How to Choose Between Matte and Glossy Lip Color

Co-authored by Devorah Kuperland and Amber Crain

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

Lipstick comes in a wide range of finishes and formulas. With so many options available, choosing the one that works best for you can be challenging. Glossy and matte are two of the most popular lipstick finishes on the market, but the formulas are very different. If you’re trying to choose between glossy and matte, take into consideration the shape and texture of your lips. Choose gloss if you have dry lips and avoid the drying matte formulas. The overall look you’re trying to create, along with the occasion, are additional factors to consider.

Things You Should Know

Matte lipsticks are generally considered classier and subtler, which is great if you’re going for a more subdued or formal look.
Glossy lipstick is considered more dramatic and playful, and the sheen will call more attention to your lips if that’s a feature you want to play up.
Matte textures will call more attention to the shape of your lips, while glossy products will make your lips appear fuller.
If you’ve never used lipstick, start with the glossy stuff since it’s generally more forgiving if you make a mistake.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Complementing Lip Shape and Texture

1
Opt for a gloss or cream formula when your lips are chapped. Lipsticks with a glossy finish are the most hydrating of all lip color formulas. If you’re currently suffering from dry lips, avoid matte and go with a glossy finish. The glossy sheen will help to disguise the dry appearance of your lips and hydrate them at the same time.^{[1]
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- Skip the matte color when you have chapped lips; it will accentuate every flaw and flake.
- Even though glossy lipsticks are hydrating, you should still apply a moisturizing lip balm to your lips before adding lipstick on top.
2
Exfoliate and moisturize before applying a matte formula. Matte formulas are very drying. Even if your lips are in good shape before you apply it, the formula tends to suck all the moisture right up. To combat this, start off with freshly scrubbed and well-moisturized lips. Use a lip scrub or extra toothbrush with soft bristles to gently exfoliate your lips. Finish up with a long lasting lip balm.^{[2]
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- To protect your lips, you may want to rub on a little Vaseline before scrubbing with the toothbrush. Be sure to rinse it off, though – otherwise, it will leave a film behind.
- Make your own lip scrub by mixing ingredients like lemon and brown sugar, then rub it on your lips to remove any dead skin.^{[3]
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  Devorah Kuperland. Makeup Artist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.}
- After you exfoliate your lips, follow up by applying a generous amount of lip balm. Then, right before you put on your matte lipstick, wipe off any excess with a tissue.^{[4]
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  Devorah Kuperland. Makeup Artist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.}
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3
Make your lips look fuller with a glossy formula. Matte lipsticks are highly pigmented and draw attention straight to your mouth. If your lips are on the thin side, you may not want to accentuate that with a matte color. Glossy formulas, on the other hand, highlight lip curves and create a more three-dimensional effect. Your lips will appear plumper and healthier with a glossy sheen.^{[5]
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4
Draw attention to your lip shape with a matte lipstick. If you love your lip shape and want to highlight that feature, matte formulas are perfect for you. They are highly pigmented with zero shimmer, drawing eyes straight to your lips. Start off with a lip liner to provide a little extra dimension, since matte finishes can make lips look less plump and slightly flat.^{[6]
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5
Opt for a glossy finish if you’re a lipstick newbie. Matte formulas are notoriously difficult to apply. The intense pigmentation requires a skilled hand – one small mistake outside your lip line can be difficult to remove from your skin. Glossy formulas, in contrast, are a breeze to apply. They glide on smoothly and don’t require the precision that matte formulas demand.
- If you’re a lipstick pro but short on time, skip the matte and opt for a gloss. They can be applied in a few seconds, unlike matte formulas, which take time and preparation to get right.^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Aiming for a Specific Look

1
Achieve high drama with a matte lip. Matte’s rich and long lasting color creates an intense look. The lack of shimmer creates a bold, flat effect that really draws the eye. If you’re going for sophistication and a modern or edgy look, matte lipstick is the right choice. Pair matte lips with a chic outfit for a runway-ready look.
- If you like to steal the spotlight with distinctive makeup looks, go with a highly pigmented matte in a deep ruby or bright pink.
- For a bold lip without too much color, try a pink or nude matte lipstick.
2
Get an age-defying look with a glossy formula. Matte formulas flatten the lip and can having an aging effect on your overall appearance. A glossy sheen, on the other hand, suggests a dewiness that looks both fresh and youthful. Smooth on a glossy lipstick with high shine and a natural color, like a soft rose, to create the illusion of plump, age-defying lips.^{[8]
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3
Wear a matte formula to get a retro ‘50s look. A matte finish is very reminiscent of ‘50s fashion. If your look is retro-inspired, go with a matte formula in a classic cherry red. A bold red is perfect for achieving ‘50s-inspired pin-up and retro rockabilly looks.^{[9]
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- If you are aiming for the iconic glamour that Marilyn Monroe made famous in the ‘50s, cherry red matte lipstick is for you.
4
Create a ‘70s-inspired look with glossy lip color. In the ‘70s, natural and fresh-looking faces were fashionable. Makeup was subtle and emphasized youthful features like rosy cheeks and a plump pout. Glossy lips in a vibrant color can create that dewy, healthy glow that was glamorized in the ‘70s.^{[10]
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- If you lean toward flowing tops made of natural materials and bell-bottom jeans, go with a glossy lip to pull your overall look together.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Matching the Occasion

1
Go for glossy formulas during the day. The high intensity of matte lipstick can be a bit overwhelming in broad daylight. Glossy lips look more natural and complementary during the day. Glosses need to be reapplied a lot more often than matte formulas, but since they are so easy to apply, you hardly even need to use a mirror. Glide a glossy lip color on when heading to class or to the office.
- You can wear a matte lip color during the day, but make sure that it is a soft shade, such as a light pink or nude.
2
Wear a bright matte or glossy shade for a night out. Because of their intensity, matte formulas work well for evening looks. However, a bright glossy lip look can also look great for a night out. A chic dress, heels and a highly pigmented matte or glossy lip perfectly complement one another. Apply a bright matte or glossy formula before hitting the town with friends or a date.
- Choose a long-wearing formula, so you won’t have to spend a lot of time in the bathroom touching up during the night.
- Concentrate on a precise application the first time around to make it easier to maintain your lip look.^{[11]
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3
Choose glossy formulas for casual events. Glossy lipsticks work with all casual looks. If you’re heading to a low-key event or having lunch with friends, a matte formula might overwhelm your casual outfit. If you love the intense color of matte lipsticks, look for a highly pigmented gloss. The bright color looks polished, and the glossy finish keeps the hue from being overpowering.
- If you aren’t wearing a lot of makeup to begin with, a gloss can take your look up a notch with very little effort.^{[12]
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4
Go with matte if you need a long lasting lip color. If you work long hours or have very little time to reapply your makeup during the day, a matte lip is a great solution for you. Most formulas last from 6 to 8 hours after application. Carry along a moisturizing lip balm that you can easily reapply over the lipstick, since matte formulas are very drying.

Expert Q&A

Question

What do you do with lip lacquer?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Lip lacquer is a gloss. You can wear it on its own or apply it over lipstick to create a high-gloss finish.
Question

What is a dewy finish?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

A dewy finish is one that has a soft, natural-looking shine. It replicates the way skin looks after mild exertion.
Question

What is the difference between matte and regular lipstick?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Matte lipstick has a finish that lacks shine. It feels modern and tends to last longer than the glossier finishes most regular lipsticks have, but it can also be drying.