I’m a minimalist when it comes to makeup so I like to make an impact with what little makeup I use. Generally, I keep things simple with a swipe of eyeliner, mascara and lipstick. My favorite way to make a bold impression is with matte lipstick. To me, nothing compares to the velvety-soft, sumptuous finish of a matte lip. However, this look comes at a price: dry, chapped lips. Not only do matte lipsticks often sap the moisture from your lips but they do so in the least forgiving manner possible, leaving you with a peeling, flaky, pout. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way, to the point that I don’t even attempt the matte look without priming my lips ahead of time. Here are a few steps that I take to keep my lips moist and matte-worthy.
Stay Hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is a good self-care practice in general. But I’ve found that it works wonders for my lips, also. Staying hydrated helps your body–including your lips–retain moisture. Test this out for yourself: after you chug (not sip!) a bottle of water, touch your lips. You’ll notice that they feel extraordinarily soft and moist. Keep up the good work!(Note: this works best if your lips aren’t already chapped. If you’re starting from chapped lips, keep reading for my next few tips.)
It’s The Balm! There are many great brands to choose from, so any brand will do. My favorite is eos Active Organic lip balm Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm is my favorite, giving you soft, plush color along with moisture and comfort on your lips. This particular product is a pre-sharpened, crayon-style balm that’s easy to apply. One caviat, however: you’ll run out of this matte balm quickly. The tubes don’t hold a lot and it’s so fun to use that you’ll want to wear it all the time.
Proceed With Exfoliation. This is a step I refrain from unless I want soft matte-worthy lips in a hurry. There are beauty products that can help you in a pinch, even if you’re already experiencing dryness and chapping. If you know a Mary Kay salesperson, reach out to them for the incredible Satin Lips set. It includes two products: a lip scrub that gently and effectively exfoliates dry skin, and a lip balm that provides moisture, protection and softness on your lips. Mary Kay’s Satin Lips is my favorite product to use for this purpose but Chap Stick’s Total Hydration lip scrub is a close second. Available in a few different varieties like Fresh Peppermint and Sugar Plum, it’s a gentle way to relieve your lips from chapping and flaking. Chap Stick’s Total Hydration range includes a number of other products like glosses and vitamin-enriched lip oil.
Matte To Your Heart’s Content. Now for the fun part! You’ll find that the possibilities are endless when it comes to matte lipstick. There are some brands that I look forward to trying (Fenty Beauty’s Mattemoiselle Plush, I’m looking at you!) But I already have a few brands that I adore, including the aforementioned Matte Balm by Revlon and ColorSensational by Maybelline. These are easy to apply, come in a variety of shades, and provide long-lasting wear throughout the day.
Matte lipstick is a great way to achieve a glamorous, fashion-forward look. Be sure to get the most out of it by nourishing and moisturizing your lips. Go for it!