Trends: Matte Lips

Matte lips are such an amazing statement to any outfit and In Style magazine couldn't have made a more gorgeous editorial to showcase the latest must-have beauty item! Here's our personal take on matte lips, how we like to wear it, and our current favorite product!

Tara

Summer is more easy breezy sheer lipsticks or tinted balms, but for fall/winter, you'll see us sporting matte lips. There's nothing more chic than bold liner, tons of mascara and a matte lip. Sure matte lipcolors have their ups and downs, but the impact makes it all worth it. I personally dread the look of a ultra nude matte lip (makes people look ill) so bring in the reds and berries for this season! The trick to keep matte lips look and apply flawlessly is to exfoliate! Unfortunately matte lips will exentuate any dryness or flakey spots, but keeping your lips exfoliated as well as moisturized is the key to success! P.s. look for more tips for wearing matte lips at the bottom of this post (; 

Lani

Matte lips have always been a favorite of mine since I usually avoid anything too glossy as it reminds me of being in middle school and applying layers upon layers of grape-flavored lip gloss. (Insert shudder going through spine.) I definitely love a natural lip and matte red lipstick gives a great flush of color when you apply it first on your finger and dab it into the center of your lip (after having applied chapstick), then gently dab it everywhere else to avoid any harsh lines. Bold, matte lips also tend to be my favorite accessory when I'm dressed down a bit more. Red is such a classic and looks good with virtually any outfit and hairdo! It's like the perfect trying-without-trying accessory.

Lipsticks pictured from top left to right: MAC in Diva, Tarte in Hope, MAC in Ruby Woo, Sonia Kashuk in Berry Natural, Tarte in Fiery, Rimmel's Kate Moss in 101

Tips for Wearing Matte Lips

To make it last: There's only one word you'll need to remember-BLOT! After applying a first layer of lipstick, blot away the excess to create a stain. Repeat this step 3 times and your matte lips won't budge! Another good way to make them stay is to create a stain using lip liner, except remember to fill in the lips too so in the case that they do fade, it won't create an outline.

Keeping dryness at bay: Lip balm is always key to matte lips. It helps to apply a good balm (we like using Burt's Bees, Vaseline's Balm, and CO Bigelow) first thing in the makeup process. When it comes time to apply the lipstick, gently wipe off any excess.

Current Most Used Products / Summer 2013

Tara

Recently, I've been all about matte eyes, rosy lips and cheeks, and radiant skin. These products have not left my side all season!

Nars Blush (Amour) 
Intensely pigmented, just a dab of this matte rosy color will give an instant flush to your cheeks.

MAC lipstick (Speak Louder) 
Loving this color! It's a bit bright, but add some balm to your lips prior and this color transforms into a semi-sheer pink shade that can add a finishing touch to any makeup look.

Sonia Kashuk (Eye on Neutral -02)
I've been experimenting with matte eye shadows this summer, and by the look of it, you can say I'm obsessed! I picked up this talked-about matte palate and I'm in love! The quality compares to any high-end brand, and I can't wait to incorporate matte eyes into every season!

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer (Nude)
This has been my by far most used product since I saw it in drugstores. I will endlessly repurchase this concealer, can't live without it! (Okay I could, but...) It's amazing at covering dark circles under the eyes, and concealing around the face. It gives luminosity without being greasy or shiny. I can't say enough good things, try it out- you won't be disappointed!

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (Dim Light) 
Sweep this powder across your cheekbones, forehead and down your nose over a matte setting powder, and it will instantly give your skin a perfect, non-sparkly luminous glow you've been looking for all season.

Lani

I've really been loving simple products lately since the summer heat and humidity melts practically everything off my face.

Maybelline Colossal Volume Express & Big Eyes Mascara 

At first I wasn't a major fan of the Big Eyes Mascara because the wand was a bit difficult to work with. However, I eventually got used to it and now I'm really smitten with it. I actually like to layer it with the Colossal Volume Express and I'm in love with the results, which is very full and voluminous! The bottom lash mascara wand is a bit too long to work with so I usually end up using it just on the bottom center lashes, which gives a more doll-eyed affect.

Nars Blush (Deepthroat)

This blush was a recent purchase after having a tiny sample of it in a duo and I'm so glad I got the full size! It's the perfect shade of peachy pink and blends so beautifully. It's an amazing pop of color that isn't too garish and the amount of sparkle isn't overwhelming, it instead creates a gorgeous and natural looking sheen. 

Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner (Espresso Ink)

My mom actually turned me onto this product after she had it for a few years and swore by it. After reading so many rave reviews, I took the plunge and decided that I could never go back to liquid or pencil eyeliner (at least not for a while). With Bobbi Brown's Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush, creating a thin or thick line is effortless although it does take a bit more skill to do a kitten flick. It also has yet to crease or smudge, definitely a holy grail item!

Clinique Airbrush Concealer 

I had to have this concealer after watching tons and tons of Lisa Eldridge videos where she whipped out this beauty. It's very lightweight and is perfect for undereyes or even for muting tiny spots. For those looking for heavier coverage, this isn't the product for you as it's quite sheer. 

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette 

This palette was a gift I received this past Christmas and it's been the perfect go-to palette for those mornings that I'm in a rush or in the mood for a neutral eye. I'm not a major fan of the 3 lighter shades as it looks quite chalky on my skin tone but Naked 2 and Faint is the perfect combination.

What's your current favorite product for summer? Have you tried any of the products mentioned, what is your opinion on them?

Hope you're all having a lovely summer!