Matte lipsticks don't always get lots of love. That's because most people think lipstick and lip gloss are supposed to shine. That rationale makes practical sense during the holidays when there's always a party to attend. Now that things have wrapped up, those wet-look lip colors should be carefully tucked away in your makeup bag until Valentine's Day or a wedding rolls around. In the meantime, you need to build up your matte arsenal.
Just because they're matte doesn't mean they're boring. Our favorite formulas deliver serious color that lasts at least 10 hours. Whether you're looking for a somewhat subtle nude or a bright pop of red. We couldn't forget pink picks, of course, because they're still the most popular shades.
We didn't discriminate when it came to type. Our roundup includes everything from your standard bullets to liquid lipsticks and even lip pencils. There are also a couple of sheer numbers that let you build as much color as you crave.
Keep reading to see the best matte lipsticks on the market.
Prada Beauty Monochrome Hyper Matte in B05 Fauve, $50 at Prada Beauty
Prada's new matte formula supplies maximum color with a minimal feel on lips. All you need is one stroke of this matte brown lipstick because one stroke will last all day. It's all thanks to the formula's Micro-Fit Technology that allows the color to glide seamlessly. There are even refills so you'll never run out.
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Sirena, $24 at Stila
Stila doesn't call it Stay All Day for nothing. This top matte magenta plum lipstick offers pigment that stays put for up to 12 hours. During those 12 hours you'll forget you're even wearing lipstick since the formula is weightless and comfortable plus it's enriched with vitamin E and avocado oil.
Gen See Pick Me Up Lip Matte Lipstick in Shi 07, $22 at Credo
Looking for a clean option? Then here's the matte lipstick for you. It features a combination of two waxes of natural origin plus synthetic beeswax for precise application. There's also a mix of lightweight and dry oils so it feels comfortable on your lips.
MAC Lipstick Matte in Red Rock, $23 at Ulta Beauty
MAC's matte lipstick provides big color payoff and a creamy formula. It won't feather for 10 hours and really lasts. This pick is the perfect classic red.
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Underdawg, $28 at Sephora
This matte burgundy will definitely stun. The formula's weightless and long-lasting. Plus, the lip-defining precision wand means you only have to swipe once.
Glossier Generation G in Like, $18 at Glossier
Glossier's no-blotting-needed matte lipstick lets you decide how far you want to go. The sheer formula glides on smooth and even. This light, cool pink is the ideal everyday shade.
Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick in Elevate, $20 at Sephora
An air-whipped matte lipstick with rich color payoff? Yes, please. Its blend of lotus, gardenia, white waterlily and vitamin E helps hydrate even the driest of pouts. It feels weightless on lips without any drying or caking.
NARS Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil in 182 Endless Love, $30 at NARS
If you prefer a pencil, feast your eyes on this prime pick from NARS. The maple red saturates for 12 hours of staying power. The Power Pigment Complex, a blend of pure pigments and color-locking ingredients, helps the formula glide effortlessly and wear comfortably.
Patrick Ta Major Headlines Matte Suede Lipstick in She's Not From Here, $32 at Sephora
Patrick Ta's matte lipsticks are loaded with pigment. In this case, a bright coral. The formula lasts and lasts and imparts a diffused, soft velvet finish.
