A budget Rimmel Stay Matte compact powder that keeps oily and combination skin matte

There is another way.

Plenty of people with combination or oily skin know the routine all too well: in the morning your complexion looks flawless, and by lunchtime your forehead is reflecting every office light. A budget-friendly, compact powder from the high street has been making waves because it controls shine, soft-focuses pores and helps make-up last noticeably longer - and, according to user reviews, it can outperform more than a few high-end favourites.

The overlooked reason: why your complexion gets shiny so quickly

Shiny skin rarely comes down to just one thing. More often, several triggers work together, ramping up sebum production and making make-up “slide off” faster.

• The T-zone is key: the forehead, nose and chin have a particularly high concentration of sebaceous glands.
• Weather and central heating: warmth, humidity and temperature swings can stimulate oil production.
• Stress and hormones: cortisol can increase sebaceous gland activity.
• The wrong cleanser: harsh formulas strip the skin - and it responds by producing even more oil.
• Diet: high sugar intake and saturated fats are suspected of worsening sebum levels.

"If you want less shine during the day, you need two things: smart skincare - and a powder that truly mattifies without looking mask-like."

The high-street solution: a compact powder formula with cult status

This is exactly where Rimmel’s Stay Matte compact mattifying powder comes in. It’s long been considered a high-street staple, and it repeatedly crops up in forums and beauty communities whenever long-lasting mattification on a budget is the topic.

The concept is straightforward: a powder that cuts shine instantly, smooths the look of the skin and sets make-up - without visibly sitting on top. The texture is designed to stay lightweight, so it doesn’t clog pores or turn “cakey”.

How the powder looks and feels on the skin

Apply it with a large brush over the whole face, or target the T-zone, and you’ll typically notice:

• Shine is toned down immediately.
• Pores appear less noticeable.
• The complexion looks more even and velvety.
• Foundation and concealer stay put for longer.

Many users reach for the transparent shade because it works with virtually any foundation colour - or they wear it alone over skincare for an especially natural finish.

Mineral formula: what’s actually inside the compact

The strong performance isn’t accidental. The product relies on talc and mica as its base - two minerals that have been used in cosmetics for decades.

• Talc: absorbs excess oil and delivers an immediate matte effect.
• Mica: softly diffuses light, helping pores and small uneven areas look blurred.

The formula also includes magnesium stearate, which helps it adhere to the skin so it doesn’t simply disappear after a couple of hours.

"The mineral blend gives a matte finish that isn’t flat or dull - more like a soft-focus filter than a thick layer of powder."

To help avoid a tight, dry feeling, Rimmel also includes ingredients such as aloe vera and coconut oil. They’re intended to add a touch of moisture and comfort without undermining the mattifying effect. Zinc oxide has a mildly soothing feel and can help redness and blemishes look less obvious.

What users really say: high ratings despite one drawback

Across review platforms, the powder has attracted thousands of ratings and lands at a strong average of around 4 out of 5 stars. One theme comes up again and again: the mattifying power.

Many reviewers with oily or combination skin say they finally don’t need to powder constantly. Some report that a single morning application can keep shine acceptable for up to twelve hours; others still top up once during a lunch break. In other words, the powder generally mattifies well, but how long it lasts varies noticeably depending on your skin type.

Finish: natural rather than mask-like

The post-application look gets particular praise. Reviews often describe the effect as “naturally matte”, rather than like an obvious layer of powder. Skin appears smoother without emphasising dry patches - a point where many other mattifying powders fall short.

Several reviews specifically note that:

• pores look less prominent,
• small spots and redness appear lightly disguised,
• flaky, dry bits are not intensified.

Another consistent positive is how well it works across different skin tones. People with very fair skin, deeper skin tones and mixed complexions report being able to find suitable shades. The transparent option barely changes foundation colour and tends to suit most people.

Sets make-up like a proper setting powder

A lot of users don’t treat it only as a mattifying powder - they use it deliberately to set their base. Applied over liquid foundation, it can noticeably extend wear time. Blusher and bronzer fade more slowly, and concealer is less likely to settle into fine lines.

"For long workdays or events, the powder is often mentioned as an affordable alternative to expensive high-end setting powders."

The biggest complaint: fragile packaging

While the formula is widely praised, the criticism around packaging is remarkably consistent. The plastic compact doesn’t feel particularly sturdy, there’s no built-in mirror, and there’s no powder puff either.

• The lid can crack easily.
• If it’s dropped in a handbag, the powder can shatter quickly.
• For on-the-go touch-ups, you still need to carry a brush or sponge separately.

If you take it out with you often, it’s best kept in a small pouch or padded case. If it lives on your dressing table at home, the weakness matters far less.

How to get the most from a mattifying powder

For a product like Stay Matte to really perform - metaphorically speaking - your routine needs a few basics. Powder alone can’t save skin that’s completely out of balance.

Step 1: gentle cleansing instead of a “strip-the-oil” shock

When people rely on aggressive gels or alcohol-heavy toners, skin may feel “squeaky clean” for a moment - then it often gets oilier afterwards. Better options include:

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

Step 2: hydration - especially for oily skin

It sounds counterintuitive, but it’s true: dehydrated skin can produce more sebum. A lightweight moisturiser or hydrating serum morning and night can help calm oil production over time. Gel textures with hyaluronic acid are often a good fit.

Step 3: applying the powder correctly

A simple technique can make the finish look far more polished:

• Let liquid foundation - or just skincare - fully sink in.
• Swirl a large, fluffy brush into the powder and tap off any excess.
• Sweep lightly over the face, then press and tap over the forehead, nose and chin.
• If you get very shiny, touch up the T-zone again at midday.

Important: two thin layers tend to look better than one heavy coat. That’s how the result stays natural.

More than cosmetics: stress, diet and their impact on skin shine

If you’ve dealt with a shiny complexion for years, it can help to look beyond the compact and consider daily habits and diet. With ongoing stress, the body releases more cortisol - and that hormone can drive the sebaceous glands. Small anti-stress habits such as short breaks, breathing exercises or exercise can support not only your mood, but often your skin as well.

Food plays a part too: very sugary snacks and lots of saturated fats may encourage higher oil production. Foods that provide omega-3 fatty acids - such as salmon, mackerel and walnuts - and zinc-rich options like seafood or pumpkin seeds are repeatedly linked in studies with a calmer-looking complexion.

Ultimately, a well-formulated mattifying powder like Stay Matte can make everyday life with oily or combination skin much easier. If you pair it with gentle skincare, a bit more awareness around food, and stress reduction, you’re more likely to keep your complexion looking calmer, more even and largely shine-free - without having to reach for a compact mirror every hour.