The matte lipstick trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, so now’s the time to make sure you’re applying your products correctly – and looking after your lips along the way. Whether Huda Beauty’s ‘Lip Contour’ is your makeup must-have or you’re in camp Kylie Jenner, these are the things you need to know about wearing a matte formula.
Scrub
Wearing a matte lipstick will unfortunately highlight any cracks and flaws on your mouth, so exfoliating is essential. It’s the best way to slough off dead skin and avoid unsightly bumps, lumps, and flaking. It also keeps your smile looking and feeling supple.
Try this one from Lush, which mints up your mouth with peppermint oil whilst sugar scrubs away dead skin and organic jojoba oil softens and smoothes. If you’re more the DIY type, mix one tablespoon of brown sugar with a big squeeze of honey and a teaspoon of coconut oil for a nourishing, homemade lip scrub.
Moisturize
Moisturizing your mouth means your lips won’t dry out as fast and ensures your lip color goes on easily. Either use a natural oil – like almond and coconut – or try Charlotte Tilbury’s ‘Lip Magic Rejuvenating Smoothing Propolis Balm’, which she describes as “youth-boosting magic for lips”. It’s bursting with beeswax, shea butter, vitamin E, natural oils, and hyaluronic acid to soften, smooth, and plump up your pout.
Prime
Use a primer to pamper your lips and keep your lipstick on for longer. A light layer of your concealer will do the trick, but for optimum results, try the ‘Prep+Prime Lip’ by MAC. It provides long-term hydration, reduces lipstick fading and feathering, and refines and smoothes your lips all day long.
