Beauty Best NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams: 5 Shades Tested and Loved
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream is the liquid lipstick that made velvet mattes affordable. The city-named shades, from Copenhagen to Athens, give you a full lip wardrobe for under eleven dollars each. Our guide covers five beloved shades that Amazon shoppers rate highest.
We selected shades for range and popularity. Copenhagen brings deep plum drama. Zurich offers the perfect everyday nude. Amsterdam delivers classic red. Cannes gives muted rose polish, while Athens channels trendy warm greige.
Below you will find honest reviews, shade-matching advice, and answers to common questions. Whether you want one perfect nude or the full city collection, Soft Matte Lip Cream delivers.
Key Takeaways
- Our top pick balances performance, gentleness, and value for most people.
- Match the formula to your specific needs using the buying criteria below.
- Read real verified reviews before buying, since marketing claims often overpromise.
Quick Answer: Top 3 Picks
- NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream, Copenhagen Copenhagen is a deep plum matte.
- NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream, Zurich Zurich is a soft pink nude.
- NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream, Amsterdam Amsterdam is a classic red.
Full reviews and comparisons below.
On This Page
Our Top Picks
Best for: Deep plum matte lips.
#1 Best OverallNYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream, Copenhagen
- Copenhagen is a deep plum matte
- Soft Matte Lip Cream formula
- Velvety, non-drying matte
- Doe-foot applicator
Pros
- Gorgeous deep plum for fall
- Comfortable matte texture
- Great shade range
Cons
- Deep shade needs careful application
- Fades in the center after eating
- Can stain lips
Best for: Daily nude matte lips.
Runner-UpNYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream, Zurich
- Zurich is a soft pink nude
- Weightless soft matte finish
- Creamy liquid applies smoothly
- Everyday wearable nude
Pros
- Perfect everyday nude pink
- Feels light on lips
- Affordable staple
Cons
- Light shade shows wear quickly
- Needs reapplication
- Can look pale on deep skin
Best for: Classic red with soft matte.
Best ValueNYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream, Amsterdam
- Amsterdam is a classic red
- Soft Matte Lip Cream texture
- Bold red with velvet finish
- Buildable coverage
Pros
- Timeless red shade
- Velvet finish looks luxe
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Red bleeds without liner
- Transfers onto teeth if overapplied
- Fades unevenly
Best for: Polished rose matte lips.
NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream, Cannes
- Cannes is a muted rose pink
- Soft Matte Lip Cream formula
- Muted tone for polished looks
- Smooth, even application
Pros
- Sophisticated muted rose
- Works for office and events
- Comfortable wear
Cons
- Muted tone may wash out some skin
- Short wear versus true long-wear
- Tube can leak in heat
Best for: 90s-inspired nude lips.
NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream, Athens
- Athens is a warm greige nude
- Soft Matte Lip Cream texture
- Trendy 90s-inspired nude
- Velvety matte finish
Pros
- Trendy warm nude tone
- Great with smoky eyes
- Smooth application
Cons
- Greige is not for everyone
- Can look brown in some light
- Drying after hours
Finding Your City Shade
Match cities to your style. Copenhagen suits bold plum lovers. Zurich flatters everyday nude wearers. Amsterdam is for classic red fans. Cannes works for muted rose polish. Athens appeals to trendy greige lovers.
Soft Matte Versus True Matte
Understand the finish. Soft Matte feels velvety and forgiving, not desert-dry. True mattes last longer but feel tighter. Soft Matte suits comfort lovers; true matte suits marathon wear needs.
Undertone Matching
Pick shades by undertone. Cool undertones glow in Copenhagen plum and Cannes rose. Warm undertones shine in Athens greige and Amsterdam red. Neutral undertones can wear the whole range.
Application for Even Color
Apply liquid cream smoothly. Start from the center and work outward. Use the doe-foot edge for the lip line. One even layer gives the best finish. Avoid layering, which causes patchiness.
Building a Mini Collection
Collect strategically. Start with one nude like Zurich. Add one bold like Copenhagen or Amsterdam. Include one mid-tone like Cannes. Three shades cover work, weekends and evenings affordably.
How to Choose Within Your Budget
Budget options work well for everyday needs. Mid-range products often deliver better ingredients and performance. Premium options suit those wanting the best formulas. Price does not always equal quality: several of our top picks are affordable. Set your budget first, then choose the best performer within it.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right nyx liquid product comes down to matching formulas to your specific needs and routine, not chasing viral trends. Start with our top pick for the safest bet, or use the buying criteria above to narrow down based on your needs and budget. Consistency matters more than perfection: even the best product needs regular use for great results.
How We Test and Rank Products
We start with search data to find the products real shoppers actually buy. Then we analyze thousands of verified Amazon reviews, looking for patterns in praise and complaints. We check ingredient lists against expert guidance and compare specifications side by side. Products earn their ranking through consistent real-world performance, not marketing budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
It lasts four to six hours typically. It is not a sixteen-hour formula. The soft matte fades gracefully rather than cracking. Reapply after meals.
Less than most liquid mattes. The whipped texture feels comfortable. Dry lips still benefit from balm prep. It is one of the comfiest matte liquids.
Zurich is the most popular nude pink. Athens suits warm greige lovers. Stockholm is another beloved nude. The best nude depends on your undertone.
Light balm is fine if blotted well. Heavy balm breaks down the matte finish. Apply balm, wait five minutes, blot, then apply the lip cream.
Micellar water or cleansing oil removes it easily. Soak a pad and press on lips briefly. Wipe gently. It comes off much easier than long-wear formulas.
Many NYX products are vegan, but check the specific shade. NYX labels vegan products clearly. The brand is certified cruelty-free by PETA.