How to Apply Matte Liquid Lipstick

Co-authored by JoAnn Solomon and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: January 29, 2023 References

Matte liquid lipstick is all the rage, and if you want to jump on this trend you’ll need to know how to apply it properly. Luckily, it only takes a few simple steps to rock this look like a pro!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Prepping Your Lips

1
Exfoliate your lips. It’s essential to start with smooth lips when you plan to wear a matte lipstick. You can buy a lip scrub, make your own, or simply use a washcloth or toothbrush to slough off dry or dead skin. Pat your lips dry with a towel when you’re done.^{[1]
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- For a homemade lip scrub, mix together 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of honey and 1 tablespoon (12.5 g) of brown sugar in a small bowl. You can also add 1 drop of vanilla extract for flavor and a nice scent. Use clean fingers to scrub the mixture over your lips. Rinse it away with warm water.^{[2]
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2
Apply a moisturizing balm.^{[3]
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Expert Source

JoAnn Solomon
Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.} Matte liquid lipstick stays on all day, which means it can be drying. Moisturize your lips before applying the lipstick to ensure they stay soft and smooth. Choose a lip balm that isn’t greasy or oily, such as 1 that is wax-based, and thinly coat your lips with it. You can blot your lips with a tissue after applying the balm, if desired.
- Both your favorite lip balm or some saline petroleum jelly would work.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  JoAnn Solomon
  Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.}
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3
Put on lip primer. A lip primer ensures your lipstick will stay in place and not bleed or melt during the day. Simply swipe your favorite lip primer over your lips, much as you did with the balm. It may become tacky after a minute or 2, which helps the liquid lipstick adhere to it.^{[5]
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Line your lips, then fill them in. Lip liner is used to define the shape of your lips. Choose a liner that is the same shade or slightly lighter than your lipstick.^{[6]
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Research source} Start at the center of your top lip, called the Cupid’s bow, and outline each side. Then, outline your bottom lip and use the liner to completely fill in your lips.^{[7]
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- If you want an extra playful pout, you can make your lips “overdrawn,” which means making them look a little bigger by drawing the lip liner just outside your natural lip line. Be careful not to overdo it, though!

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Adding Lipstick

1
Use short strokes to apply 1 coat of liquid lipstick. Wipe excess lipstick off the applicator on the side of the tube opening or on a paper towel. Begin applying the lipstick at your Cupid’s bow and work your way out toward the edges of your top lip. Then, move to your bottom lip and, again, work from the center out. Short strokes will help you achieve a more even color.^{[8]
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- Be careful to avoid getting any excess product on your skin, as it may stain.
- You should apply the matte liquid lipstick quickly after moisturizing your lips, because otherwise they can dry very quickly.^{[9]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  JoAnn Solomon
  Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.}
2
Avoid rubbing your lips together. Though it may be instinctive to rub your lips together to blend your lipstick, do your best to avoid the temptation. Matte liquid lipstick is similar to paint, so rubbing your lips together can lead to smeared, uneven color. You could use your finger tip to blend uneven areas, if desired, but it’s best to just let the lipstick dry on its own.^{[10]
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3
Apply a second coat, if desired. Usually, 1 coat of matte liquid lipstick will be enough. If you think it’s too transparent, though, you can add a second coat. Do this immediately after the first coat, or you risk messing up the drying process. Apply a second coat in the same manner as the first.
4
Blot your lips for an extra-matte finish. If you want a less opaque finish or love a super matte look, you can blot your lips immediately after applying the lipstick. Open your mouth and hold a tissue between your lips, then lightly press them together onto the tissue. Discard the tissue when you’re done.^{[11]
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5
Fix mistakes with cold cream or concealer. If you try to rub the lipstick off of the outside of your mouth, you’ll end up with a smeared mess! Instead, dip a precision-tip cotton swab in cold cream and use it to clean off the mistakes.^{[12]
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Research source} Alternatively, dab a little concealer around your mouth and blend it in with your fingers or a clean makeup sponge.^{[13]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How do you apply matte liquid lipstick perfectly?

JoAnn Solomon
Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist
JoAnn Solomon is a Celebrity Makeup and Hair Artist, Beauty Consultant, and Founder of JoAnn Solomon Beauty, a beauty service in New York, New York. With over 15 years of experience, JoAnn specializes in beauty consulting and writing, makeup and hair artistry, product training, and creative directing. She is a licensed cosmetologist and esthetician and is certified in Airbrush Makeup. JoAnn has been published in Glamour Magazine and Lipstick.com. She is also a beauty contributor for Condé Nast, The List, Essence, Style Bistro, Family Circle, and Nylon Magazine. Her looks have been showcased in editorial, fashion, television, and red carpet events. A few of JoAnn’s celebrity clients include Beyoncé Knowles, Dr. Joe Biden, Alicia Keys, and Quincy Jones.

JoAnn Solomon

Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Apply matte liquid lipstick onto moisturized lips, because it can be very drying. A little bit of your favorite lip balm or saline petroleum jelly should work perfectly! Just apply the lipstick afterwards quickly, because otherwise your lips will get dry fast.
Question

How can I be a nerd, yet still look super cool?

Emily C

Community Answer

Just strive to maintain or earn higher grades, and you should also take some extracurriculars if you want. Basically, just be a really good, well-rounded student. For looking cool, it depends on your definition of cool. For example, if you think wearing trendy clothes is cool, then you can wear them. As long as you don't do anything that will harm your grades or your well-being, you can look cool and still be nerdy.