13 Affordable & Moisturising Matte Liquid Lipsticks Under S$35

When someone mentions liquid lipstick, we’d all think of Kylie Jenner Lip Kit, Huda Beauty, Anastasia Beverly Hill, and the likes. Who wouldn’t? They’ve been so prominent in the make up industry you’d have to make special effort to ignore their presence. Also, bye bye sheer and shiny lips, hello matte and intense lips.

So with the given trend of liquid lipsticks, especially the matte ones, I’m no stranger to falling prey to them, as with all of you out there (chants “yes” quietly and victoriously). One problem I really face is that if I want the final product to be really matte and dry, I’d have to live with the fact that the formula will be really dry, vice versa.

So to save you darlings the trouble, I’ve tested 13 matte liquid lipsticks under S$35 and categorised them according to their formula and final outlook. I’ve divided these 12 into two categories, namely the creamier matte version and the ultra matte version for easier digestion. Here’s my two cents worth and do let me know if there are any other matte liquid lipsticks that are moisturising.

—Creamy Matte—

13. NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick (S$19)

Oh NYX Cosmetics, thank you for gracing our shores because you’re so damn affordable, so damn eclectic, making all of our wildest make up dreams come true. They sure do know how to capture a girl’s heart, with over five ranges of lipstick and lip butter. Aaaaand, they never stop introducing new ranges, you’ll know what I’m talking about as you read along.

While there is a NYX Creamy Matte Lipstick, the pigmentation of the NYX Liquid Suede Creme Lipstick is much better and it mattifies further than the former after application. Yes, purple. It remains moisturising, albeit sticky and doesn’t dry up the lips (which gets really annoying when they start cracking).

The only downside is that it still retains some shine, not completely matte. But hey, it’s a whopping $20.

12. Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet (S$25)

I love Bourjois, I love how on point the intense black liners are at a price that is ridiculously affordable. Also, the bronzer, healthy mix foundation, everything guys, everything. So when they release a Rouge Edition Velvet liquid lipstick with a matte finish, you’d bet I’m onto it.

With the first application it might appear a little too wet and translucent but the trick is to slather it on further. The mattifying action takes place when the rouge is thoroughly spread out, covering the entire lips. It is exceedingly light, creamy and slightly powdery. Definitely not sticky yet moisturising. Psst, they have a new Souffle range, agh.

11. Tarte Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint (S$32)

Tarte has garnered much popularity since it was introduced in Sephora Singapore, with good reasons. Sleek purple packaging with bronzy, earthy hints that are in line with their belief of high performance naturals, add on a comprehensive foundation skin tone range and I’m talking about 25 shades, from fair beige to rich honey.

When a cosmetic brand knows everyone deserves the same treatment, it’s on the right track to success.

Constantly evolving to produce more make up and skin care, the Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint is one of them creamy liquid lipstick that absolutely does not dry up your lips at all. Out of the three, Tarte has got to be the most moisturising and blends well with the lips. The colours are great and remains on for a long time.

—Ultra Matte—

10. H&M Velvet Lip Cream (S$14.90)

We all know how much of a bargain H&M’s make up is, and if you’ll want a more detailed peek, here you go. I’ve decided to snag one of their velvet lip cream, which goes at only $14.90. Pigmentation is extremely high, easy application and dries rather quickly to give a matte look.

It’s not the most moisturising out of the lot but definitely tolerable, just load up on some balm beforehand. One thing though, it comes off rather easily so constant reapplication is needed. But at $14.90, it’s worth everything.

9. NYX Lingerie (S$20)

See what I mean? NYX knows the way to our heart and continuously entice us ever so subtly but seductively, we have no choice but to succumb. NYX Lingerie, the newest matte liquid lipstick of the lot, is a more mousse based pigment and it dries to be more matte than the slightly shiny Suede Lipstick. So, now you know which to go for, according to your preference. *winks*

8. Huda Beauty Liquid Matte (S$27)

Oh, Huda Beauty. We are crazily in love with Huda Beauty’s Liquid Matte, I mean, anyone who has set eyes on the colours would understand that I am not spouting hogwash. But there are some cons. Huda Beauty isn’t that readily available in Singapore yet and the formula is pretty dry. But it’s affordable and so damn pretty when it mattifies after application.

7. Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick (US$20, approx. S$29)

Okay, so I’m one of those that spend 1,000 hours staring at Anastasia Beverly Hill’s eyebrow and lip insta videos. There’s something so alluring about watching a eyebrow getting cleaned up and drawn properly, together with the clean and crisp application of matte liquid lipstick. Plus she’s Hollywood’s celebrities choice sooooo I’m sold.

Until I bought the liquid matte lipstick and tried it on. Don’t get me wrong, I love it, not sure if its unconditional due to all the hype I built for myself, or that the variety of colours and unending tutorials that promotes its versatility has got me hooked.

The only complain I have is that the formula is simply too dry but that also gave more intensity to the mattifying action. So it really depends on your preference but the colour is pretty long lasting though.

6. Colour Pop Ultra Matte Lip (US$6 approx. S$8.60)

Just look at that pricing, are you insane? It’s helluva cheap. While we do need to pay for shipping, but really, what’s it gonna be like compared to buying something that is $40. Also, the whole saga with Kylie Jenner matte lip kit, hehe.

If you’re not aware, the latter has been compared to the former, with the same formula used and produced from the same factory, causing a huge commotion as to whether one is paying way higher just for branding. But hey, read on and decide for yourself because yes, Kylie’s matte lip stick is in this list, duh.

But I’d definitely say yes to Colorpop anytime. I’ll have you know I literally let out a huge squeal when I received them, also my heart was racing, casual. What I really like is how the pigmentation darkens while it dries and mattifies and I’m a huge fan of darker shades because the darker the berry the… complete it yourself.

I have to admit that the formula is rather dry but I do like the whole matte look of it. And it’s really not the driest of the lot so I can live with it. I can live with the price even better. Colorpop yas.

5. Kylie Jenner Matte Lip (US$17 approx. S$25)

Ah, hello there cult favourite Kylie Jenner Matte Lip. She’s so iconic when it comes to full, thick lips that are slathered with almost nude, slightly plum sorta matte lipstick. And what better way to milk that than to start her own line of cosmetics so that everyone in this world can have seductive lips like hers.

And following up on the Colorpop saga, Kylie Jenner’s Matte Lip does spot a difference. While I thoroughly love Colorpop and the colours (haha) it offers, Kylie’s matte lips are definitely a tad bit more moisturising while remaining the same matte appearance. So it’s really a battle of preferences once again.

But do note that because of its mattifying properties, it might dry up the lips if used consecutively for days. A quick suggestion to apply some lip primer or balm beforehand, it goes a long way and the lip kits are super long lasting so hurray to no reapplication. And it can be removed rather easily without looking like Joker’s favourite companion.

4. ZOEVA Pure Velours Lips (S$30)

Definitely new to Singapore’s market (psst, you can’t even get a singular lippie in store, it’s either a lip kit or you’ll have to order online from Sephora SG), ZOEVA’s liquid lipstick is one to watch out for. The formula is creamy and velvety with an easy application. It dries up to an ultra matte look without the cracked ends.

3. Sephora House Brand Cream Lip Stain (S$25)

I was pretty sceptical about Sephora’s cream lip stain and I don’t know why, because I actually really enjoy using their make up. Speaking of which, huge fan of the contour palette. Anyway, back to the cream lip stain – absolutely lovable.

On the first application on my wrist, it didn’t dry that well and I thought, hey, let’s just give it another chance. Bagged it home and when I first tried it on my lips, I was so glad I did what I did. It’s moisturising and it somehow mattifies really well on the lips. It’s also rather easy to remove and pigmentation is high. The only pity is that there are only a few colours to choose from.

2. Too Faced Melted Matte Liquified Long Wear Matte Lipstick (S$33)

I don’t wanna sell out but Too Faced’s Melted matte liquid lipstick is amazing. While I do have to admit that it’s not the most moisturising (try the creamy ones suggested above), but it gives the extreme matte and dry look without actually being all that dry (like Huda Beauty or Anastasia Beverly Hills).

So when you consider all of that, this is a pretty good balance. Plus it smell like chocolate, applies smoothly and colour is great. I don’t see anything about it that’s unlovable.

1. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick (S$31)

The winner for me definitely has to be Kat Von D’s Everlasting Liquid Lipstick. I know, I know, alot of you might be lamenting about how she should have stuck to just tattoos and are her cosmetics just a way to milk her branding more. Packaging was nice – everything dark, gothic and sensual for the grunge rocker in you, complete with flamboyant colours to bring out the wild side.

Admittedly, I was one of them, I didn’t understand the hype over her cosmetics when it first launched in Singapore. I wasn’t quivering like the rest of the female population was, until now.

By chance, I tried on the liquid lipstick and has been a convert ever since. The application is so smooth, the formula is so moisturising, the colour transfer is great and it mattifies so well and so completely without any discomfort. And it remains moisturising throughout.

I can’t properly express my love for KVD’s liquid lipstick, I’m so very guilty for my initial doubts and my vocabulary’s inadequacy in conveying my adoration for this product brings me intense remorse. In other words, go get your hands on them.