The makeup trends of 2016 live in infamy for many. Whether it was over-filled brows or over-lined lips, many off look back on that era of beauty trends with a tiny bit of remorse. Back in 2016, for me, was the first time I tried matte lipstick. I remember being so excited, having seen red, pillowy lips on so many of my favorite celebs. But, soon after—on account of some not-so-great matte lippies—I developed a bit of a fear of the product on account of the way they left my lips looking and feeling dry and flaky during and after wear.
The year is now 2023, and makeup has come a long way, but my fear of matte lipstick still persisted despite my desire for that chic look. That was, of course, until I discovered GXVE’s High-Performance Matte Liquid Lipstick ($24) and Double Dippin’ 2-in-1 Lip Color Remover and Lip Mask ($24). Though it may have taken me an embarrassingly long time to come around, if anyone could turn me into a matte lipstick convert, it’s Gwen Stefani.
What it is:
Gwen Stefani can literally do anything, including make a matte, red lipstick that turns heads and miraculously feels good, too. Vegan, cruelty-free and formulated with only clean ingredients, GXVE’s High-Performance Matte Liquid Lipstick comes in eight gorgeous colors, glides on smooth, and locks in fierce pigment for transfer-proof, smudge-proof, comfortable wear.
When our long days or longs nights (or both) come to an end, the last thing we want to deal with is scrubbing off makeup, which is one of the reasons I’ve stayed away from matte lipstick for so long. But, GXVE’s Douple Dippin’ 2-in-1 Lip Color Remover and Lip Mask makes removal easy and even leaves your lips hydrated and refreshed for a good night of beauty rest.
How it works:
Once you’re done with your striking lip look that you can wear with pride knowing it’s formulated with only clean, non-harmful ingredients, reach for the brand’s Double Dippin’ color remover to not only seamlessly remove pigment, but simultaneously apply a refreshing lip mask. All at once, papaya enzymes gently exfoliate to smooth and soften lips while vitamin E—known for its skin-healing properties—repairs and renews and sodium hyaluronate and castor oil drench the lips with and lock in long-lasting hydration.
Price/where to buy:
$24, gxvebeauty.com. If you want to try out Gwen’s signature red lip, don’t miss your chance to snag this weightless, matte lipstick in I’m Still Here as today’s Free Gift Friday!
