Matte Lipstick: The Newest Lip Trend, as a Matte-r of Fact

By Jillian Fleischman

We’ve all been there, stuck in a style-rut. Routine gets the best of us and we find ourselves waking up for work each morning, applying the same makeup products, in the same order and wondering why we feel dull and drab. We want to switch up our look, but not in a complete makeover sort of way. And we certainly don’t want to break the bank in the process. This spring, a mini-makeover is easier than ever, just get a jumpstart on a fall trend we’re already excited for: matte lips.

While glossy lips and dewy skin usually mark the beginning of spring, for those of us looking to change up the status quo, a quick (and affordable) swap of your liquid lip lacquers for a matte pout can go a long way. We know that it can be difficult to incorporate a new beauty trend into your look without feeling absurd (multi-colored hair, blue lipstick and contrasting eyeliners worm simultaneously come to mind), but, we assure you, this one is as easy as they come.

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It’s understandable that it might be hard to let go of your trusted lip gloss – after all, the lip trend for the past few years has been glossy or bust – but this look is surprisingly versatile, far from boring and can work on every skin tone. Perfect for day or night, you can go matte with any hue, and, since Fashion Week where designers (including Alexander Wang and Samantha Pleet) debuted this look, many makeup brands are doing just that. From the 4 nude shades of Oxymoron Matte Glosses from Lipstick Queen ($20 at wonderlandbeautyparlor.com) to the bright and edgy Ruby Woo in Matte Finish from MAC ($14 at maccosmetics.com), you can subtly (or not so subtly) take on this trend in whatever way works for you.

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If you’re feeling a bit hesitant about getting on board with matte, rather than buying a new hue, matte out your trusted favorites with translucent powder. This was, after all, the trick behind the matte lip created by DEX backstage at Samantha Pleet’s fall runway show at NY Fashion Week. After applying a favorite color, blot your lips with a tissue before rubbing your finger in a translucent (or color-matching) powder. Dab the powder on your lips to eliminate the shine, doubling up on the powder application in the center of your lower lip for a more fashion-forward pout, a play on the usually seen center sheen.

Just a tip: matte lipsticks can sometimes make your lips dry. So, to save yourself from chapped lips after you’ve perfectly applied your lipstick, try adding a coat of lip balm before your matte look. Not only will it moisturize, but also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around your precious pout.

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Photography Credit (left): Style.com