Matte lips are more refined and elegant than those that are full and shiny. Matte lipsticks provide the modern woman’s preference for a duller yet more daring appearance. In contrast to glossy or shimmery lipsticks, matte’s flat pigment makes it the second longest-lasting lip color (second to lip stain), resulting in less mess on cups, clothing, and other people’s faces. In addition, it stays put and only one swipe to obtain the desired “look.”
However, matte lipsticks have one major drawback: its powdered finish can create a chalky, unpleasant texture that can dry the lips and accentuate flaking and flaws. Even moderate dryness might be emphasized by matte lip color. To address this issue, cosmetic makers continue to develop innovative matte lipstick formulas that keep lips smooth and hydrated. In spite of new and improved formulations, the majority of matte lipsticks continue to lack adequate moisture. Nevertheless, there are ways to circumvent this.
This guide will teach you how to apply matte lipstick like a pro and how to select the best matte lipstick for your needs.
What is a matte lipstick?
Lipstick with a matte finish is a highly pigmented lip makeup that lacks luster. This lipstick, unlike lip gloss or lip stain, is matte, giving the lips a dramatic, full-coverage appearance that is nonetheless subtle enough to be worn during the day.
In comparison to other high-gloss lip cosmetics, a matte finish lasts longer on the lips. This makeup requires minimum touch-ups and rarely smudges beyond the lip line, making it an ideal option for pictures and glitzy occasions.
If you want vivid colors, opt for matte finishes. Matte hues never go out of style and typically offer excellent color payoff. Despite the fact that this lipstick finish is not for the faint of heart due to its brilliant color combinations.
This formulation is quite popular, but it can be challenging to find the ideal matte lipstick, as many leave the lips feeling dry and with an uneven appearance. The lack of moisture in most matte formulas causes them to accentuate lip lines and dry spots. Fortunately, there are solutions to this problem. Use a lip scrub and balm before to applying matte lipsticks, or get a semi-matte lipstick, which is less drying to the lips.
How is matte lipstick applied?
1. Exfoliate
Preparation is not about reaching perfection when matte lipstick is worn. It is about achieving beauty. With matte lip color, cracks, peeling, and even minor dryness are accentuated. Therefore, unless you always have wonderfully smooth lips, which is unlikely, exfoliation is important.
The objective of exfoliating your lips, as with any other area of your body, is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal the smooth, moisturized skin underlying. You can go out and get a product branded “lip scrub,” or you can combine sugar and oil in your kitchen. You simply need a small amount.
Wet your lips with a washcloth or cleansing sponge and wipe them clean. Lightly massage the scrub onto your lips with your fingertip, working in little circles. Wipe away the scrub, rinse thoroughly, and then remove any remaining scrub or skin debris with a last swipe of the cloth or sponge.
If you don’t want to bother with a scrub, a toothbrush also works well. Simply moisten your lips, brush them lightly in little circles, and rinse. This method fits effortlessly into your usual cleansing practice, allowing you to remember to exfoliate often, as opposed to merely before applying lipstick. Clean lips always feel more comfortable. They can be made smooth in less than a minute.
2. Prime and line
Utilize a lip primer or concealer to prevent your lip color from seeming uneven. Use a lip liner that matches your lipstick to outline the curve of your lips. (You may also choose to go a shade darker.) This will prevent your lipstick color from bleeding beyond your lips. Make a “X” with your lip pencil at the top of your upper lip if you have a cupid’s bow or want to create the illusion of one. This will serve as a guide for applying lipstick symmetrically to this tough location. If you do not have a cupid’s bow or do not wish to emphasize it, draw an outline slightly above your upper lip.
3. Apply lipstick to your lips
First, apply the matte lip color on your lower lip. Utilize the applicator when applying matte liquid lipstick. Caution should be used not to stretch the color beyond the lip line when you press your lips together to gently apply color to your upper lip. However, if you are using a liquid matte lipstick, you should not push your lips together, as this might cause streaking and uneven coverage. Apply instead to your upper and lower lips, and keep your mouth still until it dries. Before your lip color sets, you can dab it with a tissue to remove any excess product, which will boost its staying power.
4. Polish the edgings
Use makeup remover to remove any lipstick that has smudged. After removing excess lip color, line your lips with concealer using a lip brush to create a seamless, crisp edge.
5. Keeping your lips moist
If you have naturally dry skin or live in a cold, dry area, you understand how difficult it can be to maintain moist, smooth lips. Add matte lipstick to the mix, and regardless of environment or heredity, everyone is in the same boat.
A matte finish indicates less oil in the formulation, which translates to less moisture. To prevent the product (and your lips) from drying out, you must add it manually.
The challenge is to boost moisture without adding shine, diminishing opacity, or reducing color saturation. The process begins when you pat your lips dry and apply a little coating of matte-finish lip balm, lip conditioner, or lip primer following exfoliation.
Moisturizing matte lips is a constant procedure. You will put a few dots of balm over the lipstick immediately, and you will continue to do so throughout the day (or at least until you need to remove and reapply, which is rare with a matte). Remember not to press your lips together after applying lipstick or balm, as matte lipstick can drag or clump if you do.
6. Final touches
The longevity of matte lipstick is one of its best qualities. It adheres to your lips as though it were born there. This quality can also make it more difficult to work with, so it may require a bit more touches to get perfection.
To conclude
Matte lipstick is less forgiving than glossier varieties, so you will need to take additional care when applying it. Once it’s in place, though, you’re golden, as a decent matte lipstick can last for hours — a lifesaver, as it’s difficult to appear sophisticated with smudged lips. Even if their finish is matte.