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You want to rock that bold matte lip, but every time you try, it ends up looking dry and patchy. Well, fear not, because we’re here to share our top tips for achieving expert-level matte lipstick application. From prepping your lips to choosing the right shade, we’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to smudging and hello to flawless, long-lasting matte lips. Get ready to master the art of matte magic!
Preparation
Before applying any matte lipstick, it is crucial to properly prepare your lips. This will ensure a flawless application and help your lipstick last longer throughout the day.
Exfoliate the lips
Exfoliating your lips will help remove any dead skin cells and create a smooth surface for your matte lipstick. You can use a lip scrub, or you can make your own by mixing sugar and honey. Gently massage the scrub onto your lips in circular motions, then rinse off with warm water.
Moisturize the lips
While matte lipsticks are known for their long-lasting and smudge-proof formulas, they can sometimes be drying on the lips. To prevent your lips from becoming dry and cracked, it’s essential to moisturize them before applying any lipstick. Use a lip balm or a moisturizing lip mask to hydrate your lips and create a supple canvas for your matte lipstick.
Prime the lips
To ensure your matte lipstick stays in place all day, consider using a lip primer. Lip primers create a smooth base for your lipstick and help enhance its longevity. Apply a thin layer of lip primer to your lips, focusing on the outer edges and corners. Allow it to dry before moving on to the next step.
Choosing the Right Shade
Choosing the perfect shade of matte lipstick can make a significant difference in your overall makeup look. Here are some tips to help you find the right shade for your skin tone and undertone.
Consider your skin tone
When choosing a matte lipstick shade, it’s essential to consider your skin tone. Fair skin tones often look best with soft or nude shades, while medium skin tones can rock a wider range of colors, including pinks and berries. Darker skin tones can beautifully pull off bold and deep shades like reds and purples. Remember to take into account your personal preference and the occasion you’re wearing the lipstick for.
Determine your undertone
Your undertone plays a crucial role in finding the perfect matte lipstick shade. If you have a warm undertone, shades with yellow or golden undertones will complement your skin. Cooler undertones pair well with pink or blue-based lipstick colors. If you’re unsure about your undertone, try holding up different colored fabrics against your skin to identify which shades make your skin look more vibrant and radiant.
Experiment with different shades
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades to find your perfect matte lipstick. Visit a beauty store and try out different colors on the back of your hand or directly on your lips. Remember, what may look good on someone else may not necessarily work for you. Take your time to try different shades and find the one that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Using a Lip Liner
Using a lip liner is an optional but highly recommended step when applying matte lipstick. Lip liner helps define the shape of your lips, prevents the lipstick from feathering or bleeding, and can even make your lipstick last longer.
Select a lip liner shade
When selecting a lip liner shade, it’s best to choose a color that closely matches your natural lip color or the shade of your matte lipstick. This will give you a seamless and polished finish. If you want to create an illusion of fuller lips, you can also opt for a slightly darker shade of lip liner.
Outline the lips
Start by lining the outer edges of your lips with the lip liner. Begin at the cupid’s bow and carefully follow the natural shape of your lips. Take your time and make sure the lines are straight and well-defined. If you need to correct any mistakes, use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover.
Fill in the lips with the lip liner
After outlining your lips, gently fill them in with the lip liner. This will create a base for your matte lipstick and help it adhere to your lips better. By filling in your lips with the lip liner, you’ll also ensure that if your lipstick fades throughout the day, there will still be color underneath.
Applying the Matte Lipstick
Now that your lips are prepped and primed, it’s time to apply your matte lipstick. Follow these steps to achieve a flawless and long-lasting application.
Use a lip brush for precision
For a more precise application, it is recommended to use a lip brush instead of applying the lipstick straight from the tube. A lip brush allows you to have more control over where the color goes and helps you achieve a more even application.
Apply the lipstick in thin layers
When applying matte lipstick, less is more. Start by dipping your lip brush into the lipstick and carefully apply a thin layer to your lips. Avoid applying too much product at once, as this can lead to a heavy and cakey appearance. Layering your lipstick in thin coats will give you more control over the intensity of the color.
Blotting for a long-lasting finish
After applying the first layer of lipstick, blot your lips with a tissue to remove any excess product and create a matte finish. Gently press the tissue against your lips without rubbing or smudging the color. This step helps set the lipstick and ensures it lasts longer throughout the day.
Perfecting the Application
To achieve a flawless matte lipstick application, it’s important to pay attention to the finer details and make any necessary adjustments.
Clean up any mistakes
If you made any mistakes or went outside the lines while applying your matte lipstick, don’t worry. You can easily correct them by dipping a cotton swab into some makeup remover and carefully erasing the smudges or uneven lines. Take your time and be patient, as precision is key for a perfect result.
Define the cupid’s bow
The cupid’s bow is the curve at the center of your upper lip. To make your lips look more defined and symmetrical, it’s important to accentuate the cupid’s bow. Use a small, angled brush dipped in foundation or concealer to trace along the cupid’s bow, then blend it out softly. This technique will give your matte lipstick a clean and polished look.
Avoid feathering or bleeding
To prevent your matte lipstick from feathering or bleeding outside the lip line, you can use a clear lip liner or apply a bit of concealer around the edges of your lips. This will act as a barrier and keep your lipstick in place. Additionally, opting for a long-wearing matte lipstick formula can also help prevent feathering and bleeding throughout the day.
Enhancing the Matte Look
To take your matte lipstick to the next level, you can enhance its appearance and add some extra dimension to your lips.
Add a touch of highlighter
For a radiant and dimensional look, apply a small amount of highlighter to the center of your upper and lower lips. This will create the illusion of fuller lips and add a subtle glow to your matte lipstick.
Set the lipstick with translucent powder
To boost the longevity of your matte lipstick, consider setting it with a touch of translucent powder. After applying your lipstick, take a clean powder brush and dip it lightly into some translucent powder. Gently press the brush against your lips to set the color. This step will help absorb any excess moisture and keep your lipstick in place for hours.
Layer with a clear gloss
If you prefer a slightly glossy finish to your matte lipstick, you can layer it with a clear lip gloss. Apply a thin layer of clear gloss to the center of your lips and lightly blend it out towards the edges. This will give your matte lipstick some shine without compromising its matte finish.
Maintaining Your Matte Lipstick
Once you have achieved the perfect matte lip look, it’s important to properly maintain it throughout the day.
Avoid excessive lip licking
Licking your lips excessively can cause your matte lipstick to smudge and fade faster. To maintain the longevity of your lipstick, try to refrain from licking or biting your lips. Instead, opt for a moisturizing lip balm to keep your lips hydrated without disturbing the matte finish.
Consume food and drinks carefully
When wearing matte lipstick, it’s best to be mindful of what you eat and drink. Avoid greasy or oily foods, as they can break down the lipstick and cause it to fade or transfer. When sipping on beverages, be careful not to press your lips too firmly against the cup, as this can also lead to smudging or transferring.
Reapply when necessary
Although matte lipsticks are known for their long-lasting formulas, it’s normal for some fading or touch-up to be required throughout the day, especially after meals or drinks. Keep your matte lipstick and lip liner handy for quick touch-ups when needed. Remove any excess product from your lips with a tissue before reapplying to avoid a buildup of layers.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the most careful application, it’s common to experience some issues with matte lipstick. Here are some troubleshooting tips for common problems.
Dealing with dryness or flakiness
If you experience dryness or flakiness while wearing matte lipstick, it’s important to address the issue before applying your lipstick. Make sure to exfoliate your lips and apply a moisturizing lip balm beforehand. If dryness persists, consider switching to a more hydrating formula or using a lip mask overnight to restore moisture to your lips.
Managing smudging or transfer
To prevent smudging or transfer, set your matte lipstick with translucent powder as mentioned earlier. Additionally, consider using a lip liner and applying it slightly over your natural lip line to create a barrier. Using a long-wearing formula can also help reduce the chances of smudging or transfer.
Fixing uneven or patchy application
If you notice your matte lipstick has been applied unevenly or appears patchy, you can correct it by carefully removing the lipstick with a makeup wipe or cotton pad. Start over by exfoliating, moisturizing, and then reapplying the lipstick. Make sure to apply it in thin layers and take your time to achieve an even and smooth finish.
Tips for Long-Lasting Matte Lips
To ensure your matte lipstick lasts throughout the day, incorporate these additional tips into your routine.
Prep your lips with a lip scrub
Before applying any matte lipstick, exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub to remove any dead skin cells and create a smooth canvas. This will help the lipstick adhere better and stay on longer.
Use a long-wearing formula
Opt for a long-wearing matte lipstick formula that is specifically designed to stay in place for hours. These formulas are often more pigmented and have better staying power than regular matte lipsticks.
Set your lipstick with a tissue and powder
For an extra-long-lasting matte lip look, try the tissue and powder method. After applying your lipstick, blot your lips with a tissue, then hold the tissue against your lips and lightly dust some translucent powder over it. This technique will lock in the color and help it stay vibrant all day.
Removing Matte Lipstick
At the end of the day, it’s important to remove your matte lipstick properly to keep your lips healthy and clean.
Use a makeup remover
Start by using a makeup remover to dissolve the matte lipstick. Choose a makeup remover that is specifically formulated for long-wearing and waterproof products. Apply the remover to a cotton pad and gently press it against your lips, holding it there for a few seconds to allow the product to break down the lipstick. Then, swipe the cotton pad in a downward motion to remove the color.
Try a lip balm or oil
After removing the matte lipstick with a makeup remover, apply a nourishing lip balm or lip oil to replenish moisture to your lips. Massage the balm or oil into your lips using gentle circular motions to stimulate blood circulation and leave your lips feeling soft and hydrated.
Gently exfoliate the lips afterward
To completely remove any leftover product and ensure your lips are fresh and smooth, gently exfoliate them after removing the matte lipstick. You can use a lip scrub or make your own by mixing sugar and honey. Massage the scrub onto your lips using circular motions, then rinse off with warm water.
In conclusion, applying matte lipstick requires proper preparation, color selection, and application technique to achieve a flawless finish. By exfoliating and moisturizing your lips, using a lip liner, and carefully applying the matte lipstick in thin layers, you can create a long-lasting and beautiful matte lip look. Don’t forget to maintain your matte lipstick throughout the day by avoiding lip licking, being mindful of food and drinks, and reapplying when necessary. With these expert tips and tricks, you’ll be able to master the art of matte lipstick application and enjoy stunning matte lips with confidence.
