Fashion and Beauty 26th May 2016 by Paula Lyne

Going Matte? 5 Things To Do BEFORE You Apply That Gloss-Free Lippy

Give your lips some TLC and you'll get waaaay more bang for your matte lipstick buck.

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When it’s applied properly, matte lipstick looks fierce AF, and it tends to stay in place a whole lot longer than its glossier counterparts.

But the matte lipstick is definitely the diva of the lippie world, and it should be treated as such. Unless you’re a steady-handed lipstick expert, you can’t really just whack it on your lips and hope for the best. Well, unless you want a smudged mess that won’t budge without some heavy-duty cleanser.

Here’s our five-step guide to prepping your lips – and your cosmetics toolkit – before getting started…

1. Exfoliate as much as possible
Unlike glossier or creamier formulas, matte lipstick shows up chapped or dry lips like a mofo. So be sure to exfoliate gently both the night before and day of application, using either a dry toothbrush or a piece of kitchen roll placed over your finger.

2. Use a non-oily balm
If your lips are in really bad nick, hydrate and smooth them with a non-sticky balm before applying. Go for a repairing balm like Nuxe Reve de Miel (€12), and give it a minute or two to sink in.

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3. Prime the area around the lips
Matte lipstick is far less likely to bleed as the day goes on, but when it does it’s much harder to remove due to the high level of pigment. If you’re heading out for the night, line around your lips first with a clear pencil like Rimmel’s Moisture Renew Transparent Lip Liner (€5.49) to keep the colour in place.

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4. Fill your lips in with liner first
Another pro-tip to ensure an even colour throughout the day and night. Find a liner in a shade close to your lippy, and pencil your lips in with that first, to give your perfect pout an extra dose of staying power. We love NYX’s Jumbo Lip Pencils (€7) for quick and simple coverage.

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5. Use a brush
Even if your lipstick comes with an applicator, it might not always be up to scratch (we’re looking at you, Kylie Lip Kit). Invest in a good lip brush and you’ll be all set.

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