Are Matte Liquid Lipsticks (Like Kylie Cosmetics’) the Best Choice for a Long Night Out?
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The Seductive Promise of a Bulletproof Pout
You’re getting ready for a long night out—dinner, drinks, perhaps some dancing. The last thing you want to worry about is your lipstick smudging, fading, or ending up on your teeth or your wine glass. This is the seductive promise of the ultra-matte liquid lipstick, famously championed by brands like Kylie Cosmetics: apply it once at 7 PM, and it will not move for hours.
These formulas are legendary for their incredible makeup longevity. But is that iron-clad wear-time really the most important factor for a great night out? And does a liquid lipstick truly look as good at midnight as it does the moment you apply it?
We’re doing an honest breakdown of the pros and the very real cons of relying on a classic matte liquid lipstick for a long event, and revealing the modern alternatives that might just be a better, more sophisticated choice.
The Case FOR Matte Liquid Lipstick: The Pros
There’s no denying why these products became so popular. Their advantages are powerful and immediate.
Unmatched, Transfer-Proof Longevity
This is their superpower. A well-formulated liquid lipstick dries down to a completely transfer-proof finish. For the first few hours, you can sip your drink and eat a (non-oily) meal with the confidence that your lip color is perfectly intact.
Intense, One-Swipe Color
They deliver bold, opaque, and perfectly defined color in a single application. For a sharp, high-impact, and glamorous look, their color payoff is difficult to beat.
The Case AGAINST Matte Liquid Lipstick: The Cons
The initial perfection of a liquid lipstick can often lead to some unflattering and uncomfortable issues as the night wears on.
The “Desert Lip” Effect
The same ingredients that make these lipsticks so long-wearing are often extremely drying. After a couple of hours, they can wick the natural moisture from your lips, leaving them feeling tight, shriveled, and deeply uncomfortable.
The Dreaded “Crumbly” Fade
This is the biggest problem. Ultra-mattes do not fade gracefully. As you eat and drink, the formula often breaks down and crumbles away from the center of your mouth. This leaves a harsh, unflattering ring of color on the outside that looks more like cakey makeup than a faded lip. This “butthole lip” effect is nearly impossible to touch up smoothly without removing it all and starting again.
They Can Emphasize Lip Lines
The very dry, flat-matte texture can settle into and exaggerate the appearance of fine lines on the lips. This can be a significant concern as it can be aging and is often unflattering on skin with existing wrinkles & fine lines.
The Modern Alternatives: Longevity and Comfort
The good news is that modern makeup has evolved. You can have long-lasting color without the discomfort.
Option #1: The Modern Lip Stain
A true lip stain imparts a wash of color that sinks into your lips, rather than sitting on top as a heavy, drying layer. It provides a long-lasting tint that fades evenly, like a natural flush. You can easily top it with a clear gloss or balm for comfort and shine throughout the night without disturbing the color underneath.
Option #2: The Classic Blotting Technique
This is the foolproof makeup artist method for long-lasting color with any traditional cream lipstick. Apply one layer, press your lips firmly onto a tissue, apply a second layer, and blot again. This builds a deep, rich stain into your lips with a soft, velvety finish that is comfortable and fades beautifully.
Option #3: The New-Generation “Velvet Matte”
Look for liquid lipsticks described with words like “velvet,” “soft matte,” “air-matte,” or “mousse.” These modern formulas are not completely transfer-proof, but they are far more flexible, lightweight, and comfortable on the lips. Most importantly, they fade much more gracefully than their ultra-matte predecessors.
The Verdict: A Powerful Tool, But Not Always the Best One
So, are ultra-matte liquid lipsticks the ‘best’ choice for a long night out? If your number one, non-negotiable priority is a 100% transfer-proof finish for a shorter event (like a two-hour dinner), they remain a powerful tool.
However, for a truly comfortable, graceful, and low-maintenance look that will last through a very long evening, the modern alternatives are often the superior choice. A lip stain or a beautifully blotted cream lipstick provides the perfect balance of longevity and comfort, ensuring your lips look and feel great from the first toast to the last dance.
