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We all remember the liquid lipstick era of the late 2010s: the filtered, ultra-smooth finish was iconic, but the physical cost was high.
Between the aggressive cracking, the “desert-dry” texture, and the uncomfortable tight sensation, most of us eventually traded our mattes for glosses.
But what if you could have that blurred, high-pigment aesthetic without the Sahara-level dehydration?
Professional makeup artist Trevor Barrett (@trevorbarrett) is here to tell you that the “modern matte” has officially arrived.
Partnering with NYX Professional Makeup, Trevor is showing us a formula that bridges the gap between editorial pigment and daily comfort.
“If you also love the filter-smooth lips of the late 2010s, but could do without the dryness and the cracking, this new formula is gonna be for you,” he shares.
Enter the NYX Fat Matte Lipstick: a soft matte cream designed to give you that soft-focus finish with the flexibility of a traditional cream bullet.
Here is how Trevor suggests you prep and apply this $12 holy grail for a perfectly blurred pout.
Step 1: The “Goldilocks” Lip Prep
The biggest mistake people make with matte products starts before the color even touches their face.
You want your lips hydrated, but as Trevor warns, they shouldn’t be “drowning in balm.”
His professional recommendation is to apply your favorite lip balm at the start of your routine to give it “adequate time to soak in.”
Right before you apply your color, be sure to “remove any excess as too much can interfere with the finish and the longevity.”
Step 2: Build from the Center
For a soft, wearable look, the application strategy is all about the “center-out” method.
Trevor uses the shade Flamingo Feather—a “your lips but better” saturated nude—to demonstrate the ease of the formula.
“I love to wear these both sheared out and fully applied for maximum pigment,” Trevor notes.
As he swipes, the results are immediate: “In just one swipe, you have full soft pigment.”
Because the formula is a soft cream, it stays “super comfortable and flexible on the lips,” meaning you can achieve that soft blurred finish without the flaking.
Step 3: Add Dimension for Deeper Tones
If you prefer more saturation or have a deeper skin tone, Trevor suggests pairing the matte cream with a long-wear liner for ultimate dimension.
He starts with the Line Loud Lip Pencil in “Rebel Red,” etching the lip line before using his finger to “gently buff in the inner lip edge.”
Once the shading is set, he fills the lips with Fat Matte Lipstick in the shade “Scarlet Snuggles,” a warm red with a touch of berry.
This combo isn’t just about the color; Trevor points out a major hidden benefit: “It makes your teeth look very, very white.”
The Comfy Matte Checklist
To keep your matte look looking “filter-smooth” and feeling comfortable like a pro, follow Trevor’s three rules:
- Timing is Everything: Give your lip balm time to penetrate before blotting it away for color.
- The “Finger Buff”: Use your fingertip to soften the edges of your liner for a more natural, “long-lasting dimension.”
- Choose Your Vibe: With a formula this flexible, you can choose between a “sheared out” stained look or full “maximum pigment” saturation.
Shop the Lip Look:
- NYX Professional Makeup Fat Matte Lipstick (in “Flamingo Feather” or “Scarlet Snuggles”)
- NYX Line Loud Vegan Longwear Lip Liner (in “Rebel Red”)
- NYX Fat Oil Slick Click Lip Balm (for prep)
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