Beauty The Lip Bar Complete Guide: Shades, Formulas and How to Use
An educational guide from the Beauty AMZ research team. No hard sell, just what you need to know.
The Story Behind The Lip Bar
Melissa Butler launched The Lip Bar in 2012 after struggling to find lipstick shades for her own deep skin tone. Major brands stocked endless nudes for fair skin and almost nothing for everyone else. She started mixing shades in her kitchen and selling at local markets in Detroit. The brand later appeared on national television and grew into a full vegan makeup line. Today it stands as one of the best-known Black-owned beauty brands in the United States. Its mission stays simple: inclusive shades, clean formulas and fair prices.
Understanding the Liquid Matte Formula
Liquid matte lipsticks use volatile silicones and film-forming polymers. The liquid base evaporates after application and leaves a flexible color film. That film resists transfer and survives drinks far better than cream lipstick. The trade-off is comfort: the same film that locks color in can feel tight as the day wears on. The Lip Bar balances this with moisturizing oils in the base. Application matters too. One thin, even layer performs better than two thick ones. Thick layers crack at the lip line and flake by afternoon.
How to Choose Your Shade
Begin by identifying your undertone. Look at the veins on your wrist: green suggests warm, blue suggests cool, and a mix suggests neutral. Warm undertones shine in brick reds, warm berries and rich browns. Cool undertones suit blue-reds, fuchsias and cool berries. Neutral undertones can pull off nearly any shade. Depth matters as much as undertone. Deeper skin makes bright shades look vibrant rather than loud. Fair skin makes deep shades look dramatic. When in doubt, pick the shade one step deeper than your natural lip color for a safe everyday choice.
Application Tips for a Flawless Finish
Prep decides the final result. Exfoliate with a lip scrub or a damp washcloth the night before. Apply a thin layer of balm ten minutes before your lipstick, then blot off the excess. Outline your lips with the applicator tip, starting at the cupid's bow. Fill in with one smooth pass and avoid going back over drying areas. Let the formula set for a full minute without pressing your lips together. For extra precision, clean the edges with a flat brush and a touch of concealer.
Removing and Caring for Your Lips
Liquid mattes need an oil-based remover, not just face wash. Massage cleansing oil or micellar water onto your lips for thirty seconds before wiping. Never scrub dried matte off with a dry tissue, since that tears delicate skin. Follow with a nourishing lip mask or thick balm overnight. If you wear liquid matte daily, give your lips one balm-only day each week. Consistent moisture keeps the formula looking smooth instead of cracked.
Recommended Products
These are the five The Lip Bar products our research team rates highest on Amazon right now.
Best for: Anyone wanting a bold, long-wearing red from a Black-owned vegan brand.
The Lip Bar Liquid Matte Lipstick in Rebel
- Bold true-red shade with full matte coverage
- Vegan and cruelty-free liquid formula
- Doe-foot applicator for precise application
- Wears six to eight hours with minimal transfer
Pros
- Rich one-swipe pigment with no patchiness
- Comfortable matte finish that resists transfer
- Flattering red designed for deeper skin tones
Cons
- Can feel drying after several hours of wear
- Needs exfoliated lips for the smoothest finish
- Bold shade requires careful application
Best for: Fans of the brand who want shade variety at the best per-stick price.
The Lip Bar Liquid Matte Lipstick 3-Pack (Bawse Lady, Muse, Rebel)
- Three bestselling shades in one set
- Lower cost per lipstick than singles
- Same vegan liquid matte formula
- Covers nude, mauve and red lip looks
Pros
- Excellent value with three shades for less
- Ready-made variety for different moods
- Makes a thoughtful gift for makeup lovers
Cons
- Fixed trio with no shade substitutions
- Bigger commitment if new to the brand
- Matte formula needs lip prep
Best for: Lovers of deep berry lips who want an affordable long-wear matte.
The Lip Bar Liquid Matte Lipstick in Rich Auntie
- Deep berry shade with brown undertones
- Vegan liquid matte long-wear formula
- Full coverage in a single layer
- Designed to flatter medium to deep skin
Pros
- Gorgeous rich color that suits fall wardrobes
- Long wear through drinks and light meals
- Does not feather outside the lip line
Cons
- Deep shade shows fading at the center after eating
- Can emphasize lip dryness without prep
- Bold color is less forgiving of mistakes
Best for: Anyone wanting a bold pink-red that makes a statement.
The Lip Bar Liquid Matte Lipstick in Haute Mess
- Vibrant pink-red statement shade
- Weightless vegan matte formula
- Precision doe-foot applicator
- Transfer-resistant once fully dry
Pros
- Eye-catching color that photographs beautifully
- Stays put through long days
- One layer gives full opaque coverage
Cons
- Bright shade demands precise application
- Can stain lips slightly after removal
- Matte finish needs balm prep on dry lips
Best for: Anyone seeking a reliable everyday nude with long wear.
The Lip Bar Liquid Matte Lipstick in Naturalista
- Warm everyday nude shade
- Lightweight vegan matte formula
- Natural my-lips-but-better effect
- Long wear without heavy feel
Pros
- Perfect daily nude for medium skin tones
- Forgiving shade for quick application
- Comfortable enough for all-day wear
Cons
- Nude shade range suits medium tones best
- Needs reapplication after oily meals
- May wash out very fair complexions
Ready to Choose?
See our top product picks for the lip bar, or jump straight to the head-to-head comparison of the two most popular options.