Givenchy • Matissime Absolute Matte Finish Powder Foundation SPF 20 • Powder

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mylittlehotpants on 11/9/2012 1:59:00 AM more reviews by mylittlehotpants

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

Been using this for 3 weeks now! Totally dig it. Coverage is good, and face stays matte. The sponge is no good though. They should make softer sponge (like NARS !!)

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aadaastra on 5/1/2012 8:48:00 AM more reviews by aadaastra

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I use this powder for about 4 years now. and even though i would love to switch to something cheaper then that but it is just fabulous so i stick with it. I have a very oily skin, sometimes i use liquid foundation, sometimes i use only concealer and this powder. Yeah, in like 3-4 hours i get oily again.. but come on! if you have oily skin it is not like you dont expect it to happen during day. Especially in summer. I like to set it with a spray, or it sets quite fast by itself. The shade Mat Satin is the lightest one and works great for very light skin like mine. It does not cover the redness that great, but this powder is not supposed to give you the full coverage. I cover my blemishes first and then put it on and it works amazing. i use it always, i would say it lasts for a couple of months for me. And refills are cheaper.

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esthered on 10/8/2011 9:11:00 AM more reviews by esthered

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I was skeptical after I bought this, considering my skin is a combination of oily and dry (dry being the bigger percentage).

That thought quickly changed. I LOVE this. The powder is fine and gives me light, smooth coverage. It evens out my imperfections and pores and stays put for hours, and I mean hours. I was out doing capoeira, dancing and walking a ton, and even ten hours later, it stayed put. That is how amazing this powder is.

I use it together with Estee Lauder's Double Wear Light foundation and it is perfect. I love it. My only concern is the sponge applicator. I really don't like it but I guess I will make do.

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MaryBulychev on 9/18/2011 8:31:00 AM more reviews by MaryBulychev

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I've ordered GIVENCHY Matissime Absolute Matte Finish Powder Foundation SPF 20 # 13 Matte Satin 7.5g/0.26oz in Refill box from Strawberry.net, because a lot of people like it so much and recommend it as a foundation with nice medium coverage and matt finish.
What I have to say...
The colour itself (#13) fits my fair skin quite nice.
It really gives me matt finish for ~3 hours.
Medium coverage - it could hide minor imperfections - yes!
But in spite of that I put it on with my powder brush it looks a bit too powdery and heavy on my face anyway.
The one thing more...
I think that if you have a young, beautiful and healthy skin with no pores, not so oily maybe, then this product could be a very nice powder for you. Unfortunately, I have no big but really huge pores, so this foundation marks them all, as a result I get more older look, which, indeed, I do not like so much ;-))))))
Actually, I could recommend this foundation for younger girls with normal skin without really problems.
My Matissime foundation is in refill plastic box, so it was rather cheap compare to the full compact package, but not so pleasant to use, for the powder pot itself is not fixed to this box, so you need to hold it with your hand during all the time you apply the foundation.
Hope it was helpful!

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CAZUAE on 4/20/2011 10:25:00 AM more reviews by CAZUAE

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Other    

I rarely wear foundation and had a bad experience with powder foundation many years ago (dried out my skin and made me look really pale) so have always steered clear of it. I did want a powder though as the weather is heating up here (in Dubai) and my skin is getting a bit oily so....

... off to Areej. I have been very happy with Givenchy purchases in the past so thought I would give it a go (without checking MUA first or even considering other brands.. haram!). I was recommended this in beige and I have to say that so far it has proven to be a perfect colour for my fair to slightly tanned skin. It does not feel powdery at all and looks incredibly natural (I am still shocked at this - perhaps I was getting the wrong colour previously!). I do have to say that it does not stay matt all day for me - in fact I find after just a few hours I need a very slight touch up, however, as it doesn't feel heavy or made up I have no problem with this.

As most reviewers, I love the packaging too but feel the sponge that comes with it does not do the product justice. It goes on much smoother with my own thicker/softer powder buff. It looks a llippy for that.

Price-wise I can't remember what I paid for it but it seemed reasonable.

As most Givenchy products - this is a keeper! Highly recommended

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*TOP REVIEWER* neveranaddict on 7/31/2010 10:52:00 AM more reviews by neveranaddict

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Other, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this foundation looking for a powder foundation that would give me a matte skin finish without looking too powdery on my face during summer. Its a pricey foundation (the packaging is actually quite small compared to other pressed foundation) but it does have that perfectly neutral color for fair skin types that is neither too white, nor too yellow-ish, nor too pinky, it really does look neutral.
Its mattifying effect is real on normal weather but it doesn't work all day through a hot summer day and it isn't water resistant to extremely wet weather either.
First I was disappointed that it does have a rather medium to low covering power compared to other foundations of the same type (like Shiseido for example) but you can layer it and its particles never look weird on your complexion (I have combination and rather sensitive complexion). The reason why I gave it 5 lippies is its very good neutral color, its matte without being too matte look, the fact that it doesn't dry off my drier face parts, and that you can layer it without streaks of dust particles that would show too artificial and gross on your face.
If you have a bad skin day this foundation will not work you unless you use a really good concealer first. It will also not work as a powder over another foundation (tried that when I thought it didn't cover enough) because it is a foundation and not pressed powder.
Overall I would recommend this to anyone with combination skin without a need for full coverage, who is looking for a matte but natural skin look and is not very short on money because for the same price you can find good brand foundations that come in larger amounts.
One thing they could improve is the little sponge though - it has a really good texture and resistence but it's very flat, you don't get a thick enough side to use for the harder to reach zones on your face like around your nose and inner eyes corners.

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*TOP REVIEWER* oohollyoo on 6/14/2009 12:53:00 PM more reviews by oohollyoo

Age: Unknown   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

minimal coverage and makes me look shiney. no oil control. this sucks!!

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*TOP REVIEWER* Kayraven on 1/8/2009 10:36:00 AM more reviews by Kayraven

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I received this from my mom, but she didn't really guess with the shade so now I use it as a bronzer, which works well too. It's a great product that has a wonderful soft texture, really mattes the skin and hides pores, which is a HG for oily skin. It also has a very pleasant smell and there are some nearly invisible sparkles, which makes the skin glow. After applying the product, skin becomes softer. I also love the package, Givenchy has beautiful design. The only disadvantage is the price and the size, which is far too small for the price. A definite keeper.

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exoticorchid on 6/23/2008 4:52:00 AM more reviews by exoticorchid

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I do love this item, although I use it over liquid foundation because I am too scared to use it alone, particularly with my combination skin I've always found powders alone too drying. However the way I use it works so well for me, the amazingly fine powder glides on, controls shine and minimises the visibility of my pores. The compact itself is lovely, very cute.

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alysia56 on 6/20/2008 8:23:00 PM more reviews by alysia56

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

This comment is actually for the new Givenchy Matissime Absolute Matte Finish Powder Foundation, but as that product was not available, I figure the MatteMate was the next closest thing. What to say? I began a quest a few months ago to replace my MAC Studio Fix powder foundation, as it apparently was not made for extended daily wear. I experienced melting by about 11:00 each day, which is not acceptable when trying to put in a full work day. I tried the NARS foundation powder and the Laura Mercier powder and was unhappy with each for different reasons. I live in Phoenix, AZ, and have oily skin to boot, so put those together and I NEED something that at least help to keep the oilies down. I don't expect miracles, but something that can get me past 11:00 would be nice. So I stumbled upon this, and the description blew me away: "Makeup's return to sophistication places emphasis on a matte complexion. Unlike other formulations, however, this incarnation won't exaggerate fine lines, and never leaves skin looking dull and dry. Instead, its unique air-filled microspheres help minimize the appearance of pores and wrinkles, while astringent extracts help absorb sebum and control shine. The stay-true color pigments provide a velvety finish to the face."

So I figured, "Heck, yes!" The problem was, there's apparently only one place in the state of AZ that currently carries Givenchy cosmetics, so I had quite a drive before I'd even be granted the opportunity to fork over my $42.

I wish I never had.

The coverage was sheer-to-light, if anything. I'm surprised they could get away with putting "foundation" in the name. Pressed powder, maybe, but foundation (as far as I define it, anyway) this ain't. Not only that, but I was touching up above my upper lip, around my nose and on my chin by 10:00. Not only that, but when my husband picked me up for lunch at 11:30, I required further touching up. I arrived home from work at 4:30 today and had to COMPLETELY redo my face before going out again. That's how bad it was. The powder was melting off worse than I had ever experienced with the Studio Fix. I would have been willing to sacrifice the extra coverage for a little bit of staying power, but I was left beyond disppointed in both regards.

I will say the compact is EXTREMELY cute, and I'd almost keep it just to fill it with my NARS. Yes, I'm going back to the NARS. I wasn't thrilled with it, but it's been the best of anything I've found yet on my quest, and after this disappointment, I'd prefer not to experiment any further.

Honestly, I don't think this would warrant $22 (USD), let alone $42. I don't know who the chemists making these magical formulations are, but I would highly recommend they do some testing on someone like me before the advertisers and marketing folk go touting the shine-controlling, matte-keeping powers of the stuff.

I'm ready to cry. Seriously, that's how bad it was. The only reason I gave Matissime 2 stars instead of 1 is because I did not notice an oxidizing / color change throughout the day. As shiny and disgustingly greasy as I got, there was no "orangeyness" to speak of, which is a plus over others I've tried.

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nellysss on 8/1/2007 5:59:00 PM more reviews by nellysss

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

makes skin look natural, makes my oily skin mate, and makes my acnes unvisible and applying it very easy, its not seeming at my face like a mask... shortly ıts the best foundation ı have ever used... ıf you have so more problem ıam using it with base and

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claudiambdmelo on 4/17/2007 10:59:00 AM more reviews by claudiambdmelo

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this foundation on Mat Nut as a lighter option to my NC 42 skin.
Liked more than Studio Fix.
It stays natural but with some coverage.
And the package is gorgeous! Although it's quite small for the price. It's worthy, because Givenchy makes great products.

Certainly repurchase!

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andreat on 11/30/2006 7:08:00 AM more reviews by andreat

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I will probably write an update about this product, because I have been using it for only 3 hours now. This is the first time in my life I use a powder foundation. I decided to give it a try because it's summer here now, and my skin gets oily and shiny on the t-zone. I don't even know if I applied it correctly. At least, I see no patches or streaks. Anyway, I prefer applying liquid foundation.
It feels very light on the skin, like nothing at all. I just don't know how long it will last on my face. Just checked in the mirror and it still seems to be there...
I'm a NW20 and have this product in #01 Mat Sugar. It seems to be just right. It looked a bit pinky when I started to apply it, but it blended well later.
I'm not sure if I'm gonna buy it again, since I intend to find out if I'll really adapt to powder foundation. As for the SPF20, I don't think I applied enough to give me any sun protection...
In brief: light and fine powder, beautiful packaging, nice shade, a little pricey.
UPDATE: By the end of the day, 6pm, i still looked VERY good in MatMate and without retouching. My nose was a tiny bit shiny, but much less than when I use normal foundations. And Benefit's Dandelion was also put the whole day! I'll add a lippie for the endurance and less shine.

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NURTEN on 6/22/2006 3:36:00 AM more reviews by NURTEN

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

matmate powder foundation is powder,i have pale skin tone,i wear matmate cappucino color like a bronzer,in winter ,i will buy light color

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*TOP REVIEWER* rsm1309 on 5/6/2006 4:01:00 PM more reviews by rsm1309

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I've been using this product virtually since it was launched and have regrettebly found that despite early promise it's very far from the the best formula of it's type. Coverage is good but the powder is incredibly drying - more so than any other powder foundation I've ever tried. After the best part of two years I now have very flaky dry skin on my chin. Considering my skin has always tended toward oily this is quite a feat! The colours are very hit and miss - Rose is fine but the next shades up - Ginger and Honey - are pretty orange. Added to which, I'm constantly being told by shop asistants that colours have been discontinued only for them to confusingly reappear weeks later. The packaging is truly gorgeous - the nicest of any powder foundation by an absolute mile, and this is probably why I've foolishly carried on purchasing this product long after my skin has taken a turn for the worse - but not any more!

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LiNgCiOuS on 11/16/2005 2:51:00 AM more reviews by LiNgCiOuS

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Nice cute packaging! bought this during a sale, however the quality sucked, it has no staying power though it provided medium coverage. It also oxidises a shade darker, touching up was also difficult as the color did not match to when u first put it on, it is also reflective so this would not suit someone with oily skin, since u'll look oilier.

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jvyoung on 9/8/2005 6:50:00 AM more reviews by jvyoung

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I have this in Mat Sugar, and as I have oily skin I've tried lots of foundation powders--this one is the absolute best--it glides on and really does cover well. The package is gorgeous, but the one I have chipped in two places, so be careful with it. I wish it came in a slightly larger size as well.

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rosie6682 on 3/26/2005 5:09:00 AM more reviews by rosie6682

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This is a wonderful powder foundation.
Very good design!!
It glides on smoothly.
I have very oily skin, and of course, this still doesn't last as long as the Make Up For Ever loose powder.
But it is the best powder foundation I've ever tried so far.
I have sensitive skin and so far I still haven't get a reaction from it (I am allergic to MAC foundation and powder).
I will buy this again for sure :)

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*TOP REVIEWER* msjene on 11/15/2004 3:37:00 AM more reviews by msjene

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This is part of the revamped Givenchy line. I must say that the packaging alone is gorgeous. It's a small square (about 2 1/2 inches) in lacquered black. I purchased "Cookie" which is a very yellow based (but not greed) light/medium beige. It gives a very smooth, matte finish and good coverage. I will update after I start using it regularly. FYI: My current favorite powder foundation is the Diorskin in 301 Blonde. I use powder foudation over a liquid.

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