There was a moment there where matte lipstick could have just been a passing fad—but not so! Shine-free formulas have since been solidified as a true stalwart of the makeup world. But like all things, even the best matte lipsticks have their downsides, and there’s one that immediately comes to mind: a rough, chalky feeling and emphasized dry patches were, until recently, the hallmarks of any matte formula.
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But trust now that those days are over, and matte formulas can now be just as moisturizing as their glossy counterparts. These 7 choices, from the higher-end options to the best drugstore matte lipsticks around, have all the intensely pigmented, satiny-finish payoff of their predecessors, with none of the struggle.
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1. Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Moisturizing Matte Lipstick
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This formula truly lives up to its name, and because it's so moisturizing, the color manages to stick around for a long time without flaking off. Not to mention the fact that it feels like a balm going on—what could be better? (Elizabeth Arden $25)
2. MAC Lipstick in Russian Red
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This classic blood-red matte shade has long been heralded as a universally flattering tube of magic—which, considering it's under $20, is pretty remarkable. It's not for the faint of heart, but it will get you attention. (Nordstrom $17)
3. Marc Jacobs Beauty Kiss Pop Lip Color Stick
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Aside from the fact that the chubby, crayon-like packaging is pretty darling, these long-lasting lipsticks, which are allegedly kiss-proof, have smooth, long-lasting pigment that feels like you're wearing a cream formula. (Marc Jacob $28)
Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color
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Good luck hunting these down in your local drugstore, because it's been a couple years since their release and somehow they're still always sold out. If that isn't a testament to their greatness, wait until you get them on your lips. The bold color, velvety texture, and impulse-buy price are downright unbeatable. (Drugstore.com $6)
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
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These pencils are exactly what they sound like: soft, supremely velvety, suede-like pigment that goes on and stays on. It doesn't get much more matte than this. (NARS Cosmetics $26)
NYX Matte Lipstick
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A cut above your run-of-the-mill drugstore brand, these lipsticks are very high quality for a very, very low price, not to mention the excellent shade range (45 of 'em, for what it's worth). You'll never want for anything else. (NYX Cosmetics, $6)
Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss Lipstick
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Everything Kate Moss touches turns to gold, so it's only natural that her collaborative lip color collection with this Brit favorite drugstore brand is fantastic. With a well-rounded offering of nudes, pinks, and reds, these mattes look and feel great. (Drugstore.com, $6)
Originally posted on StyleCaster.com