Matte lipsticks have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their long-lasting formulas and velvety finishes. Choosing the right color matte lipstick can seem overwhelming with so many options on the market. When selecting a matte lipstick shade, it’s important to consider your skin tone, desired look, and occasion. In this article, we’ll explore the best matte lipstick colors for different skin tones and styles to help you find your perfect shade.
Matte Lipstick Colors for Fair Skin
If you have fair or porcelain skin, opt for matte lipstick shades that complement your complexion rather than compete with it. Cool-toned pinks, mauves, and berries work well for fair skin. Avoid shades that are too light or have strong orange undertones, as these can look harsh. Here are some of the best matte lipstick colors for fair skin:
| Lipstick | Color |
|---|---|
| NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil – Dolce Vita | Dusty rose pink |
| Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick – Thistle | Mauve pink |
| Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick – Dead Roses | Cool-toned berry |
| Sephora Cream Lip Stain – Marvelous Mauve | Mauve |
Shades like muted berries, pinky nudes, and mauves allow your fair skin to shine. Look for lipstick colors labeled “blush” or “rose” for a natural look. Matte lipsticks with a hint of brown or purple also pair well with lighter skin. Stay away from neon brights – instead opt for dusty, cool-toned mattes.
Matte Lipstick Colors for Medium Skin
If your complexion falls in the light to medium range, you have more flexibility when choosing a matte lipstick. Warm nudes, corals, pinks, plums, and reds all work beautifully with medium skin tones. Avoid shades that are too pale or too bright. Go for colors with enough depth to complement your skin. Here are some gorgeous options:
| Lipstick | Color |
|---|---|
| NYX Suede Matte Lipstick – Subversive Socialite | Terracotta nude |
| Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick – Beso | Blue-red |
| Huda Beauty Matte Liquid Lipstick – Interview | Mauve nude |
| Too Faced Matte Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick – Lady Balls | Dusty rose |
Look for warm, peachy nudes and brick reds to enhance medium skin’s golden undertones. Muted plums, roses, and pinks also work well. Stay away from pastels or shades too light or vibrant. Deep, brown-based reds and berries are stunning for a night out.
Matte Lipstick Colors for Olive Skin
Finding the perfect matte lip for olive skin comes down to embracing your natural undertones. Look for shades with brick, burnt orange, terracotta, or brown tones. Reds and berries also pop against warm olive skin. Avoid anything too pink, purple or cool-toned. Here are some great matte lipsticks for olive complexions:
| Lipstick | Color |
|---|---|
| NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment – Starwoman | Burnt orange red |
| Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick – Always Red | True red |
| Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Cream – Dolly Danger | Chocolate mauve |
| Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick – Hudson | Red-brown |
Look for warm, earthy tones like terra-cotta, brick red, or caramel nude. Shades with subtle golden or orange undertones also work well. Avoid anything too pink, berry, or purple. The key is choosing colors that add warmth to your olive skin.
Matte Lipstick Colors for Dark Skin
For dark or deep complexions, go for matte lipstick shades with lots of pigment. Rich, vivid colors make a statement against darker skin tones. Bright reds, fuchsias, berries, and wines are gorgeous options. Stay away from pastels or nude shades that can wash you out. Here are some stunning matte lipstick picks:
| Lipstick | Color |
|---|---|
| Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color – Uncensored | Bright red |
| NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment – Don’t Stop | Fuchsia |
| Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick – Rum Punch | Wine |
| Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick – Blackberry Sorbet | Deep berry |
Go for bold, vivid shades that make a statement against darker skin. Bright berry tones, fuchsias, and blue-based reds look striking. Dark opaque colors show up best on deeper complexions. Sheer lipsticks won’t have enough pigment. Avoid pale nudes and stick to richly-pigmented matte lipsticks.
Most Flattering Red Matte Lipstick Shades
A blue-red matte lip is one of the most classic looks. But finding the perfect red for your skin tone is key to making this bold lip work. Here are the best red matte lipstick shades for each skin tone:
Fair Skin: Opt for a cool-toned cherry or berry red, which brightens up fair skin rather than clashes with it.
– NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil – Dragon Girl
– Urban Decay Vice Lipstick – Bad Blood
Medium Skin: Choose a blue-based red with a touch of warmth like a vibrant orange-red.
– MAC Retro Matte Lipstick – Ruby Woo
– Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain – 01 Always Red
Olive Skin: Look for an earthy, brick red that complements olive undertones.
– Stila Stay All Day Matte Lipstick – Beso
– Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick – Cayenne
Dark Skin: Go for a rich, opaque blue-red that pops against darker complexions.
– Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint – Uncensored
– Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick – Dancefloor Princess
No matter your skin tone, make sure to exfoliate and moisturize your lips for the smoothest matte lipstick application.
Most Flattering Nude Matte Lipstick Shades
Finding the perfect nude lipstick for your skin is all about choosing the right undertones. Here are the best nude matte lipsticks for each complexion:
Fair Skin: Look for light, cool-toned nudes with a subtle rosy hue. Avoid anything too peach or brown.
– Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick – Chai
– NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil – Do Me Baby
Medium Skin: Opt for warm, peachy-beige nudes that complement golden undertones.
– Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain – 13 Marvelous Mauve
– Anastasia Beverly Hills Lipstick – Peachy
Olive Skin: Try a nude with brown, espresso tones to enhance your olive skin.
– Too Faced Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick – Cool Girl
– Buxom Full-On Lip Polish – Dolly
Dark Skin: Look for deeper, brown-based nudes with opaque pigment.
– Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint – Unveil
– Urban Decay Vice Lipstick – Backtalk
Make sure your nude lipstick has enough pigment to show up on your lips. Avoid shades too light for your skin tone. Using a lip liner also helps create definition.
Most Flattering Pink Matte Lipstick Shades
Finding the perfect pink lipstick has a lot to do with undertones. Here are the best pink matte lipsticks for each skin tone:
Fair Skin: Cool-toned pinks with a subtle rosy hue are ideal for fair complexions.
– Revlon Matte Lipstick – Rose
– NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment – Starwoman
Medium Skin: Go for warm, peachy pinks to complement medium skin tones.
– Urban Decay Vice Lipstick – Backtalk
– Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick – Fuchsia For Me
Olive Skin: Dusted, mauve pinks enhance olive undertones beautifully.
– NYX Suede Matte Lipstick – Subversive Socialite
– Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick – Pink Punch
Dark Skin: Vibrant, cool-toned fuchsias pop against rich dark skin.
– Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain – African Violet
– MAC Retro Matte Lipstick – High Drama
Pick pink lipstick shades that either contrast or complement your natural skin tone and undertones. Cool-toned pinks brighten fair complexions, while vivid fuchsias make a bold statement on dark skin.
Most Flattering Purple Matte Lipstick Shades
Purple lipstick may seem daring, but it can be surprisingly flattering. Here are the best purple shades for each skin tone:
Fair Skin: Mauve-y pinkish purples enhance fair skin beautifully.
– Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick – Beetroot
– Urban Decay Vice Lipstick – Backtalk
Medium Skin: Rich eggplant and wine purples complement medium tones.
– Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick – Bawse
– e.l.f. Matte Lip Color – Wine
Olive Skin: Dusty lilac and lavender undertones look great on olive complexions.
– Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick – Lavender
– Huda Beauty Demi Matte Lipstick – Interview
Dark Skin: Vibrant violets and deep plums make a striking statement.
– Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick – Nosferatu
– NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment – Save the Queen
Stay away from pastel or neon purples, which can look garish. Deep, cool-toned plums and berry tones work best on all skin tones. Line and exfoliate lips first for the best color payoff.
Most Flattering Dark Matte Lipstick Shades
For an edgy, gothic vibe, go for an ultra-dark matte lip. But stick to shades that complement your complexion. Here are the best dark matte lip colors for each skin tone:
Fair Skin: Deep berries, burgundies and plums add drama without being too harsh.
– Urban Decay Vice Lipstick – Blackmail
– NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment – Under My Thumb
Medium Skin: Rich chocolates and deep mauves enhance medium skin.
– Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick – Exorcism
– Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick – Stevie
Olive Skin: Moody browns and muted olives work best for olive tones.
– Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain -Chocolate Lava Cake
– Buxom® Full-OnTM Plumping Lip Cream – Dolly Danger
Dark Skin: Go for the deepest burgundies, purples and wines.
– Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint – Uncensored
– Lime Crime Matte Velvetine Liquid Matte Lipstick – Wicked
Avoid black lipstick, which can look harsh on most. Dark lips work best with some dimension. Use a lip liner and prep with lip balm so dark shades glide on smoothly.
How to Make Matte Lipstick Last
While extremely pigmented and bold, matte lipsticks can also be drying. But you can make them last longer with these tips:
– Exfoliate and moisturize lips first to remove flakes and smooth texture. Use a lip scrub then apply balm.
– Outline lips with a similar colored liner to prevent bleeding.
– Apply lipstick straight from the bullet in thin, even layers. Don’t rub lips together, as this breaks down color.
– Blot lips between coats with a tissue to set the matte color.
– Avoid oily foods and drinks, which can cause lipstick to migrate.
– Touch up midday, especially after eating or drinking. Keep lipstick on hand.
– Use a hydrating overnight lip mask to prevent drying and flaking.
While bold and eye-catching, matte lips require a bit more maintenance. But with proper prep and touch ups, your color can last for hours.
Conclusion
With so many gorgeous shades to choose from, picking the perfect matte lipstick color may seem daunting. But focus on finding flattering tones that enhance your complexion. Cool-toned berry shades suit fair skin, while olive complexions look best in terra-cotta nudes. Dark skin tones pop against vivid, pigmented colors. No matter your skin tone, exfoliate and moisturize lips first for smooth application and longer wear. With the right prep, matte lips provide a gorgeously bold, on-trend look.