How to Turn Any Lipstick into a Matte Finish

If you love the rich color of a creamy or satin lipstick but prefer the long-lasting wear and velvety look of matte lips, there’s an easy way to transform your favorite lipsticks into a matte finish. Here are several methods to help you achieve the matte look without needing to buy new products.

  1. Use Translucent Powder or Setting Powder

One of the quickest and easiest ways to turn any lipstick into a matte finish is by using translucent powder or a setting powder. This technique works particularly well for creamy or satin lipsticks.

How to Do It:

  • Apply Lipstick: Start by applying your lipstick as usual.
  • Blot with Tissue: Lightly blot your lips with a tissue to remove any excess cream or gloss.
  • Apply Translucent Powder: Take a small amount of translucent or setting powder using a fluffy brush or makeup sponge.
  • Press and Set: Gently press the powder onto your lips by blotting over the top. Focus on the center of the lips, where the color tends to move or wear off first.

Tip: If you want more precision, use a makeup sponge or a cotton swab to apply the powder to the edges of your lips.

  1. Use a Matte Lip Topper

A matte lip topper is a product designed to be applied over any lipstick to instantly give it a matte finish. These topcoats often contain ingredients that help absorb moisture, turning creamy formulas into a more matte texture.

How to Do It:

  • Apply Lipstick: Apply your favorite lipstick as you normally would.
  • Layer Matte Topper: Once the lipstick has set, apply a thin layer of the matte lip topper on top of your lipstick.
  • Allow to Dry: Let the product dry for a few seconds, and it will transform your lipstick into a matte finish.

Tip: Look for lip toppers that aren’t too drying, as they can make the lips feel uncomfortable if overused.

  1. Use a Matte Lipstick Sealer

Some products on the market are designed specifically to seal lipstick and give it a matte finish. These sealers help lock in color and transform creamy textures into a smudge-proof matte.

How to Do It:

  • Apply Lipstick: Start by applying your favorite lipstick to your lips.
  • Apply Lipstick Sealer: Once your lipstick is dry, apply the matte sealer over it, gently pressing it in with your fingers or a lip brush.
  • Allow to Set: Let the sealer sit for a few minutes to allow it to fully set and matte out the lipstick.

Tip: Matte sealers can sometimes feel a bit stiff on the lips, so it’s essential to choose a formula that’s lightweight and comfortable.

  1. Blot with Setting Spray

Setting sprays aren’t just for your face—they can also be used to matte down your lipstick. A light mist of setting spray can help set your lipstick while creating a matte effect, especially when paired with blotting.

How to Do It:

  • Apply Lipstick: Start by applying your lipstick as usual.
  • Blot with Tissue: Lightly blot your lips with a tissue to remove excess product.
  • Spray and Set: Hold your setting spray a few inches away from your lips and lightly mist it over your lips. Avoid using too much product to prevent wetness from affecting the color.

Tip: Choose a setting spray that’s mattifying or oil-controlling for the best effect.

  1. Use Baby Powder or Cornstarch

For a more DIY approach, you can use baby powder or cornstarch to create a matte effect. These powders are ultra-fine and can absorb excess moisture from the lipstick, leaving you with a matte finish.

How to Do It:

  • Apply Lipstick: Apply your lipstick as you normally would.
  • Blot with Tissue: Gently blot your lips with a tissue to remove any excess gloss or product.
  • Apply Powder: Use a small amount of baby powder or cornstarch, and tap it onto your lips with a makeup sponge or fluffy brush.
  • Press In: Gently press the powder into the lipstick, focusing on areas where you want to achieve a matte finish.

Tip: Make sure to use a very small amount of powder to avoid a cakey look.

  1. Layer a Lip Liner Under Your Lipstick

If you don’t have a matte lipstick handy, layering a lip liner underneath your regular lipstick can help to matte down the finish. Lip liners are generally drier than lipsticks, so they create a matte base for your lipstick.

How to Do It:

  • Apply Lip Liner: Outline your lips with a lip liner and fill in your entire lip area with the liner.
  • Apply Lipstick: Apply your creamy lipstick over the top of the liner.
  • Blot for Matte Finish: Blot your lips with a tissue to absorb excess product and further help the lipstick settle into a matte finish.

Tip: Choose a lip liner that is close in color to your lipstick to keep your lips looking defined and sharp.

  1. Use a Concealer to Blur the Edges

For a soft matte look that appears more natural, you can use a concealer to blur the edges of your lipstick after it’s applied. This technique helps the lipstick look more diffused and matte without the need for powder.

How to Do It:

  • Apply Lipstick: Apply your lipstick as usual, creating clean lines.
  • Blur the Edges: Use a small concealer brush or makeup sponge to apply a bit of concealer around the edges of your lips. Gently blend it outward to create a soft, blurred finish.
  • Press for Matte Effect: After the concealer is blended, press your lips together to matte the product down.

Tip: Choose a concealer that matches your skin tone to keep the look seamless.

  1. Try a Matte Finishing Spray

Some makeup brands offer a matte finishing spray that can be used on both your face and lips. These sprays help lock in your lipstick while transforming the finish into a matte texture.

How to Do It:

  • Apply Lipstick: Start with your favorite lipstick, applying it as usual.
  • Use Matte Spray: Hold the matte finishing spray about 6-8 inches away from your face and mist it lightly over your lips.
  • Let It Dry: Allow the spray to dry on your lips, and it will give the lipstick a matte finish.

Tip: Matte finishing sprays are great for setting the entire face of makeup, including your lips, while ensuring they stay in place for hours.

Final Thoughts

Turning any lipstick into a matte finish is easier than you might think. Whether you choose to use translucent powder, a lip topper, or a DIY method, these tricks can help you enjoy the best of both worlds: the vibrant color of your favorite lipstick combined with the sophisticated matte finish. Experiment with these techniques to find the one that works best for your desired look, and you’ll have the perfect matte lips in no time!