Get the Celebrity Matte Look

As far as lipsticks go, matte lips are a huge trend right now. When done right, the look is understated and chic showing off the natural shapeliness of your lips, if it goes wrong the lips become uneven, cracked showing off a mouth of dried, tinted flakes.

Achieving the matte finish can be tricky unlike cream and shimmer lipstick formulas that contain emollients and other moisturizing ingredients which keeps the lips moisturized, smoother and plumper!

Whereas the Matte formulas are harder to apply because they don’t contain those moisturizing ingredients, wearing them makes the lip drier which affects an even dryer lips.

Though, matte lipsticks don’t have moisture locked in but one can create a perfectly moisturized ‘base’ before achieving the matte look:

Choose a Balm

It is always a good idea to have a lip moisturizer handy at all times. When lips are well moisturized, lipsticks stay longer and glide on smoothly.

It is important to choose a perfect balm, not necessarily over oily but one that deeply conditions and moisturizes. Oil based products like chapsticks and Vaseline are good but should not be worn under a lipstick because they are too oily, you end up running your lipstick- the lipstick will not stay on, they’ll keep slipping. You do not want that.

One balm that stands out for me however is Carmex moisturizing lip balm (in classic) it is creamy and disappears underneath your lipstick. Apply the balm few minutes before using your lipstick.

Exfoliate

Before applying any matte lipstick, make sure you have a thoroughly exfoliated/ well-scrubbed lips, this ensures you have a smooth base to work on.

Apply a pea- sized amount of your sugar scrub on your lips using a gentle circular motion with your fingers, buff off any roughness or patches. This ensures you come out with very soft and smooth lips, a perfect surface for a matte finish. If you wear matte lipstick regularly, make scrubbing your lips a daily regimen at night.

Matte Lip Pencil

For everyday wear, consider using a matte lip stain. They usually come in form of a plump pencil and by all means softer and creamier than a traditional lipstick. They can even be layered under another lipstick to add staying power!

If lips feel dried-out or uncomfortable after a few hours, apply a dab of your creamy lip conditioner to the center of your lips and rub together. The added moisture will plump up lips without adding unnecessary shine.