Finding a foundation that doesn't turn your face into a grease trap by noon is basically a full-time job. Honestly. You’ve probably spent hours under those aggressive Sephora lights, swatching things on your wrist that look nothing like your face. One name that always pops up in the budget-friendly hall of fame is the NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat line.
It’s a bit of a cult classic. Or at least, it was.
The thing is, the makeup world moves fast. Trends shift from "glass skin" to "cloud skin" in a weekend. But for those of us who deal with actual sebum, the struggle for a matte finish that doesn't look like a dry desert remains very real. NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat promised to solve that. It claimed to give you that velvety finish without making your skin look "flat" or lifeless.
Did it work? Well, it depends on who you ask and, more importantly, which version you're talking about.
The Powder vs. Liquid Identity Crisis
Most people think of the powder first. It’s that sturdy black compact with the hidden sponge compartment. It’s a mineral-enriched formula that became a staple for anyone trying to avoid the "pancake" look.
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But there’s also the liquid version.
The liquid foundation is water-based and oil-free. It’s surprisingly thin. When you shake the bottle, it sounds like water, which can be alarming if you're used to thick, goopy creams. This watery consistency is actually its secret weapon for being lightweight, but it’s also why some users find the coverage a bit sheerer than the "full coverage" label suggests.
If you have oily skin, you know the drill. You apply a liquid, it looks great for an hour, then it starts to slide off your nose. NYX tried to fix this by making the liquid and powder work as a team. Layering them is where the magic (or the cakiness) happens.
Why the "Not Flat" Part Actually Matters
A lot of matte foundations are basically just paint. They sit on top of your skin and delete every hint of dimension. You end up looking like a 2D character. NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat was formulated with fine minerals and silica to reflect just enough light so you still look like a human being.
It’s a satin-matte hybrid, really.
I’ve seen people complain that it isn’t "matte enough." If you want that ultra-dry, chalky 2016 Instagram look, this isn't it. This is for the person who wants to look like they have naturally good skin, not a mask. It lets a little bit of your natural texture peek through, which is actually a good thing for 2026's more natural beauty standards.
The Disappearing Act: Is It Discontinued?
Here is the frustrating part. If you go to a drugstore today, you might have a hard time finding the full range. NYX has been leaning heavily into their Can't Stop Won't Stop and Bare With Me lines lately.
The NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat line has been largely phased out in many regions.
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It’s a heartbreak for long-time users. I’ve seen Reddit threads where people are literally mourning their shade of the powder foundation. Some retailers still carry "lingering" stock, and you can often find it on sites like eBay or BuyMeBeauty, but the writing is on the wall. NYX seems to have shifted their "matte" focus to the Can't Stop Won't Stop powder, which is much more heavy-duty and, frankly, a bit more drying.
If you still have a compact of the original, treat it like gold.
Real Talk on the Ingredients
Let's look at what’s actually inside this stuff. It’s not just crushed-up chalk.
The powder foundation uses Magnesium Stearate and Zinc Stearate. These are basically the "glue" that keeps the powder from flying everywhere while also helping it stick to your skin. Then there’s Silica. Silica is the MVP for oily skin because it’s a porous mineral that drinks up excess oil without needing a bunch of harsh chemicals.
- Zinc Stearate: Water-repellent properties (helps it stay on through sweat).
- Silica: Absorbs sebum and blurs pores.
- Tocopheryl Acetate: A fancy name for Vitamin E, which adds a tiny bit of antioxidant protection.
It’s also vegan and cruelty-free. NYX has always been pretty solid about that. However, the formula does contain some silicones like Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethiconol. These are what give it that "silky" feel. If your skin hates silicones, stay away. But for most people, these are the ingredients that prevent the powder from clinging to dry patches.
How to Actually Apply It (Without Looking Like a Ghost)
Most people use the little sponge that comes in the bottom of the compact. Don't do that. Or at least, don't do it for your whole face. That sponge is for "emergency touch-ups" only.
If you want the "not flat" look, use a big, fluffy kabuki brush.
- Prep is everything. Since this is a matte product, it will find your dry skin and it will humiliate you. Exfoliate first. Use a lightweight moisturizer.
- The "Wet" Trick. Some pros swear by using a damp beauty sponge with the powder. It turns it into a high-coverage cream-to-powder finish. It’s risky, but it works if you need to hide a breakout.
- The Layering Strategy. Apply the liquid version very thinly. Let it dry completely. Then, lightly dust the powder only on your T-zone.
One weird thing people notice? Oxidation. The liquid version especially can turn a bit "orange" or "muddy" after twenty minutes on the skin. If you're between shades, honestly, go one shade lighter than you think you need.
The Final Verdict on NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat
It isn't perfect. The staying power is maybe 4 to 5 hours on truly oily skin before you need a touch-up. And since it's being phased out, finding your shade is becoming a scavenger hunt.
But for the price? It’s hard to beat that finish. It’s one of the few drugstore powders that doesn't feel like you're wearing a costume. It’s lightweight, breathable, and does exactly what the name says—keeps the shine down without killing your natural glow.
If you’re looking for a replacement now that it's harder to find, you might want to look at the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless or the L'Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear Powder. They aren't exact dupes, but they live in the same neighborhood of "matte but still looks like skin."
Next Steps for Your Routine:
Check the manufacturing date if you're buying "new old stock" online to ensure the binders haven't started to separate. If you’ve switched to the Can’t Stop Won’t Stop version and find it too dry, try mixing a drop of facial oil into your primer first—it mimics that slightly more forgiving finish of the original Stay Matte formula.