Disclaimer for those who lived through the 80s: This is not Pat Benatar’s matte makeup. Today’s formulas leave those cakey and masklike old cosmetics in the dust. Not convinced? Here are five reasons why pros are going to the mat for matte again.



1. It’s long-lasting. Matte makeup stays on better than more emollient (creamy or glossy) makeup, says Kevin Mendelson, a makeup artist in New York City and a global educator for Jane Iredale. And it won’t pile up in creases, either. “Matte makeup generally contains no slippery mineral oil or petrolatum, so it’s not apt to migrate,” says Mendelson.



2. Matte foundation is ideal for oily skin. By definition, matte makeup is oil-absorbing. So it’s a happy marriage of form and function for people who start to shine within an hour of applying makeup. For more coverage, apply with a sponge; for less, use your fingers or a brush, says celebrity makeup artist Bobbi Brown. As for those with non-oily skin, no need to shy away—just modify accordingly.



3. It can divert attention from wrinkles. You know how shining a light on something calls attention to it? That’s what shimmer makeup can do to the creases on and at the corners of your eyes, says Spencer Barnes, a makeup artist in Los Angeles: “Matte shadow is flattering on crepey lids because it covers the inconsistency in texture, so all looks smooth.”



4. It can be a subtle way to try a new shade. Not only can shine bring wrinkles to the fore but it can also make color appear more intense, says Mendelson. So if you want to give red lipstick a whirl but don’t want to broadcast it to the world, tap a matte version onto your lips. You’ll be left with all of the pretty pigment but none of the showy gloss.



5. It’s great in photos. Powdery makeup produces a porcelain finish that never looks greasy or shiny in pictures. “I always tell my bridal clients that even if they wear dewier makeup in real life, their wedding day is the one time they should rely heavily on matte,” says Annelise Nutt, a makeup artist and stylist in Nashville.



To buy: Jane Iredale PureMoist Lipstick in Annette, $25, amazon.com.