You know what’s hard work? Taking off matte lipstick, especially liquid ones. Products like Colourpop’s Ultra Matte Lip and Wet N Wild’s Liquid Catsuit really last all day, and it’s not fun to remove them.
As someone who has a lot of super-matte lipsticks, I can attest that it takes more time and patience. These lipsticks are made with more wax than oil, which creates the long-lasting, but drying, surface. There’s also a chance your lips will feel raw once you get it off—that is, if you don’t use the right removal and aftercare items.
We’re saving you the hassle of looking up products to use on your matte lipsticks, so we’re giving you a shopping list. These will make it easier for you to remove the pigment without damaging your lips.
J.Cat Invisible Matte Lip Makeup Remover
The only way to remove matte lipstick is to use an oil cleanser. If you want something that won’t make a mess on your hands, use this nifty product from J.Cat. What you do is squeeze the tube and use the applicator to swipe on the gel-like product on your lips. This will melt away the lipstick, making it easier to wipe away or rinse with water. Available at Uptown Mall.
Candid Clothing Reusable Bamboo Cotton Facial Pads
You can use this to wipe away the melted lipstick from your lips, and maybe your face. After using a pad or two, you can just wash them and they’re good as new. Available online.
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
I personally use micellar water to make sure there’s no lipstick residue left—and there are a lot of matte lipsticks that need double cleansing to be removed. Just add a small amount on your reusable cotton pads and wipe. Available at Watsons stores.
Ellana Cosmetics Strawberry Vanilla Edible Sugar Lip Scrub
After completely removing the lipstick, you may notice some dryness or dead skin on your lips. Gently buff them away with a lip scrub to smoothen out your lips’ surface. This one from Ellana Cosmetics is made with strawberry vanilla-flavored sugar, so consider this your daily serving of dessert. Available at SM Makati.
Vaseline Lip Therapy in Créme Brulee
Bring back moisture to your lips with a trusty balm, and you’ll never go wrong with Vaseline Lip Therapy. This a petroleum jelly-base product known to relieve dry and chapped lips. This is perfect after hours of wearing matte lipstick. Available at Rustan’s Supermarket.
Aritaum Ginger Sugar Overnight Lip Mask
If you want more moisture, you can opt for an overnight lip mask. This one from Aritaum is made with shea butter, beeswax, and murumuru butter to moisturize and repair your lips as you sleep. Unlike other product, you don’t need to wash this off in the morning. Available on Althea.
Once you follow these steps, you’re ready to endure another day of wearing matte lipsticks. Then repeat everything!
Art by Marian Hukom
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