There’s something about a matte liquid lipstick that just hits differently. It’s bold, precise and doesn’t budge—aka the makeup equivalent of having your life together. Whether you’re reaching for a soft nude that pairs well with messy buns and Monday mornings or a power red for those main character moments, the right matte formula can completely pull a look together. It makes you feel polished in seconds, even when the rest of your face is running on minimal effort.
The catch? Not all of them deliver. Some dry your lips out, others flake off or fade patchily before you've even made it to lunch. Finding one that truly holds up—through coffee, conversations and whatever the day throws at you—can take some trial and error. So we’ve done the testing for you.
From long-wear heroes to comfortable, featherlight picks that feel like second skin, these are 10 matte liquid lipsticks actually worth investing in right now.
This liquid lipstick from Lakme is a reliable pick if you’re after a true matte finish that doesn’t feel uncomfortable or dry. The formula is lightweight, glides on smoothly and sets down quickly without flaking. Despite its long-wear claim of up to 16 hours, it doesn’t feel heavy or cling to every line on your lips. The angled wand makes application easy, even if you’re in a rush or skipping lip liner. It’s a budget-friendly option that holds up surprisingly well through daily wear.
FAE Beauty’s Lip Whip is made for people who like their mattes soft, airy and low-fuss. It has a whipped, mousse-like texture that feels weightless and spreads evenly without tugging or skipping. Once set, the formula dries down to a comfortable matte that doesn’t smudge easily, making it ideal for long days. It’s also enriched with vitamin E, which helps balance out the potential dryness you usually get with matte liquid lipsticks. A great pick if you're new to mattes or prefer buildable colour that still lasts.
Huda Beauty’s Liquid Matte has earned its cult status for good reason. The formula delivers intense colour in one swipe and stays put through meals, drinks and everything in between. Despite being transferproof and long-wearing, it still feels soft and flexible on the lips, never stiff or overly dry. The addition of olive oil helps maintain comfort without affecting the matte finish. It’s one of those high-performance lipsticks you can count on when you don’t want to think about touch-ups.
This long-wear formula from Smashbox has a reputation for a reason—it stays put. It’s waterproof, fade-resistant and doesn’t bleed or feather, even after hours of wear. The velvety texture glides on easily and sets to a soft matte that won’t suck the life out of your lips. It's also infused with nourishing oils like jojoba, apricot and sunflower, which give it a comfortable, slightly flexible feel. The tapered applicator allows for precision, so you can skip the liner and still get sharp, defined edges.
This semi-matte formula combines saturated pigment with a barely-there feel. It’s formulated with a water-in-oil emulsion, which allows the colour to apply evenly while still feeling light and breathable. It sets quickly, resists transfer and holds up well through the day without drying your lips out. The texture is smooth and fluid, so it glides on easily and doesn’t settle into lines. It’s ideal if you want bold colour without the flat, heavy feel some mattes can have.
M·A·C’s Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour is a modern take on matte—more soft-focus than flat. It offers the intensity of a liquid lipstick but with a blurred, diffused finish that looks more natural. The mousse-like texture is creamy, blends well and feels lightweight even after hours of wear. It’s also designed to provide up to 10 hours of moisture, thanks to ingredients like vitamin E. If you’re someone who wants a matte look without the stiffness, this formula strikes a nice balance.
This formula delivers a smooth, soft matte finish that looks polished but feels easy to wear. The pigment payoff is rich and long-lasting, staying put for up to 8 hours without fading or transferring too much. It doesn’t dry down completely flat, which keeps it from feeling too tight or uncomfortable. The lightweight texture sits well on the lips and has a slightly blurred effect that softens the edges. It’s a good choice for days when you want a matte look that still feels like skin.
Kiro’s Four Play is a unique take on lipstick—offering four mini bullets stacked in one compact tube. The formula itself is soft, matte and designed for long-wear without the drying effects that typically come with it. Enriched with avocado and apricot oils, it adds a layer of hydration that helps the colour wear comfortably throughout the day. The texture is light and smooth, making reapplication easy if needed. Its compact format also makes it perfect for travel or switching shades on the go.
This is a high-coverage, long-wearing lipstick that goes the distance—up to 16 hours to be exact. It applies evenly in one swipe, sets quickly and stays put without smudging, bleeding or fading through the day. What makes it more comfortable than other long-wear formulas is the inclusion of hyaluronic acid, which helps maintain hydration without compromising the matte finish. If you’re after low-maintenance, full-impact colour that won’t flake by lunchtime, this one’s worth considering.
This liquid lipstick gives a soft, powdery matte finish that feels weightless but delivers on colour. The formula is airy and smooth, offering full coverage with just one swipe. It’s designed to be transferproof and smudge-resistant, making it a dependable choice for long days. The texture blurs the lips slightly, which can give them a more sculpted appearance without the need for liner or extra prep. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss formula that wears well and doesn’t overpromise.