If you’re like me, you’ve probably encountered problems when wearing your favorite matte lip color. Dry, flaky and dull lips can all be the outcome of improper application of a matte lipstick. A matte lip is great for making a statement and to achieve long lasting color that’ll stay in place. Applying matte lipstick as if it were a sheen lipstick is different and there more steps involved. It takes slightly more work, but the results are rewarding. With the right application process and perfect shade, you’ll be receiving compliments all day.
Step 1. PREP – Because matte lipstick is extremely unforgiving and showcases every flaw, it’s super important to get rid of any dead skin. Make sure you exfoliate your lips getting rid of any dead skin.You want a silky smooth surface when applying your color. You can exfoliate with a washcloth, a soft tooth brush or opt for my favorite, homemade sugar scrub made with brown sugar and olive oil.
Step 2. MOISTURIZE – After the exfoliation process, immediately apply a moisturizer to your lip. Since matte lipstick is the most pigmented (it contains less oil and more pigment and wax compared to sheen lipstick which contains more oil and less wax and pigment) it’s important to replenish your lips with moisture. This will aid in a smooth application process.
Step 3. APPLY – Matte lipsticks looks their best when it’s applied to precision giving off a bold and sharp look. Use concealer to lightly cover the lips then make sure to use a matching lip liner to outline the lips. After lining the lips, color in the lip with the lip liner. Now you can finally apply your matte lipstick. Depending on your preference one coat might be fine. I always apply two coats to achieve a bold and even look, but never more. After two coats the lipstick might take on an unflattering cakey-look.
Step 4. CLEAN – You want to not only clean up any mistakes you might have made, but you want to make the lining of the lips more sharp. A pointed/precision q-tip works wonders for this. If you have made the mistake of applying to much lipstick be sure to use blotting paper to get rid of the excess lipstick and not a tissue. Tissue will have the tendency to leave white particles over the lips.
Event though it seems like a lot of work in pulling off the perfect matte lip, it’s totally worth it. Bold matte lips are great for making a statement and it’ll flatter almost every lip shape. It’s always a good idea to carry the products you used to create your look. If I’m wearing a matte lip for the whole day I like to do occasional touch ups through out the day and in the evening I repeat the last three steps on a naked lip, moisturize, apply and clean, to insure me of a fresh look.
Show off your perfect matte lip look by using the following hashtag, #perfectmatte, on instagram or email your looks to cocobates@thecoreport.com to be featured
