How to Make Lipstick Matte

Last Updated: May 13, 2021 References

The matte lipstick look is popular, but there’s no need to buy all new lipsticks to get this look. You can transform any lipstick into a matte lipstick by using some tissue paper and translucent powder. Or, you can use a mattifying product, oil blotting tissues, or baby powder to get a matte lipstick look. There are also some clever tricks and techniques you can use to ensure that your matte look will be as vibrant and long lasting as possible.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Tissue Paper and Translucent Powder

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Apply your lipstick. Apply your lipstick as usual. Make sure that you apply the color evenly so that you will not have to do touch-ups after you mattify the lipstick.^{[1]
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Blot with tissue paper. Next, take a piece of tissue paper and use it to blot the excess lip color. Place the tissue paper between your lips and press your lips onto the tissue.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Ashleigh Grounds
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.}
- In some cases, this may be enough to produce a matte or semi-matte look. If you are happy with the look, then you can skip the powder.
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3
Pat on some translucent powder. To get a completely matte look, use a makeup sponge or brush to apply a dusting of translucent face powder to your lips.^{[4]
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Research source} It is okay if the powder is a bit uneven, just make sure that there is some powder all over your lips.^{[5]
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- You can just apply the powder directly to your lips, but if you don't want to get lipstick on your powder brush, lay a tissue over your lips. Then, tap the powder onto your lips through the tissue.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Ashleigh Grounds
  Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
  Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.}
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Press your lips together. Pressing your lips together will help to distribute and even out the translucent powder. Keep pressing your lips together until the color looks even and your lips look matte all over.^{[7]
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- If there is still some shine, then you can apply a little more translucent powder to your lips and press them together again.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Other Mattifying Techniques

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Apply an instant mattifying lip serum. Some makeup companies make mattifying serums that you can apply over any lip color to get a matter lipstick look. Simply apply your lip color as usual and then apply the mattifying serum over the lip color for an instant matte look.^{[9]
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- These products are best for regular lipsticks. They are not recommended for lip glosses, but some people have found that they do work with glosses as well.
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Use an oil absorbing tissue paper. You can also use an oil absorbing blotting tissue to make your lipstick matte. These tissues are covered in an oil absorbing powder, so you will not need to use translucent powder if you use one of these tissues.^{[10]
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- To get matte lips with an oil absorbing tissue, press your lips onto the blotting tissue and then remove the tissue to reveal matte lips.
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Try using a bit of baby powder. If you don’t want to use translucent powder or don’t have any on hand, then baby powder can also give you a matte lipstick look. The final result will be a long-lasting matte lipstick.
- To get matte lips with baby powder, just dust a bit of baby powder over a piece of tissue paper and then shake off the excess. Then, press the tissue paper onto your lips to blot away the shine.
- You can try the same method with cornstarch, too.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Enhancing Your Matte Lipstick Look

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Exfoliate your lips first. Matte lipsticks tend to magnify flaws, so it is a good idea to exfoliate your lips first.^{[11]
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Research source} You can use a lip exfoliating product or make your own.
- To make your own lip exfoliator, mix a teaspoon of sugar with a teaspoon of olive oil or honey.
- To use the lip exfoliator, rub the mixture over your lips to get rid of dead skin. Rinse away the exfoliating mixture when you are done.
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Moisturize your lips. Moisturized lips tend to hold onto color longer and look better as well.^{[12]
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Expert Source

Ashleigh Grounds
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.} To ensure that your matte lipstick will look flawless, make sure that you apply a layer of lip balm before you apply any lipstick.^{[13]
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Apply concealer to your lips. Applying concealer before you apply lip color can help to ensure that the color will be as vibrant as possible. It can also help to ensure that your lip color will last longer.^{[15]
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- To enhance your lip color with concealer, apply an even layer of concealer all over your lips before you apply any color.
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Line your lips. Lining your lips before you apply lipstick will help to prevent the color from bleeding onto the skin around your lips. Apply liner to the inner edges of your lips to help keep the lip color on your lips.^{[16]
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Use more than one coat. Applying multiple coats of lipstick before you mattify the color may also help to ensure that the color will last and look as vibrant as possible. Try applying two or even three coats of lipstick before you mattify your lip color.^{[18]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How do you make lipstick look more matte if it's shiny and glossy to start off with?

Ashleigh Grounds
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
Ashleigh Grounds is a Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist based in Austin, Texas. Ashleigh has over 11 years of cosmetology experience. She studied cosmetology in Dallas, Texas and completed a two-year hair salon apprenticeship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with Toni & Guy Hair Salon. She is accredited by the International Board of Cosmetology, is a certified Babe Hair Extension Professional, and is a certified Brazilian Blow Out Professional. Ashleigh was voted the best Hair Stylist in Austin for 2012 by RAW Artists and was voted in the top 20 salons for 2020 in Austin by Expertise. Ashleigh's work has been featured in Talentmagazines, BlogTalkRadio, KXAN, and Studio 512.

Ashleigh Grounds

Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Blot your lips on a tissue, then lay the tissue over your mouth. Swirl a makeup brush into a translucent powder, then blot the powder onto your lips through the tissue to make your lipstick look a little more matte.
Question

How do I get my mattifying lipstick to stay on? It rubs off too easily.

Community Answer

Pressed powder dusted across your lips makes it matte and helps the lipstick stay longer.
Question

How do I make lipstick glittery, glossy, sparkly or shimmery?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

Pat a glitter, metallic, or shimmer shadow on top. You can also apply a gloss on top.