If you want to complete your look with a plump pout, the perfect matte lipstick can transform your lips, whether you wish to sport a casual nude tone or a glamorous evening red. Matte lipsticks are often used by people who wish to make their lip color wear longer and won’t smudge or fade as quickly as regular lipstick or gloss.
We have reviewed dozens of matte lipsticks to find the best of the best. We considered the longevity of wear, smudge-proofing, formulation, how natural the shade is, price, and customer reviews.
After reviewing dozens of products, Maybelline Makeup Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick stood out to us as the best. This matte lipstick is available in 30 different colors, boasts a unique applicator for precision application, and can last up to 16 hours.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Matte Lipsticks
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Maybelline Makeup Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick | 4.0 |
| Runner Up | Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick | 3.9 |
| Best Budget Buy | Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick | 3.9 |
| Best Liquid | NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick | 4.1 |
| Best Long Lasting | Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor | 4.0 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Maybelline Makeup Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
If you’re looking for a long-wearing matte lip color which is smudge free and easy to apply, Maybelline Makeup Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick is an excellent choice. This matte lipstick has a unique arrow-shaped applicator to ensure smooth, precise color application on the lips.
This lipstick comes in 30 different colors, from pink and mauve shades to nude and red tones. The extensive shade range is suitable for all skin tones and types. The pigmented matte color applies evenly on the lips and dries down to a long-wearing matte finish.
The matte color lasts up to 16 hours and is transfer-proof, so it won’t smear onto a coffee cup, cutlery, or your clothing. At the end of the day, the matte color can be removed with your favorite makeup remover, cleanser, or lipstick remover by Maybelline.
This 5ml tube of matte liquid lipstick is priced at around $7.98, depending on the shade you choose, making it an affordable option for all matte lipstick fans. It has a great average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from an eye-boggling 23,000 customers, so chances are you’ll love it too.
Maybelline Makeup Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick Key Features:
- Long-wearing
- Smudge-proof
- Precise application
Our Runner Up Pick: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick is a long-wearing matte lip color, available in 37 different shades. The shade range includes nudes, pinks, and reds, suitable for a wide range of skin tones. The bold lip color applies smoothly and evenly, feeling weightless and comfortable on the lips.
Lasting up to 12 hours of wear, this matte lipstick doesn’t bleed or transfer so it won’t smudge while you’re eating or drinking. The doe foot applicator enables precise application on the lips.
The formulation is enriched with avocado oil and vitamin E to keep your lips conditioned during wear. The sweet scent makes wearing this matte lip color pleasant. At around $22, this matte liquid lipstick is a little more expensive than other options on our best of list, but the overall hydrating formula, long-wear, and pigmented color make this product a great option, especially for those with dry lips. It also has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 3000 customers, so you can feel confident this product lives up to the hype.
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick Key Features:
- Comfortable to wear
- Conditions lips with avocado oil and vitamin E
- Long-wearing
Best Budget Pick: Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick
If you’re searching for an excellent matte lipstick on a budget, Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick is a great pick. This matte lipstick is in the shade ‘A Touch of Spice’, which is a mauve shade. The highly pigmented color is in lip bullet form, making it easy for the traditional lipstick wearer to apply.
The non-drying lipstick formula contains precious oils for comfortable wear, while the formulation is also long-lasting and can be paired with a Maybelline lip liner for extra long-wearing color.
For under $6, this affordable matte lipstick is ideal for those who are new to wearing matte shades on their lips, or for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on makeup. There are over 1200 reviews on Amazon with a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, making this matte lipstick one of the most popular options.
Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick Key Features:
- Creamy formula
- Highly pigmented color
- Lipstick bullet
Best Liquid Matte Lipstick: NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick
If you prefer a liquid formulation to a traditional lipstick bullet, NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick is a brilliant option. This matte liquid lipstick is in the shade ‘Soft Spoken’ which is a natural looking nude mauve shade. The waterproof color is enriched with avocado oil and vitamin E to condition your lips during wear.
This pigmented lip color glides onto your lips before drying down to a velvety matte finish. Transfer proof, you can confidently wear this lipstick without worrying about smudging your lip color when eating or drinking. The color doesn’t feel sticky and it stays put even in hot weather.
Priced just under $6, this is an affordable option for anyone searching for waterproof, long-wearing color. It dries quickly and the tube contains 4ml of product. It has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 7000 customers, making it a very highly-rated choice.
NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick Key Features:
- Waterproof lip color
- Velvety matte finish
- Natural looking nude mauve shade
Best Long-Lasting Matte Lipstick: Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color
Look no further for a long-lasting matte lipstick than Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color. This lightweight gel formula feels comfortable to wear and is hydrating so those with dry lips can easily wear this lip color. The plush applicator enables precise application to deliver an even and smooth matte lip color.
This matte lipstick has a mango and vanilla fragrance and there are 16 shades available. Whether you’re looking for a bold pink or soft nude, there is a wide range of high definition shades to complement your style.
The creamy color dries quickly and lasts for hours so you can easily wear it throughout the day without having to reapply. There are around 2400 customer reviews on Amazon with an overall average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Priced at $7, this is both a high quality and affordable matte lipstick.
Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color Key Features:
- Long-wearing
- Hydrating formulation
- Plush applicator for even and precise application
Who Should Buy Matte Lipstick
Anyone who loves wearing makeup should buy a matte lipstick. Matte lipsticks have the advantage of wearing longer than traditional or glossy lipsticks. Additionally, they can help to make your lips look fuller and plumper. Looking for more great makeup options? Check out our review of the best makeup kits.
Matte lips are a popular trend and are available in a range of shades, making them suitable for everyone. Even those with dry lips can wear matte lipstick as many formulations contain hydrating ingredients for comfortable wear. Anyone wanting to wear lipstick which lasts all day and doesn’t need reapplying after eating or drinking should purchase a matte lipstick.
Important Features to Consider
A matte lipstick should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a matte lipstick:
- Formulation. If you have dry lips you may need a formulation with conditioning properties to hydrate your lips during wear. Some formulations may feel drying which won’t be suitable for those with dry lips.
- Shade. Matte lipsticks come in a range of shades, from pinks and nudes to vibrant plums and reds. Your chosen shade will depend on your desired preferences.
- Applicator. Some matte lipsticks are in traditional bullet form while others come in a tube with an applicator. The shape of the applicator can help with precise application.
- Wear time. Matte lipsticks tend to wear longer than other lipsticks, but some may last longer than others. Some matte lipsticks may only last a few hours and will need reapplying. Those that last for 12 hours or more will wear well during the day and won’t need to be reapplied.
- Dry time. This is how quickly the matte lipstick takes to dry down once applied to the lips. Some matte lipsticks dry instantly whereas others may take a few minutes to dry to a matte finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between matte and glossy lipstick?
Glossy lipstick has a shiny finish and can be fully opaque in color, slightly sheer or sheer. The luminous finish is beneficial for helping to create the illusion of plumper lips. They’re also hydrating to help condition dry lips. Matte lipstick has a fully opaque color with a smooth texture. Matte finishes are excellent for hiding patchy lips. As matte lipstick tends to have little moisture, it wears for longer.
Is matte lipstick drying?
Many matte lipsticks contain hydrating ingredients, such as avocado oil, to help hydrate your lips. Matte lipsticks which are formulated without moisturizing ingredients tend to be drying on the lips. This is because matte lipstick contains pigment, wax, and only a small amount of oil compared to other types of lipsticks. This formulation ensures a rich, long-lasting color is created.
Dryer formulations of matte lipstick can settle into cracks on the lips, and highlight any dry patches of skin. The best way to avoid this is to exfoliate your lips before wearing matte lipstick. You can simply mix some brown sugar and coconut oil together and gently scrub this mixture over your lips for one to two minutes. Follow with a little lip balm to lock in moisture.
Can you put lip balm over matte lipstick?
Putting lip balm over matte lipstick will affect the matte finish. Instead, put lip balm on your lips before applying your matte lipstick. Just ensure that you blot your lips to remove any lip balm residue before lipstick application. This ensures your matte lipstick gives a completely matte finish.
How do you remove matte lipstick?
You can remove matte lipstick with any makeup-removing cleanser. If you don’t own this product, try putting Vaseline on your lips, leaving on for one minute, and removing with a soft muslin cloth. Alternatively, you can use a pea-sized amount of coconut oil or a matte lipstick remover product.
Other Matte Lipsticks We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other matte lipsticks. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best matte lipsticks list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Liquid Matte Lipsticks
theBalm Meet Matt Hughes Lip Color
This liquid matte lipstick comes in 12 different shades, delivering lightweight, pigmented color. The doe foot applicator gives a precision application, while the matte color lasts for hours on the lips.
Key Features:
- Vanilla and mint scent
- Doe foot applicator
- Lightweight, comfortable color
Cost: $13
Covergirl Matte Idol Liquid Lipstick
This lipstick is available in 12 colors, offering 24 hours transfer-proof lip color. The lightweight matte finish is vegan-friendly and has a smooth finish.
Key Features:
- Vegan-friendly
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Transfer proof
Cost: $7
Lime Crime Velvetines Liquid Matte Lipstick
A liquid matte lipstick which is long-wearing, transfer-proof, kiss proof, and quick to dry. This metallic fuchsia shade is highly pigmented with even, smooth coverage.
Key Features:
- Long-wearing
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Transfer proof
Cost: $20
ELF Cosmetics Liquid Matte Lipstick
This affordable liquid matte lipstick has a vitamin-enriched formula for conditioning and comfortable wear. The soft pink shade looks natural, while the diamond-shaped applicator enables one stroke application.
Key Features:
- Diamond shaped applicator for one stroke application
- Nourishing formula
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cost: $5
bareMinerals Gen Nude Matte Liquid Lip Color
This matte lipstick is a long-wearing, full coverage lip color. It has a subtle vanilla scent, and the formula contains hydrating ingredients to nourish the lips.
Key Features:
- Natural looking nude shade
- Lightweight color
- Flexible paddle applicator for one stroke application
Long-Lasting Matte Lipsticks
Highly pigmented in a rich plum shade, this long-lasting matte lipstick is enriched with vitamin E for added comfort. The rich, creamy color dries down to a matte finish.
Key Features:
- Long-wearing
- Enriched with vitamin E for comfort and hydration
- Richly pigmented
Cost: $5
Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick
A rose shade with a lightweight formula for comfortable wear. This matte lipstick contains vitamin E and avocado oil to nourish and hydrate.
Key Features:
- Long-lasting color
- Nourishing formula for comfort
- Non-cakey
Cost: $8
This matte lipstick in the shade Cannes is a pink nude color. Its creamy, lightweight formula is long-wearing and smudge-proof. The precision applicator delivers a controlled application.
Key Features:
- Creamy, lightweight formula
- Long-wearing
- Precision applicator for controlled application of color
Cost: $4
Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Lipstick
Affordable and long-lasting, this matte lipstick has serious staying power. With an ultra-matte finish and lightweight formula, this is an excellent choice for those looking for a budget option.
Key Features:
- Extra long-lasting
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight formula
Cost: $3.50
The Lip Bar Vegan Liquid Matte Lipstick
This cruelty-free matte lipstick delivers nourishing and pigmented color. The bold red shade is extra long-wearing and doesn’t transfer after eating or drinking.
Key Features:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Rich, pigmented color
- Extra long-wearing
Waterproof Matte Lipsticks
FanMin Liquid Metallic Matte Lipstick
This fun matte lipstick is available in 8 metallic shades. Long-wearing, waterproof and transfer proof, this lip color won’t budge throughout the day.
Key Features:
- Hydrating formula
- Metallic matte shades
- Highly pigmented
Cost: $9
Cargo Swimmable Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick
Extra matte, budge-proof lip color. You can go swimming in this lipstick and it won’t move. The formula dries fast and feels comfortable on the lips.
Key Features:
- Budge-proof
- Intense, high coverage color
- Dries fast
Cost: $18
Sugar Cosmetics Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipstick
Available in 9 shades, this matte lipstick is waterproof, smudge proof, and transfer resistant. The formula contains vitamin E to condition the lips.
Key Features:
- Stays put all day
- Contains vitamin E to condition the lips
- Pigmented color
Cost: $13
LA Splash Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick
Waterproof color with a velvety matte finish that never transfers, this matte liquid lipstick is highly pigmented and feels comfortable on the lips.
Key Features:
- Glides on smoothly
- Made in the USA
- Transfer proof
Cost: $12
ATOMIC MAKEUP Matte Liquid Lipstick
This matte lipstick is a deep crimson plum shade containing gold, silver and violet shimmer. It’s waterproof, hydrating, and full coverage.
Key Features:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Hydrating formula to moisturize lips
- Talc-free
Set of Matte Lipsticks
Beauty Glazed Matte Liquid Lipstick Set
This matte lipstick set contains 6 matte liquid lipsticks in a range of shades. Waterproof and long-wearing, these lipsticks are enriched with vitamin E and beeswax to nourish the lips.
Key Features:
- 6 different shades
- Long-lasting
- Hydrating formula
Cost: $10
This 12-piece matte lipstick set contains pink, nudes, and dark shades to suit every skin tone. They’re long lasting, waterproof, and deliver a velvety matte finish.
Key Features:
- 12 differing colors
- Waterproof
- Transfer proof
Cost: $17
A set of 4 matte lipsticks in a pink, plum, nude, and brown shade. Waterproof, long lasting, and enriched with vitamin E and beeswax to condition the lips.
Key Features:
- 4 different matte lipstick shades
- Long wearing
- Nourishing formula
Cost: $13
Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Liquid Lipstick Set
A set of 3 mini matte lipsticks in deep peach, chocolate, and redwood shades. A full pigment formulation with a weightless matte finish.
Key Features:
- 3 mini sized matte lipsticks
- Convenient travel size
- Long-lasting finish
Cost: $25
Containing 6 shades, this matte lipstick set features a hydrating matte formula. Natural looking shades and a non-sticky feel for easy wear.
Key Features:
- 6 natural looking shades
- Waterproof
- Long-lasting formula
Cost: $13
