Matte vs. Gloss – The Great Lip Debate
Matte or gloss? Every beauty lover has a preference, but the truth is: each finish brings something unique to your look. Whether you're aiming for full-glam impact or a soft, effortless shine, understanding the differences can help you build a lip wardrobe that works for your lifestyle.
In this guide, we’ll break down the pros, formulas, and best-use tips for each finish — including a few pro favorites and insider tips to help you choose your perfect match.
Matte Lips: Bold, Modern & Long-Wear
Why You'll Love Them:
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Bold Pigment: Matte lips pack serious color payoff with little to no shine. Ideal for statement shades and full-coverage looks.
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Stay-Put Performance: Their low-oil formulas cling to lips, making them perfect for long days, events, or on-camera wear.
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Pro Tip: Matte formulas often look best with clean, prepped lips — exfoliate and hydrate beforehand, but avoid gloss or balm right before application.
Mirabella Must-Haves:
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Luxe Advanced Formula Matte Lip Gloss – A creamy, soft-finish gloss with intense pigment. Applies like a liquid lipstick, wears like a pro-grade matte.
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Velvet Lip Crayons – Retractable matte crayons with blendable, buildable coverage and rich, bold color. Great for quick, on-the-go pigment.
Matte formulas like our Luxe Matte Gloss and Velvet Lip Crayons are designed to be worn solo — layering gloss or liner can break down their long-wear finish.
Glossy Lips: Youthful, Hydrated & Full of Shine
Why You'll Love Them:
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High Shine Finish: Gloss reflects light, giving the illusion of fuller, plumper lips instantly.
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Hydrating Feel: Most glosses contain nourishing ingredients to keep lips soft and smooth all day.
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Easy to Layer: Glosses play well with lipsticks and liners — ideal for building dimension or refreshing your lip color mid-day.
Mirabella Must-Haves:
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Luxe Advanced Formula Lip Gloss – A smooth, non-sticky gloss that delivers luxurious color and serious shine. Pairs perfectly with lipsticks or wears beautifully on its own.
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Glow Light Up Lip Gloss – A clear gloss packed with hydration and a built-in LED light + mirror for touch-ups anywhere.
Gloss is ideal for dry lips or those who love a dewy, natural finish with a low-maintenance vibe.
How to Choose Your Finish
Use this simple guide to pick your perfect lip look:
| You Want… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| Bold, all-day pigment | Luxe Advanced Formula Matte Gloss or Velvet Lip Crayon |
| A hydrating, fresh look | Luxe Advanced Formula Lip Gloss or Glow Light Up Lip Gloss |
| On-the-go touch-ups | Glow Light Up Lip Gloss or Velvet Lip Crayon |
| Layered glam | Lipstick + Luxe Gloss |
| Photo-ready definition | Matte Gloss with precision application or Velvet Lip Crayon |
What the Pros Say
Makeup artists often opt for matte finishes for control and definition, especially when working under hot lights or on camera. Gloss, on the other hand, is a go-to for editorial and everyday looks where hydration, freshness, and movement are key.
As noted by makeup artists Violette and Lisa Eldridge in Vogue, the choice between ultra‑matte and high gloss is deeply rooted in each season’s aesthetic—and there’s no one-size-fits-all. A matte finish reads as modern and sleek, while gloss delivers freshness and light playability.
Pro Tip:
Don’t choose one finish — build a lip wardrobe with both matte and gloss options so you can switch up your look day to day.