Matte lipstick is having a major moment right now. These rich, velvety lip colors glide on smooth with a famously long-lasting finish. But when it comes time to take your lipstick off at the end of the day or before reapplying a new shade, things can get tricky. The downside of those budge-proof formulas is that they can be a pain to fully remove. If you don’t get every last trace of color off your lips, you risk waking up with leftover staining the next morning!

Luckily, there are some simple tricks and product recommendations that make removing stubborn matte lipstick a breeze. This comprehensive guide will walk you through 10 foolproof tips, from makeup remover oils to exfoliating scrubs. With this advice, you can swap lip shades as often as you want without having to worry about lingering pigment or dry, flaky lips. So read on to learn the best lipstick removal methods that beauty editors and makeup artists swear by!

Use an Oil-Based Makeup Remover

When you’re dealing with an ultra long-wear matte lipstick, traditional micellar waters and makeup wipes likely won’t cut it. Instead, look for a bi-phase makeup remover formula that contains oils. Ingredients like jojoba, grapeseed, and argan oil work to thoroughly break down those tenacious lip pigments. Gently massage the oil-soaked cotton pad over your closed lips to dissolve every trace of color. You’ll be left with soft, hydrated lips that are 100% free of balmy residue or greasy feel.

Some top-rated oil makeup removers for tackling matte lipstick include Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution, Klorane Makeup Remover with Soothing Cornflower, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil and Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil. These removers use natural oils like grapeseed, olive, almond and argan to break down long-wearing lipstick formulas while leaving skin smooth.

When shopping for an oil-based makeup remover, look for formulas labeled as “lipstick dissolving” or “long-wear makeup removing” for the best results. And steer clear of makeup wipes and micellar waters, as these tend to leave residue behind which can lead to staining. Using an oil-based remover ensures you get a completely clean slate before applying your next lip look.

Exfoliate Lips With a Scrub

Once you’ve removed the initial lipstick layer, double cleanse by mixing up a quick lip scrub. The granulated texture will slough off the dead, dry skin cells along your lip line that can cling to leftover staining. All you need is 1 teaspoon of brown sugar or raw sugar and a 1⁄2 teaspoon of olive oil or honey. Gently massage this sweet lip scrub over lips for 2-3 minutes using a soft bristle toothbrush or your fingers. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Your kisser will look refreshed and totally clean of clinging pigment.

Making your own lip scrub at home is super quick, easy and affordable. You likely already have the simple ingredients on hand. The grainy sugar crystals buff away flaky skin while the olive oil and honey smooth and condition. Use a very light touch when scrubbing to avoid irritation. And be sure your lips are slightly damp before applying the scrub. After rinsing, finish with a nourishing lip balm to seal in moisture.

If prep time is limited, there are also plenty of pre-made lip scrub options available. Look for gentle, moisturizing formulas containing ingredients like vitamin E, coconut oil and shea butter. And steer clear of scrubs with sharp walnut shells or fruit pits which can be too harsh. Massaging in a scrub 2-3 times per week helps lips look revived and lipstick-stain free.

Use a Warm, Damp Washcloth

Heat is an easy and effective way to loosen mattifying makeup formulas. Run a soft washcloth under warm water and press it against your closed lips for 10 seconds. The steam will help dilute the lipstick allowing you to gently wipe it away. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, which can cause irritation and damage thinner lip skin. Instead, repeat the process with fresh areas of the cloth as needed until zero pigment comes off on the towel. This should reveal a blank and hydrated canvas, prepped for your next lip look.

The key is to use a very soft washcloth that won’t be too abrasive. Look for cloths made from gentle materials like microfiber or soft cotton. Give it a good soak in warm water before pressing against your lips and leave in place for about 10 seconds to let the heat work its magic. Slowly wipe along the lip area without rubbing too firmly. The lipstick remnants should transfer easily onto the damp cloth without irritation. Finish by patting lips dry and applying a soothing balm.

Makeup Eraser Cloths Work Wonders

The Makeup Eraser Cloths live up to their name when tackling tricky products like matte lipstick. The secret lies in the proprietary polyester blend fabric made up of millions of tiny hair-like fibers. This microfiber material grabs onto makeup molecules through a process called triboelectric effect. When dampened with water, the positively charged cloth attracts the negatively charged dirt, oil and pigments. Simply wipe your lips across the wet Makeup Eraser until no additional color transfers. Many reviewers confirm that this completely removes lipstick stains without any rubbing or redness.

The material technology makes these cloths uniquely effective at grabbing and removing makeup. And they can be used over and over again by simply washing after each use. Just be sure to run the cloth under warm water before wiping lips. You’ll see the matte lip pigment lift and transfer onto the cloth without any irritation or residue left behind. Using a fresh spot each time, gently blot your lips until the cloth comes away completely clean. Compared to washcloths, the Makeup Eraser more efficiently lifts every trace of staining in one swipe.

Check Your Toothpaste Ingredient List

Here’s an unexpected tip for avoiding lipstick stains: pay attention to your toothpaste’s ingredient list! Standard formulas contain SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) to make them foam. But this sudsing agent is also highly staining. As you brush your teeth at night, some toothpaste inevitably makes contact with your lips, causing next-morning discoloration. Opt for a natural, SLS-free toothpaste instead. Brands like Hello Oral Care, Tom’s of Maine, and Sensodyne Pronamel won’t react with lip pigments.

Many conventional toothpastes include SLS which helps them foam and feel “fresh”. But SLS is also prone to staining when it makes contact with lingering lip products. So it’s best to avoid these toothpastes if you want to prevent waking up with lipstick stains around your mouth. Instead, swap your usual toothpaste for a natural, SLS-free formula at night. Brands like Hello, Sensodyne, and Tom’s of Maine are safe bets. They clean just as effectively without the staining side effects. Be sure to carefully rinse lips after brushing as well. Going SLS-free ensures you banish lipstick smudges for good.

Apply a Soothing Lip Balm or Ointment Overnight

Once you’ve removed all traces of lipstick, finish up with a nourishing lip treatment. Letting a rich balm or ointment soak in overnight will seal in moisture while you sleep. In the morning, all flaky skin and staining will gently slough off to reveal soft, beautiful lips. Some top options include:

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – This ultra-hydrating berry-scented mask is a cult favorite for waking up with baby soft lips. The antioxidant-rich formula sinks in deeply while forming a moisturizing veil over skin.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment – Provides long-lasting hydration while forming a protective barrier to lock out irritants. The petrolatum-based formula smooths and soothes dry lips.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy – Delivers intense moisturization with colloidal oatmeal to calm and condition delicate lip skin. Fights dryness and flaking overnight.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy – An iconic lip restore treatment made with actual sugar crystals that melt onto skin to nourish while you sleep. Skin is supple and renewed by morning.

Any rich, ultra-hydrating lip balm or ointment will help revive and renew lips overnight while guarding against pigment stains. Look for top-rated products containing nourishing oils, butters, antioxidants and waxes to seal in moisture. Apply a thick layer before bedtime and wake up to soft, stain-free lips ready for your next lipstick application.

Try Oil Pulling for Your Lips

Oil pulling has become a hugely popular dental trend for removing toxins from the mouth. But this Ayurvedic technique can also effectively remove lipstick stains! All it takes is 1 teaspoon of food grade oil like coconut, olive or sesame oil. Swish it around your mouth for 5-20 minutes, concentrating on the lip area. The oil will latch onto staining molecules and lift them away. Finally spit out the oil and rinse mouth. Just remember not to swallow, as it will now contain impurities! Finish with your favorite lip balm.

While oil pulling is typically used to clear bacteria and promote oral health, it also doubles as a great lip stain remover. The oil’s thick, grippy texture attracts and grabs onto any lingering lip tints as you swish. Coconut and olive oil work best since they easily coat and spread throughout the mouth. Spend extra time swishing and massaging oil over lip surfaces before spitting out. Give lips a quick rinse and pat dry. The oil pulling process effortlessly whisks away stubborn stains without irritation. Use this Ayurvedic method a few nights per week or as needed to remove lingering lipstick residue.

Use a Piece of Aluminum Foil

Here’s a simple hack that makes light work of removing matte lipstick: aluminum foil! Simply press a 1-2 inch piece of foil gently across your closed lips so that the lipstick transfers. Replace the foil and repeat until zero visible lip print remains on the metal surface. The foil grabs and lifts even the most stubborn stains without irritating delicate lip skin. Compared to rubbing the area with cloth or cotton, this is a more direct transfer process that doesn’t require any friction. So skip the rough scrubbing and let foil do all the work instead!

Aluminum foil is magical when it comes to erasing matte lipstick staining. Its smooth, grippy surface effortlessly lifts pigment away as you press and rub lips across it. There’s no need to scrub harshly since the foil does the grabbing for you. Simply repeat with fresh pieces until zero visible transfer happens on the foil itself. This hassle-free hack gently removes stubborn staining in just minutes without redness or irritation. Have some handy next time you need to tackle a super staying lip formula.

Try a Glycolic Acid Treatment

Chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid work wonders to renew lip skin and eliminate staining. This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) dissolves the “glue” holding dead skin cells together at the surface. By whisking these cells away, vibrant new skin is revealed minus any lingering lipstick residue. Look for targeted lip treatments that contain 5-15% glycolic acid to easily whisk away lip skin buildup.

Glycolic acid is an AHA derived from sugar cane that effortlessly dissolves and sweeps away dead lip skin cells. When you remove this top layer, fresh cells come forward that are free of deeply set-in pigment staining. Using a glycolic lip treatment 1-2 nights per week helps continuously fade staining and flaking. Opt for a formula with other soothing ingredients like vitamin E as well to avoid irritation from too much direct acid exposure. Treating your pout to a quick AHA resurfacing session means pigment doesn’t stand a chance!

Resist the Urge to Lick Lips

Last but not least, try your best to avoid absentmindedly licking your lips throughout the day. Saliva can trap lingering lip pigments against the skin, allowing them to penetrate deeper. This leads to more stubborn staining that requires more intensive scrubbing to remove. Of course, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water since dehydration makes your lips even drier and prone to habit licking. But outside of that, keep tongues at bay for the healthiest, happiest lip results!

It’s totally subconscious but we all lick our lips without even realizing it, especially when they feel dry. However, this actually makes pigment staining worse! Saliva helps trap and hold lipstick against the delicate lip area leading to deeper penetration. So monitor mouth movements and stay hydrated with water instead. You can also use sublingual oral sprays containing hydrating hyaluronic acid to keep your pout quenched. Avoiding unneeded licking prevents pigments from grabbing hold, making removal much quicker.

The Key Takeaways

Matte lipstick formulas deliver intense color payoff and enviably longevity compared to creamy lipsticks. But they can be tricky to take off without stripping your lips or leaving behind staining. By using the right makeup removers, exfoliators and overnight treatments, you can successfully lift even the most stubborn long wearing lipstick. Avoid any irritation and flakes while still rocking those vampy wine shades.

Now that you know the secrets for efficiently removing matte lippie, you can confidently play around with bold reds, plums and berries. Switch from a rich red pout during the day to hot pink at night with zero leftover lip art collateral damage. The tips above all avoid harsh rubbing and irritation yet still erase even the most stubborn stains. Implement a few new techniques and you’ll have the perfect lipstick removal strategy in place. So get creative and daring with those statement lip hues knowing these pro tips protect your precious pout!