Matte lipstick is not just a beauty product; it’s a finishing touch that really makes the whole look come together. We understand that it can be pretty tough to buy your perfect matte lipstick online and figure out how color will translate from the screen to your lips, or if the formula will get along well with your skin. Well, with the right approach, finding your perfect matte lip color online is more than possible.
Here is your ultimate guide to buying matte lipstick online, without ever regretting your choices and being left with a shade you’ll never wear.
1. Know Your Skin Tone
First things first, get familiar with your skin tone; that’s when you’ll find that perfect matte lipstick. No lipstick shade is suitable for every person; it’s just different shades for different skin tones. Identify the shades that complement the undertones of your skin.
- Cool Undertones: If your skin has pink, red or blueish tints, then you have cool undertones. Cool undertones really do well with blue-based reds and reds, purples, mauves, and berry tones.
- Warm Undertones: If your skin has yellow, peach, or golden tints, then you have warm undertones. Oranges, corals, brick reds, and brown nudes really go with warm undertones.
- Neutral Undertones: If your skin doesn’t truly have a strong pink or yellow undertone, you’re in luck, you can basically get away with wearing almost anything. Neutrals can pull off cool and warm lip color.
Most online beauty retailers now offer virtual try-on tools that let you see what a shade might look like on your skin. Some even suggest colors based on your undertones, so don’t be afraid to use those helpful tools if available.
2. Know the Formula: Comfort is Key
Not all matte lipsticks are created equal, and some are better applied on the lips than others. While matte formulas are famous for their flat, bold finish, they may tend to be a bit dry on the lips sometimes. So make sure to read product descriptions and reviews that talk about the texture and feel of the lipstick when shopping online. Creamy or velvet matte formulas give the matte look minus the dryness. Look for hydrating ingredients like vitamin E and shea butter for lip hydration while keeping the look matte.
If you don’t want the feel of dry lips but adore a matte finish, then a hybrid (matte-liquid) lipstick can be your best friend. These matte-liquid formulas have long-lasting wear with a matte finish and are more moisturizing than traditional bullet lipsticks. They are ideal for those who want a long-lasting, comfortable finish.
3. Know Your Finish: A Little Detective Work Goes a Long Way
Do not be too reliant on product photos online when buying matte lipstick. Lighting, camera calibration, and photography may play tricks on how that actual shade looks. Try to look at swatches of that same lipstick from beauty blogs, even the brand’s websites, and also YouTube reviewer’s videos. It helps especially when it’s on different skin tones to see how the shade would really work on you instead of seeing it in a tube or in a white plain background.
Reviews can also be helpful because many users upload pictures of themselves wearing lipstick and comment on how it actually is compared to the product images. Many retailers allow uploads of photos with reviews, so check them out. You can also turn to Instagram and TikTok for real-life tests from influencers and everyday users, using hashtags to see how the lipstick performs in terms of shade and longevity.
4. Check the Ingredients
The matte lipsticks have more pigment and less moisture as compared to the other finishes of lipstick, thus the finish becomes somewhat drying on lips. Many companies add hydrating ingredients such as jojoba oil, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid to their formulas to make the lipstick less drying.
Pay attention to the ingredients, if you have sensitive skin or you really tend to have a lot of dryness. If you find that your lips get too dry with the non-hydrating lipsticks that include alcohol and fragrances, then opt for hydrating ones or the ones that contain moisturizing elements labeled as “hydrating” or “moisture matte”.
5. Test Minis or Sets First
It’s always frustrating when you buy full-sized lipstick and realize that color simply doesn’t suit you. One smart way to test new colors and formulas without committing to a full-size product is to look into buying mini versions or sample sets. There are many mini matte lipstick sets or travel-size versions of popular shades with brands that offer sets at a reasonable price for trying out lots of different colors.
Mini lipsticks are great if you like variety in your collection, and you feel like experimenting with different shades. Chances are, you’ll be surprised by how great the bold red is or how much you prefer that nude neutral.
Final Thought: Trust Your Instincts (And Have Fun!)
You can simply buy matte lipstick online without any fear. If a shade calls out your name, then there’s no reason not to take the leap. Even if it’s outside of your comfort zone, try it! That’s what makeup’s all about—creativity and discovery.
