💄 Matte vs. Glossy Lips: What’s Hot in 2025?

Let’s get one thing straight: lip trends are never boring. From the bold reds of the '50s to the frosty glosses of the Y2K era and the matte lip craze of the 2010s — our pout has seen it all. And now that we’ve stepped into 2025, one of the biggest beauty debates is back on the table: Matte or Glossy? Both finishes have their fierce fanbases. One is velvety, powerful, and lasting. The other is juicy, radiant, and flirty. But which one is winning the lip war in 2025? Let’s break it down — trends, pros, cons, celeb inspo, and most importantly, which beauty buys you need to get the look.

💋 The Comeback of Gloss: Hello, Shine!

Glossy lips are officially having their main character moment. If you’ve been on TikTok, Instagram, or anywhere near a Gen Z beauty guru, you’ve seen it: the shine is back.

But this isn’t the sticky, hair-catching gloss from the early 2000s. No ma’am. 2025 gloss is smoother, smarter, and full of skincare benefits.

🔥 Why Gloss is Trending in 2025:

  • Glass skin = glass lips. Everyone’s chasing that dewy, radiant glow — and shiny lips complete the look.

  • Viral TikTok looks. Gloss + lip liner is the new power duo.

  • Natural glam is in. Gloss enhances your natural lips instead of covering them.

  • Multi-tasking products. Glosses now come with plumping, hydrating, and color-enhancing ingredients.

📷 Celebs rocking the look: Hailey Bieber, Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, and even Kylie Jenner (yes, the matte queen herself has glossified her vibe lately).

🛍 Amazon Picks to Nail the Glossy Look

Add one (or two) of these to your Amazon storefront, and you’re set to earn those sweet affiliate clicks.

🖤 Matte Lips: Still Iconic, Still Power

Now don’t get it twisted — matte lips aren’t going anywhere. In fact, they’ve evolved.

2025 matte formulas are more comfortable, more flattering, and way less drying than their 2016 counterparts. Think: rich color, smooth application, and all-day wear — without the crust.

😍 Why Matte Still Slaps in 2025:

  • Transfer-proof. Masks might be (mostly) gone, but we still want color that stays put through coffee, kisses, and chaos.

  • Pigment = drama. When you want a full beat or a statement lip, matte is that girl.

  • New comfort formulas. No more dry, cracked lips. The newer tech? Chef’s kiss.

📷 Celebs keeping matte alive: Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Jisoo from BLACKPINK, and Dua Lipa — all rocking velvety reds and muted mauves on red carpets.

🛍 Best Matte Lipsticks on Amazon Right Now

🔍 Matte vs. Gloss: Side-by-Side Breakdown

  • Finish: Matte lips have a flat, velvety, and bold finish, while glossy lips give a shiny, juicy, and radiant look.

  • Texture: Matte lip products are usually dry to creamy in texture, whereas glosses are more liquid or jelly-like.

  • Wear Time: Matte lipsticks tend to last much longer and are more transfer-resistant. Glosses, on the other hand, may need reapplying throughout the day.

  • Pigment: Matte formulas are known for high pigment and full coverage. Glosses usually offer sheer to medium pigment but can be buildable.

  • Vibe: Matte lips give off a bold, classic, editorial feel. Glossy lips are youthful, flirty, and modern.

  • Best For: Matte is perfect for full glam looks, nights out, or when you need long-lasting color. Gloss is ideal for everyday wear, natural glam, or when your lips need some hydration.

  • Downside: Matte can sometimes feel dry or heavy on the lips. Gloss might wear off quickly or feel sticky, especially in windy weather.

🧠 Pro Tips: How to Choose the Right Lip Finish for You

If you’re still unsure which lip camp to join (or maybe you’re both — we love a versatile queen), here are some tips:

✅ Choose Matte If…

  • You want color that lasts all day

  • You’re going for a bold or dramatic look

  • You’re wearing a mask or need transfer-proof makeup

  • You have oily skin and want a balanced finish

✅ Choose Gloss If…

  • You like a fresh, dewy look

  • Your lips are dry and need hydration

  • You want to enhance your natural lip color

  • You’re into quick, low-maintenance makeup

💡 You Can Also Combine Both!

Yup. Glossy-matte lips are a thing.

Line and fill your lips with a matte lipstick, then tap gloss just on the center for a plump, 3D effect. This hack gives you the staying power of matte and the glow of gloss.

🛍 Try: [Maybelline Matte Ink + Fenty Gloss Bomb = ICONIC combo]

📈 2025 Lip Trend Forecast: What the Beauty Gurus Are Saying

We did a little digging (ahem, Instagram stalking and TikTok deep dives), and here’s what the trend experts are saying for lips in 2025:

🔮 Lip Trends on the Rise:

  • Vinyl Lips: High-gloss with intense pigment. Basically, lacquered perfection.

  • Blurred Matte Lips: Soft-focus edges that look effortless and romantic.

  • Lip Oils: The ultimate hybrid – a sheer tint + gloss + skincare.

  • Lined & Glossed Lips: The '90s are back and better than ever.

So yeah, the future? Glossy-leaning, but matte will never die. It’s all about balancing skincare, color payoff, and vibes.

💄 Final Thoughts: So… Who Wins?

Honestly? You do. 2025 is the year of lip freedom. No rules, just what feels good.

Some days, you’ll want a velvet matte red that makes you feel like a CEO. Other days, you’ll be vibing with a glossy nude that catches the sunlight just right.

So why pick sides?

Build a lip wardrobe that lets you slay in both worlds. Just don’t forget to prep your lips.