Rimmel Stay Matte: The Affordable Powder for Oily and Combination Skin

It does not have to be that way.

Many people with combination or oily skin know the problem all too well: their complexion looks flawless in the morning, but by lunchtime the forehead is reflecting every office light. An affordable, compact powder formula from the high street is currently attracting attention because it controls shine, blurs the look of pores and makes make-up last noticeably longer – with user reviews suggesting it outperforms more than a few high-end favourites.

The overlooked cause: why your complexion becomes shiny so quickly

Shiny skin rarely has a single cause. Usually, several factors combine to stimulate sebum production and make make-up slip away more quickly.

• The T-zone: The forehead, nose and chin contain a particularly high number of sebaceous glands.
• Weather and central heating: Heat, humidity and changing temperatures can increase sebum production.
• Stress and hormones: Cortisol boosts the activity of the sebaceous glands.
• The wrong cleansing routine: Harsh products strip the skin, causing it to produce even more oil in response.
• Diet: High sugar intake and saturated fats are suspected of increasing sebum production.

“Anyone wanting less shine during the day needs two things: a smart skincare routine and a powder that truly mattifies without looking mask-like.”

The high-street solution: a cult compact powder formula

This is exactly where Rimmel's compact, mattifying Stay Matte powder formula comes in. It has long been considered a high-street classic and regularly appears in forums and beauty communities whenever affordable, long-lasting mattification is discussed.

The concept is straightforward: a powder that instantly reduces shine, smooths the appearance of the complexion and sets make-up without sitting visibly on the skin. Its texture is intended to stay lightweight, so it neither clogs pores nor looks “cakey”.

How Stay Matte powder performs on the skin

When applied with a large brush across the face or focused on the T-zone, it delivers the following effects:

• Shine is immediately toned down.
• Pores appear more refined.
• The complexion looks more even and velvety.
• Foundation and concealer last noticeably longer.

Many users choose the translucent shade because it works with virtually any foundation colour. It can also be worn alone over skincare for a particularly natural finish.

Mineral formula: what is really inside the powder compact

Its strong performance is no accident. The product is built around talc and mica, two minerals that have been used in cosmetics for decades.

• Talc: Absorbs excess skin oil and provides an instant mattifying effect.
• Mica: Softly diffuses light, helping pores and small imperfections appear blurred.

The formula also contains magnesium stearate. This ingredient improves adherence to the skin, so the powder does not simply disappear after two hours.

“The combination of minerals creates a matte yet not dull finish – more like a soft-focus filter than a thick layer of powder.”

To prevent skin from feeling dry or tight, Rimmel also includes ingredients such as aloe vera and coconut oil. They are intended to provide a small amount of moisture and care without interfering with the mattifying result. Zinc oxide has a mildly soothing effect and helps make redness and blemishes appear better concealed.

What users really say: high ratings despite one weakness

The product has collected thousands of reviews on rating platforms, where it achieves a strong average score of around 4 out of 5 stars. One point appears in the feedback time and again: its mattifying power.

Many users with oily or combination skin say they no longer need to keep reapplying powder throughout the day. Some achieve up to twelve hours of acceptable mattness from a morning application, while others reach for their brush again during their lunch break. In general, the powder offers strong mattification, although its staying power clearly depends on the individual skin type.

Finish: natural rather than mask-like

The appearance of the skin after application receives particular praise. Users frequently describe the result as “naturally matte”, rather than resembling a visible layer of powder. Skin appears smoother without dry patches being emphasised – an area where many other mattifying powders fall short.

Several reviews highlight that:

• pores are less noticeable;
• small spots and redness look lightly concealed;
• dry flakes are not accentuated.

Its suitability for different skin tones is another major positive. Users with very fair, deeper and mixed skin tones can find suitable shades. The translucent version barely changes the colour of foundation and works in almost every case.

Sets make-up like a setting powder

Many users use the product not only as a mattifying powder but specifically as a setting product. Applied over liquid foundation, it noticeably extends wear time. Blusher and bronzer fade more slowly, while concealer is less likely to settle into fine lines.

“For long working days or events, the powder is often mentioned as an affordable alternative to expensive high-end setting powders.”

The main criticism: fragile packaging

While the formula receives highly positive feedback, criticism of the packaging is equally consistent. The plastic compact does not feel particularly sturdy, and it comes with neither an integrated mirror nor a powder puff.

• The lid can break easily or develop cracks.
• If dropped inside a handbag, the powder can shatter quickly.
• You will still need to carry a separate brush or sponge for touch-ups on the go.

Anyone who carries the powder regularly is better off storing it in a small pouch or padded case. This drawback matters far less when it stays on a dressing table at home.

How to get the most from a mattifying powder

For a product such as Stay Matte to really shine – figuratively speaking – a few basic routine rules are needed. Powder alone cannot rescue severely overwhelmed skin.

Step 1: gentle cleansing rather than an oil-stripping shock

Many people reach for harsh gels or alcohol-based toners. Although skin may feel “squeaky clean” for a short time, it often becomes even oilier afterwards. Better choices include:

• gentle gel or foam cleansers without harsh sulphates;
• an alcohol-free toner;
• cleansing no more than twice a day.

Step 2: moisture – especially for oily skin

It sounds contradictory, but it is true: dehydrated skin produces more sebum. A lightweight moisturiser or hydrating serum used morning and evening can help calm sebum production over time. Gel textures containing hyaluronic acid are often particularly suitable.

Step 3: applying powder correctly

A simple routine is worthwhile for the most professional-looking result:

1. Allow liquid foundation, or skincare alone, to absorb fully.
2. Swirl a large, fluffy brush into the powder and tap off any excess.
3. Sweep it lightly over the whole face, then use pressing motions on the forehead, nose and chin.
4. Those who become very shiny can target the T-zone again at lunchtime.

Important: it is better to apply two light layers than one heavy one. This keeps the finish natural.

More than cosmetics: stress, diet and their role in skin shine

Anyone who has struggled with a shiny complexion for years should look beyond the powder compact and consider their daily routine and diet too. During prolonged stress, the body releases considerably more cortisol – and this hormone stimulates the sebaceous glands. Small stress-relieving habits, such as short breaks, breathing exercises or exercise, can benefit not only the nerves but often the appearance of the skin as well.

Diet also plays a part: snacks high in sugar and large amounts of saturated fat can encourage sebum production. Foods that provide omega-3 fatty acids – including salmon, mackerel and walnuts – along with zinc-rich options such as seafood or pumpkin seeds, are repeatedly linked in studies with calmer-looking skin.

Ultimately, a well-formulated mattifying powder such as Stay Matte can make everyday life with oily or combination skin much easier. Combining it with gentle skincare, some awareness around diet and stress reduction increases the likelihood that the complexion will remain calm, even and largely shine-free for longer – without having to panic and reach for a handbag mirror every hour.