Some makeup products disappear quietly. Others leave a gap that’s still noticeable years later. The Mattemoiselle lipsticks from Fenty Beauty fall firmly into the second category. Although officially discontinued, this line remains one of the most distinctive matte lipstick ranges ever released and I still use mine regularly.
Why Mattemoiselle Stood Out
When Mattemoiselle launched, it didn’t try to play safe. Instead of endless nudes and reds, it leaned into bold, unconventional shades while maintaining an inclusive approach to undertones and skin depth. That combination, creative colour with wearable performance, is exactly why the line developed such a loyal following.
Formula Review: Matte Done Right
Mattemoiselle’s biggest strength was its formula. Despite being a true matte, it applied smoothly and evenly, with a creamy glide that never dragged across the lips. Pigmentation was intense in a single swipe, yet the texture stayed lightweight.
Most importantly, it avoided the classic matte pitfalls:
- No chalky finish
- No exaggerated dryness
- No cracking or uncomfortable tightness over time
Even after hours of wear, the lipsticks faded gracefully rather than breaking apart. Compared to many current matte releases, the formula still holds up remarkably well.
The Shades (I own)
Midnight Wasabi
A deep, saturated green that feels editorial at first glance. On its own, it’s unapologetically bold. Paired with a neutral-brown lip liner, however, it becomes structured and surprisingly wearable. On desi skin tones, it reads intentional and modern rather than novelty.
Pumpkin Rose
A warm burnt orange with subtle rosy undertones. This shade is exceptionally flattering on medium to deep skin tones, enhancing warmth without overpowering the face. It’s one of those colours that looks polished with minimal makeup and works seamlessly with a brown or terracotta liner.
One of the Boyz
A muted lavender with cool undertones. Pastel purples can be tricky, but this one sits in a softened, greyed-out range that prevents it from looking ashy. With a nude-brown liner, it complements desi skin beautifully while still feeling unique.
Why Lip Liner Makes All the Difference
These shades truly shine when paired with a liner. A brown or nude liner adds depth, defines the lips, and grounds unconventional colours, making them more wearable for everyday looks. This is especially effective on desi skin tones, where contrast can elevate bold shades rather than clash with them.
Why I Still Use Them
Despite being discontinued, my Mattemoiselle lipsticks have aged well, both in performance and relevance. The formula remains comfortable, the colours still feel creative rather than dated, and the overall quality rivals many current launches.
What makes this line especially missed is that few brands today are willing to take similar risks with colour while maintaining such a reliable matte formula. Mattemoiselle proved that bold shades could be inclusive, flattering, and practical.
Packaging: Slim, Modern, and Purposeful
The Mattemoiselle packaging was just as well thought out as the formula. The slim, elongated bullet felt modern and minimal, making it easy to store and practical to carry. Unlike bulky lipstick tubes, this design allowed for precise application, especially useful with bold and unconventional shades. The clean, angular casing reflected Fenty Beauty’s contemporary aesthetic, while the compact size made it travel-friendly without feeling cheap. It was functional, distinctive, and perfectly aligned with the no-nonsense, performance-driven identity of the Mattemoiselle line.
Final Verdict
The Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle lipsticks were ahead of their time. They combined comfort, pigmentation, and fearless colour choices in a way that’s still hard to replicate. If you still own them, they’re absolutely worth keeping and wearing. Some discontinued products deserve their cult status, and Mattemoiselle is one of them.
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