Matte Lipstick, Forever!

From: Lauren at InStyle - Saturday Mar 02,2024 03:30 pm

I’ve been obsessing over my skin a bit more than usual lately, giving it extra attention both at home and on the treatment tables of some of New York’s most extraordinary facialists. From the best serums to wear under makeup for a smooth, supple glow to a new oxygenating treatment you give yourself from the comfort of your own bathroom, I have a host of new, effective tricks up my sleeve. And you know what pairs beautifully with a fresh, healthy complexion? A stamp of matte red lipstick, which is my planned look for tonight by way of Westman Atelier’s new Lip Suede lipstick in bright tomato Le Rouge. Never underestimate the power of a bold lip!

— Lauren Valenti, InStyle Beauty Director

BEAUTY TIP OF THE WEEK

For skin prep [before makeup], I like serums, like The Plumping Serum by Typology, because they are light, and any natural oil the skin produces will balance better with it than a heavy-duty rich moisturizer.”

— celebrity makeup artist Jo Baker

EMPTY OF THE WEEK

Vitamin Enriched Smoothing Serum

I’ve always loved Bobbi Brown’s cult-favorite Face Base, so I was all over the new Vitamin Enriched Smoothing Serum (which doubles as an essence). First, yes, it has the same delightful citrusy smell, which perks me up in the morning. (I use it as a base underneath my makeup.) It plumps my skin instantly and keeps it hydrated throughout the day thanks to its blend of niacinamide, vitamin C, cactus flower, and a special HydroGlow fruit complex.

BUY IT

PHOTO: Courtesy of Westman Atelier

Q+A with Lauren

Q: What’s your favorite lipstick finish?

A: Matte forever! I recently chatted with Gucci Westman about her new Westman Atelier Lip Suede matte lipsticks, and we both agreed that matte is the superior finish for a number of reasons—from its saturation to its staying power to its soft, velvety finish. Her tips for application? “Matte lipstick is always better on a smooth, lightly hydrated lip,” says Westman. “If you have dry skin, it’s easy to take a hot wet towel and just give yourself a quick little exfoliation.” Then, add a slick of lip balm before going in with your bullet; and consider using a lip brush for more precise application and/or to clean up the shape. “Lipstick is such an incredibly powerful mood booster,” she says. “And you have it at your fingertips!”

Read More on InStyle.com

These Are the Secrets to Applying Matte Lipstick Like a Pro →

The 15 Best Long-Lasting Lipsticks →

PHOTO: Lauren Valenti

MUST-TRY TREATMENT

The CO2LIFT Mask

Earlier this week, I visited Elizabeth Grace Hand at Ställe Studios, for a skin-rejuvenating facial. Her treatment included a CO2Lift mask (the pro version; though the at-home version is fabulous, too). “It’s like a topical hyperbaric chamber,” says Hand. “I love this mask because it is the fastest (30 mins), easiest (feels great, no downtime), most satisfying (peels off) way to transform dull, lackluster skin into its most vibrant baby soft version by removing waste and increasing oxygen within the skin by 117 percent after just one application.” Only upping the ante on the results were Beautology’s Cryo Toning tools along the jaw, cheekbones, brow bones, and more, to sculpt and tone further.