I have never really been into lip-gloss! Well maybe for a brief second, when I first became aware of it- after seeing everyone sport uber-shiny lips on FashionTV- sometime in the mid 90s! It just seems messy, sticky, sparkly, heavy, colorless and wears off quickly. That’s why I prefer matte lipstick especially in a nude or neutral shade: I think it looks more professional, subtle yet more pigmented and lasts longer. It also does complement a dewy face best because it draws attention away from the lips and focuses on the glowing skin. It is not until recently that cosmetic companies started carrying matte lipstick, in different formulas, shades and for different budgets! Before we had the options we do now, I used to apply this peach cream eye-shadow from Yves Rocher or just use lip liner as lipstick :)!

Mac Lipstick in Chili: is a nice brownish orange red that’s very flattering on olive skin tones and long lasting.

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Delicate: is a luminous matte created specifically for Fashion Night Out as part of Les Twinsets’ limited edition.

Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Intense in M2 (Matte Orange Pink): by far the mattest and the highest in pigmentation but also a little drying.

Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in Montego Bay: is moisturizing and contains acai oil and vitamin E.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Stockholm: the love child of a lipgloss and matte lipstick.

Elf Studio Matte Lip Color in Nearly Nude: you can’t beat $3

Tarte LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint in Exposed: smells like mint and easy to apply.

So there you go, give matte a try 😉 if you’re too concerned with dryness you can either put some rich lipbalm before applying or add clear lipgloss on top.