9 matte lipsticks that promise both day-long wear and comfort

Matte lipsticks might have long been demonised for leaving lips chapped and dehydrated; we found picks that are oh-so lip-friendly

Matte lipsticks have had their highs and lows—from being the ‘it’ thing in the 1950s, thanks to Marilyn Monroe, to being overshadowed by lip glosses in the 1990s and 2000s to regaining supremacy in 2010s, owing to the matte liquid lipstick boom fuelled by the likes of Kylie Cosmetics and Huda Beauty. With high-shine lip glosses and nourishing lip oils headlining the lip category today, brands had to step up their game while formulating matte lipsticks. From infusing nourishing oils to ensuring a creamy application, matte lipsticks are ditching the chalky, drying wear. We list down some of the best matte lipsticks that combine comfort, colour, and care.

Explicit Lipstick, NARS

Available in 35-plus shades to suit every skin tone, the newest matte lipsticks from NARS render a bold wash of pigmentation and a satin finish on the lips. While ingredients like rosehip oil and sodium hyaluronate keep the lips soft and hydrated, the smooth bullet glides effortlessly on the lips and the colour stays intact for a long time.

M.A.C.ximal Silky Matte Lipstick, M.A.C Cosmetics

The 2.0 versions of the cult matte lipsticks from M.A.C Cosmetics offer a soft matte finish, hydrating ingredients, and longer wear. A complex of coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and glycerin equips the matte lipstick to provide moisture, while the striking bold colour pay-off retains its depth all day long. The sharp tip of the bullet allows for precise application, which means you can skip a lip liner. The best part? No bleeding, flaking or feathering.

Bare Brown Lipsticks, Lovechild By Masaba

In six versatile brown matte lipstick shades that complement Indian skin tones perfectly, this range from Masaba Gupta’s beauty line merges a one-swipe opaque pigmentation of a super matte lipstick with the soft feel of a lip cream. From warm- to cool-toned brows, the formulations feature avocado oil and vitamins D and E to protect your lips.

L’Absolu Rouge Drama Matte, Lancôme

Smudge-proof, transfer-proof, and completely matte, these lipsticks tick all the boxes of a great matte lipstick minus the dryness. While the soft, powdery finish is flattering, hyaluronic acid and rose extracts in the formula make it compatible with the driest of lips too.  

Zero Matte Lipsticks, Rom&nd

The Zero Matte Lipsticks from K-beauty brand Rom&nd are hot-sellers; the comfortable matte lipsticks feature a buttery-soft formula that makes application a breeze. Additionally, you just need to move these lipsticks along your mouth once for an opaque pay-off. The velvety-matte finish, a formula that’s almost adhesive to your lips (in a good way), and ingredients like cotton seed oil, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, and paraffin make this one of the best matte lipsticks.

Sinful Matte Lipsticks, Colorbar

Cop the fuller-looking lip look or a soft wash of colour with these matte lipsticks that are buildable, blendable, and super comfortable to wear. They glide as creamy lipsticks and settle into a matte finish on the lips. You’ll particularly enjoy this range if you lean towards bold and deep lip colours. 

Lip & Cheek Crayon, Color Chemistry

Easy to apply (and re-apply), these ultra-matte, vegan, and hydrating lip crayons are available in 16 shades. They complement brown skin and can double as lip liners. Jojoba seed oil, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, apricot kernel oil, and vitamin E work to prevent moisture loss. 

Satin Soft Lip Cream, Simply Nam

Emollients and humectants like squalane, sodium hyaluronate, argan oil, sweet cherry extract, castor oil, and jojoba oil headline the formulation of these matte lipsticks, making them ideal for lips prone to chapping and peeling. The super creamy texture is sheer at first, but you can build it up as much as you like without making your lips cakey or sticky. The doe-foot applicator allows for crisp application. 

Bloom Colour Lipsticks, Lakmé

If you like the kind of lipsticks that feel like you’re wearing nothing, try these matte lipsticks that feature a powdery finish for a blotted, natural finish. Available in shades of brown, pink, red, and nudes, these matte bullets, engraved with floral motifs, offer high-intensity colour pay-off. 

Also Read: 8 global cult-favourite lipsticks that work for Indian skin tones

Also Read: Best lipstick brands that make use of organic ingredients in their formulations

Also Read: Make-up influencers that’ll get you out of your beauty rut