Matte vs satin vs gloss: which lipstick finish should you choose?

Two lipsticks in exactly the same colour can look completely different for one reason: the finish. The finish is how the product's texture reflects light, and it changes the intensity of the colour, how full your lips look, how comfortable it feels and how long it lasts. Understanding it saves you from surprises when you shop online.

Matte

Matte has no shine. Light is diffused, so colour looks flat, even and more intense.

Pros

• The longest-wearing finish — long-wear liquid mattes survive meals.
• The colour reads exactly as it is, highly pigmented.
• A polished, elegant look, perfect for reds and deep shades.

Cons

• Emphasises dryness and lip lines.
• Can feel less comfortable after a few hours.

Tip: gently exfoliate and apply a light balm five minutes beforehand, then blot off the excess before the lipstick.

Satin

Satin has a soft sheen, halfway between matte and shine. It's the everyday finish.

Pros

• Comfortable and not drying.
• Adds a little dimension without looking wet.
• More forgiving on textured lips.

Cons

• Doesn't last as long as matte; you'll touch up after eating.

Gloss

Gloss reflects plenty of light. Colour looks juicier and more translucent, and lips look fuller.

Pros

• Instant plumping effect.
• Easy to apply without a mirror.
• Especially flattering on thin lips.

Cons

• The shortest-wearing finish.
• Colour is usually sheerer, so your natural lip tone shows through.

Shimmer

Shimmer contains fine light-catching particles. It looks luminous in person and really pops on camera, which makes it great for night and event looks — and, on the eyes, for adding depth.

How one colour changes with the finish

• A matte red looks deeper and more red-carpet.
• The same red in satin looks fresher and more wearable.
• In gloss, the red becomes sheerer and more youthful.

That's why, when you compare shades in the try-on, it's worth paying attention to the finish too: our engine renders each one differently (matte flattens the sheen, gloss adds a highlight on the lower lip) so you can see the real difference.

Which one should you pick?

Mixing finishes

A make-up artist trick: apply a matte lipstick, then dab a touch of clear gloss only on the centre of your lower lip. You keep the staying power of matte with the fullness of gloss. See the effect in the glow look.