Beauty Q&A: Can I Change the Finish of My Lipstick?

Choosing a matte lipstick over a satin one can totally alter your look. But what happens when you don’t have your favorite shade in your preferred finish? When you’re in a pinch you can actually transform the finish of your lipstick. To find out how, we spoke to professional makeup artist Brittany Lo and Stila Global Beauty Director Charlie Riddle. Below they share how to get a variety of different effects out of one lipstick. 

How to Change the Finish of Satin Lipsticks

According to Riddle, satin is the most versatile lipstick finish because you can actually produce a few different finishes from it  — including a stained, extra glossy or matte effect — to create a lip look that’s uniquely your own. 

For a barely there stained look, he recommends placing the pigment on your fingers then gently pressing it onto the lips. To pump up the shine, apply a balm or a clear gloss, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Plump Lip Gloss in Mirror, on top of the lipstick. 

Lo says that it can be a bit more difficult to go from a satin to a matte finish, but it is still doable. “After applying the lipstick, blot your lips with a tissue to take away the shine and gently dust a little setting powder on,” she says. “Or you can apply a matte lip stain on top.”

If you’re looking for a new satin lipstick to add to your collection, we recommend the Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Power Longwear Satin Lipstick because the creamy formula delivers a comfortable, lightweight feel and comes in 24 high-pigmented, longwearing shades.