Matte Lipstick: Mastering the Art of Selection and Application

Velvety lips exude elegance and sophistication, making matte lipsticks a popular choice over their glossy counterparts for several seasons now. However, applying matte lipstick beautifully is an art form in itself. We’ve gathered insights from a makeup artist to reveal all the secrets.

The History of Matte Lipstick

The first surge in matte lipstick popularity occurred in the 1930s and 1940s. As fashion trends are cyclical, matte lipsticks have made a strong comeback. Initially, only elite brands offered matte lipsticks, but now they are widely available in the mass market. To achieve truly beautiful and striking lips, it’s essential to choose high-quality cosmetics and learn how to use them effectively.

Pros and Cons of Matte Lipstick

Like any cosmetic product, matte lipstick has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some key points to consider:

Pros:
- Matte lipstick gives lips a velvety texture, adding a touch of nobility and luxury to your overall look.
- It is more long-lasting than regular lipstick, resistant to heat, and provides dense, vibrant coverage without staining teeth.
- Matte lipsticks can visually enhance the fullness of your lips.
Cons:
- Matte lipstick can be drying due to its unique composition.
- Your lips need to be in perfect condition, free from flakiness and irritation, for the lipstick to apply smoothly and beautifully.

Matte lipstick is versatile and can be worn for both daytime and evening makeup. You can pair it with a completely matte look or add shimmering eyeshadows and highlighter for a stunning effect.

How to Choose the Perfect Matte Lipstick

To select a high-quality matte lipstick that applies flawlessly and doesn’t dry out your lips, pay close attention to the product’s ingredients. A good matte lipstick should contain natural oils (such as cocoa, peach, jojoba, and mango), waxes, UV filters, and vitamins A and C.

Modern matte lipsticks come in two forms: liquid and stick. Liquid matte lipsticks contain more silicones and dry down on the lips, offering long-lasting wear. Stick matte lipsticks, on the other hand, typically contain more nourishing components and have slightly less staying power.

When choosing a shade, keep in mind that matte lipstick colors are much brighter and more pigmented than other lip products. A foolproof option is a nude shade that matches your natural lip color. It’s also handy to have a classic red shade in your makeup bag. Bright shades of long-lasting matte lipsticks are more comfortable and enjoyable to wear than glossy alternatives, which tend to fade and smudge throughout the evening.

Tip: To avoid difficulties when removing your makeup, use a specialized remover (such as a two-phase liquid or hydrophilic oil) or plain olive oil or a lip balm containing oils. These will effectively dissolve the lipstick, making removal a breeze.

How to Apply Matte Lipstick: 5 Steps to Success

Applying regular lipstick or gloss is a familiar process for many, but matte lipstick requires a few additional steps to achieve a flawless finish. Follow these essential tips:

Prepare Your Lips: Matte lipstick accentuates any imperfections, so it’s crucial to prepare your lips beforehand. A few hours before applying makeup, exfoliate your lips with a scrub. You can use a store-bought scrub or make a homemade mixture of equal parts sugar and honey. Alternatively, gently brush your lips with a soft toothbrush to remove dead skin cells and improve circulation.
Moisturize Your Lips: Matte lipsticks contain minimal moisturizing oils, which can lead to dryness. After exfoliating, apply a nourishing lip balm and allow it to fully absorb. Before applying lipstick, remove any excess balm to maintain the lipstick’s formula and longevity.
Outline Your Lips: Before applying lipstick, use a lip liner to outline your lips. This will enhance the color’s vibrancy and help your makeup last longer. Additionally, a lip liner ensures precise and clean application.
Apply Lipstick with a Brush: Use a synthetic brush to apply lipstick. Start from the center of your lips and work your way to the corners, ensuring full coverage. Pay special attention to the corners and the cupid’s bow to achieve a neat and fresh look.
Correct Any Mistakes: If you notice any imperfections, use a small amount of concealer and a flat, firm brush to clean up the edges and achieve a sharp, defined look.

Tip: To visually enhance your lips, fill them in entirely with a lip liner that matches your lipstick shade. You can even slightly overline your lips to create a fuller appearance.

Tip: There’s a myth that you should apply foundation to your lips before lipstick to create an even base. This is a misconception! Your lips should be free from any products to ensure the best adhesion and longevity of your lipstick.

Tip: Avoid applying gloss to the center of your lips to add volume. This technique is outdated and can compromise the lipstick’s staying power, causing it to transfer onto your teeth.

Legend has it that the first matte lipstick was invented by a Muslim named Abu-al-Qasim Zahrawi in 900 AD. He mixed various waxes, oils, paraffin, animal fats, and plant dyes to create a prototype of matte lipstick.

Matte lipstick looks noble and stylish on the lips. The key is to learn how to apply this wonderful product correctly, and you’ll look simply irresistible!