Lip glosses may be intent on making a comeback, but the matte lipstick trend isn’t going anywhere. Not as long as Kylie Jenner and all of the matte-lipstick-loving beauty bloggers have a say, anyway.
Though Sephora and Ulta are crammed with matte lipstick options, not all products are created equal. The best matte lipsticks glide on without tugging and offer a…
Before You Buy: 12 Top-Rated Matte Lipsticks to Try Now (update/SEO)
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Before You Buy: 12 Top-Rated Matte Lipsticks to Try Now (update/SEO) #1
An of-the-moment matte lipstick is exactly the upgrade your makeup wardrobe needs. But finding a product that looks good and feels good can be a challenge, as matte formulations tend to be drying. Enter these best matte lipsticks that online reviewers swear are long-lasting, hydrating and saturated with color.
Image: Imaxtree
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NARS
A matte lipstick can have the prettiest pigment, but it means nothing if the finish is off. This chubby pencil coats lips with rich, velvety matte color for an expensive-looking finish. Yes, posh lips are a thing.
Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, $27 at Sephora
Sephora reviewer charski1: "Seriously, I've tried so many matte lipsticks and they are dry, uncomfortable feeling, and make my 50 yr old lips look like Return of the Mummy. Not so with NARS' version. It's creamy, goes on smoothly, doesn't bleed into cracks, and my lips look hydrated."
Sephora reviewer Audrianna227: "I'm usually not a fan of matte lip colors as they can sometimes be too drying. Not the case with this at all. It's very moisturizing and the pigment is great."
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MAC
There are matte lipsticks and then there are really matte lipsticks. This bold lippie definitely falls into the latter category thanks to its zero-shine finish. Don't be intimidated because it's still very flattering. With brights, neutrals and unconventional shades, there's a flattering option for everyone.
Lipstick Matte, $17 at Ulta
Ulta reviewer Scooby: "I was honestly shocked with how long I went before needing to reapply even after drinking and eating."
Ulta reviewer gcrg23: "Great lipstick for everyday use. Easy to apply and lasts all day. Love it."
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Bobbi Brown
A matte lipstick that's also creamy? It's possible. This formula doesn't sacrifice hydration for a matte finish. It successfully mixes a flattering matte look with bold color and a buttery bullet that easily disperses the color on lips. What more could we need?
Creamy Matte Lip Color, $29 at Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown reviewer Jen: "Fantastic matte lipstick...great pigment and good staying power. Great daily wear...love the creaminess...surprising and much appreciated in a matte lipstick!!"
Bobbi Brown reviewer Big Red: "Great consistency, doesn't cake up. Stays on for a very long time. I like that even though this lipstick is not glossy, it doesn't feel super dry on your lips like other matte lipsticks. I would highly recommend this lipstick, the first time I bought it I was pleasantly surprised."
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Bite Beauty
Color in lips with this easy-to-apply crayon applicator. It builds up to create a stunning matte finish without any unflattering white cast. And it keeps lips smooth and supple thanks to moisture-locking technology. The formula is also water-resistant, so go ahead and sip that cocktail.
Matte Crème Lip Crayon, $24 at Sephora
Sephora reviewer darby21: "I LOVE this formula! So comfortable, hydrating, and gorgeous. Lasts way longer than any of my other creme lipsticks! The color is gorgeous, too. New favorite for sure. Obsessed!"
Sephora reviewer yesuli: "This crayon is totally matte and highly pigmented but not drying. I will use this instead of super drying liquid lipsticks."
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Smashbox
This matte lipstick certainly is legendary. It glides effortlessly over lips, depositing a velvety pigment in one swipe. Unlike a lot of long-wearing formulas, it doesn't settle into creases or enhance dry patches.
Be Legendary Matte Lipstick, $21 at Ulta
Ulta reviewer PlusSizeBeauty: "It's creamy and comfortable to wear! I love this lipstick formula."
Ulta reviewer Sdee: "Full coverage within just one swipe. Velvet matte feel. Does not make your lips look dry. Long lasting."
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Clinique
Fans of satin finishes can ease their way into the matte trend with this soft-finish lipstick. It still delivers a velvety, full-coverage effect like proper matte lippies, but it doesn't have the powdery finish. Warning: It's the gateway lipstick to a full-blown matte obsession thanks to how fresh it looks hours after it's applied.
Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick, $8.50 at Clinique
Clinique reviewer ak97: "This is my favorite matte lipstick. It stays on all day long and does not dry out the lips! 10/10 recommend!"
Clinique reviewer CamiLee: "This lipstick is by far the best that I have ever used. They have amazing shades in it, and it stays on almost all day without having to reapply. I would absolutely recommend it to anybody and for the price that it cost it is a great deal! You should try it in your favorite shade today. Trust me I think you're going to absolutely love it!"
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NYX Professional Makeup
A matte lipstick can't just be long-wearing — it also has to be comfortable. This one is both. It rivals lipsticks three times its price thanks to the pigmented formula that glides on without dragging. Did we mention there are 45 shades to choose from?
Matte Lipstick, $6 at NYX Cosmetics
NYX reviewer shaky: "The Matte Lipstick was my first purchase and I absolutely fell in love! It goes on smooth, doesn't dry out, and the color lasts for hours so you don't have to keep reapplying."
NYX reviewer Paunchy: "I purchased Aria at Ulta as a dupe to a MUCH more expensive brand and I loved it more than the one I was trying to copy. So smooth and it lasts through coffee and lunch lol."
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Butter London
Moisturizing and matte sounds like an oxymoron, but this lipstick shows that we truly can have both. It's not necessary to slather on lip balm when wearing this hydrating matte lipstick. It feels like butter on lips.
LIPPY Moisture Matte Lipstick, $22 at Ulta
Ulta reviewer VSkillman: "Best lipstick I've ever owned! Very smooth going on and the stain lasted through dinner! I will definitely buy more shades!!"
Ulta reviewer Christine: "I love the long lasting color, I've tried various brands of 'long wear' lip color and this is the best I've found."
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E.L.F.
This is why lipsticks shouldn't be judged by their price. The budget-friendly pick is silky yet matte and it can be swiped on lips with minimal effort. Get all seven shades from the collection and they will cost less than one high-end lipstick.
Velvet Matte Lipstick, $3 at Ulta
Ulta reviewer Stef26: "This lipstick is by far my favourite so far. It stays on your lips all day, doesn't smudge and it doesn't even feel like you're wearing anything on your lips. It has great pigment and feels amazing when it's on."
Ulta reviewer Nikkine: "I just recently bought this and so far I am loving this. I have had such a hard time finding lipsticks. They always dried out my lips. This one hasn't done that."
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Laura Mercier
Laura Mercier takes matte to a new level by merging matte powders with nourishing mango butter for a satin-matte effect. The lipstick actually feels as soft as velour on lips, but tastes a lot better thanks to the mango.
Velour Lovers Lip Colour, $28 at Sephora
Sephora reviewer Renbug: "This is my absolute favorite lipstick (and I literally own hundreds of lipsticks). It goes on smoothly, doesn't feather, is highly pigmented, and lasts and lasts and lasts. I have a huge issue with lipsticks coming off too easily or only staying around the outside of my lips (which looks a hot mess). I own this lipstick in several shades, and all of them have serious staying power without feeling dry. I usually touch up once in mid-afternoon and that's it."
Sephora reviewer olgreeneyes: "I usually can't wear matte lipsticks because they are drying and make it so obvious my lips are parched. This keeps my lips smooth and plump and truly is velvety. Will definitely buy more."
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CoverGirl
Everyone needs to try out this rich matte lipstick regardless of their stance on celebrity makeup collaborations. It has a demi-matte finish that falls somewhere between a fuzzy velvet matte and a cream. Apply the moisturizing bullet to lips and demi-matte just might become your new favorite makeup finish.
Katy Kat Matte Lipstick, $8.99 at Ulta
Ulta reviewer lindseybug913: "This is one of my favorite lipsticks right now. The color is very vibrant and the formula is matte so it stays longer."
Ulta reviewer Megan: "I absolutely love this lipstick! It goes on well and stays several hours! Plus the undertones in most of the shades are very complementary to my skin tone!"
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Christian Louboutin
The appeal of this lipstick extends far beyond the stunning packaging. Simply applying the elegant lipstick is a luxurious experience thanks to its subtle scent. It's the suede formula that seals the deal, though. It's full-coverage, full of pigment and full of glamour.
Rouge Louboutin Velvet Matte Lip Colour, $90 at Nordstrom
Nordstrom reviewer lslip: "This is the bestest!!! I have used every brand of lipstick and this is far superior. Stay power, smooth, beautiful color what more could you ask for?"
Nordstrom reviewer Hajra: "Very nice colour, it glides smoothly on the lips, feels moisturizing, does not dry out the skin, feels great and looks very nice."
