9 amazing matte lipsticks that won’t dry out your lips

Do you like your matte lipstick punchy? Kryolan’s liquid lipsticks are super bold and this stuff doesn’t budge either. If you’re all in when it comes to matte lipsticks, then you’ve found your match. And yep, they actually feel nice on your lips.

The review: “The best matte lipstick that I have tried is Kryolan Lip Stain in Pop. I love it because it’s the most flattering shade of bright bubblegum pink that seems to suit all complexions. It also truly lasts the day and actually needs a good eye makeup remover to get it off.” Aneta, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $42

Lightweight yet highly pigmented, this liquid lipstick has an oil-in-water formula that feels incredible on lips - if you’ve always steered clear of matte lipsticks in the past because they feel heavy and caked on, this one will change your mind. It’s a lipstick that stays on all day through everything (it’s waterproof, kiss-proof, food-proof), too. Our Review Crew® gave it 4.5 stars.

The review: “Firstly, the colours are amazing and they just glide on your lips so effortlessly, no need for a mirror. They go on wet which I loved and they dried to a lovely matte finish but it wasn't dry like some matte lip colours. I would definitely recommend these Signature Lip Inks if you want a colour that lasts and doesn't dry out your lips; and so many colours to go from day to night! LOVE!” Leanne, Beauty Crew member

Cost: $29.95

Matte lipsticks aren’t exactly forgiving, so if a precise application is not your forte, then you might want to consider a lip pencil instead of a stick or liquid formula. This one from NARS glides on effortlessly over lips but is easy to place exactly where you want it, and has a lovely long-lasting and pigment-packed finish. On Mecca’s website, this matte lip pencil has 425 five-star reviews!

The review: “I don’t wear a lot of lipsticks, let alone matte ones, because lippie feathers like crazy on my lips (read: I always end up looking like a clown). But since discovering this lip pencil and using it all over my lips as a lipstick, it has changed my makeup game!” Chelsea Tromans, Beauty Crew’s Contributing Editor

Cost: $41

This is our pick for the most inexpensive matte lipstick that doesn’t disappoint. If it wasn’t for the high-pigment colour you’d almost forget you’re wearing it (the texture is lightweight and comfortable). There are some great extra bold shades in the collection, but it’s the nude ones that we’re head over heels for.

The review: “I am in love with these matte lip creams! They come in a wide variety of colours and have a great opaque, matte finish. I find that they are non-drying and feel very lightweight on the lips. I find these last really well throughout the day. Highly recommend.” Laura, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $12.95

Creaminess and colour selection are two areas where this lipstick excels. Vitamin C and E in the formula look after the health of your lips, and there are over 100 shades in the collection (with six different finishes - sheer shimmer, cream, metallized, comfort matte, sheer and mega matte).

The review: “The one that offers a creamy, smooth and comfortable formula AND superb pigmentation with a dizzying range of 100+ colours is Urban Decay, which is my absolute favourite. Urban Decay’s Comfort Matte range has all the sharp finish and full cover of a matte lipstick with the moisturising feel of a cream. No dried-up wrinkled lips here.” Anne F, SUPERcrew member   

Cost: $34

A luxurious treat for your lips, Lancôme’s matte lipstick range feels so beautiful and comforting on lips, and that colour payoff is next level. We also love the shades - good luck choosing just one or even a few from the 18 colour line-up (there’s even a black lipstick!).

The review: “Not only do I love the lip-hugging yet non-drying formula, I also rate this lippie because it’s unapologetically punchy. Want to make a statement? Reach for Obsessive Red, an orange-based rouge that’s just the thing to brighten warm-based complexions.” Iantha Yu, Beauty Crew’s Beauty Editor

Cost: $54

MAC Cosmetics is the queen of lipstick so no surprises, we reckon their matte lipstick range is among the best in the biz. We also rank MAC’s matte lipstick as the most pigmented you can find. If you’re after a timeless shade, the retro collection is full of them.

The review: “The best matte lipstick would have to be MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo. It is a classic, cult-fave that looks great on everyone and lasts forever. It feels comfortable on, (which is rare in a super-matte lipstick) and is pretty reasonably priced.” Jacqui, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $36

Fancy a matte lipstick that loves your lips not just because it’s nourishing (shout out to Australian ingredient Kakadu plum, as well as mango butter and castor oil) but also because it’s natural? Then add this one to cart.

The reviews: “Nude By Nature Matte Lipstick in 05 Riberry. It’s soft, hydrating and well-pigmented. The colour doesn’t run and has great staying power - what more can you want in a lipstick?!” Anne M, SUPERcrew member

“I'm loving the Nude By Nature Matte Lipstick at the moment. It's great because of its ingredients but it also has a beautiful colour range and one that especially suits me and my colouring. I love the slim packaging, too - it fits easily anywhere and is light to carry around.” Vanessa, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $22.95

If you’re after a matte liquid lipstick that also ticks the box for long-lasting, non-drying and cheap, we recommend Maybelline’s Matte Ink. Our Review Crew® awarded it 4 stars - it was the liquid lippie’s creamy texture, intense colour payoff and no-budge formula that won them over. But they’re not the only ones who are big fans. One of these pretties sells every six seconds around the world (psst, Pioneer is the most-loved shade worldwide).

The reviews: “This is so long-lasting! Food-proof, drink-proof, kiss-proof! I love the colours (my favourite shade is Pioneer 20), great pigment and true matte look. A great price, too.” Georgia, SUPERcrew member

“Easy to apply, pigmented and feels very comfortable on my lips. It is quite long-wearing and the colour (my favourite is Pioneer) does spread out quite evenly without any patchiness. This matte lipstick doesn’t dry out or crack my lips throughout the day.” Helen, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $19.95