As a young, (closeted) teenage boy growing up in the 1990s surrounded by mostly female siblings and cousins, I discovered early on how a simple tube of lipstick can drastically change the look, feel and mood of a person’s face. Even then I was already very much into makeup and would remember all the popular lipstick shades like Taupe, Mocha, Cocoa, Toast, Spirit and the classic Sienna that was popularized by Cindy Crawford’s lips in that now iconic Revlon ad. There was something about these matte brown and nude hues that would instantly brighten and lift the face without adding too much color.
Fast forward to 2015. Brown lips are back in a big way. Matte nudes and browns were visible on the runways for fall, from Donna Karan in NYC to Salvatore Ferragamo in Milan. Even the timeless Spice lip pencil from M.A.C. which has been a staple in makeup artists’ kits for three decades now, has been quite hard to find because of Kylie Jenner and her now famous matte “Greige” lips. Today’s modern matte lip is still about packing on the pigment without the shine but with advanced formulas and caring ingredients that also nourish the lips. Here’s a rundown of the best new matte lipsticks available today in a variety of shades and formulas for every skin tone.
REVLON ColorBurst™ Matte Balm in Complex
The Landmark
This true nude beige with a Triple Butter Complex of Shea, Mango and Coconut Butter moisturizes your lips and leaves it with a velvety matte finish. Ideal for fairer skin tones who want just a hint of color.
HAPPY SKIN Shut Up & Kiss Me Moisturizing Matte Lippie in Too Cool
Beauty Bar
The Preview X Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me Moisturizing Matte Lippie in Too Cool is a trendy, wearable matte nude which complements most skin tones. Perfect with defined, smoky eyes or even on its own.
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bahama,
Bonifacio High Street Central Square
An Allure magazine Best of Beauty award winner. This pink-brown color mimics the natural color of the lips to give them a nice, even tone. Combining the convenience of a pencil with the application of a lipstick, this pigment-rich crayon provides a matte, creamy finish that will not dry the lips.
INGLOT Matte Lipstick in 405
Glorietta 5
An opaque, super matte lipstick that is perfect for any occasion. This dusty rose shade with a hint of brown has Vitamin E, macadamia oil, and avocado oil moisturizes and nourishes the lips.
MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick in Mat 3
SM Megamall
If you’re going for a more intense brown with a hint of rose that is truly matte then this caramel colored lipstick is for you. Formulated with 50 percent more pigment than traditional lipstick, Rouge Artist Intense gives an immediate true-to-color result.
L’OREAL PARIS Color Riche Matte Browns in Maple Mocha
SM Aura
This mid-tone peach brown is the perfect nude for warmer morena skin tones. Applies smoothly because of its creamy formula infused with nourishing Jojoba and Argan oils but dries into a moist, matte finish once it sets.
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Abu Dhabi
SM Makati
Another deep rose-beige that is perfect for almost all skin tones. This formula from Nyx has a cult following because its straddles the line between lipstick and gloss but has a soft matte finish that exudes a sensual glow.
M.A.C. Matte Lipstick in Stone
A true throwback and the ultimate “Greige” lipstick. Part of the brand’s “The Matte Lip” collection launching in August, this color described as a “muted grayish taupe brown” is the perfect color if you’re feeling adventurous and want to channel your inner ‘90s pop diva.