Today I’m sharing the best matte lipstick shades of 2024 with you.  It can often be hard to know what lipstick shades are best when just looking online.  I’m going to help break down which would be best for many different categories and really find your favorites!  In other words, I’ve been testing and testing just for you.  

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Switching from mainstream lip products to cleaner versions is a big deal!  I mean, don’t get me wrong, you should definitely switch all your makeup over from mainstream products, but the lips are especially important.  Why??  Well, for starters studies show that women re-apply their lipstick/lip product at least 5 times a day…so that’s a lot of toxins continually on those kissers.  And they also say women consume over 7 pounds of lipstick in their lifetime…whoah!  Pretty crazy.  So instead of consuming ingredients like tar, lead and other harmful toxins, I think I’ll stick with consuming natural ingredients like vitamin e oil, jojoba oil and castor seed oil.

Plus, it’s not like you have to sacrifice when switching to a cleaner version… there are so many options- they make it easy!  I’ve tried a few in my day…well a lot, I love a good bold lip.  I’ve whittled down my faves and given you my top matte lipstick shades.  Get your pout ready!

What is Matte Lipstick?

First let’s dive into what matte lipstick is.  You might be thinking what’s the difference between matte lipstick and regular- allow me to explain.  Matte lipstick is lipstick that lasts all day and doesn’t have shine.  While in a perfect world it would be nice to have lipsticks that are matte and do last all day, there are many that are matte and don’t have shine that don’t last all day too.  I want to share both with you.  As sometimes finding the right color is hard enough and once you do, most people are ok having to reapply throughout the day if the color is spot on. Plus, in my opinion the true definition of a matte lipstick is just void of any shine.

What to look for in a Matte Lipstick Before Purchasing?

Before you go buying a matte lipstick it’s important to know what you’re wanting from a matte lipstick.  If you’re wanting a moisturizing lipstick that is still matte, then you’ll want to consider hydrating ingredients.  Does it have nourishing oils in it that are going to help moisturize your lips?  You may be wanting a lipstick free of artificial dyes and pigments.  Then you’ll want to consider the cleanest matte lipstick brands in clean beauty.  Maybe having just the right pigment is important to you.  Lipsticks have different weights and depending on how heavy of a feel you want, you’ll want to shop accordingly.  Remember the more pigment usually means a longer lasting formula overall.  Also, consider the actual application method.  Is it a traditional tube of lipstick?  A lipstick crayon or in a pot?  These all have different application methods and can change how easy it is to apply a lipstick.  For example, if it’s in a pot, then you’re going to have to get a lip brush for precise application. 

Top Matte Lipstick Shades

Best Overall Matte Lipstick 

This award goes to Saint Cosmetics Velvet Lip Cream.  This is the most nourishing matte lipstick.  I love it because you still get the look of matte lipstick but it’s not drying your lips out!  Often when a formula is so matte it can feel almost drying on the lips creating a dried out lip and lines in the lips- not a pretty sight! It also stays put fairly long for a matte lipstick.  I’ll put it on at 8 am and even after eating and drinking by 3 pm you can still see it on my lips- not as pigmented as in the morning but still there. I also love that the ingredients are squeaky clean and that it comes in 14 shades.  I love the shade New York, a classic red, the shade Paris, a dusky rose and the shade Moscow a raspberry pink.  So many gorgeous colors!  Check them all out here.

Best Budget Friendly Matte Lipstick

This goes to W3ll People.  The lipstick comes in at $15 and comes in 8 colors.  It’s not strictly just matte- it has a bit of a satin finish to it overall.  So pretty.  It has nourishing ingredients like organic Castor Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Wax, and rich Cupuacu Butter.  It’s also vegan.  I love the shades Choose Love- a nude and Brave- an orange red.  Check them all out here.

Best Long-wearing Matte Lipstick

The best long-wearing matte lipstick goes to Johnny Concert Maudit Liquid Lipstick.  This is a new discovery for me this year and one I was quite taken by!  It is liquid and comes in tube with a lip brush applicator.  It feels different then a lot of liquid lipsticks, it’s much more hydrating and less drying overall.  I find a lot of liquid lipsticks feel very drying, but this one feels so smooth on the lips, love the texture for a liquid lipstick.  The longevity on this lipstick is amazing.  Hands down the best longevity for a matte lipstick I’ve found in clean beauty.  It literally stays put, even after eating and drinking.  I can put it on in the morning at 8 and by 5 it’s still there.  Not as dramatic and bold as when I first put it on but definitely noticeable and evident I’m wearing lipstick.  I have the color Mad Moiselle.  But I want to try more!  Check them all out here.

Other Matte Lipstick Brand Standouts

Kosas Lipsticks

This was the first clean beauty lipstick brand that really stood out to me.  Not too hydrating where they bleed, but moisturizing enough. I may have every color!  If you follow me then you know I love a good Kosas lipstick.  These lipsticks are highly pigmented, last and plump the lips all at the same time.  They come in so many great colors too.  Some lipsticks feel too heavy, or not hydrating enough- Kosas really nailed the formula on this one.  I have all the lipstick shades and love them all!  Check them out here.

Saint Jane Beauty Luxury Lip Cream 

These are a new discovery of mine!  I love how pigmented they are- the color is so rich.  They are hydrating and have CBD in them.  I’ve never used a lipstick that has CBD in them before.  The hemp helps to protect and soothe the lips from environmental stressors.  They come in 7 shades.  I have the shade Honor and love it.  Check them all out here.

Kjaer Weis Lipsticks

I’ve been using these for years.  These feel very similar to a conventional lipstick.  It isn’t super hydrating, but more weighty in texture.  They have an opaque and heavy feel to them and a matte look.   It wears well and lasts!  I love all the reds they offer.  I have shade KW Red and it’s the quintessential red.  Check it out here.

RMS Beauty Wild With Desire Lipsticks

This has been another clean beauty matte lipstick fave for years.  It is another true matte lipstick.  With a heavier weight overall and rich pigment.  It feel very much like a traditional lipstick. I like to say it’s thick and rich.  It also lasts for a good while for a matte lipstick too.  I love the shades Rebound, and Russian Roulette.  Check out all of RMS Beauty Lipstick here.

How Do I Know My Lip Shade?

Which shade of lipstick is best really depends on what you prefer to wear for  everyday.  Some people love wearing bold colors other prefer more subdued colors overall.  

A good guide to follow for finding lipstick shades that match your skin tone:

• Cool Undertones- Blue/Purple Hues- Cool toned skin has blue or purple undertones.  When looking at reds for instance, go towards red with deep blue tones instead of an orange red.

• Warm Undertones- Red/Orange Hues- A warm toned skin has yellow, golden or olive tones.  To check if your warm toned, turn your wrist over and check your veins.  If they’re green versus blue then you’re warm toned.
• Neutral Undertones- Many different shades will work- If you have a base of pink and yellow in your skin then you have a neutral undertone. 

Which Matte Lipstick Is Best For Daily Use?

I would go with Saint Cosmetics Velvet Lip Creams.  Not only do they come in a variety of colors, perfect for everyday wear and for making a statement at night.  But they also are hydrating- which can be hard to find in a matte lipstick.  

Is Matte Lipstick Harmful For Lips?

Matte lipstick isn’t harmful for lips.  It can just be drying if you don’t properly moisturize your lips first.  Here are some tips to prep your lips before wearing lipstick.  

• Always moisture your lips with a lip balm first.  Who wants their lips to look cracked and dry when they have lipstick on top?! Check out my favorite Natural Lip Balms here!
• Even out your lips with a lip primer.  I like Gabriel Lip Primer.  This is a must!  No one wants to compete with their natural lip color.  This ensures your lips start out neutral before you apply any lipstick and the true color of the lipstick stands out.  You can also just use some concealer or foundation to even them out.
• Wear a lip liner.  I really love RMS Beauty lip liners or ZuZu Luxe lip liners.  I always opt for a neutral color that matches the lips or a color that matches the lipstick.  This helps to outline your lips beforehand so you know exactly wear to apply the lipstick.  You can also make your lips more even or bigger if you want too.  Plus, it helps the formula last longer.
• Use a lip brush. Lipsticks can be hard to apply sometimes.  To make application a breeze I recommend getting a lip brush.  Just swipe the lipstick with the lip brush and then you are able to get such a precise application. RMS Beauty Brightening Brush(technically not a lip brush but works so well).
• Once you’ve applied the lipsticks blot once with a piece of paper.  People often say use a tissue but tissue pieces often get stuck on the lips. Paper doesn’t have that issue.  This helps to set your lipstick and get a deeper pigment.  Then lightly apply one more swipe of color right in the center of the lips and slightly blend out.

Is Matte Lipstick Available At Sephora?

You can find RMS Beauty’s Wild With Desire Lipstick at Sephora!  I love when a clean beauty brand makes it way into a conventional beauty store.  It makes it so much easier to shop clean beauty when it’s easily available.  Check it out at Sephora here!

So tell me!  What is your favorite matte lipstick shade?  Leave me a comment.

If you liked this post, be sure to check out past posts below:

• Best Foundation For Women Over 40
• Ogee Makeup Review
• Westman Atelier Makeup Review and Guide