Sometimes you find the perfect lipstick shade but want a different finish.

Maybe you love the color of your favorite semi-matte lipstick, but you're looking for that smooth, velvety matte appearance.

You don't necessarily need another lipstick.

There's a simple makeup trick you can try using translucent setting powder.

This technique can help reduce the appearance of shine and create a more matte-looking lip while also helping your lipstick feel more set.

Here's how to do it.

What You'll Need

You only need three things:

• Your favorite semi-matte lipstick
• A tissue or thin piece of tissue paper
• Translucent setting powder
• A small fluffy brush or makeup sponge

For best results, use a finely milled, colorless translucent powder so it doesn't noticeably alter the lipstick shade.

Step 1: Prepare Your Lips

Start with clean, smooth lips.

If your lips are dry or flaky, gently exfoliate them beforehand and apply a small amount of lip balm.

Allow the balm to absorb before applying lipstick.

This step is important because powder can emphasize dry patches.

Quick tip:

Don't leave a thick layer of lip balm underneath your lipstick. Excess moisture can prevent the lipstick from setting properly.

Step 2: Apply Your Semi-Matte Lipstick

Apply your lipstick evenly across your lips.

You can apply it directly from the tube or use a lip brush for greater precision.

Make sure the color is evenly distributed, especially around the corners and lip line.

At this stage, your lipstick will still have its original semi-matte appearance.

Step 3: Blot With Tissue

Take a thin tissue and gently press it between your lips.

Don't rub.

Simply press and lift.

Blotting removes some excess oils and creaminess from the surface of the lipstick, helping create a better base for the powder.

If you want more intense color, you can apply another thin layer of lipstick after blotting.

Step 4: Add the Powder

Now comes the main hack.

Place a thin tissue over your lips.

Using a small fluffy brush or makeup sponge, gently tap a very small amount of translucent setting powder over the tissue.

The powder will pass through the tissue and lightly settle onto the lipstick.

Don't use too much.

The goal is to absorb surface shine—not cover your lips in powder.

Step 5: Remove the Tissue

Carefully lift the tissue away.

You should notice that the lipstick has a more matte, soft and velvety-looking finish.

If you still see more shine than you want, repeat the process with a very small amount of powder.

Why Does This Hack Work?

Lipsticks contain ingredients that can create a creamy or slightly shiny finish.

Setting powder is designed to absorb some surface oils and reduce shine.

When a small amount is applied over lipstick, it can help reduce the visible sheen and make the lipstick appear more matte.

It's a simple technique that can be useful when you want to change the finish of a lipstick without buying another product.

How to Keep the Matte Finish Looking Smooth

Going fully matte doesn't mean your lips have to look dry.

Here are some tips:

Use Less Powder

Too much powder can make lipstick look cakey or emphasize lines.

Apply Thin Layers

A thin layer of lipstick followed by a light application of powder usually gives a smoother result than applying lots of lipstick at once.

Keep Your Lips Hydrated

Matte makeup can make dry lips more noticeable, so regular lip care is important.

Don't Rub Your Lips

After applying the powder, avoid repeatedly rubbing your lips together. This can disturb the finish and cause uneven areas.

Can You Use Any Powder?

For this hack, a finely milled translucent setting powder is generally the easiest option.

Avoid using large amounts of heavily pigmented face powder, as it may change the lipstick's color.

Also avoid applying loose powder directly in large quantities to your lips.

A small amount is enough.

Does the Powder Hack Make Lipstick Transfer-Proof?

Not necessarily.

This technique can help reduce shine and may improve the lipstick's staying power, but it doesn't guarantee a transfer-proof or completely transfer-resistant finish.

Lipstick can still transfer when eating, drinking or touching the lips.

For a truly long-lasting lip, reapplication may still be necessary.

Try the Hack With Different Lipstick Shades

This technique can be fun to experiment with.

Nude shades

Create a soft, sophisticated matte look.

Pink shades

Give you a fresh everyday matte lip.

Red shades

Create a classic, bold matte appearance.

Berry & wine shades

Perfect for an evening or festive makeup look.

The powder can slightly change the visual intensity of some formulas, so test a small amount first.

Semi-Matte vs Matte Lipstick

What's the difference?

Semi-Matte

A semi-matte lipstick generally offers some creaminess or subtle sheen while still looking relatively soft and non-glossy.

Matte

A matte lipstick has a more shine-free, velvety appearance.

Neither finish is necessarily better—the choice depends on the look and comfort you prefer.

And with a simple powder technique, you can experiment with the finish of your favorite semi-matte lipstick.

MAAKE Beauty Lipstick

MAAKE Beauty's lipstick range can be incorporated into both everyday and occasion makeup looks.

If you love the color of a semi-matte or creamy lipstick but want a more matte-looking finish, try the tissue-and-powder technique described above.

Apply your favorite MAAKE Beauty lipstick, blot gently, and use a light layer of translucent powder to reduce surface shine.

It's an easy way to create a different finish using a lipstick you already love.

Final Thoughts

You don't always need a new lipstick to get a different finish.

With just your lipstick, a tissue and a little translucent setting powder, you can turn a semi-matte lip into a more matte-looking, velvety finish.

Remember:

Apply → Blot → Powder → Set

The key is to use very little powder. Too much can make the lips look dry or cakey.

So next time you want a matte lip but only have your favorite semi-matte lipstick, give this simple makeup hack a try.

One lipstick. One simple trick. A whole new finish.

Explore MAAKE Beauty's lipstick collection and find your favorite shade for every mood and occasion.