How To Wear Matte Lipstick With Dry Lips

We love a good matte lipstick look just as much as anybody. After all, it gives the makeup look something different from what we expect.

And a matte finish – when done well – can make your lips look particularly classy. But are we the only ones that worry about applying matte lipstick to dry lips?

Surely, that can’t be the case. So that’s why we’re going to help you keep your lips happy.

How to wear matte lipstick with dry lips

All while letting you live out those matte makeup fantasies! So get ready to pamper your pout.

And work on that smize that says, “My lips are nobody’s business but my own.” Preach!

See Related: How Can You Make Matte Lipstick Last Longer?

What’s in matte lipstick?

We don’t often think about what’s in matte lipstick. Or any lipstick for that matter.

But knowing the ingredients is just another step at making your makeup routine work smarter. Not harder.

Every type of lipstick uses three core ingredients. Wax, oil, and pigment.

But the ratio between these ingredients changes. Especially when it comes to a liquid lipstick versus a matte lipstick.

A matte lipstick has more wax, more pigment, and less oil. And that’s where dryness can really turn our pout into a frown.

You know the look. Dry lipstick that settles in the lines and cracks of your lips.

And generally leaves your lip feeling cake-y? Yikes. We’ve all been there.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. And we’re going to help you find the perfect matte lip for you.

Matte lipstick tips and tricks

Allow us to assist you and your lips. Like we’re the fairy godmother to your Cinderella-matte-filled dreams!

#1. Start by exfoliating and end with exfoliating

You know what loves to sit on the surface of our lips? Dead skin.

Yeah, pretty gross. But a lip scrub is the perfect way to exfoliate away that dead skin layer.

So prep your lips with a smooth surface that’s perfect for your matte lipsticks. No need to exfoliate until your arm gives out.

Just gently massage your lips before applying matte lipstick. And maybe even give a makeup artist a run for their money!

#2. Look at the matte lipstick formula carefully

We know that matte lipsticks can dry out our lips. But some matte lipsticks are actually made with hydrating ingredients meant to combat this struggle.

Look at the label and see if any of the following pop up. We’re talking hyaluronic acid as a moisturizer, coconut, argan oil, avocado oil, vitamin E, jojoba oil, even mango butter.

Matte lipstick is a great way of sprucing up your makeup routine

Each of these ingredients can offer major hydration to your lips. And all without taking away from the texture and shades you’re after in a matte look.

Besides, when you find a moisturizing yet matte formula, you’ll already be one step ahead in the game. But still use these extra tips.

What? You’re still human after all, right? …Right?

#3. Get in the habit of moisturizing your lips ahead of time

When it comes to wearing matte lipsticks, you’ve always got to be a couple of steps ahead. And that means moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

Apply your favorite lip balm to create that soft texture. Just make sure that any extra moisture settles in before you apply your matte lip.

Matte lipsticks automatically dry out your lips so make sure to add moisture when you can

Too much moisture on your lips already can cause your matte lip color to bleed. And that’s not really the look you were trying to go for, right?

Or was it? We don’t want to be judgy about it, but…

Bonus: Why Is The Skin Under My Lips Dry?

#4. Consider using a lip primer

Maybe you’ve only heard of primer that you can use for your entire face. But did you know that there is such a thing as lip primer alone?

Well, there is! Not only will a lip primer add moisturizing effects to your lips.

It will also help that sweet matte shade stay in place longer throughout the day. Think of it as the base foundation for your canvas like you would with other mineral liquid foundations

You want your masterpiece to be appreciated by the hundreds throughout the day, don’t you? Then use a lip primer to make sure your look can be appreciated by as many sets of eyes as possible.

And if you want to go even further? Try locking in your lip color with our gluten-free, vegan Lip Lock

Matte lipstick paired with a primer and lip lock to keep lips supple? Sign us up!

#5. Treat your lips to a lip mask

Wearing matte lipsticks is all good and fun. But if you notice your lips are in dire need of additional moisture, try out our Vegan Rose Lip Mask

Not only will a lip mask improve the texture of your lips. It will help keep your lips soft and supple while ridding of any dryness.

Add moisture to your lips overnight with a mask. Or even apply it right before you shade in that pout of yours.

Exfoliate your lips before applying a matte lipstick to make for a smooth surface

Just remember. Listen to your lips!

They’ll tell you all you need to know. And really, you can’t go wrong with a little extra pampering.

#6. Always keep lip balm on hand

We’d love to tell you that any lipstick requires a single swipe, then you’re done. But reapplying throughout the day is a very real thing.

Unlike a gloss though, you’ll need to prep your lips once more before reapplying matte lipstick. So keep a lip balm in your bag.

And even a compact mirror! You never know when you’ll need to reapply.

Make sure each reapplication goes on to a smooth layer of lip. And if you really have to, you can just apply a little lip balm to your matte lipstick look.

It’ll give you a little shine, but your look will definitely last longer. What? Don’t give us lip about it!

#7. Take a day off from wearing matte lipstick

You may have the best gluten-free, cruelty-free, vegan lip plumper matte lipstick in the world! But that doesn’t mean your lips don’t need a break.

And we don’t mean an extra lip scrub here and there. We mean a day off from matte lipstick.

Like with anything, breaks are a good thing! In this case, they’ll help to give your lips a day to recover and rest.

Then, you can dive right back in once they’ve had enough R&R. If you’re having trouble letting go though, try a smooth gloss.

Or even a tinted lip balm with hyaluronic acid if you don’t want to sacrifice color. (We get it – we’re not complete monsters!)

#8. Don’t over apply matte lipsticks

Ok, this is probably one of the best tips on this list. With any lipstick, it’s easy to keep swiping that stick layer after layer to get the perfect shade.

But with matte lipstick, over-application can create a feathery look. And then it just looks like a caked on mess that cracks in all the wrong places.

Over applying matte lipstick can make your lips look cracked and cakey

Your best bet is to apply one layer, then let it dry. You can apply another layer if you’re going for a particular lip color.

But just remember that less is more, patience is a virtue. Really, any adage like that is the perfect fit for your matte lipstick endeavors.

#9. Use a lip liner

Sometimes, your lips can get a little shy (and dry) when matte lipstick is applied without a barrier. And we don’t mean a lip balm barrier – even if you do have the best water-based moisturizer in your arsenal.

We’re talking about lip liner! Lip liner helps your lips maintain a more supple look.

And this makes matte lipstick easier to glide on. No more worrying about whether your matte lipstick will settle into the cracks.

Lip liner will have your back – and your lips. Not to mention it will help you stay within the lines!

Your lips matte-r

When it comes to beauty tips or skin care, we often think of the big ones. You know, skin, hair, etc.

But our lips are just as deserving of our care! If not more so.

All day, everyday, your lips go through so much. Talking, eating, biting, whistling, etc.

And sure, all of those activities are cool and chic with a matte look attached. But your lips will need a little TLC in return for making you look so stellar.

So use these tips to give back to your lips. All while indulging in that matte lipstick look you’ve loved for years but didn’t think you could pull off.

You definitely can. Just make sure your lips get to reap the benefits too!

Keep Reading: How To Use Primer On Your Face

For over 60 years, Viviane Woodard has represented “The Purity of Skincare”. We are the leading beauty brand for skin care products and promote the importance of good skin hydration. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for skin care tips, product discounts, and more.