Matte Lipstick Doesn't Have to Mean Dry, Cracked Lips: Tips for Keeping Your Pout Hydrated

As the weather warms up and we transition into the summer months, many of us reach for our favorite matte lipsticks to achieve that long-lasting, high-impact lip look. However, matte formulas can sometimes come with the unwanted side effect of dry, flaky, and uncomfortable lips. But fear not, beauty enthusiasts! With the right lip care routine and a few strategic product picks, you can rock matte lipstick all season long without sacrificing hydration.

Exfoliate Regularly

The key to keeping matte lipstick from clinging to dry patches is to start with a smooth, well-prepped canvas. Incorporate a gentle lip scrub or exfoliator into your routine a few times a week to slough away any flaky, dead skin. Look for formulas with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, and jojoba oil to condition as you exfoliate.

One of my personal favorites is the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm. This luxurious lip scrub uses sugar crystals to gently buff away imperfections, while the blend of murumuru butter, vitamin E, and antioxidants leaves lips soft, supple, and prepped for lipstick application. Just massage it onto clean, dry lips, let it sit for a minute, then gently buff and rinse. Your pout will be smooth, soft, and ready for color.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Once you've exfoliated, it's time to focus on deep hydration. Matte lipsticks can be incredibly drying, so it's crucial to have a nourishing lip balm or treatment in your arsenal to keep your lips healthy and happy.

Look for lip balms that contain occlusive ingredients like beeswax or shea butter to seal in moisture, as well as humectants like glycerin to draw water into the lips. Applying a generous layer of a rich, creamy lip balm before swiping on your matte lipstick can create a protective barrier and prevent that uncomfortable tightness and flakiness.

I'm a big fan of the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm for this step as well. The formula is incredibly nourishing, thanks to a blend of murumuru butter, vitamin E, and antioxidants. It glides on smoothly and leaves my lips feeling soft, supple, and prepped for color. I like to apply a thick layer and let it sink in for a few minutes before going in with my lipstick.

Prime and Prep

Another key step in keeping matte lipstick looking fresh and feeling comfortable is to use a lip primer or base. These lightweight, silicone-based products create a smooth, even canvas for your lipstick, helping it glide on seamlessly and preventing it from emphasizing any dryness or texture.

Look for a lip primer that contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to provide an extra boost of moisture. Gently dab it onto clean, balm-free lips and let it set for a minute before applying your lipstick. This extra step can make a world of difference in how your matte lip color wears throughout the day.

Blot and Reapply

Even with all the prep work, matte lipsticks can still have a tendency to cling to dry patches and emphasize flakiness as the day wears on. To combat this, get in the habit of blotting and reapplying your lipstick throughout the day.

Carry blotting papers or a clean tissue with you and gently dab at your lips every few hours to remove any excess product that may have settled into fine lines or dry areas. Then, reapply a thin layer of your matte lipstick to refresh the color and ensure an even, comfortable wear.

This simple step can make a big difference in keeping your lips looking and feeling their best, even as the day goes on. And don't be afraid to reach for your trusty lip balm for a quick hydration boost in between applications.

Exfoliate and Hydrate, Even When Not Wearing Lipstick

Finally, remember that maintaining healthy, hydrated lips is an ongoing process, even when you're not rocking a bold matte lip. Make sure to incorporate regular exfoliation and deep conditioning into your daily routine to keep your pout in tip-top shape.

Gently exfoliate with a lip scrub a few times a week, and liberally apply a nourishing lip balm or treatment morning, noon, and night. This will ensure your lips are always soft, smooth, and ready to handle any lipstick formula, matte or otherwise.

With these simple tips and tricks, you can enjoy the long-lasting, high-impact look of matte lipstick all summer long without sacrificing the health and hydration of your precious pout. So go forth and pucker up, beauties - your lips are about to look and feel better than ever.

Key Takeaways

• Exfoliate regularly to slough away dry, flaky skin and create a smooth canvas for lipstick
• Hydrate with a rich, creamy lip balm before applying matte lipstick
• Use a lip primer or base to help lipstick glide on evenly and prevent dryness
• Blot and reapply lipstick throughout the day to refresh the color and keep lips comfortable
• Maintain a consistent lip care routine, even when not wearing lipstick, to keep your pout healthy and hydrated