Top right: Colourpop Liquid Matte Lipstick, Lower Left: Kylie Lip Kits, Lower Right: It’s My Lip Crayon
Liquid Matte Lipsticks are no doubt the trendiest type of lipstick right now. Almost all cosmetic brands out there created their own versions of it, while some started their own makeup brands with liquid lipsticks. If you still haven’t jump in the bandwagon yet, maybe this will: THEY DON’T SMUDGE AND THEY LAST LONGER THAN THE CLASSIC LIPSTICKS WE KNEW GROWING UP OBSESSING WITH LIPSTICKS.
But honestly —just like anything else in this world— some people like it, some doesn’t, while some have no idea how to actually use it. And those people who had no how to wear liquid lipsticks drives me crazy. As some of you know, there are a lot of fake cosmetics being sold, especially in Asian countries. Since liquid matte lipsticks are new and most people doesn’t know how to actually use it, most of them assumes the Colourpop, Anastasia Beverly Hills, or the Kylie Lip Kits they bought were fake.
So, after trying dozens of brands and making plenty of screw-ups along the way I’m here to share my wealth of knowledge when it comes to the topic.
1. You Only Need One Coat
Liquid lipstick formulas tend are highly pigmented, one swipe is enough—seriously. It’s a one-coat wonder, meaning you can achieve the opaque pigment you want with one swipe. It also glides smoothly on your lips like a lip gloss, minus the stick of course. That said…
2. Formula is Buildable
Liquid lipsticks are meant to be opaque, but you can make it look more like a stain if you blot the color with a tissue. That way it leaves a hint of color that will stay all day or night long, yet still have the tiniest bit of shine to it. But, if you want it to be more intense, simply add on another layer.
3. It is Drying
It’s meant to stay on for hours and hours, so it can be drying. For smoother application keep you pout dehydrated by drinking lots of water and use a lip balm when you’re not using a liquid lipstick to keep your lips smooth.
4. You Always Need A Mirror & Patience
Applying liquid lipstick is not as easy, you can’t apply it in 2 seconds. You need a mirror and patience. Go too quickly, and you’ll end up with a wonky outline or globby finish that’s more likely to smear. And it doesn’t also help that once the lipstick is on, it’s freakin’ on. Since these formulas are designed to stay all day, once you apply them, you only have a little time to erase any mistakes, or else the removal proves to be a bit more challenging.
For precise application, apply it to your bottom lip first, then tend to your top lip. Applying the color to the bottom lip first, pressing your lips together, and then filling in your Cupid’s bow carefully with a lip brush or the product’s applicator. If you need to perfect your Cupid’s bow, use a lip liner that matches the liquid lipstick exactly.
5. Don’t Double-Coat When Dried
Traditionally, when we apply a lipstick and not satisfied with the amount of the shade yet we reapply it thus double-coating. But that’s not the same with liquid matte lipsticks. Once it’s dry, when you coat a new layer, it will be crumbly like there’s powder on your lips. If you want to double-coat make sure it’s hasn’t completely dried yet.
That said, you can’t also top it with other products like lip gloss. Or layer it with a lip balm. For best result, use it alone.
6. This is the best lipstick for making out
As mentioned already, liquid lipsticks stick for hours. That said, the formula is non-transferable, meaning the lip color won’t transfer onto your partner’s lips. Whether it’s your first date or your wedding day, and you want to go a little bolder with your lip color, liquid lipsticks are the way to go. They’re meant to be long-wearing, so the color will not only not transfer onto your cocktail glass, it won’t kiss off on your man’s lips either.
7. They’re Humid & Heat Proof
Liquid Lipsticks also won’t slide down your face when temperatures rise. As someone who lives in a tropical country, finding cosmetic products that can withstand heat and humid is a challenge. So many products will melt down your face when the weather heats up, but liquid lipstick formulas stay put, thanks to the long-wearing polymers they contain.
8. They’re Hard to Remove
Again, liquid lipstick are meant to stay for hours so removing them is a challenge. To remove it, you will need a lip scrub or lipstick remover. But if you’re saving up, use your toothbrush instead, or a cleansing oil and washcloth. Take note, exfoliating will make your lips smooth. Smooth Lips = Smooth Application.
9. Don’t Eat Anything Greasy
Everyone and everything has its own Achilles Heel or Kryptonite. Even though liquid lipsticks last longer than any other lip products and it is very hard to remove, it also has its weakness. If you’re on a date, never eat anything oily or greasy or else your lipstick will be all over the spoon, glass or worst… your upper and lower lips. Another weakness are ice cream. It’s okay if you eat it with a spoon, you can control it. But when it comes to Popsicle or ice cream on cones, it’s kinda messy and you’ll see you ice cream will turn the color of your lips. Trust me, been there, done that.
