Matte Lips of Summer

Our newest beauty contributor, Stephanie Joplin

If one were to do a quick web search for matte lipstick, it becomes quite clear that every cosmetics line from LA Splash to Lancôme now carry a version of the biggest trend in pout products since fruity glosses were all the rage in the early 2000s. Needless to say, there has not been a lip color craze quite like this one in many years.

It’s Stephanie Joplin here today, and I’m here to tell you that ever since summer 2015, the frenzy to create the best formula for matte lipsticks has taken off, with celebrities (like Kylie Jenner) and well-known brands (like  ColourPop, Milani and Tarte, as well as the big brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Tom Ford, Nars and MAC  to name a few)  are all wanting a piece of the pie.

So, how do you choose which lipstick formula is best for you? How does one possibly select from the dozens of color swatches presented to you at the makeup counter or on your computer screen? Look no further: the best matte lips of summer are here.

The Formula

First, one must decide their preferences when it comes to this look: Are you looking for all-day wear? Or perhaps something creamier in consistency and easier to remove? Do you favor a standard lipstick, or do you prefer the liquid version with an applicator? There are a few factors that will weigh in on your decision.

All-Day Wear

True “all-day wear” lipstick is hard to come by. Usually these formulas have drying agents in them and can flake off or zap your lips of their moisture. On the other hand, there is no need for constant reapplication or the concern about smearing once the formula is dry. There is less room for error here during application; a steady hand and a mirror are essential. As Jeffree Star’s Velour Liquid Lipstick packaging states, “…avoid food with oil, and no making out; kisses are okay!”

Jeffree Star “Velour Liquid Lipstick” in Mannequin

The outspoken musician-turned-cosmetics king Star has expanded his collection of matte liquid lipsticks tenfold over the past year. His vegan product goes on opaque and is rich in pigment. (It will last you all day long!) Recently, he released “Mannequin,” which he describes as a “younger, darker” nude with cooler tones. “Mannequin” flew off the online stores’ shelves within one day but don’t despair; Star is quick to restock.

Gerard “Hydra-Matte Liquid Lipstick” in West Coast

This summer-inspired color (picture yourself in sunny Cal, in a drop-top cruising down the 405…) nourishes the lips whilst providing a fabulous boost of color that will last all day long. Gerard is both gluten and cruelty-free and hydrates the lips while staining with a tender coverage that dries to a matte finish. An anti-flake formula is added to create a matte look that is sure to impress even the most critical eye.

ColourPop “Ultra Matte Lip” in First Class

Reminiscent of the perfect summer day, this vivid orange-red will ensure that all eyes are on you. (Think oversized Chanel sunglasses and a glass of bubbles on a swanky patio somewhere…) ColourPop’s formula is affordable as well as lightweight, and glides onto the lips smoothly. ColourPop recommends storing their liquid lipsticks upright and to shake them before use.

Creamy Matte-Finish

Creamy matte lipsticks are less tricky to apply; if you make a mistake, you would simply wipe away the error. However, you must remember to bring the tube with you because reapplication will be essential after a couple of hours or a meal. This formula does smear easily, so they are best to wear if you aren’t going to be doing any strenuous activities such as devouring a four course meal with your new boyfriend.

Kylie Cosmetics “Metal Matte Lipstick” in King K

Young entrepreneur, Kylie Jenner, came out with a line of “Lip Kits” last fall that included both a matte liquid lipstick and a matching lip liner ($28). The kits were so popular, they would sell out in under a minute! Since then, Jenner has revamped her formula and expanded her line. Earlier this summer, Jenner took note of the growing trend in highlighting and metallic cosmetics and released four liquid lipsticks with high impact metallic color and a creamy feel, with relatively long-lasting wear.  Recently, Jenner took to Instagram to reveal she would like her customers to have the ability to “shop at their leisure,” before announcing a huge restock of all her products.

Palladio “Velvet Matte Cream Lipcolor” in Damask

This lush, rich color gives a dramatic evening look that is sure to catch any eye. Although two passes with the applicator are necessary here, the results are outstanding. The formula glides on smoothly to create long-lasting high-intensity pigment that won’t dry your lips out. Added bonus: Palladio boosts liquid lipsticks that are infused with botanicals and vitamins.

Charlotte Tilbury “’Matte Revolution’ Luminous Modern-Matte Lipstick” in Lost Cherry

The name “Charlotte Tilbury” is synonymous with luxury and quality: the gilded packaging, classic design and attention to detail make Tilbury’s cosmetics worth the high-dollar price tag. “Lost Cherry” is a pop of pastel fuchsia and creates the illusion of fuller, wider lips. Tilbury’s mattes are “exclusively enriched” with Lipstick Tree extract to protect your pout and Orchid Extract to soothe and hydrate. In addition, these lipsticks are buildable in pigment, so you can layer to the desired color intensity. 

Preparation is Key

No matter what formula of matte lipstick you prefer, preparation and lip care are necessary to keep your pout looking its best all day long. A sugar-based lip scrub (FRESH Cosmetics Lip Polish, $24) should be used at least two times a week to buff away dead skin and leave you with a perfect finish.

After you apply your makeup and are ready for lips, apply a lip primer (Anastasia of Beverly Hills Lip Primer, $16) underneath your lipstick to add moisture and prevent fading and feathering around the corners of your lips.

Make sure to line your lips. (MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil, $16.50). The outline not only helps you to “color in the lines,’ but also helps to prevent the aforementioned feathering.

Make it Your Own

If you already have a go-to summer shade, not to worry – you can create a matte version at home using a tissue and translucent powder!

Makeup artist to the stars, Allan Avendaño, shared this amazing “DIY” tip with InStyle in April 2016.

“To give any lipstick a matte finish, I simply powder it down. I place a tissue directly on the lips, and apply translucent powder directly on the tissue,” Avendaño explains. Regardless of how light a hand you use, you definitely need the tissue there, otherwise you run the risk of applying too much powder. As the saying goes, it’s always much easier to build up the intensity slowly, rather than dabbing on more than you should and having to start all over. “The tissue acts kind of like a filter so that the lip doesn’t get over-powdered, and you can control just how much you mattify it,” he adds. “Even better, the technique sets the color, so that the finish lasts longer.”

Go Bold or Go Home

In the end, it is you who has to feel confident in what you wear. Just like a new bathing suit or a change in hairstyle, your lipstick should have you feeling good in your own skin. Don’t be afraid to go bold! Summer is the time to experiment with those bright or unusual colors one might shy away from during the winter months.