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The Matte Lipstick Revival Is Upon Us
A far cry from the drying liquid formulas of old, the new matte is vivid, velvety and supremely soft. Here, see the formulas to try now.
If you succumbed to the chalky matte Lip Kit somewhere between 2015 and 2019, this news may cause you to cling on to your lip balm for dear life: matte is back. But wait! Come back. This time, it’s different. We’ve learned from our mistakes, and 2024’s velvet lip revival is reassuringly cooler, chicer and – crucially – much more comfortable to wear.
The beauty world’s most fashion-adjacent brands are banking on soft, suede-like textures this season. At Byredo, make-up artist Lucia Pica has launched a line of fluffy, light-as-air liquid lipsticks that look best when applied gently and smudged with a finger. They’ll last as long as you do, and won’t dry into a flaky mess by lunchtime.
Similarly, Gucci Westman’s latest launch is a collection of matte bullets infused with oils to condition lips. ‘I think we have moved on from heavy, blocky formulas that don’t feel comfortable on the lips,’ the make-up artist says. ‘With my Lip Suede lipsticks, I really wanted to create something soft that feels easy to wear, almost like a balm, but with the appearance of a matte finish.’
The star of Prada’s bold colour project is an edit of super-bright, extra-matte lipsticks that deliver a stamped-on pop of colour that remains looking fresh for hours, while Hermés’ limited-edition lipsticks come in candied shades of flamingo and tangerine.
Of course, even the best matte lipstick requires a little prep to ensure it looks its best. According to make-up artist Lesley Keane, the key to a flawless result is exfoliation, ensuring there are no patches or snags for your pigment to cling onto. 'Firstly, exfoliate the lips, then put on a deep-moisturising lip balm and allow it time to sink in before you move onto the next step', she suggests. 'After 5-10 minutes, press down on the lips with a sheet of dry tissue to absorb any excess moisture – this will prevent the texture of your lipstick changing.'
For especially dramatic looks, Keane also recommends applying a matte yet moisturising primer (not easy to come across, but MAC Prep & Prime is perfect) before going in with your lip colour. 'This gives a base for the matte lipstick to adhere to and allows for easier application,' she explains. 'Finally, apply your lipstick and neaten up the edges with a lip brush or a lip liner.'
From rich creams to tinted balms and hydrating long-wear liquids, each of the brilliant formulas below offers a soft matte finish as well as supreme comfort, thanks to nourishing ingredients and advanced pigments. Finally, a matte we can really get on board with...
The New Matte Lipsticks To Know Now
Miuccia Prada knows colour better than most designers, so it should come as little surprise to learn her debut beauty venture contains some stellar shades. The brand's slick, metal-cased Hyper Matte lipsticks are bold, buttery and brimming with impact: choose Fuoco for the perfect true red, or Fuxia for a saccharine, Pepto-Bismol pink that feels punkishly, perfectly Prada.
The new matte sister to Byredo's Liquid Lipstick Vinyl, these innovative formulas are somehow equal parts airy and impactful. The creamy, comforting colour can be smudged softly for a diffused look or built up for major impact. And of course, with colour genius Lucia Pica at the helm, you can expect an array of unique and beautifully flattering hues.
This spring, Hermès has launched a trio of limited-edition lipsticks in truly electrifying shades. Rouge Cinétique is the ultimate high-impact red, while Rose Pop is a skin-enlivening flamingo pink that'll instantly lift any look (as well as your mood). But if we had to choose just one, it would surely be Orange Neon: a retina-burning take on the house's iconic signature hue.
We were so taken aback at just how good these lipsticks are, we've been telling everyone to get on the bandwagon. The bullet is unusually light and creamy, and does indeed seem to skim over feathery lines to make lips look intensely smoothed and volumised. Rouge Determine is the ultimate postbox red, but there's a nude to suit every skin tone too.
Gucci Westman's biggest lip launch to date, Lip Suede is a punchy, pigmented formula packed with hyaluronic acid and meadowfoam oil to ensure it doesn't leave lips feeling parched. In fact, it does quite the contrary, delivering plumping, comfortable moisture all day long.
Dior's tinted lip balms combine the matte finish of a lipstick with the hydrating properties of a balm, meaning you won't get that flaky finish after a few hours of wear. Great for smoothing and plumping, the naturally-focused formula feels super comfortable, and the translucent pigment wont transfer onto your white shirt.
You can halt your hunt for the perfect matte red lipstick right now – we've found The One. Yves Saint Laurent's offering has the perfect levels of pigment – it's matte, but won't highlight any flaky patches – and boasts a skinny, square bullet that makes it easy to define your cupid's bow. As for the red? It's shade 23: Mystery Red. You can thank us later.
Gucci's suitably rebellious lipstick line is where you'll find all those high-pigment, high-fashion shades that really make an outfit pop. From fluro purples to the most perfect fuchsia pink, there's something for every predilection here.
It should come as little surprise to hear Tom Ford makes the best long-wear liquid lipstick. The most matte of them all, this power-pigmented formula feels comfortable to wear, but sticks around for hours on end (no matter how many margaritas are consumed). The shades are – again, unsurprisingly – ultra-glamorous, so expect flawless nudes and seductive deep tones.
Ok, here it is: the brightest, most velvety lipstick you'll likely ever come across. If you like your finish scorchingly bright and as matte as suede, head straight for queen Pat McGrath. The longevity is extreme, but be sure to moisturise your lips before applying.
There's an endless array of matte liquid lipsticks out there today, but most are incredibly drying and lead to cracked, flaky patches within a few hours.
Maybelline's brilliant Super Stay Matte Ink, however, strikes the perfect balance: high-pigment drama with a matte yet comfortable finish.
The most legendary of all MAC's classic products, this is the ultimate budge-proof bullet. There are enough shades to have you scrolling for the next hour, but real insiders know the first one to head for is the unbeatable true-red Ruby Woo. Wear it with everything, from a white tee to oversized suiting.
Queen of the nude lip, Jamie Genevieve has launched a spectrum of shades that range from warm-toned caramels to deep, cool taupes. The formula is matte yet creamy, and lasts for hours.
Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing shopping strategy and content across fashion, beauty, and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from market-leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, while also regularly updating a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, heritage cashmere brands and niche new dress brands to know.
Roberta has more than 15 years' experience in the luxury sector, spanning editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel, and Vogue.
When not testing beauty products, trialling trends and curating content that spotlights the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found trawling resale sites and vintage stores for a long-coveted designer find. Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder
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