What's The Difference Between Matte and Satin Finish Makeup?

Satin finishes are generally the happy middle-grounds for both eyeshadows and lipsticks, we will go through introducing lipstick and eye shadow to help you distinguish this two material.

Matte Eyeshadow

Matte eyeshadow is eyeshadow that doesn't contain shimmer or glitter. It doesn't change when the light hits it and has a "flat" texture. There are different variants of matte, as some shadows have extremely fine shimmer particles that create a satin-like finish. However, true matte is totally shimmer-free and smooth.

The thing is, you can wear matte and shimmer any time. However, they both offer different functions. For example, matte is excellent because:

Matte eyeshadow, (especially in neutral tones of bone, taupe, bronze, chocolate, charcoal, and tan) is ideal for creating a base and building depth in the crease.

Matte eyeshadow in deep shades can be pressed into the lash line to create the effect of thicker lashes.

Matte eyeshadows (the great ones!) offer opaque, rich, saturated color great for creative artistry and bright looks.

Note: matte shadows are best applied with a brush, as they tend to turn patchy if applied with a finger, unlike shimmer shadows. Always tap your brush after loading it with matte shadow, as the ultra-pigmented shades are often very dusty. Be prepared to blend, blend, blend, especially with cool-toned shadows in purple and/or black tones.

Shimmer Eyeshadow

Shimmer eyeshadow has tiny glitter particles that catch the light and sparkle as you move. The shiny pigments are often so finely milled that the shadows gleam and glimmer as opposed to glitter. Often, when the shadows move, the color can change as the undertone (often darker and more matte) is exposed. A second later and the blinding shimmer catches the light. Some shimmer shadows even have two colors at once, this is called "duo-chrome".

Shimmer shadows are great for:

Creating dimension! Pop a shimmery champagne shade in the center of the lid and it will give the lid a more dynamic, lively look.

Catch the light and celebrate the structure of the eye. Pop pearly shimmer onto the brow-bone and inner corner for a fresh, youthful gleam.

Get glam in the evening! Shimmer looks stunning under low lighting.

Shimmer shadows are generally easy to blend and can be buffed onto the entire lid to create a wash of sheeny color.  

Shimmer shadows are often able to be applied with a finger for direct placement and saturated color.

 Satin finish eyeshadows

Satin finish eyeshadows are a combination of matte and shimmer. The fact that they are a little bit shinier than matte eyeshadows yet not nearly as shiny as shimmer makes them easier to apply.

As an eyeshadow, a satin finish is somewhere between a matte and a shimmer. It is not as shiny as a shimmer finish, but not as flat as a matte finish. And the texture is usually not as dry as a typical matte finish either.

Eyeshadow Types & Finishes

Understanding the following terms will help you in choosing and deciding what products will work best for you. Eyeshadow Eyeshadows can come in a variety of forms with various finishes:

• Loose Powder

Highly pigmented loose shadow

• Compact/Pressed Powder  

This is the most common type that you can purchase anywhere

• Baked

Shadows are usually dome shaped and can be applied wet or dry. If applied wet, the application will create an intense colour payoff for a more dramatic look. A dry application will yield a softer more natural colour payoff.

• Cream

This can come in a pot, tube, pencil or stick

• Eyeshadow Finishes

Eyeshadow finishes vary by brand; some companies have more variety compared to others. The following are most of the finishes available on the market and do not come from any one specific brand of cosmetics.

• Matte

Usually has a high level of pigment with no shimmer, sheen or shine. This is perfect for reshaping and defining the eyes. Matte shadows work well on every age range especially mature skin as it won’t attract attention to fine lines or create a crepe like texture on the lids. Do be careful as matte shadows do sometimes tend to be chalky or patchy but will blend better and work great once an eye shadow base is applied.

• Satin

Has a soft sheen instead of an intense frosty effect. It is a medium between matte and frost and is great on all skin types. Persons with mature skin can use a little of this shadow on the eyes.

• Metallic

Shiny look that resembles actual metal like gold, silver, foil, copper and bronze. This works well on ebony or darker skin tones. Persons with mature skin or with fine lines and wrinkles should avoid this as it will settle into the lines.

• Frost

Iridescent with the most shine. It usually has reflective white or silver particles and can be layered on top of other shadows. This finish can accentuate fine lines and wrinkles.

• Shimmer

Sheer coverage with a subtle shine and hint of sparkle.

• Lustre

Similar to frost but contains finely milled glitter particles to give an intense sparkly effect. Persons with mature skin should avoid this type.

• Glitter

This is usually pure glitter particles that may require a tacky base for adhering it to the eyes.

• Marbled

These consist of various colours marbled together in one pan. You can apply the colours individually or swirl your eye shadow brush through and apply to the lids. This creates a unique colour each time you apply.

Matte Lipstick

The most sought after finish in recent years has been matte, which by definition refers to a color, paint or surface that is without flat and without shine. Matte lipsticks can give your lips a velvety-looking texture, which helps colors appear richer and more vibrant. They're also the longest lasting because they're virtually fade and smudge proof. That means fewer touch-ups throughout the day.

Matte lipstick does not make the lips look shiny. It has deep, opaque colors and a more natural look. It can sometimes make the lips look thinner. This usually includes the most powerful and pitch-dark colors of lipstick. Matte lipstick usually lasts longer than shiny and other kinds of lipstick. There's no moisture put into matte lipstick.

Satin Lipstick

This lipstick leaves the lips sexy and seductive with gloss and shine.  It will make your lips shiny, glossy and keep them moisturized. Satin and sheer lipsticks have a high oil component so they appear darker in the tube than they are on your mouth.

As a lipstick, a satin finish is somewhere between a matte and a cream. It is not as glossy as a cream finish, but not as flat as a matte finish. Texture-wise, it is usually not as drying as a typical matte finish, though also maybe not as hydrating as a cream finish.

To put it simply, satin is the lovechild of a creme and a matte finish. It has shiny properties similar to a gloss which makes imperfections less noticeable, but bright colors are still able to pop. A nude satin lipstick on the other hand is basically just an upgraded version of your own lip color, making it ideal for someone who is looking for convenience and low maintenance.

Lipsticks Types

Which lipstick should you wear? Wondering the difference between sheer, gloss, matte and stain! Find out the difference and decide which lipstick you should wear!

Have you ever wondered the difference and meaning of the words sheer, glossy, satin and matte lipstick. I myself was curious of the differences of these. Makeup lovers should know what these terms are because this will help them identify the right kind of lipstick that suitable for their lips. So here is a little research:

Matte Lipstick

The major difference between glosses and all other finishes is that they're meant to give off shine, not color. A true gloss is usually softer in shade and more transparent, designed to accentuate the natural shape and texture of your lips. Sometimes a gloss can even add volume by giving the illusion that your lips are plumper and fuller than normal.

GLOSS

Gloss, a favorite lipstick of women with thin and small lips, is a lip enhancer which add a look of shine and lush to your mouth and enhances the dimension and depth. Gloss can be worn alone or on top of traditional lipstick.

Creme

A creme finish falls somewhere in between a matte and a gloss by putting emphasis on the color and not on the texture. It's neither sticky nor flat, it goes on smooth and it's hydrating to the lips themselves. Typically you won't see any sort of shimmer or glitter but they are highly-pigmented for maximum payoff.

SATIN

Satin lipsticks are one of the most used and produced kinds in the makeup industry. Satin lipsticks have an intense wear time, as well as an excellent color payoff. The only thing better than them are matte lipsticks. If you are someone who loves MAC, then you might love their satin lipsticks since they provide longevity and they come in several different color options, at a reasonable price. Yet again, I would recommend using a lip pencil with this type, especially if you want to enhance your cupid's bow and bold and juicy lips.

Satin is a texture between matte and shimmer (glossy), According to my introduction, when you feel matte is too dry or shimmer (glossy) is to wet, you can use satin makeup. Also I have summed up the different lipstick and eyeshadow types. You can choose the right material according to your needs.