The 12 Best Matte Lipsticks That Won’t Dry Out Your Lips

As its name suggests, this comfortable lipstick looks like velvet on the lips—soft, plush, and with the slightest sheen. If you take a closer look at the bullet itself, you’ll see that the surface looks like velvet, too.

Shades: 23

Size: 0.12 oz.

Lisa Eldridge rating: 4.9/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Because I’ve tried so many matte lipsticks, I didn’t expect to be so surprised by this one. I should’ve known, though—everything Lisa Eldridge touches is magic. The True Velvet Lip Colour was one of the first products she released, and I can’t believe it took me this long to swipe it on my lips. Like any good lipstick, it never dries out the skin or emphasizes dry patches. Instead, it coats my lips in a thin yet nourishing layer of color. The formula spreads without a hitch, making it easy to slightly overline with it. I’ve already gifted one to a friend.” —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer

When a product is too matte, it can cause your lips to appear flat and dry. However, a soft matte, like Merit’s Signature Lip Lightweight Matte Lipstick, enhances your pout all while hydrating the skin with hyaluronic acid and sesame seed extract. It truly feels more like a thin layer of lip balm than a dehydrating matte formula.

Shades: 8

Size: o.1 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.8/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “The moment I applied this to my lips, I knew it was a winner. Like its satin counterpart, Merit’s matte lipstick is lightweight and has a gorgeous shade range that appears to have been inspired by the ‘90s. The shade Antibes, a subtle peach, counts Greta Lee, our digital beauty director Danielle James, and me among its fans.” —Carol Lee

Although there are only six shades of this matte lipstick from Armani, you're sure to find a color that pleases you, no matter your skin tone. Its uniquely shaped tip allows you to line and fill your lips in a flash.

Shades: 6

Size: 0.1 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “If you’re afraid of the full-on-ness of lipstick in a tube, this is a good beginner step. The long, elegant tube holds a matte lipstick that is so creamy that it feels more like a balm. I like that the assortment of shades really focuses on flattering nudes and pinks, and the teardrop shape of the bullet makes it easy to apply without the fuss of needing a lip brush. I wouldn’t say that this lipstick lasts for hours—it’s not bionic, but it does a nice job holding up through a normal dinner and doesn’t leave a weird ring around the mouth either. Try this if you want a slight upgrade from a tinted lip balm.” —Kathleen Hou, ELLE beauty director

MAC’s original matte lipstick was a cult classic for a reason, but the newest iteration of the formula is even more comfortable to wear. “These lipsticks feel like silk on the lips and look velvety when applied,” Harris says.

Shades: 38

Size: 0.12 oz.

Ulta rating: 4.7/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “When I first heard that MAC was reformulating its lipsticks, I was a little disappointed. Why mess with something that’s worked for so long? I get it now. While the old matte formula was easy to work with and had that famously ultra-matte finish, it also clung onto flakes if I hadn’t prepped my lips properly. However, the creamier new version smooths over everything and feels nicer when applied, and it still retains the matte final effect I adored.” —Carol Lee

If you still don’t believe us when we say lipstick can be moisturizing, long-wearing, and matte all at once, this Bobbi Brown pick will make you a believer. According to Bhatty, this matte lipstick “lasts up to 10 hours of flawless finish.” Plus, the formula’s peptides and hyaluronic acid hydrate and plump the lips—no lip filler required.

Shades: 16

Size: 0.12 oz.

Bobbi Brown rating: 4.9/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: "This lipstick might actually be bionic, so perfect for snackers or anyone competing on a food TV show. The colors are surprisingly pigmented, and the texture is so creamy it feels like a lip balm. I was shocked to find that this lipstick even outlasted soup and tea. Paired with a lip pencil, you could put this on and not worry about it all day long.” —Kathleen Hou

Hermès’ lipsticks, with their lacquered cases, canvas pouches, and iconic mini orange boxes, are the ultimate gift for any lipstick lover. The powdery bullets kiss the lips with a variety of carefully selected hues, from a pinky nude to a deep berry.

Shades: 5

Size: 0.12 oz.

Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I expect only the best from Hermès, and the fashion house delivered. This lipstick applies and spreads like warm butter, which means I can get a bold, saturated look without trying too hard. Plus, I could stare at the case for hours. I’m so glad it’s refillable because it’d be a shame to throw out such a work of art.” —Carol Lee

This matte lipstick promises to be transfer-proof and hang on for up to 16 hours. Many products that stick around for that long have a tendency to dry out, but Dior’s formula sidesteps that pitfall, thanks to hydrating red peony extract and jojoba.

Shades: 26

Size: 0.12 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “A lot of people describe this lipstick as their ‘wedding lipstick.’ It looks and feels like a traditional lipstick, and the colors are so universally flattering. Unlike your grandma’s lipstick, it doesn’t dry out your lips and has that silky texture that you associate with luxury beauty products. It also doesn’t make your lips feel like they’re suffocating; it’s nicely moisturizing (for a lipstick), and won’t settle into lines.” —Kathleen Hou

Oils, waxes, and clay combine to create this lipstick, which offers high-pigment color without compromising on comfort or longevity. Whether you’re looking for a ‘90s brown, scarlet red, or intriguing green, there’s a Gucci matte lipstick that fits the bill.

Shades: 30

Size: 0.12 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Gucci made this lipstick impossible to resist. Even just the gold tube is a work of art. Meanwhile, applying the velvet-like formula feels like putting on a blurring beauty filter—it makes my lips look softer and plumper, especially when I soften the edges with the tip of my ring finger.” —Carol Lee

Sometimes, all you need is a swipe of color on your lips to brighten up your whole face. For your mid-day pick-me-up, consider applying a coat or two of Generation G, the sheer, matte formula is meant to look like lipstick that’s just been blotted. The no-fuss lipstick is possible to apply without a mirror, making it the effortless cool-girl lipstick of our dreams.

Shades: 9

Size: 0.1 oz.

Glossier rating: 3.8/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “When I was little, my mom forbade me from playing with any makeup. I used to stare at my crayons, wishing that I could apply them to my lips and imitate the grown-ups around me. This lipstick from Glossier feels like crayons for my lips in the best way. The bullet feels slightly waxy, but it leaves behind color on my lips (unlike a real crayon). One swipe is enough if you don’t want to look like you’re doing too much, but I like to build it up with a few layers. However, it never feels too thick, and the sheer nature of the product guarantees that the shades will look good on virtually anyone.” —Carol Lee

This matte lipstick features ingredients like vitamin E and various waxes to moisturize and smooth out your lips. Pair it with your favorite lip liner and lip oil for a glamorous vibe that’ll have everyone complimenting your pout.

Shades: 23

Size: 0.12 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “This is a matte lipstick that doesn’t feel like a matte lipstick. Because of all the silicones in it, I find that the formula is as creamy as a satin lip product, but looks completely matte when it sets down. However, what really draws me to this line are the alluring shades—Pillow Talk Medium is my favorite berry to date. There’s a reason why so many celebrities trust Charlotte Tilbury to architect their red carpet beauty looks.” —Carol Lee

Harris’ favorite liquid lipstick is this one from Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty. “They are long-wearing, come in a variety of shades, and are easy to apply,” Harris says. Even the bold red is transfer-proof, so you can kiss your loved ones without fear.

Shades: 6

Size: o.13 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Fenty Beauty first debuted this lip color in one shade: Uncensored. It’s since launched five other stunning hues, but that classic blue-red is still my favorite. I love how beautiful it looks on different skin tones; on me, it looks deep and almost vampy, but on those with deeper skin, it appears bright and vibrant, like a ripe Fuji apple. The formula itself can get a little messy, but if you apply it carefully and correctly, it’ll stay in place until you wipe it off at the end of the day.” —Carol Lee

Inspired by the flushed appearance of “bouche mordue,” or “just bitten lips,” this matte formula tints and blurs your lips, making them look like you’ve just shared a French kiss with your special someone. The nourishing product toes the line between lipstick and lip balm and wears off without leaving behind any stark stains or lines.

Shades: 6

Size: 0.8 oz.

Violette_FR rating: 4.2/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Red lips used to be my signature, but I got tired of how messy they’d get, especially while eating. Because I’m so pale, any bit of lipstick that strayed outside my lip's lines was painfully obvious. Although I still wear a red lip occasionally, on days when I don’t want to fuss with my makeup too much, I reach for this moisturizing balm in Amour Fou. It’s so easy to apply that I can do so without a mirror, and unlike some other red lipsticks, I can wipe it off when needed with a dry tissue.” —Carol Lee