Key Takeaways
I've tried so many foundations that I should honestly be eligible for compensation. And still, this is the one I keep reaching for. Maybelline Super Stay® Lumi-Matte is my favorite foundation because it does the impossible: it stays on, it controls shine, and it still looks like skin. Not "foundation". Skin.
Why It's My Favorite
Let's be clear: I'm not loyal to brands. I'm loyal to results. And Lumi-Matte gives me the kind of base that looks expensive without needing a 40-step routine.
- It wears like a long-wear foundation but doesn't feel heavy.
- It's matte, but not flat — it keeps dimension.
- It behaves in humidity (aka my personal enemy).
- It makes pores look blurred instead of highlighted.
What It Is
Super Stay® Lumi-Matte is a long-wear foundation with buildable medium-to-full coverage and a soft matte finish. The vibe is "polished and blurred," not "powdery and dry."
Texture-wise, it spreads easily but sets fast. You don't have unlimited blending time, so apply in sections and work with it, not against it.
What It Claims
Maybelline markets it as:
- Up to 30-hour wear
- Transfer-resistant, sweat-resistant, water-resistant
- Lightweight feel
- Soft matte with "lumi" dimension
I don't test "30 hours" because I love myself. But I do test "does it survive real life without looking gross?" and the answer is yes, with the right technique.
My Results (Real-Life Wear)
My skin: combo. Oily T-zone, normal cheeks, dryness around the nose/mouth when I'm tired or overdoing actives. I want coverage, but I refuse to look cakey.
Finish (Up Close)
This is what I mean by "lumi-matte": it dries down, but it doesn't erase your face. Cheeks still look like cheeks. Skin still has that tiny natural bounce of light.
If you're expecting glass skin, this isn't it. If you want "my skin but filtered," welcome home.
Longevity (Work Day + Heat)
On a long day, it fades gracefully. It doesn't separate around my nose or turn into a patchy mess on my chin. When I get shiny, it's controlled shine, not meltdown shine.
Touch-ups are easy: blot, then add the tiniest bit of powder. If you pile powder onto oil, you'll look textured instantly.
Transfer (The Truth)
It's transfer-resistant, not bulletproof. If you apply a thick layer and immediately rub your face on fabric, yes, it will transfer. If you use thin layers and let it set, it holds up really well.
Oxidation (Does It Get Dark?)
On me, it deepens slightly after 20–30 minutes. Not orange. Just a bit richer. If you're between shades, I'd rather you go half a shade lighter and warm it up with bronzer than start too dark.
What I Love
- Soft matte finish that still looks alive
- Buildable coverage without instant cake
- Shine control that survives humidity
- Blurs pores instead of emphasizing them
- Photographs beautifully (no weird flashback vibe)
- Feels lighter than it wears
What Could Be Better
- Fast-setting, so you can't take forever to blend
- Dry patches will show if you skip prep
- Shade matching can be annoying (undertones vary)
My Exact Routine (So It Looks Expensive)
This is the routine that makes Lumi-Matte look like it cost triple:
- Moisturize lightly: I keep it thin on the T-zone.
- Wait 5–10 minutes: Let skincare settle. This matters.
- Apply in sections: Cheek, blend. Other cheek, blend. Forehead, blend.
- Use thin layers: Start with half a pump. Add only where needed.
- Spot conceal: Don't try to build the foundation into a mask.
- Set strategically: Powder only the T-zone and under-eyes if you need it.
Pro tip: If it ever looks heavy, you used too much. This foundation rewards restraint.
Shade Tips (Because It's Never Simple)
Don't shade-match on your wrist. Don't trust an app blindly. Do this instead:
- Swatch along your jawline (2–3 shades).
- Check in daylight.
- Wait 30 minutes to see if it deepens.
If you see oxidation, try: lighter shade, more neutral undertone, and less heavy skincare underneath.
Who I Recommend It For
If You're Oily
Yes. This is one of the best drugstore options for staying power and shine control. Just don't apply it thick and set only where you truly get oily.
If You're Combination
This is the dream category for this foundation. It balances oil and still looks soft on the cheeks.
If You're Dry
You can make it work, but prep is mandatory. Hydrate, wait, apply thin, and go easy on powder. If you're flaky, smooth that out first or it'll show.
How to Remove It
Use an oil cleanser or balm first, then a gentle second cleanse. It's long-wear for a reason. Don't scrub. You're not sanding a table.
Alternatives (If You Want a Different Vibe)
- More dewy: choose a hydrating foundation and set lightly.
- More matte-flat: a classic full matte long-wear base.
- More everyday sheer: a tint or light coverage foundation.
But if you want that "polished but still human" finish with serious wear time, I'm still picking Lumi-Matte.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this Maddie's favorite foundation?
Because it gives soft matte skin that still looks real, it wears beautifully in humidity, and it doesn't turn into a greasy mess by midday if you apply it in thin layers.
Is Super Stay® Lumi-Matte good for oily skin?
Yes. Set only the T-zone, use thin layers, and blot before touch-ups. It controls shine better than most drugstore foundations without looking flat.
Does Super Stay® Lumi-Matte oxidize?
It can deepen slightly after 20–30 minutes depending on your skincare and oil levels. Do a jawline swatch and wait before choosing your shade.
What finish is "lumi-matte"?
A blurred matte with a subtle glow where your skin naturally reflects light. Not dewy, not chalky.
How do I make it last all day?
Use light moisturizer, wait 5–10 minutes, apply in sections, let it set, then powder only where you get oily. Over-applying is what makes it look heavy.