Matte lipsticks create a gorgeous, shine-free effect which adds colour without stickiness or excess gloss. There are all kinds of wonderful matte lipsticks to choose between, from designer beauty brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, MAC and Bobbi Brown, to more affordable options including drugstore favourites Rimmel and Maybelline.
To help you select the perfect lipstick, we've rounded up the Best 10 available from Amazon, John Lewis and Boots. Whether you are looking for a luxury and show-stopping colour or are just wanting something more affordable for the everyday, you are sure to find the best option for you on this list.
Quick List - Top Matte Lipsticks
DIOR
A Long-Lasting And Refillable Lipstick From Dior Which Combines Colour And Care
Charlotte Tilbury
Deeply Moisturising Vegan and Cruelty-Free Matte Lipstick
As a professional make-up artist of ten years, Marie's job has taken her all over the UK working at top events, on TV shows and making up beautiful brides. For all her clients she loves emphasising their natural beauty by creating a flawless base that still looks like skin.
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As a professional makeup artist of ten years, Marie's job has taken her all over the UK, working at top events, on TV shows and making up beautiful brides. For all of her clients, she loves emphasising their natural beauty by creating a flawless base that still looks like skin.
Find out more about Marie and what are her favourite makeup products are through her Instagram! She even shares some industry tips on makeup application too. And if you're interested in getting your makeup done by Marie, you can contact her via her email found at the top of her page.
Many lipsticks are shaped with a flat slice taken out of one side so you can easily place the bullet against your lips, dragging the colour across them neatly and quickly. The benefits of this familiarly shaped lipstick are that it's comfortable and easy to apply, and therefore perfect for those new to matte lipsticks or without much makeup experience.
Slanted lipsticks are the most common as they provide a quick and easy application. This also means that the colour section may be wider as this tends to be the most popular style. If you find that matte lipsticks look dry or accentuate lip lines, try prepping the lips with a lip scrub and balm.
This will give a base for the lipstick to glide on, don’t apply too much balm as it may give a glossy finish to the matte formula.
The best thing about a lipstick that tapers to a fine point is that you can simply place it between the lips and run it back and forth to apply the colour to the top and bottom in one fail-safe motion. This is great for anyone with fuller lips that require less careful definition, especially as matte lipsticks can be prone to spreading. They're also a solid choice for lipstick lovers who are always in a rush!
Matte lipsticks tend to be drier, so the point will often be slightly softer and allow a smooth application. Perfect for on the go, this type of lipstick doesn't require any further help to apply.
You will be able to top up easily, even without a mirror, as the point fits comfortably in the corner of the lips. Naturally longer wearing, matte lipsticks shouldn't require as much maintenance unless you opt for a bold colour, so think about reapplication when you decide on your preferred shape.
Pick a square-shaped lipstick if you enjoy using a lip brush to build up colour layer by layer for a striking look – one of the things matte lipstick really excels at! The sharp angles of a square lipstick bullet are also a pertinent choice if you want to create a dramatic cupid's bow, which perfectly suits the boldness achievable by a red matte lipstick.
Square lipsticks are a trendy innovation that offers precision and style. If you have thinner lips, you may struggle to apply the square-shaped bullet directly; therefore, I recommend using one of the edges to map out your lip line and then gently fill it in.
Using a lip brush means you can customise the intensity of the colour and apply thinner layers for longer wear. Making it the most hygienic, although it's not the most convenient shape for top-ups or travel as you would need to carry your lip brush with you.
When buying a lipstick, choosing one with just a couple of shades will be sufficient if you know what suits you. A lipstick with between 5 and 10 options is a good shout if you are confident with colour and like to experiment. Products with 10 shades and upwards (even as many as 32!) are brilliant if you're a real make-up expert and like to own the whole range of your favourite lippy.
It's also good to consider your skin tone when picking lipstick shades. Deep reds and pinks suit black and olive skin, whereas orange-toned reds look great on peach, golden and pink skin tones. Blues and purples are still a pretty considerable trend, but don't work for everybody, so experiment a little at your local make-up counter.
For more on the different types of lip products available, have a look at the best liquid lipsticks, long-lasting lipsticks and lip scrubs!
The lipstick formula will determine what shape it comes in, and liquid lipsticks apply with a wand, whereas creamier lipsticks tend to have a flat top. Some brands will have multiple formulas of matte lipsticks - chunky crayon styles are also popular as these are perfect for on-the-go top-ups.
If you have a particular colour in mind, it's worth trying the formula and longevity of lipstick first if you can. Remember, colours will look different swatched on the skin versus the lips, as the natural lip colour will affect the undertone and brightness.
Just like other cosmetics, lipsticks can also include ingredients which are derived from animals and insects. If a product does not contain these types of ingredients, it will be clearly marked as vegan on the packaging. If you are still unsure about whether a product is vegan or not, it is best to also check the company's website.
Some lipsticks can contain animal-derived ingredients such as carmine, beeswax or lanolin. You can easily find out the status of a brands ethics by visiting their website or looking for vegan & cruelty-free logos on the packaging.
There are tons of high-performing matte lipsticks that don't compromise on ethical standards to be spoilt for choice. If price is a consideration, many affordable and high-end brands have a large selection of lipsticks as it's one of the most popular cosmetic items!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | DIOR Rouge Dior Couture Colour Matte Velvet Refillable Lipstick | ![]() | A Long-Lasting And Refillable Lipstick From Dior Which Combines Colour And Care | |
2 | Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick | ![]() | Deeply Moisturising Vegan and Cruelty-Free Matte Lipstick | |
3 | MAC Matte Lipstick | ![]() | MAC’s Iconic Matte Lipstick in 32 Shades | |
4 | NYX Professional Makeup Suede Matte Lipsticks | ![]() | Powdery Matte Colour for a Velvety Soft Finish | |
5 | Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Sheer Matte Lipstick | ![]() | Vibrant Designer Lipstick for up to 8 Hours Wear | |
6 | L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Ultra-Matte Nude Lipstick | ![]() | An Ultra-Matte Nude Which Hydrates Lips And Is Perfect For The Everyday | |
7 | Clinique Pop Lip, Matte | ![]() | 14 Subtle Shades to Flatter a Range of Skin Tones | |
8 | Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Colour | ![]() | Add Volume Without Shine | |
9 | Estée Lauder Pure Colour Envy Matte Lipstick | ![]() | Apply an Opaque Matte Layer in One Stroke |
If you are looking for a showstopper lipstick, look no further than this one from Dior. Enriched with natural ingredients such as pomegranate flowers, it provides both lip care and high-pigment colour. Your lips will be left feeling luxurious and nourished.
Not only is the colour long-lasting but the packaging as well! As part of Dior's active effort to promote sustainability, this particular lipstick is now refillable. Having created 35 different shades and 4 types of finishes means there really is a perfect shade for everyone.
If you want to deeply hydrate parched lips as you add colour, this product may just be your ideal pick! Charlotte Tilbury's Matte Revolution contains deeply moisturising ingredients like orchid extract, which softens and plumps your pout.
Both vegan and cruelty-free, this cult product not only creates a stunning, lasting makeup effect, it is also ethically sound and contains no nasty parabens so you can use it regularly without irritation or concerns.
This iconic lipstick looks truly stunning, and will be your secret weapon for any occasion. This lippy has a pointed tip so you can smooth colour onto both lips in one easy sweep, leaving an original matte finish.
There's something for everyone with an amazing 32 shades meaning you can vamp up your look, add a touch of pink for low-key outfits or go bold with the classic 'Ruby Woo'. These colour-rich classic lippies, have high pigmentation and long-lasting 10 hour wear.
This richly-pigmented formula is a godsend for anyone in need of plumped, eye-catching lips, lightning fast. Both vegan and cruelty-free, this soft and velvety lipstick will make you fall head-over-heels and leaves you with a matte powdery pout.
Thanks to the neatly slanted tip, it's a breeze to apply and it can also be paired with a matching lip-liner (sold separately) if you want a more precise application and a fabulous pout.
This charming collection from Yves Saint Laurent includes stunning matte lip pigments which glide across lips and come in a range of classic, flattering colours. It's long-lasting effect is worth every penny!
Reviewers say they get as much as 8 hours wear from this luxurious, velvety lip colour, and the range of 19 shades are truly striking, perfect for parties, holidays and everyday wear alike.
Wanting a simple yet effective nude matte lipstick that you can use on the daily? Then look no further! This one from L'Oreal Paris is not only highly pigmented but is infused with essential oils to keep lips looking plump and hydrated.
Given that this product comes in 12 universal nude shades, everyone can find one fit for them. Users have stated how it feels ultra-matte and ultra-comfortable on the lips. For the price, you really can't go wrong!
Clinique has developed a creamy, comforting lipstick formula which adds stunning pigmented colour in one speedy swipe. The range of colours are subtle and flattering to a range of skin tones. It's not cruelty-free though, sadly.
Even so, from its smart, appealing case - which snaps shut in a click - to its easy-apply slanted bullet shape and built-in primer to keep it in place, this lipstick is popular with online consumers for good reason.
This lipstick is excellent if you want to add some volume to your lips without the unflattering effect that shine can have on a smaller pout. Bobbi Brown's Luxe Lip Colour comes in 18 dreamy shades, and is free from parabens, mineral oils and sulphates.
This product is a twist on Bobbi Brown's bestselling lip colour formula, and is packed with powder-pigments to create an unrivalled matte finish that lasts up to 12 hours, making it worth every penny.
This stunning lipstick glides onto lips to create intense, undeniable colour. The creamy consistency builds to a thick matte layer in one simple stroke. Choose from a range of 5 classic shades of purple, pink and red.
The bullet is carefully sculpted to move with the curve of your lips, making it beginner-suitable. Unfortunately this product is neither cruelty nor paraben-free, which may put certain customers off.
I'd always recommend a good, matte nude lipstick for your make-up bag, this can be easily transformed by adding a gloss and will go with absolutely any look. A staple matte red is also a must - discover how to find your perfect red here. Top tip: if you're ever unsure what blush to pair with your lipstick, buff in a small amount of lipstick to your cheeks as a cream blush, this will look cohesive and save you on products!
Written and researched by Annie Hopkins
No. 1: DIOR |Rouge Dior Couture Colour Matte Velvet Refillable Lipstick
No. 2: Charlotte Tilbury|Matte Revolution Lipstick
No. 3: MAC|Matte Lipstick
No. 4: NYX Professional Makeup|Suede Matte Lipsticks
No. 5: Yves Saint Laurent|Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Sheer Matte Lipstick
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