Matte vs. Gloss

Okay, some say that matte lipstick is a trend that is dying out and it doesn’t look good on everyone. And glossy is a look that anyone can where. I personally believe that it is all about when and how you where them. Here are some strong arguments that I have found that will help you decide.

When to use gloss.

1. When your lips are chapped. If you’re currently suffering from dry lips, avoid matte and go with a glossy finish. The glossy sheen will help to disguise the dry appearance of your lips and hydrate them at the same time. Skip the matte color when you have chapped lips; it will accentuate every flaw and flake. Even though glossy lipsticks are hydrating, you should still apply a moisturizing lip balm to your lips before adding lipstick on top.

2.To make your lips look fuller. Matte lipsticks are highly pigmented and draw attention straight to your mouth. If your lips are on the thin side, you may not want to accentuate that with a matte color. Glossy formulas, on the other hand, highlight lip curves and create a more three-dimensional effect. Your lips will appear plumper and healthier with a glossy sheen.

3. To look more youthful. Matte formulas flatten the lip and can having an aging effect on your overall appearance. A glossy sheen, on the other hand, suggests a dewiness that looks both fresh and youthful. Smooth on a glossy lipstick with high shine and a natural color, like a soft rose, to create the illusion of plump, youthful-looking lips.

4. During the day. The high intensity of matte lipstick can be a bit overwhelming in broad daylight. Glossy lips look more natural and complementary during the day. Glosses need to be reapplied a lot more often than matte formulas, but since they are so easy to apply, you hardly even need to use a mirror. Glide a glossy lip color on when heading to class or to the office.

5. For casual events. Glossy lipsticks work with all casual looks. If you’re heading to a low-key event or having lunch with friends, a matte formula might overwhelm your casual outfit. If you love the intense color of matte lipsticks, look for a highly pigmented gloss. The bright color looks polished, and the glossy finish keeps the hue from being overpowering. If you aren’t wearing a lot of makeup to begin with, a gloss can take your look up a notch with very little effort.

When to use matte.

1. After you exfoliate and moisturize your lips. Matte formulas are very drying. Even if your lips are in good shape before you apply it, the formula tends to suck all the moisture right up. To combat this, start off with freshly scrubbed and well-moisturized lips. Use a lip scrub or extra toothbrush with soft bristles to gently exfoliate your lips. Finish up with a long lasting lip balm. To protect your lips, you may want to rub on a little Vaseline before scrubbing with the toothbrush. Be sure to rinse it off, though – otherwise, it will leave a film behind. It’s a good idea to exfoliate and moisturize before you apply any kind of lip product, but when it comes to matte formulas, it’s essential.

2. To draw attention to your lip shape. If you love your lip shape and want to highlight that feature, matte formulas are perfect for you. They are highly pigmented with zero shimmer, drawing eyes straight to your lips. Start off with a lip liner to provide a little extra dimension, since matte finishes can make lips look less plump and slightly flat.

3. Achieve a high drama look. Matte’s rich and long lasting color creates an intense look. The lack of shimmer creates a bold, flat effect that really draws the eye. If you’re going for sophistication and high glamour, matte lipstick is the right choice. Pair matte lips with a chic outfit for a runway-ready look.

4. With a night out. Because of their intensity, matte formulas work well for evening looks. A chic dress, heels and a highly pigmented matte lip perfectly complement one another. Apply a matte formula before hitting the town with friends or a date. Matte finishes are long-wearing, so you won’t have to spend a lot of time in the bathroom touching up during the night.

5. For a lasting look. If you work long hours or have very little time to reapply your makeup during the day, a matte lip is a great solution for you. Most formulas last from 6 to 8 hours after application. Carry along a moisturizing lip balm that you can easily reapply over the lipstick, since matte formulas are very drying.