7 Matte Lipsticks You Need in Your Makeup Bag, STAT
January 05, 2021
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We never get tired of matte lipstick — give us all the transfer-proof, budge-proof and smudge-resistant formulas, especially now that we’re often wearing protective face masks.
It can be tricky to achieve a precise, comfortable application with matte lipstick, though, so we asked Gabriel Almodovar, Maybelline New York global makeup artist, to share his best matte lipstick tips. Once you’re ready to apply, read on for our favorite matte lipsticks to try in 2021.
How to Prep Your Lips for Matte Lipstick
“Since mattes don't bounce light like creamy or glossy finishes do, you need to make sure that your lips are perfectly smooth underneath and properly hydrated before your application,” says Almodovar. Dry, flaky lip skin will be more obvious with a matte formula, he explains, so it’s important to follow these easy steps before application:
STEP 1: Exfoliate
To get lips smooth fast, use a wet washcloth, a soft toothbrush or a lip scrub to gently buff away flaky bits in circular motions.
STEP 2: Hydrate
Apply a nourishing lip balm and let it soak in before you put on your color. Almodovar suggests moving on to the rest of your makeup before applying your lipstick. This gives the balm time to fully absorb and hydrate your lips.
How to Apply Matte Lipstick
Unlike a gloss or a high-shine balm, a matte isn’t the type of lipstick you can just slap on quickly. You have to put some thought into it, says Almodovar. He likes to apply it with a lip brush (try the NYX Professional Makeup Pro Lip Brush). “A brush allows you to be more precise with the application, and it also helps smooth on the lip product more evenly,” he says. Once you’ve applied your lip color, use a matching lip liner to trace the border of your lips, creating a more precise shape.
Makeup to Pair With Matte Lipstick
A face full of matte makeup can make your skin look flat, dry, and dull. When wearing matte lips, pump up the sheen on other parts of your skin. Go with sheer, dewy foundation, creamy blush and a hint of shimmer on your lids. If you’re going with a bold lip color, balance it out with well-defined brows and dark, thick lashes.
Our Favorite Matte Lipsticks
Maybelline Superstay Ink Crayon Spiced Lipstick in Reach High
A warm, nude matte lipstick is the perfect complement to any skin tone. We love that the lippie also features a precise applicator that makes it easy to get a crisp finish.
Giorgio Armani Lip Magnet Liquid Lipstick Hollywood
You can never go wrong with a bold matte red lipstick. Opt for this rich red liquid lipstick formula that dries on contact and gives you a pigmented look in just one to two swipes.
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Doesn’t Matte-R
Want to go edgy with your matte lip this season? This deep burgundy shade is for you. Not only is it extremely saturated, this formula is transfer- and budge-proof, making it perfect for wearing under a protective face mask.
NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream in Dubai
This cult-favorite drugstore pick is the perfect neutral for deep and dark skin tones, not to mention, it has an airy, whipped formula that feels super comfortable on the lips. It dries matte, but doesn’t feel heavy or cakey.
Lime Crime Velvetine Matte Lipstick in Teddy Bear
For a mauve-lilac shade that won’t move an inch, try Teddy Bear. This silky formula fully covers the lips in only one or two swipes and lasts for hours.
YSL Beauty Rouge Pur Couture the Slim Matte Lipstick in Corail Antinomique
Corail Antinomique is a stunning red-orange that pops off of light, medium and deep skin tones and looks super velvety and soft on the lips.
CTZN Cosmetics Nudiversal Lip Duo in Mykonos
This lipstick is super concentrated in color and contains wild mango butter for major hydration. And when you’re sick of wearing matte lips and want to switch it up, there's a matching neutral gloss on the other side.
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