Are Matte Lips Really Over? I Think Not!
Let’s take a trip down memory lane…
It’s the year 2015. Kylie Jenner has social media in a stir, as her signature tiny pout begins to take on a fuller, plumper shape. On her show and media she assures fans its simply due to an over lining technique and matte liquid lipstick. Shortly thereafter, she releases her beauty line and matte lip kits that take the beauty industry by storm, with almost every brand fighting to outdo each other, and make the best matte lipstick formula.
Whether or not the lipstick was the true source of Kylie’ growing lips, there’s something to be said about the virtues of liquid lipsticks.
A matte lip color not only gives lips a fuller smoother appearance (when paired with a good primer or chapstick), but also make wearing colors much less daunting. Even the brightest of shades of pink or purple have a more palatable appearance without the shine factor. Even before the birth of the lip kits we spoke of earlier, MAC’s bright red Ruby Woo was - and continues to be - a staple red in the bags of every makeup lover. What really makes the color a classic is that Retro Matte finish that turns head, and stays on the lips forever.
In 2019, glosses are taking center stage once again.
It’s to be expected, being that trends just recycle and reincarnate, year after year. While just a couple years ago, it seemed that everyone was wearing a matte lip color, this year I can count such sightings on my hand. But just because the fad is over, does that mean matte looks are extinct? No way. Just like we were wearing matte colors before the trend, we can still wear them now. And some of our favorite brands are out here giving us matte colors that are worthy of our attention, no matter the season or trend.
Here are some of our favorite matte lip products:
Figgie Smalls by Beauty Bakerie
BEAUTY BAKERIE LIP WHIPS
There’s so much I could say about the insanely consistent, Black-owned beauty brand that is Beauty Bakerie, but I will stay on topic. One of the first products to make up the now extensive collection of long-wearing beauty products by the brand, is their Lip Whip. Designed to be worn after a nice lip exfoliation with their Sugar Scrub, the range consists of popping shades of goodness that aren’t going anywhere until you decide you want them come off. That’s what I want from a lipstick— longevity and rich colors like their cool toned red Cranberry Stiletto, the luxurious plum colored She’s Just Jelly, and the dusty rose Sangria Splash.
Rio by Anastasia Beverly Hills
ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS LIQUID LIPSTICK
Known for so many iconic products, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipsticks seem to fly under the radar. Although the reviews on quality vary, if you know how to use a matte lipstick, the myriad of uniquely vibrant shades ABH offers will definitely draw you to this formula. Out of the 29 shades, my favorite is by far is Rio, described as ‘blue toned, hot pink.’ I’d never wear this color in any other formula besides matte.
Your Majesty by Bobbi Brown
BOBBI BROWN LUXE LIQUID LIP VELVET
Bobbi Brown is a brand that has been around for a long time. Not one to hop on every trend or bandwagon in the beauty industry, this cosmetic company has been catering to brown skinned women for years. Their take on mattes, although limited in offerings, consists of eight beautiful shades that would look great on everyone. Even though I try to be colorful when I can, nothing warms my heart more than a dark deep shade like Your Majesty, a brownish purple.
Unattached by Fenty
FENTY STUNNA LIP PAINT
Although the original bright red, Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored was released almost two years ago, the brand hasn’t stopped giving us shades that are equally as stunning and eye-catching in their super wearable matte formula. From the peachy coral Unattached and the neon pink Unlocked, to the moody grape Undefeated - I’m totally in love.
Bug a Boo by Colourpop
COLOURPOP LIPPIE STIX/LIQUID LIPSTICKS
The brand that seems to release brand new products in every imaginable category, is still providing us with the oldies but goodies that first won us over. Namely, their matte liquid lipsticks and Lippie Stix. Priced in the single digits, Colourpop allows us to experiment with the colors of a matte rainbow, without breaking the bank. Some of my favorite shades are the Lippie Stix in Infinite Best and Runaway, and the Liquid Lipstick in Bugaboo and Punch Bowl.
Cover Image Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics
