and go application that is effortless to apply without even thinking about it. But, Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin is a little different. This one requires a little bit of TLC when applying, especially when using a brush. For best results, grab a dense foundation brush (like the Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Brush or the Rose and Ben C42 Brush). Instead of your typical buffing motion, you’ll want to apply Matte Velvet Skin working in small sections using stamping motions, pressing it into the skin. It provides nearly instant medium coverage, but can be built to full if desired. I love how it doesn’t exaggerate texture or dry spots, nor does it settle into lines. Plus, it beautifully blurs skin for a natural, airbrushed finish.

Now, as far as the wear goes, this is your typical powder foundation. After 6-8 hours it can start separating and looking patchy. I don’t find it contributes to excess oil or exaggerates any fine lines/texture. And, good news is, this foundation is great for touch-ups! It layers well throughout the day to fix anything needed, plus any excess oils. Hot tip: Matte Velvet Skin makes a great setting powder, too!

Quick Rating Rundown Chart

This Product

(4.3)

:Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Powder Foundation

Price: $43.00

0.30 oz

Value

(4.4)

Application

(4.8)

Coverage (full)

(4.7)

Texture (soft matte)

(4.7)

Longevity

(4.2)

Shade Range

(3.7)

Extra Benefits

(3.5)

Similar Product

(3.9)

:Shiseido Synchro Skin Self Refreshing Powder Foundation

Price: $45.00

0.31 oz

Value

(4.3)

Application

(4.4)

Coverage (med)

(4)

Finish (natural)

(4)

Longevity

(4.3)

Shade Range

(2.5)

Extra Benefits

(4)

MILABU PICKS

(4.5+)

:Best Full Coverage Foundations

Price: $15 – $96

various

Value

(4.5+)

Application

(4.5+)

Coverage

(4.5+)

Finish

(4.5+)

Longevity

(4.5+)

Shade Range

(4.5+)

Extra Benefits

(4.5+)

^{Our Rating Criteria}

How It Compares: Is it better than the original Makeup Forever Matte Velvet Skin Powder Foundation?

Your new favorite pressed powder foundation has arrived. Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Powder Foundation is back and better than ever, with easier-to-build coverage, more versatility, longer wear claims, and a cleaner formula. In my experience, the reformulation does look and wear better. It doesn’t accentuate any dry spots, texture, or bumps. It doesn’t settle into fine lines or pores. And, it doesn’t contribute to excess oils – it keeps mine in check for a solid 8 hours! If you’re okay with a little TLC to apply, this pressed powder foundation is one to check out.

In my opinion, the new formulation of Matte Velvet Skin is definitely better than the old. It looks more natural on the skin, wears better, and the shade range is a bit better. See review for the original Makeup Forever Matte Velvet Skin here, and join the site for a comparison below.

Comparison to Top Foundations

Log in to view exclusive content.

Performance Rating Chart

Log in to view exclusive content.