Tutorial: how to make any lipstick matte
Q: Matte lips are on trend. How can I perfect the look on clients?
Matte shades tend to be a little drier on lips than a gloss or satin finish, so prepping lips well beforehand will make for a long-lasting, smooth finish. Use a gentle exfoliator to remove any flakiness and enhance the circulation of your client’s lips, giving them a naturally plumped look.
Next, apply lip balm in a very thin layer. If you put on too much it will create a barrier, which means the lipstick won’t adhere well. Then, using a matte lipstick with a shaped wand, apply the product over your client’s lips, let it dry and then repeat. Layering like this will give lips a solid, opaque finish.
However, if your client has a non-matte lipstick they love, you can turn it into their go-to matte in two easy steps. Apply the lipstick and then hold a single layer of tissue over the lips, before applying a small amount of translucent powder.
The powder will seep through the tissue onto the lips to mattify without leaving an ashy residue – the perfect matte lip. Again, layering using this method is an effective way of creating longevity.
Anushka Patel is brand manager for mineral make-up brand Jane Iredale, which is distributed by the International Institute for Anti-Ageing (IIAA).
Watch Patel's exclusive video on how to create the perfect red lip and top tips for taking it from day to night.