Matte Lipstick for Beginners: What to Know Before You Wear It

If you’ve always stuck to gloss but want to step into the bold world of matte lips—welcome! Matte lipstick is a whole vibe, but it does come with its own rules. Here’s everything you need to know before wearing it for the first time:

    •    Prep is non-negotiable. (Exfoliate + hydrate first!)

    •    Apply in thin layers. Don’t glob it on. A thin, even coat goes a long way.

    •    Let it dry. Matte formulas need 30–60 seconds to fully set.

    •    Avoid rubbing your lips together. Unlike gloss, matte doesn’t like movement.

    •    Touch-ups should be fresh. Remove and reapply for the best results—don’t just layer over the old one.

Ready to try? Our Pretty Smack matte line was designed to give you high pigment and long wear without the dryness. Welcome to the matte club!