Beauty theBalm Charming Liquid Lipstick: Best Matte Picks and Dupes
theBalm Meet Matt(e) Hughes in Charming has a devoted following for good reason: it is a dusty mauve liquid lipstick that flatters an unusually wide range of skin tones, with a comfortable matte finish and a signature vanilla mint scent. Part of theBalm's long-running Meet Matt(e) Hughes collection, Charming sits in that perfect middle ground between nude and bold, polished enough for the office but interesting enough for evening. The formula is known for going on smoothly, setting to a transfer-resistant matte, and lasting through much of the day without the cracking that plagues cheaper liquid lipsticks.
Here is the honest truth: the exact Charming shade is difficult to buy reliably on Amazon, where theBalm's full shade range comes and goes through third-party sellers. Rather than send you hunting for a listing that may vanish, we focused on what actually matters: finding the best matte liquid lipsticks available on Amazon that deliver the same long-wear, comfortable matte experience. Our top pick is Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Dreamer, a warm mid-tone pink with up to 16 hours of wear at a drugstore price. The runner-up is the SuperStay Matte Ink Un-nude duo in Poet, a classic nude shade sold as a two-pack for stocking up. Both are positioned here honestly as alternatives that capture the Charming spirit: comfortable, long-wearing matte color.
Below you will find our ranked picks, a buying guide that explains how to choose matte liquid lipsticks by undertone and formula, plus answers to the questions shoppers ask most about long-wear lip color. The head-to-head comparison puts our two top picks against each other so you can choose your shade with confidence, and the background guide covers application techniques that make any matte liquid lipstick look better and last longer. Whether you are a theBalm loyalist seeking a reliable alternative or simply hunting for your perfect dusty mauve, this guide will get you there.
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
- Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick, Dreamer Up to 16-hour long-wear matte formula.
- Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Un-nude Liquid Lipstick, Poet, Pack of 2 Poet is a timeless soft nude shade.
Full reviews and comparisons below.
On This Page
Our Top Picks
Best for: Warm mid-tone pink matte with all-day wear
#1 Best OverallMaybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick, Dreamer
- Up to 16-hour long-wear matte formula
- Dreamer is a warm mid-tone pink shade
- Flexible film resists cracking and transfer
- Precise arrow applicator for clean lines
Pros
- Our top pick for Charming-like comfortable matte
- Exceptional wear at a drugstore price
- Hundreds of thousands of positive reviews
Cons
- Needs oil-based remover at day's end
- Pink-leaning, not an exact mauve match
Best for: Classic nude matte staple, stock up with two tubes
Runner-UpMaybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Un-nude Liquid Lipstick, Poet, Pack of 2
- Poet is a timeless soft nude shade
- Two tubes for extended wear wardrobe
- Same 16-hour flexible matte formula
- Transfer-resistant velvety finish
Pros
- Great per-tube value in the two-pack
- Nude shade suits the most occasions
- Same proven long-wear formula
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than a single
- Nude may wash out very deep skin tones
What made Charming special, and what to look for instead
Charming earned its reputation on three things: a dusty mauve shade that works across undertones, a matte formula that stays comfortable, and genuine long wear. When shopping for an alternative, prioritize the same trio. Shade first: dusty mauve sits between pink and brown with muted, grayish undertones, so look for shades described as mauve, dusty rose, or muted pink rather than bright pinks or deep browns. Formula second: the best matte liquid lipsticks use flexible film formers that move with your lips instead of cracking, which is exactly what Maybelline's SuperStay Matte Ink is known for. Wear third: check reviews for real-world longevity claims, since marketing promises of 16 or 24 hour wear vary wildly by person. A true Charming alternative nails all three, not just the color.
Matte liquid lipstick application that actually works
Matte liquid lipsticks punish bad prep more than any other lip product, so application technique decides the result. Start by exfoliating gently, a damp washcloth works, and apply a thin layer of lip balm ten minutes before, blotting off the excess so the surface is smooth but not slippery. Apply the color in one thin, even layer using the doe-foot applicator, starting at the center of the lips and working outward; a second layer adds opacity but also adds dryness, so one good layer usually wins. Avoid pressing your lips together while the formula sets, which takes about a minute, since rubbing disrupts the film as it forms. Once set, resist the urge to layer balm on top, which breaks down the matte finish. Done right, a quality matte liquid lipstick like our picks should survive coffee, lunch, and most of your day with only minor touch-ups.
Matching mauve shades to your undertone
Dusty mauve is one of the most forgiving lip colors because its muted quality harmonizes with many undertones, but small differences still matter. If your skin has warm, golden undertones, lean toward mauves with a touch more pink or peach, like Dreamer, which keep the look fresh rather than ashy. Cool, pink undertones pair beautifully with classic mauves and rosy nudes like Poet, which echo the skin's natural pinkness. If you are unsure of your undertone, the vein test helps: greenish veins suggest warm, bluish suggest cool, and a mix suggests neutral, in which case most mauves will work. Lighting matters too, so check the shade in daylight before deciding. And remember that lip color interacts with your natural lip pigment, so the same tube can look slightly different on different people, which is why flexible return policies are worth having.
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 thebalm charming 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
Charming is a shade in theBalm's Meet Matt(e) Hughes long-lasting liquid lipstick collection. It is a dusty mauve with a comfortable matte finish and a vanilla mint scent, beloved for flattering a wide range of skin tones and lasting through much of the day.
theBalm's full shade range, including Charming, is not consistently stocked on Amazon, and listings come and go through third-party sellers. That is why this guide focuses on verified alternatives with the same long-wear matte experience, so you can shop with confidence.
Look for dusty mauve or muted pink matte liquid lipsticks with flexible, comfortable formulas. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Dreamer is our top alternative, offering up to 16-hour wear at a drugstore price, while the Un-nude Poet duo covers classic nude-mauve territory.
Maybelline claims up to 16 hours of wear, and most reviewers report it surviving a full workday including meals, with minor fading at the inner lip. Longevity varies by person, but it is consistently rated among the longest-wearing drugstore liquid lipsticks.
Prep is everything: exfoliate, apply a thin balm layer well before, blot the excess, then apply one thin even layer of color and let it set without pressing your lips together. Avoid layering balm over the matte finish, and choose flexible formulas over ultra-drying ones.
Yes, with preparation. Exfoliate gently, hydrate with balm beforehand, and choose formulas known for comfort, like the ones in this guide, rather than the driest long-wear options. If your lips are very dry or chapped, heal them first for the best result.