Rimmel Insta Fix & Matte

The Rimmel Insta Fix and Matte powder is the final step in Rimmel’s Insta range – a collection designed for the Instagram generation who want their makeup to look flawless in photos and real life. This translucent setting powder promises to mattify your makeup and control shine throughout the day.

If you’ve ever looked in a mirror mid-afternoon and noticed your face looking like an oil slick, or taken a photo where the flash bounced off your shiny T-zone, you’ll understand why mattifying powders exist. But does the Rimmel Insta Fix and Matte actually work? Here’s my honest review.

Updated April 2026 – The Rimmel Insta range continues to be available at most drugstores and online beauty retailers. Prices may vary by retailer. Always check product expiry dates when purchasing cosmetics.

What Is Rimmel Insta Fix and Matte Powder?

This is a translucent setting powder designed to be used as the finishing step in your makeup routine. The powder itself is colourless, so it won’t alter the shade of your foundation or add extra coverage – it simply sets your makeup in place and mattifies the finish.

The formula is designed to control shine without looking cakey or making your skin appear flat. It comes in a compact with a mirror, making it ideal for handbag carry and touch-ups throughout the day. The powder is finely milled and feels lightweight on the skin.

What Does the Rimmel Insta Fix and Matte Promise?

According to Rimmel, this powder:

Sets your makeup to help it last longer throughout the day. Mattifies the skin to eliminate shine and prevent that oily look. Creates a smooth, even finish that looks good in photos (important for those selfies and group shots). Controls excess oil without drying out your skin or looking powdery.

The compact size makes it portable enough to carry for touch-ups whenever you need to take the shine down.

Does Rimmel Insta Fix and Matte Actually Work?

I have combination skin that tends to get shiny across my T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) by early afternoon, especially in warm weather. Setting powders are essential for me if I want my makeup to last and not look greasy.

The Rimmel Insta Fix and Matte does what it says on the tin. When I apply it over my foundation and concealer in the morning, it creates a smooth, matte finish that eliminates any dewiness or shine. My makeup looks more polished and professional – less “just applied” and more “perfectly set.”

Throughout the day, it definitely helps control shine. I still get a bit of natural glow appearing by mid-afternoon (I am human, after all), but it’s nowhere near as bad as when I skip setting powder. A quick touch-up with the compact at lunchtime sorts out any breakthrough shine.

The powder doesn’t feel heavy or cakey, which is important. Some setting powders sit on top of your skin like a mask; this one blends in and becomes almost invisible. It doesn’t emphasise dry patches or fine lines, which can be an issue with some mattifying products.

How to Use Rimmel Insta Fix and Matte Powder

Apply this as the final step of your makeup routine, after foundation, concealer, and any cream or liquid products. Here’s how I use it:

For initial application: Use a large, fluffy powder brush to pick up a small amount of product. Tap off any excess, then lightly dust it across your entire face, focusing on areas that tend to get shiny (for me, that’s forehead, nose, and chin). You can also press it into the skin with a powder puff if you prefer more coverage.

For touch-ups: The compact is small enough to keep in your handbag. When shine breaks through during the day, use the included puff or a small brush to apply a light layer just where needed. You don’t need to redo your whole face, just target the shiny spots.

Less is more with this product – build up gradually rather than applying too much at once.

Why I Love It: The Portability Factor

The compact size is genuinely my favourite thing about this product. It slips easily into even small handbags, and the mirror makes touch-ups quick and simple wherever you are. I’ve used it in pub toilets, at my desk, in the car before events – it’s just there when you need it.

Having a reliable setting powder on hand makes such a difference, especially for long days when you go from work to evening plans and need your makeup to stay fresh. It’s one of those small things that makes life easier.

Who Should Use Rimmel Insta Fix and Matte?

This powder works well for:

Oily or combination skin types who struggle with shine throughout the day. People who want their makeup to last longer without fading or sliding around. Anyone who takes a lot of photos and wants to avoid flashback or shine in pictures. Those on a budget who need an affordable setting powder that actually works.

It might not be ideal for very dry skin, as mattifying powders can emphasise dryness. If you have dry skin, use it sparingly and only where needed, or look for a hydrating setting powder instead.

Is Rimmel Insta Fix and Matte Worth the Money?

The Rimmel Insta Fix and Matte typically costs around £5-7, depending on where you shop. For a drugstore setting powder, that’s very reasonable. A compact lasts several months even with daily use, so the cost per use is minimal.

Compared to high-end setting powders that can cost £20-30, Rimmel offers excellent value. The results are comparable – I’ve tried both drugstore and luxury setting powders, and whilst expensive ones might have slightly more refined textures, the difference in performance isn’t worth the price gap for me.

Compared to Other Setting Powders

I’ve tried various setting powders over the years – from high-street brands to luxury options. The Rimmel Insta Fix and Matte holds its own against more expensive competitors. It’s not dramatically different from other good translucent powders, but it does the job reliably at a fraction of the price.

If you’ve used other drugstore powders like the original Rimmel Stay Matte or Collection’s Lasting Perfection, this is similar but with a slightly finer texture. It’s less likely to look powdery or cakey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rimmel Insta Fix and Matte

Does Rimmel Insta Fix and Matte cause flashback in photos?
I haven’t experienced flashback with this powder. It’s translucent rather than white-tinted, which helps prevent that ghostly white cast in flash photography.

Can you use Rimmel Insta Fix and Matte on dark skin?
Yes, because it’s truly translucent, it works on all skin tones without leaving a white or ashy finish.

Is the Rimmel Insta Fix and Matte powder suitable for dry skin?
It can work for dry skin if used lightly and only in specific areas, but it’s really designed for oily/combination skin. Those with dry skin might prefer a hydrating setting spray instead.

How long does Rimmel Insta Fix and Matte powder last?
A compact lasts me about 3-4 months with daily use. It’s quite long-lasting for the price.

Does Rimmel Insta Fix and Matte powder expire?
Like all makeup products, yes. Powders generally last 1-2 years, but if it starts to smell odd, changes texture, or doesn’t apply smoothly, it’s time to replace it.

What’s the difference between setting powder and finishing powder?
Setting powder (like this one) is used to lock makeup in place and control shine. Finishing powder is typically used for a subtle glow or to blur imperfections. This is definitely a setting powder.