When the weather outside is frightful AND you’re trying to do your makeup at the crack of dawn before the sun has even risen, it can become a challenge to maintain that same enthusiasm you had for beauty way back on those bright, sunny summer mornings. This is where lipstick typically comes strolling in to save the day. A colorful lip can instantly perk you up, and the perfect lip color for your skin tone can even make you feel like maybe you don’t need blush, foundation, or eyeshadow — that’s the power of great lipstick.
But, unfortunately, not all lipstick shades or lipstick types are the same. And the lipstick formula that may be your go-to pick in the summer and spring could leave your lips dry and chapped when temperatures drop. This is the one type of lipstick you should avoid at all costs this winter because it can cause chapped lips.
Matte Lipstick
Matte lipsticks have a tendency to dry out and crack your lips, causing chapping and irritation, according to Beauty Expert Bella Williams, founder of Skincell. “They can also make existing chapped lips worse by further drying them out,” Williams said. Blame the ingredients in your favorite matte lipstick. In order to ensure that it finishes without shine and gloss, it’s made with wax and pigment and much less oil than you find in gloss or semi-matte lipsticks. The pros of this formula is that it tends to be more long-lasting and its color will be more intense and richer. But the obvious con is that there’s a trade-off: your lips will feel a whole lot drier.
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How To Wear Mattes In Winter
If you absolutely refuse to part ways with your beloved matte lipstick, but want your lips to look and feel hydrated, there are a few tricks you can try before you throw in the towel. Start by exfoliating lips with a natural lip scrub made with ingredients like sugar. Next, give your lips a full-on hydrating treatment with a lip mask like this pick made with hyaluronic acid, green tea, and peptides. Don’t forget to apply a soothing balm like Aquaphor, which you can then blot slightly before applying your matte lipstick.
Matte Alternatives
Open to trying more hydrating alternatives to your matte lipstick? There are plenty of options.
“Try opting for semi-matte or creamy lipsticks that are more moisturizing on the lips,” Williams said. “These will keep your lips hydrated and protected while still providing beautiful color. Also, look for lipsticks with ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, vitamin E and other natural moisturizers to keep your lips hydrated during the winter. Be sure to get a lip balm with SPF as well to provide an extra layer of protection against the cold winter weather.”
One pick you may fall in love with: this matte lip mousse by Julep that’s formulated with nourishing shea butter, sunflower oil, and rosemary extracts — so you’ll get the best of both worlds.
