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If you’re looking for a bold new addition to your makeup routine, look no further than a matte liquid lipstick. The lip will last all day and it’s not shiny so it gives you a more natural look. When it comes to a matte finish, your lips stand out more because it counts as a liner and a lipstick.
Not only does a matte liquid lipstick plump your lips, pop your tan, and make your pout stand out, it stays in place all day long and can be worn from desk to dinner. Plus, you don’t use as much of your lipstick because you don’t have to reapply often, therefore you’re saving money.
From lipsticks that go on glossy but dry matte to lipsticks with up to 12 hours of staying power, we rounded up all of our favorite matte liquid lipsticks of 2024. No matter what type of color or formula you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone that will be sure to make you stand out and you can see all of our top picks below!
Comparing the Top Matte Liquid Lipstick of 2024
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Un-nude Liquid Lipstick — Best Overall
Available in 35 shades, this matte liquid lipstick is highly pigmented and lasts for up to 16 hours without smudging. Even better, it comes with a pack of 2 lipsticks. It glides on easily and has a precision-tip applicator in the shape of an arrow that makes it super easy to apply inside the lines and around the crevices of your lips. The shades range in colors from nudes to pinks and reds.
Pros
- Two lipsticks come in a pack
Cons
- The two shades in a pack of 2 are the same
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Soft Matte Lip Cream — Runner Up
This super creamy lipstick is available in 32 shades ranging from nudes to deep reds and is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. The super creamy formula makes the lipstick glide on easily and seamlessly, plus, it doesn’t dry out so you don’t have to worry about your lips cracking. The lipstick is highly-pigmented and lightweight so you don’t even feel it when you have it on.
Pros
- It’s 100% vegan & cruelty-free
Cons
- It stays on for a very long time
stila Stay All Day Liquid Matte Lipstick — Honorable Mention
This matte liquid lipstick is weightless and rich in color, plus it comes in 17 gorgeous shades. It stays in place for up to 12 hours so you can wear it to work and take it straight to dinner without having to reapply. It has a doe-foot applicator which makes it super easy for the color to glide on your lips, plus, it gives you the precision to achieve a perfect pout.
Pros
- It has a doe-foot applicator
Cons
- It’s a bit pricey
wet n wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Lipstick — Contender
This highly-pigmented lipstick comes in 9 shades ranging from red to purple and the formula is 100% cruelty-free. The bold color lasts all day and is super moisturizing. Even better, it goes on glossy but dries with a matte finish, so you’re lips are being hydrated as you apply. You don’t need to reapply this lipstick and it is never tested on animals.
Pros
- It has a hydrating formula
Cons
- There are only 9 shades available
theBalm Meet Matte Hughes Lip Color — Also Consider
If you want a highly-pigmented lipstick that stays put all day without smudging or fading, then this one is for you. Available in 12 shades, this lipstick comes with a doe-foot applicator which makes applying the lipstick a breeze. Plus, it has a subtle vanilla-mint flavor that is delicious.
Pros
- It is super lightweight
Cons
- It has a vanilla mint flavor
Buying Guide: Matte Liquid Lipsticks
Good liquid lipstick is one that you can use reliably, consistently, and easily. Here’s all you need to know about liquid lipsticks and their matte versions.
The Iconic Nature of Lipsticks
Lipsticks are, by far, the most well-known lip product on the market. There are other ways to apply color to your lips - you have lip tints, lip whips, and even lip balms. However, none of them come close to the iconic status of lipsticks. One could even argue that lipsticks are the face of makeup as a whole. The question is, why are they so popular?
It has to do with the nature of lip products and their purpose as a whole. They help elevate your entire look while also sometimes helping nourish your lips. Moisturized, healthy lips make you appear youthful and lively, whereas dull and dry lips make you look aged and sickly.
The lipstick works the way it does because it makes your lips look a certain way - traditionally, this meant red colors akin to that of healthy lips. Over time, trends change, and so did lipstick colors - and that’s where the matte finish comes in.
Matte is a type of finish that has no shine or luster. If you imagine any color you’d like, but in play dough form, that’s what matte usually looks like. The lack of any sort of shine or sparkle may seem like a bad thing, but it actually makes your lips stand out even more.
Our brain draws our attention to things that don’t look “normal”. Someone with blue hair will stand out among a crowd of brown, black, and blonde hair simply because blue is not a natural hair color. This concept works with lipsticks too - matte colors aren’t natural for lips, so they easily draw the attention of others.
When Should I Use a Matte Lipstick?
Matte lipsticks can be used in all sorts of situations, but there are specific scenarios where it is best to use them.
When you want to wear lipstick all-day
One inherent advantage of matte over other types of lipstick is that they don’t fade away as noticeably as other lipstick types. Glossy lipstick can be somewhat noticeable as it fades after a long day of work since it loses its shine. However, matte lipsticks will be far more subtle, and while the matte color may fade and give way to your natural lip color, it’s not nearly as noticeable.
When you’re attending formal occasions
You can technically use all sorts of lipsticks for whatever party, meeting, or other events you need to attend. However, matte has this quality to it that makes it especially fitting for formal events. Think about it - when you think of formal attire, you think of business dresses and suits, plain colors, and so on.
With matte lipstick, you can garner a bit of attention while also sticking to the overall theme of the attire. Its presence is subtle but visible. Matte lipstick is also great during the evenings when glossy lipstick won’t be nearly as visible.
Things to Remember When Choosing Matte Liquid Lipsticks
Tone
One important factor in choosing matte liquid lipsticks is the tone of the lipstick itself. After all, that’ll be the color on your lips for the rest of the day or night, so you’ll want to choose something that you can comfortably wear the whole time.
If you want to play it safe, then picking a matte color or tone that’s similar to your natural lip color will do just fine.
Volume
Lipstick doesn’t last forever. At some point, you’re going to run out of lipstick and be forced to buy some more. So, why not plan ahead? Picking the right size for your lipstick is crucial, especially if you’re planning on trying out various types of lipstick.
If you’re in the process of picking the right lipstick for you, we recommend choosing smaller sizes first to test the colors out without spending too much. You can then narrow down your selection after careful consideration and buy larger sticks for the ones that you intend on trying out for a bit longer.
How We Choose the Top Matte Liquid Lipsticks
Our matte liquid lipstick recommendations are based on a few factors. For one, we decide based on the quality of the ingredients and the materials used for both the lipstick formula as well as the tube. We also consider the brand’s history, and so on. Finally, we check the product reviews on sites like Amazon to see if they’re well-received by multiple people.
