How To Apply Matte Lipstick Like a Pro

A matte lip is effortlessly chic, the kind of finishing touch that can elevate any makeup look. But unlike a swipe of tinted balm, matte lipstick demands a little precision—skip a step, and it can look cracked, uneven, or just plain dry. Choosing the wrong formula or skipping proper lip prep are two of the fastest ways to turn a bold statement lip into a flaky, uncomfortable mess.

The difference between a flawless matte pout and a less-than-perfect one often comes down to technique. With the right prep, formula, and application tips, you can achieve a smooth, long-lasting matte lip that looks polished and feels comfortable. Keep reading to learn how to apply matte lipstick like a pro—and discover some of our favorite formulas for a smooth, velvety pout.

Matte Lipstick Do’s

If you plan to wear a matte-finish lipstick, proper prep and a careful application are both non-negotiables. Ahead, we’re sharing five tips to ensure a flawless application every time.

1. Always exfoliate first

Before you even think about color, start with exfoliation. Matte lipstick has a flat, non-shiny finish, which means it can spotlight every little crack or flake on your lips. If your pout is dry or chapped, you’re more likely to have a patchy, uneven application.

To prep, gently massage a lip scrub over your lips to buff away dead skin, then rinse. If you don’t have a scrub on hand, rub a damp washcloth over your lips in light, circular motions instead.

2. Choose the right shade

The wrong lipstick shade can wash out your complexion and make your skin look dull, while the right one can make your skin glow and brighten your smile. To find your perfect matte lipstick shade, start by identifying your skin’s undertones.

In natural lighting, flip over your wrist and look at your veins. If they appear blue, you likely have cool or pink undertones. Green veins indicate warm or yellow undertones. If you see a mix of both, your undertones are probably neutral. Choosing a lipstick that complements your undertones ensures your matte lip looks effortlessly polished. Here’s a quick rundown of some of our favorite hues for different undertones:

• Cool skin: Soft pinks, dusty mauves, vibrant crimsons, and rich plums all work well. Try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Le Nude Admirable for a soft daytime lip, or swipe on the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Blurred Matte Lipstick in Le Rouge Paris for a bold lip look.
• Warm skin: Corals, brick reds, rich chocolates, and deep burgundies flatter warm skin beautifully. Get a classic nude lip look with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick in Worth It, or try the chocolatey L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Le Nude Assertive for a statement pout.
• Neutral skin: Those with neutral skin can rock any lip color with ease. The L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Blurred Matte Lipstick comes in 10 velvety, hydrating shades that flatter a wide range of skin tones and undertones.

3. Use a matching lip liner

In addition to defining your lip shape, lip liner can help prevent feathering and can make your matte lipstick last longer. To trace your lips, reach for a creamy lip liner (we love the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner) and trace the outer edges of your pout, overlining slightly if you want to fake the appearance of fuller lips. Leave the liner on the borders of your lips or fill in your lips completely before applying your lipstick for added pigment and staying power.

4. Conceal the edges

If your matte lipstick application isn’t perfect, that’s okay—you can clean up the edges with a little concealer. After swiping on your lipstick, use a small lip brush to carefully apply a long-lasting concealer, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer, around the edges of your lips. This sharpens the outline, fixes any uneven spots, and gives your matte lip a clean, precise finish.

5. Remove your lipstick carefully

Taking off matte lipstick shouldn’t involve scrubbing your lips raw. If you’re wearing a long-lasting or waterproof formula, start by cleansing with an oil-based cleanser to break down the pigment. After rinsing away your makeup, lather up again—this time with a water-based cleanser, like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser—to remove any remaining oil, makeup, or impurities.

Matte Lipstick Don’ts

Knowing how to wear matte lipstick isn’t just about what you should do—it’s also about what you should avoid. A few common missteps can make even the best formula look dry, patchy, or uneven. Keep reading for the matte lipstick don’ts that will help you sidestep those common makeup mistakes and keep your lip look flawless.

1. Don’t skip lip balm

After exfoliating your lips, stave off dryness—and keep your lips looking plump and smooth—by applying a thin layer of lip balm. Just be sure to allow it plenty of time to absorb before reaching for your matte lipstick. For even more staying power, you can also layer on a hydrating lip primer for matte lipstick before reaching for your lip liner.

2. Don’t apply too many layers

Applying too many layers of matte lipstick can make the color look heavy, cakey, and uneven. Instead, start with a thin, even swipe, let it set, and add only a light second layer if you need more coverage. For long-lasting, one-swipe color, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick—it’s intensely pigmented, wears for up to 16 hours, and feels weightless on the lips.

3. Don’t be afraid to clean up mistakes

If you make a mistake with your lipstick or lip liner, there’s no need to take off your entire matte lip. Dip a cotton swab into micellar water and gently dab it over the areas you want to clean up. Once the edges are corrected, reapply your lipstick for an even coat, then touch up around your lip line with a bit of concealer and a small blending brush for a crisp finish.

4. Don’t excessively overline

Overlining your lips can create the appearance of a fuller pout, but it’s easy to go overboard. Keep your liner just slightly outside your natural lip line so the result still looks natural. And pay extra attention to the outer corners—keep the liner tight there to avoid a distorted or clownish effect.

Tips for Long-Lasting, Comfortable Matte Lips

A few smart techniques and product choices can make your matte lipstick look fresher, feel softer, and last much longer. Try these simple tips to keep your lipstick looking (and feeling) its best all day.

• Use the “balm–blot–apply” technique: Apply a thin layer of lip balm, blot away the excess, then swipe on your matte lipstick. This leaves your lips hydrated without adding slip, helping your color glide on smoothly and wear evenly.
  
• Use setting powder for ultra-long wear: After applying your lipstick, lightly press a tissue over your lips and dust a translucent setting powder, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blur-Fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder, over the tissue. This helps set the pigment without dulling the color, making your matte finish last even longer.
  
• Choose nourishing matte formulas with oils or hyaluronic acid: To keep your lips feeling comfortable—not dry—reach for a lightweight, hydrating matte lipstick. The L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Blurred Matte Lipstick, which boasts a creamy, balm-like texture that leaves the lips feeling soft and moisturized, is an excellent pick.

What Makeup Goes Best With Matte Lipstick?

You can pair matte lipstick with just about any makeup style—it’s quite versatile. For a fresh, daytime look, pair a muted pink matte lipstick with dewy skin, light blush, and minimal eye makeup for a soft, natural finish. This combination keeps your look effortless while letting your lips take center stage. Or, for nighttime, opt for a nude matte lip with smoky eyes and soft matte skin to create a more dramatic—but still balanced—effect perfect for evening events.

If you’re going bold with your matte lip—think vibrant pinks, crimsons, or deep burgundy shades—it’s best to keep the rest of your makeup light. Pairing a statement lip with subtle eye makeup and understated cheeks ensures your look stays polished and harmonious without feeling overdone. With that being said, remember that beauty is about self-expression. Experiment with different looks and feel free to wear your makeup however you want—even if it’s against conventional “rules.”

Next Up: L’Oréal Lipstick Guide: Matte, Satin, Gloss, and More

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris