How To Mattify Your Lipstick, So You Don’t Have To Shell Out For A New Matte Shade

Hello, hi, it’s been a minute since I last talked about lipstick, so here I am. Today’s topic: How to save money by learning how to mattify the shades you already own instead of shelling out for a new matte shade. I don’t know if any of you have noticed, but matte lips really came into the spotlight toward the end of last year, and if some of the celeb beauty looks on the Teen Choice Awards blue carpet are any indication, it’s likely going to be a big trend for fall (again!).

(Related: Does Wearing White Lipstick Really Make Your Lip Color Brighter?)

Last year for my birthday (it’s in November, for anyone out there who was considering marking their calendars and sending me presents), I was fortunate enough to have a friend who understood my lipstick addiction and bought me Maybelline‘s Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color in Divine Wine. Since then, I’ve been on a bit of a matte lip color rampage, trying out everything from Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick to Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm (Shameless is my favorite shade). I love how a matte lip, even when it’s a bright color, somehow looks more natural, and it lasts WAY longer than a pearl or cream finish.

But you know what? Those things cost money, and I don’t have a lot of that. What I do have, though, is a mild willingness to learn and an aggressive obsession with YouTube and Pinterest, so I’ve found a whole bunch of tutorials on how to mattify your lipstick.

Here are the two best guides I’ve found:

The Beauty Department

This tutorial requires you to wear a lot of product on your lips, but it’s totally worth it in the end. Basically, all you need to do is find a blush or eyeshadow that matches your lipstick of choice and pat it on at the end! Fun fact: I actually have that exact lip stain (Revlon ColorStay Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Lovesick), and it’s an even brighter fuchsia than it appears in the photos.

I can see how some people would worry about this affecting the shade at the end, though. So, for those of you who’d rather be safe than sorry…

Marc Zapanta’s Video Tutorial

Not only does this trick absolutely work, but I could listen to Marc’s accent all day, every day. Marc’s method uses two simple products: Your lipstick of choice, and talcum powder, something you can find for next to no money at virtually every drugstore. Also, his eye makeup game (just his general makeup/facial features game, really) is so strong it hurts. Also also, is anyone else eternally amused by the fact that TJ Maxx is called TK Maxx in the UK? No? Just me? Fine, just leave me here.