9 Matte Lipsticks That ELLE.com Editors Swear By
From the perfect drugstore berry shade to the one Kylie Lip Kit color you need to try.
Now ubiquitous, shine-free lip color is more than Instagram makeup. Matte lipstick just makes sense. Unlike gloss or sheeny lipsticks, flat pigment stays put the longest–second only to lip stain–which means no mess on cups, clothes, or other people's faces. On the flip side, matte lipstick longevity means you'll want to find colors that you can live with all day. Here, ELLE.com editors weigh in on all things matte–from the perfect drugstore berry shade to the one Kylie Lip Kit color you need to try.
M.A.C Lipstick in Ruby Woo
"I've loved this lipstick since 2007 and have never looked back. It lasts through many sips of white wine spritzers, which at the end of the day is all I'm looking for in a lipstick." – Nikki Ogunnaike, Senior Fashion Editor
M.A.C Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $17; nordstrom.com
Kylie Cosmetics Kylie Lip Kit
I know, it's a bit basic, but of all the lip products I've ever used, this red matte stays on forever. Really, my pillowcase will testify. It's unfortunately quite drying, too but the longevity and suits-all-red is this product's selling point. And that's why I use it most days, and then apply Aquaphor to moisturize my lips in between. —Alyssa Bailey, Assistant Editor
Kylie Cosmetics Kylie Lipkit, $29; kyliecosmetics.com
Nars Semi Matte Lipstick
Nars' Semi-Matte Lipstick in Fire Down Below has been my go-to. I feel a little guilty wearing it, because while I tried it on with a friend who wanted to buy it, I ended up being the one to take it away. It's doable daily goth in a dark, bruisy shade, and the semi-matte formula helps it go on a little easier. —Estelle Tang, Culture Editor
Nars Semi Matte Lipstick in Fire Down Below, $28; nordstrom.com
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain
So I guess this isn't exactly a lipstick, but potayto, potahto…It does the trick: long-lasting, smooth, matte. I found this lip stain when I was lingering in a Sephora one day and a customer came in asking vaguely for some red lipstick that her friend was wearing. Without even letting her finish, the Sephora saleswoman—excuse me, cast member—whisked her away to the lip stain zone, leaving me to furtively follow. Insider secrets brought to you via eavesdropping. —Chloe Schama, Executive Editor
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain, $14; sephora.com
ColourPop Ultra Matte
My usual color is from Nars, but if I'm looking for something dramatic I reach for a liquid lipstick. For the price of a cheap well drink, you can get insanely matte lips from ColourPop. Don't be fooled by this tawny tube, though–once the formula dries it's a shade of '90s dark brown (perfect for said well drinks). —Justine Carreon, Associate Market Editor
ColourPop Ultra Matte Lips in Kae, $6; colourpop.com
Hard Candy Velvet Mousse Matte Lip Color
This raspberry jam matte pigment is so chaud I could practically spread it on a scone. Best of all, I never get berry-colored kisses on my "but first, coffee" mug. —Gena Kaufman, Social Media Manager
Hard Candy Velvet Mousse Matte Lip Color, $6; walmart.com
Urban Decay Cosmetics Matte Revolution Lipstick
I keep re-buying this color because it's the exact right nude shade for my pale skin, with an easy to apply, creamy matte formula that isn't drying AND isn't sticky. —Emily Tannenbaum, Social Media Editor
Urban Decay Cosmetics Matte Revolution Lipstick in Stark Naked, $11; ulta.com
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
My little sister often scoffs at my expensive beauty products and, one day, introduced me to this $6 drugstore buy. I haven't looked back since. The applicator makes precision easy and the bright color requires no reapplication all day. —Kristina Rodulfo, Associate Editor
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream, $6; amazon.com
Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
The Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils are great. With any matte lip product I make sure that I've been using Aquaphor before putting it on, but honestly these guys aren't as drying as others because they have vitamin E. I appreciate that their vibrant color doesn't wind up on my teeth, and the jumbo crayon size makes reapplying simple. —Mariel Tyler, Photo Editor
Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella, $26; nordstrom.com
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