Matte Liquid Lipstick Is Back (And It’s Better Than Ever)

If you wore makeup in 2016, you already know the power matte liquid lipstick once held. It was the era of bold lips that didn’t budge, deep vampy shades that lasted through coffee, cocktails, and late nights, and a confidence that came from knowing your lipstick wasn’t going anywhere. Matte liquid lipstick wasn’t just a trend back then, it was a statement. Somewhere along the way, glossy finishes and balmy textures took over, but now matte liquid lipstick is officially back, and this time it’s evolved. It's truly the end of clean girl makeup.

At Medusa’s Makeup, matte liquid lipstick never really left. Our Forevermore Liquid Lipstick collection has always been about bold color, long wear, and comfort, even when the beauty world briefly flirted with shinier finishes. Now that matte lips are making a comeback, people are asking an important question again: how do you make liquid lipstick comfortable enough to wear all day without sacrificing that iconic matte finish?

The answer lies in formulation, prep, and understanding what modern matte lipstick should actually feel like.

Back in 2016, many matte liquid lipsticks were ultra-drying. They looked incredible for photos, but they often cracked, flaked, or felt tight after a few hours. Today’s matte liquid lipstick renaissance is about balance. People still want intense pigment and transfer resistance, but they also expect a lightweight feel and a formula that moves with their lips instead of fighting them. The best matte liquid lipsticks now focus on flexible mattes that set down without turning lips into sandpaper.

Forevermore Liquid Lipsticks were created with that exact philosophy. Shades like Wicked, a deep green matte liquid lipstick, Trance, a bold blue matte liquid lipstick, and Space Girl, a vivid pink matte liquid lipstick, prove that long-wearing color doesn’t have to mean discomfort. The formula is designed to apply smoothly, dry down evenly, and stay put without that stiff, over-dried feeling people associate with older liquid lipsticks.

Comfort also starts before you even apply lipstick. One of the biggest secrets to making matte liquid lipstick last comfortably is lip prep. Smooth lips create a better canvas, allowing the formula to adhere evenly instead of clinging to dry patches. A gentle exfoliation followed by a light, non-greasy lip balm can make a dramatic difference. Letting the balm absorb fully before applying matte liquid lipstick helps prevent slipping while still giving your lips that extra cushion.

Application technique matters just as much. Thin layers are key when it comes to matte liquid lipstick. Applying too much product at once can cause uneven drying and cracking. A single, even layer allows the pigment to set properly and increases wear time. Forevermore Liquid Lipsticks are highly pigmented, which means you don’t need to overload your lips to get bold color payoff. Whether you’re wearing Dead Serious, a classic black matte liquid lipstick, or Vintage, a deep red matte liquid lipstick, less truly is more.

Longevity is another reason matte liquid lipstick is trending again. In a world where people want makeup that lasts through long workdays, events, and nights out, matte finishes offer unmatched staying power. Once set, a well-formulated matte liquid lipstick resists smudging and fading far better than most creams or glosses. That’s why shades like Wicked, Trance, and Space Girl remain staples for anyone who wants bold color that holds up without constant touch-ups.

Modern matte liquid lipsticks also benefit from better ingredient technology. Flexible polymers help the lipstick move naturally with your lips, while conditioning agents keep them from feeling parched. This evolution is what separates today’s matte liquid lipstick comeback from the 2016 versions that people loved visually but struggled to wear comfortably. Forevermore Liquid Lipsticks are crafted to feel lightweight while delivering intense, saturated color that doesn’t feather or bleed.

Another reason matte liquid lipstick is having a moment again is self-expression. Matte finishes amplify color in a way that feels unapologetic. A green matte liquid lipstick like Wicked or a blue matte liquid lipstick like Trance isn’t subtle, and that’s the point. Matte lips command attention, and in alt beauty spaces especially, they’re a way to reclaim boldness without compromise.

For anyone hesitant to return to matte liquid lipstick because of past experiences, the key is choosing formulas designed for real wear. Comfortable matte liquid lipstick should never feel like it’s sucking moisture from your lips. It should dry down smoothly, stay flexible, and fade evenly when it eventually wears off. When those elements come together, matte liquid lipstick becomes something you forget you’re wearing, until someone stops you to ask what shade you’re using.

Matte liquid lipstick being back isn’t about nostalgia alone. It’s about refinement. The trend has grown up, learned from its flaws, and returned stronger. Forevermore Liquid Lipsticks embody that evolution by offering long-wearing, comfortable matte color in shades that celebrate individuality rather than playing it safe. To read more about our Forevermore Liquid Lipstick line, click here.

If you loved matte liquid lipstick in 2016, now is the time to fall back in love with it. And if you missed the trend the first time around, this version is better, bolder, and far more wearable. Matte liquid lipstick isn’t just back. It finally feels as good as it looks.