This Anti-Trend Lipstick Is the Key to Creating a Timeless Lip
In a world of lip balms and shiny glosses, the best matte lipsticks are the secret to a cool lip look that lasts all day.
Right now, it seems like the lip look is a shiny one. Lip gloss is back in full force, baby—with glassy clear top coats and sheeny balms replacing more classic lipsticks in our makeup bags. I, for one, never thought I'd see a Lancôme Juicy Tubes renaissance in my future, but here we are. And I'm not complaining about it.
But although I've been experimenting with various lip glosses and lip oils recently, I've decided I will never stray from my tried-and-true matte lipstick. Sure, I might reach for something shinier from time to time, but my go-to is always a matte finish. It's definitely making a comeback in 2026, and I think the look is 100% timeless. The finish looks so sophisticated and grown-up, and I instantly feel put-together whenever I have a matte lipstick on. In fact, sometimes when I'm especially lazy about doing my makeup but need to look like I actually did it because I'm going out or have something for work, I'll apply some matte lipstick, mascara, a touch of blush, and a brow product, and I'm all set. No need to do a full face when I've got a bold lip on. I find that the product really elevates a look.
Plus, can we just talk about how matte lipsticks seem to be invincible when faced with beverages and food? Those types of lipsticks have staying power all night long. Have I sold you on them yet? Keep scrolling for our tried-and-tested pick of the best ones below.
The Best Matte Lipsticks
- Best Everyday Matte Lipstick: Merit Signature Matte Lipstick (£25)
- Best Affordable Matte Lipstick: Maybelline Serum Bullet Lipstick (£9)
- Best Long-Lasting Matte Lipstick: MAC Retro Matte Lipstick (£22)
- Best Matte Lip Pencil: NARS Powermatte High Intensity Lip Pencil (£27)
- Best Moisturising Matte Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick (£30)
1. Merit Signature Matte Lipstick
Number of shades: 8
Key ingredients: Squalane, sunflower seed oil, vitamin C
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Modern, slightly-blurred finish
- Pigmented
Cons
- Would like a wider spectrum of shades
Editor review: "Merit's Signature Lipsticks actually come in two finishes—satin and matte—but it's the matte that I formula that I find really special," says freelance beauty editor Mica Ricketts. "It looks much like a classic lipstick, but has a somewhat unique finish that's almost soft and cloud-like. I think it's a great entryway into the world of matte lipsticks, as you can wear it quite sheer for a relaxed, lived-in look, or layer it up for a more intense pop of pigment. It's really versatile and so lightweight on the lips that you won't even remember you're wearing it. Vermillion is my go-to shades—a warm-toned red—, but there are tons of more neutral options in the lineup."
2. Maybelline Serum Bullet Lipstick
Number of shades: 8
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, avocado oil, castor oil
Editor review: "When Miley Cyrus was announced as the new face of Maybelline last year, the first thing I wanted to know when I saw the campaign was what exactly Miley had on her lips to get that cool girl '90s look. Turns out, it was this serum matte lipstick in the shade 02 Maybe It's.... I was instantly sold," says Ricketts. "While this lipstick does also come in a satin finish if you prefer a sheenier lip, these matte versions are also enriched with hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils, so they still feel incredible on the lips but with that timeless finish."
Pros
- Hydrating and nourishing
- Matte without being dry
- Affordable
Cons
- Does need touching up after a few hours
3. MAC Retro Matte Lipstick
Number of shades: 6
Key ingredients: Carnauba wax
Why we love it: Leave it to MAC to make some iconic red lipsticks, and the Retro Matte Lipsticks are total classics. Of course, you can opt for the legendary Ruby Woo shade of red, but you can also choose pink, orangey-red, plum, fuchsia, or nude.
Editor review: "Purchasing my first tube of Ruby Woo felt like a beauty rite of passage for me. I must have been about 19 and remember that it felt like a huge investment, yet the moment I slicked it on my lips, it was the start of a lifelong love," says Ricketts. "While I'm a bit fickle when it comes to lipsticks, as I love so many of them, few compete with the longevity, pigment, and totally matte finish that MAC's Retro formulas provide. Plus, there's something that just feels so glamorous and grown-up still to me of this vibrant blue-red shade."
Pros
- Incredible staying power
- Great range of brights
- Classic matte finish
Cons
- Can feel slightly dry
4. Nars Powermatte Lip Pencil
Number of shades: 10
Key ingredients: Pure pigments, emollient oils
Why we love it: Some matte lipsticks can make your lips feel tight or constrained because they're drying and heavy. Not this one from Nars—it has a lightweight, flexible texture when it sets.
Pros
- Easy to apply precisely
- Full coverage
- Long-wearing
Cons
- It does require sharpening
Editor review: "I've never been quiet about how innately lazy I am when it comes to my beauty routine, and there's no denying that wearing a full-pigment lipstick can be a little high-maintenance. However, these lip pencils from Nars are like the low-effort way to enjoy a full coverage lip," says Ricketts. "They have a gorgeous, creamy texture that glides on (my fear with a pencil was that it would be dry), and I love the fact that you can really define your lips with the tip first or just scribble it on and blend it out with your fingers. Once it dries down, though, you're left with a modern matte lip that stays put all day long."
5. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick
Number of shades: 21
Key ingredients: Lipstick tree extract, vitamins C and E, ester
Why we love it: Charlotte Tilbury's matte lipstick has a lasting finish, but it won't dry the lips out since it's enriched with a secret ingredient and orchid extract. It also contains 3D glow pigments to help the lips look fuller.
Pros
- So many shades to choose from
- Smooths and plumps lips
- Feels luxurious
Cons
- There aren't any
Editor review: "It was the iconic Pillow Talk shade that first got me hooked on this cult formula from Charlotte Tilbury, but I have since amassed quite the collection of colours thanks to just how comfy this lipstick is to wear," says Ricketts. "Not only does it deliver on a beautifully pigmented matte finish, but it has a beautiful cushiony texture that almost diffuses fine lines and dryness in the lips to leave a really smooth, even wash of colour. Plus, I never feel fancier than whipping out this rose gold tube to reapply it."
6. Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lipstick
Number of shades: 20
Key ingredients: Shea butter, jojoba oil
Why we love it: Chanel's lipstick leaves a velvety matte finish with intense colour. It's weightless, too, and packed with moisturising ingredients to leave lips smooth and supple.
Pros
- Radiant finish
- Feels as hydrating as a balm
- Iconic black and gold click case
Cons
- It's expensive
Editor review: "As a lipstick fanatic, I really don't think anything beats Chanel. From the formulas to the packaging, everything about a Chanel lipstick oozes luxury—and their matte formula is no different," says Ricketts. "Described as a luminous matte, this is a brilliant option if you feel like matte lipsticks can look a little flat on your face. The hydrating ingredients and pearly pigments meant that this is a lipstick that almost glows with brightness, yet doesn't veer into shiny territory. Genius."
7. Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Colour
Number of shades: 8
Key ingredients: Matte pigments
Why we love it: Fenty Beauty's liquid lipstick is long-wearing and delivers a soft-matte finish. The product's wand is specially designed for precise and neat application.
Editor review: "My big night outs are few and far between these days, but for occasions when I know I want a lipstick that's going to not only make a statement but will last for drinks and dancing into the early hours, it's this Fenty liquid lipstick that I'd reach for," says Ricketts. "There are a couple of more pared-back shades in the lineup, but I think it's the bold reds, pinks and berry shades that are worth investing in here because their intense staying power means you won't have to worry about touching them up at all."
Pros
- Bold, high-impact finish
- Does not budge
- Really pigmented
Cons
- Application takes some getting used to
8. Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Matte Lipstick
Number of shades: 15
Key ingredients: Matte pigments
Why we love it: This is a deeply pigmented, luxurious-feeling lipstick with a velvet matte finish that adds a modern sheen without compromising on staying power.
Pros
- Lasts for hours and hours
- Velvet matte finish feels modern
- Feels really creamy
Cons
- Works best with a liner if you want a really sharp finish
Editor review: "Possibly one of my favourite formulas of all time, matte or otherwise, this is basically lipstick perfection—especially if you love a classic pillarbox red which Lisa Eldridge delivers in the cult shade Velvet Ribbon," says Ricketts. "It feels pillowy, plush, and ultra-creamy on the lips, and benefits from having an ever-so-slight velvety sheen to it, which adds some extra dimension. I'll be rushing to add more shades to my shopping cart ASAP."
9. Westman Atelier Lip Suede
Number of shades: 2
Key ingredients: Peptides, shea butter, carnuba wax, cold-pressed oils
Why we love it: This innovative lip palette from Westman Atelier is infused with nourishing and conditioning ingredients like cold-pressed cherry oil, marula oil, and biomimetic peptides for a hydrating finish.
Editor review: "If you love playing around with your lip colours and mixing and matching, you'll definitely be occupied with this compact. It contains four hues in soft-matte textures that you can wear solo or mix," explains Who What Wear US managing editor, Sarah Yang. "The only downside? It is ludicrously expensive, so it's definitely one to ask for as a gift or to save for special occasions."
Pros
- Four lipsticks in one
- Wear shades alone or mix together
- Hydrating matte finish
Cons
- So expensive
How We Tested
We've called on the Who What Wear team and our wider beauty contributors for their pick of the best matte lipsticks for this list. From affordable formulas to luxury brands, we tested a range and rated on how well they lasted, how matte the finish was, and how comfortable they were to wear before they made the cut. Every matte lipstick has been tested by us, as experts.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.