Spring 2013 Makeup Trends: Bold Matte Lips

Giles :: image credit : GoRunway

As usual, the Spring/Summer 2013 runway shows have tone for this Spring's makeup trends. Surprisingly, the shows were devoid of the typical pastel, light looks we tend associate with the season. Instead, it's time to embrace the bold! I'm all about bold lips but many people find them intimidating. Over the next couple weeks I'll go over each of these new trends and offer some suggestions for transferring these looks from the runway to everyday life. Unless, of course, you've got the type of job where neon pink mascara is totally acceptable. Probably not.

image : Imaxtree

First in this series is the bold, matte lip. This trend popped up at numerous shows, including Burberry, Missoni, Giles, Donna Karen, and Michael Kors, just to name a few. Not only are matte lips in, but the trend has been for a colorful matte lip, often red, coral, or pink. These are my every day colors but not everyone else is comfortable with this look. Remember, it's not that you look bad in bright or bold color (you don't!), it's just that you're not use to wearing so much color.

1. Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick ($19) - Applies easily, is totally opaque, and isn't drying. While it won't last all day, it will stay on for at least 3-4 hours, and even then it won't totally wear away, just fade. This lipstick has a slight creamy texture but is not shimmery. It is available in 20 different colors, I like Vibrant Magenta and Coral Pink, my usual go to fav shades.

2. MAC Matte Lipstick ($15) - MAC Matte Lipsticks have fantastic staying power and great pigment. However, I find them to be a little too drying, some more than others. They are also scented, this doesn't bother me but it can be a turn off. Definitely a go-to for matte lipstick lovers and great for anyone who wants a retro look. Ruby Woo is a standard amongst consoeurs of the red lip, but I'm a fan or Lady Danger, a bright tangerine.

3. Revlon Matte Lipstick ($8) - Either you love this lipstick or you hate it. While some find this lipstick to be drying and the coverage a bit patchy, it still receives rave reviews from many. However, it's readily available in most drugstores and for $8 it might be worth a try if you're unsure about this trend. If you're more of a neutral chic try Mauve It Over, a universal shade, but if you're going for the color pop consider Pink About It.

4. NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($25) - This formula stays put! It a mix between a crayon and a pencil and goes on smoothly. Outline your lips, fill them in and you are all set to go. Plus, all the colors are great.  The biggest downside of this product, for me at least, is that it is a pencil and thus needs to be sharpened, which can be annoying for two reasons: 1. you lose a lot of product, 2. if you don't remember your sharpener then your out of luck. Since I have a hard enough time remembering the pencil to begin with that's kind of asking a lot. I also find it drys out my already pretty dry lips. Keeping with this season's trends try it in Pink Cantaloupe, Lilac Rose, or Siren Red

5. Tarte Lipsurgence Matte Tint ($24) - This is the Holy Grail of matte lip color for many.  It goes on smoothly and stays on all day, even through eating and drinking. It has zero shine, a slightly minty scent, and feels very light and hydrating - very different from the pancake texture of many mattes. Try it in Hot Pink if you're feeling bold or Light Pink if you're looking for a more subtle approach to this trend.

6. Nyx Matte Lipstick ($6) - The ladies of Makeup Alley love Nyx Matte Lipstick! The texture is creamy, the color is highly pigmented, and the staying power great. If you are unsure if this trend is for you or are use to only wearing neutral colors, start off with this lipstick before you commit to one of the more expensive products. Try Indie Flick (coral) or Pure Red for this season, if those are too bold for you give Sierra a try, at $6 you can't really go wrong.

Matte lipstick can be drying s make sure you take care of your lips. Mary Kay has a fantastic exfoliating Lip Mask and if you're looking for the world's least expensive and most effective lip balm check out Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment. It was recommended to me by my dermatologist when I was on Accutane (which dries out your eyes, lips, and skin a crazy amount) and it is by far and away the most effective lip balm and healing ointment you'll ever find.

Anyone a fan of the matte lip? Have some reviews or advice to share?