You chose to go with a glossy red pout, and you’ve nailed it. A few hours in and you finally catch a glance in the mirror. Nothing seems like it did before. Your supposed-to-be-sensational masterpiece has now mysteriously reduced to a not-so-hot mess. Oh and where’s the color gone? Should’ve had the second beer, anyway! Sounds a lot like your daily lipstick struggles, right?
You need a matte formula that doesn’t make you pick between comfort and long-wear performance. You could be all over the place right now in your life and that’s even more reason why you shouldn’t settle for a lip color that does the same. Meet matte lipstick. With texture that spells power and formulation that lasts through a kiss (or many), you’ve basically found yourself a keeper. Indestructible, if you will.
What We Love About Matte Lipsticks
• Richer and deeper finish
The higher concentration of wax and pigment makes matte lipstick shades rich, deep, and opaque with a longer staying power. This makes it a more practical pick over its glossier cousin for everyday use.
• It’s liberatingly stick-free
Remember the last time you flipped your hair and ended up getting sticky gloss on a stray strand? Well, a matte based lipstick promises to do better. Cue to ace the hair flip game.
• All season, smudge-free
Whether you’re braving the blazing temps, chilly mercury dips or sudden showers, matte lipstick color comparatively stays on for longer and doesn’t smudge off easily because of sweat, smog or rain. Talk about all season.
• Unlike your tote bag, it’s mess-free
Matte lipsticks make avoiding random lipstick smears a breeze as they are transfer-proof and smudge-proof. You may need a post-lunch touch up but we’re not complaining because this guy’s easy to carry.
• You get what you see
Know how they go “for representational purposes only”? Well, matte doesn’t do that to you. You get the exact color payoff as depicted on the tube.
How to apply matte lipstick
- Step 1: First exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub to buff away dead skin. This helps for a more even application
- Step 2: Now gently massage your pout with a hydrating moisturizer and follow it up with a lip primer.
- Step 3: Outline your cupid’s bow and bottom lip with a lip liner that matches your natural lip color. This prevents color from feathering beyond the lines.
- Step 4: Swipe the bullet in short strokes starting from the centre of your upper lip towards the ends and gradually start filling in the color. Repeat on the lower lip.
- Step 5: Goofed up? Dip a cotton swab in micellar water and gently wipe off the excess. You’re now ready to take on the world!
Best Matte Lipsticks
We’ve spared you the trouble of accidentally picking the bad guys by listing down the best matte lipsticks on the planet. So here are our standout faves. Ready to conquer, mate?
1. Pink matte lipstick
1. L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Shine On Lipstick
L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Shine On Lipstick If you like your lip color with a tint of shine, then you’re gonna love the L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Shine On Lipstick. It’s blessed with a formula that glides like velvet and comforts your lips. Bathe your lips in a rich burst of pink blush that leaves them with an impeccable ultra-radiant finish. But this one could make you fall in love overnight, okay? It happens.
2. Maybelline New York Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
We’d suggest you invest in a lip color that doesn’t weigh you down. Also, if you’re always down for a snack, you need to pick a lipstick that can endure multiple munchies without breaking a sweat. The Maybelline New York Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick with its rich pigments delivers high coverage without any dryness or discomfort. The only disclaimer? It might tug on your heartstrings.
2. Brown matte lipstick
1. Paese Cosmetics Sexapil Magnetic Lipstick - 37
Fact: No one really looks forward to a lip color that dries out your lips to the extent of irritation. Also fact: Paese Cosmetics Sexapil Magnetic Lipstick - 37 with its rich pigments ensures a long-staying matte finish that keeps your pout hydrated, courtesy: Argan Oil. All of this with intensive color payoff. Reporting for double duty, sir.
2. L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Moist Matte Lipstick Sabyasachi Collection - 242 Rose Nuance
Imagine swiping a lip shade that’s so creamy and rich, it legit feels like chocolate mousse. L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Moist Matte Lipstick Sabyasachi Collection - 242 Rose Nuance with its intense hydrating formula gives extreme color payoff in a single swipe. And can we talk about the chic look of the bullet? It’s like having a tiny stash of sophistication in your clutch.
3. Red matte lipstick
1. Maybelline New York Color Sensational The Loaded Bolds Lipstick - 07 Dynamite Red
How about a lip color that becomes your secret weapon of destruction, from Monday morning boardroom presentations to Friday evening reunions and everything in between? The Maybelline New York Color Sensational The Loaded Bolds Lipstick - 07 Dynamite Red is so saturated that it delivers one-stroke intensity with budge-proof color. Swipe it on your pout for a vibrant flush.
2. L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Moist Matte Lipstick - R516 Lincoln Rose
You thirst, I thirst, we all thirst for a matte formula that doesn’t dry out our lips. The L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Moist Matte Lipstick - R516 Lincoln Rose has heard us crisp and clear. It is infused with Jojoba Oil that locks in moisture to keep your lips hydrated while delivering a smooth matte finish. We’re talking oomph that even your pout would love.
4. Purple matte lipstick
1. GlamGals Matte Finish Kissproof Lipstick - Aubergine Purple
We know how you’ve always fantasized about a lip color that can last through two happy hour cocktails and still look just as glam. Meet: GlamGals Matte Finish Kissproof Lipstick - Aubergine Purple. This kiss proof lipstick, with a vivid base that carries strong purple tones, lasts as long as the party. Not surprised, if you’ve found THE one.
2. NYX Professional Makeup Liquid Suede Metallic Matte Cream Lipstick
Cruelty-free and creamy, the NYX Professional Makeup Liquid Suede Metallic Matte Cream Lipstick will leave your lips feeling smooth and lush while not compromising on rich color payoff. Oh, and its metallic finish is the real deal that adds just the right amount of oomph. P.S. We were sold when we learnt its waterproof.
FAQs
1. Is it okay to apply gloss over a matte lipstick?
If you don’t plan on a bold look, you could swipe a coat of gloss on your matte color. It gives a fresh just done look.
2. What are the best nude matte lipsticks?
Here are some popular nude matte lipsticks:
- NYX Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick - Whipped Caviar
- Paese Cosmetics Sexapil Magnetic Lipstick – 35
- L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Moist Matte Lipstick Sabyasachi Collection - 242 Rose Nuance
- Maybelline New York Color Sensational Satin Lipstick - 555 Soft Rosewood
3. How do you remove the Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink color?
- Dip a cotton swab in micellar water or baby oil and gently wipe off the color from your lips.
- Exfoliate your lips with a blend of sugar and honey before washing off with water.
- If you’re out of micellar water, simply apply petroleum jelly onto your lips and leave it on for 5 minutes before washing it off.