NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Review: Everyday Shades Tested

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream has been a drugstore staple for more than a decade because it promises a rare balance: an easygoing, blurred matte that feels cushiony rather than brittle. We wore five of the most popular everyday shades in meetings, on commutes, over coffee, and through lunch to see which ones actually flatter and how the formula holds up when you need a low-fuss lip that still looks put together.

Overview

At its core, this is a lightweight, mousse-style liquid lipstick housed in a compact tube with a soft doe-foot applicator. It goes on creamy with a sweet vanilla scent, sets to a soft matte within about a minute, and delivers medium to buildable full coverage. The finish is a blurred matte, not a flat ultra-matte. That difference matters. The texture stays flexible and comfortable, so you avoid the tight, crackly feel that long-wear liquid lipsticks can cause.

Size is 0.27 fl oz, typical of liquid lip color, and the range spans dozens of shades. For this review we focused on the most wearable, everyday colors that suit daily office looks, coffee runs, and casual dinners. Price usually sits in the affordable drugstore bracket, which makes it low risk to try more than one shade or to keep a backup in your bag.

Who it’s for

Choose Soft Matte Lip Cream if you love the look of matte lips but want comfort and a more forgiving texture. It is great for people who prefer a soft-focus, diffused lip rather than a painted, ultra-precise matte. If your lips are prone to dryness, this formula is one of the friendlier mattes as long as you prep well. It is also ideal for anyone who wants an everyday lip that reads polished without looking overdone in daylight.

Skip it if you need ironclad, transfer-proof wear through an entire workday without a single touch-up, or if you dislike any sweet scent in makeup. High-shine lovers may not get the glassy finish they prefer unless they plan to top it with a balm or gloss.

How it feels and performs

The first swipe feels airy and whipped, similar to a lightweight lip mousse. One thin coat gives soft, even color with a blurred edge. A second thin coat raises the opacity to full while still looking smooth. It sets to a powdery velvet within 45 to 60 seconds. Once set, it feels light and flexible rather than tacky. There is a bit of initial transfer onto a mug or napkin, but less than a satin bullet lipstick. It is not transfer-proof the way a two-step long-wear liquid lipstick is.

Comfort is a strong point. The silicone-rich, mousse texture glides over lip lines and does a respectable job of diffusing vertical lines. Over several hours, it remains comfortable, though very dry lips will still appreciate a balm prepped underneath. In our wear tests, color held up for 4 to 5 hours through coffee and light snacks. Greasy meals will break down the center, which is expected for a creamy matte. The formula layers well for touch-ups. If you blot and add a fresh thin coat, it refreshes without pilling.

Fragrance is a soft vanilla that fades. Taste is minimal. The doe-foot is petite and slightly pointed at the tip, which helps with precision around the cupid’s bow and the corners. Feathering was not an issue with the everyday shades we tested, though a long day with a greasy lunch can soften the edge. A lip liner will extend wear and sharpen the shape if you prefer a crisp outline.

Everyday shades tested and compared

We focused on five wear-anywhere shades that consistently land in top carts. Undertones matter, so notes below include how each shade behaves across skin tones and undertones.

Abu Dhabi: A warm, medium beige with soft almond undertones. On fair to light skin, it reads as a contemporary nude that adds definition without washing you out. On medium to tan skin, it becomes a flattering my-lips-but-better brown nude. On deep skin, it can read as a lighter nude, so pairing with a warm brown liner creates a seamless blend. It is the most versatile office shade in the group if you like warmth.

Stockholm: A peachy nude with warm, slightly pink undertones. It brightens the face on fair and light complexions and looks fresh on light-medium. On medium to deep skin, it can turn pastel and slightly chalky unless you back it with a caramel or chestnut liner. The peachiness pairs well with minimal makeup days or fresh coral blush.

Cannes: A rosy mauve with a hint of brown. This is the crowd-pleasing everyday shade because it mimics natural lip color with a little extra polish. On fair skin it becomes a wearable deeper rose. On medium and tan, it is a flattering neutral mauve. On deeper tones, it turns into a medium pink-brown that pairs beautifully with neutral eye looks. If you only choose one, Cannes is the safest everyday bet across undertones.

Zurich: A warm, soft pink with a touch of coral. This shade wakes up the face without veering into bright territory. It is lovely on fair to medium skin and reads as a gentle pop on tan complexions. On deeper tones, it can skew light, so a liner can help ground it. Zurich is the pick for casual brunch, fresh spring makeup, or anytime you want a subtle pink that still looks easy.

London: A light beige nude with neutral to warm undertones. On fair skin it is a true nude beige. On medium and tan skin, it can verge on a lighter nude and may benefit from a liner to add dimension. On deep skin, London can look too pale alone, but it becomes a beautiful ombre center shade over a deep brown liner. If you like a 90s beige vibe or a sophisticated neutral lip, London delivers when paired thoughtfully.

Quick pairing guide: If you lean cool, try Cannes first, then Zurich. If you are warm, Abu Dhabi and Stockholm are easy wins. If you have neutral undertones, you can wear any of the five, with Cannes and Abu Dhabi offering the most flexibility. For deeper skin tones, combine London or Stockholm with a warm brown liner for a balanced gradient, and reach for Cannes or Abu Dhabi when you want a one-and-done nude.

How to use for best results

Prep is the difference between a smooth, lightweight blur and a patchy matte. Here is a simple routine that keeps the color even and comfortable.

• Exfoliate lightly: Use a soft lip scrub or a warm, damp washcloth to lift flakes. Do not over-scrub.
• Hydrate and blot: Apply a thin layer of lip balm, let it sit for 5 minutes, then blot until your lips feel conditioned, not slippery. This prevents the color from slipping while keeping lips supple.
• Optional liner: Outline and lightly fill in with a lip liner close to your natural lip color or to the shade you chose. This creates a base that improves longevity and shape.
• Apply thin layers: Swipe a small amount of Soft Matte Lip Cream across the bottom lip, press lips together to distribute, then use the wand tip to perfect edges. For more opacity, let the first layer set for 30 to 45 seconds and add a second thin coat. Thin layers look smoother and last longer than one heavy swipe.
• Set and refine: For a blurred edge, tap the perimeter with a fingertip. For a crisp edge, use a small brush or concealer to clean the outline after the color sets.
• Touch up smartly: After meals, blot the center, then reapply a thin layer only where needed. This avoids buildup and keeps the finish smooth.
• Want a softer look: Dab a dot of color on the center of lips and blend with your fingertip for a stained, your-lips-but-better look. Top with a thin veil of balm if you want a demi-matte sheen.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Cushy mousse formula that feels comfortable for a matte. Buildable coverage from soft blur to full. Everyday shades like Cannes and Abu Dhabi are flattering across undertones. Layers and touches up cleanly. Budget friendly and widely available.
• Cons: Not transfer-proof and will fade at the center after greasy meals. Lightest nudes can look chalky on deeper tones without a liner. Vanilla scent may not suit sensitive noses. Can accentuate flakes if you skip prep.

Final verdict

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream still earns its cult status. It strikes a sweet spot between a soft, modern matte finish and real-world comfort. If you want a daily lip that looks put together without needing constant babysitting, it is an easy yes. Start with Cannes if you want a universally flattering rose-mauve, pick Abu Dhabi for a warm, professional nude, and reach for Zurich when you want a fresh, soft pink. Stockholm is a sunny peachy nude that brightens fair to light complexions, and London becomes a polished beige when paired with a liner on medium to deep skin.

You will need to reapply after lunch, and very dry lips still require basic prep. Those trade-offs feel reasonable given the price, the forgiving texture, and the shade range. For an everyday matte that feels like nothing and looks like you tried a little, Soft Matte Lip Cream remains a standout in the drugstore aisle.

See also

For another drugstore favorite with a matte finish, check out our Milani Color Fetish matte lipstick review, and if you’re curious about lightweight lip options, the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch tinted lip oil review offers a nourishing alternative.

• Explore nourishing formulas with our guide to the best lip oils that actually nourish.
• If long-lasting color is your goal, see which products stand out in the best long-wear lipsticks that fade gracefully roundup.
• For a subtle pop of color, consider the best everyday red lipsticks for people who are scared of red to brighten your makeup routine.

FAQ

Which NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream shade is the most universally flattering for everyday wear?

Cannes is the safest pick across undertones because it sits in the neutral rosy mauve family. It enhances natural lip color without skewing too pink or too brown. Abu Dhabi is the next most versatile if you prefer a warmer nude, and it looks especially natural on light-medium through tan skin tones. For fair and cool-leaning complexions, Zurich or Cannes will look fresh without washing you out.

How long does it actually last through coffee and meals?

Expect 4 to 5 hours through coffee and light snacks. The finish is low-transfer once set, but it is not transfer-proof. After a greasy or saucy meal, the color will fade from the center. Blot and add a thin touch-up layer on the center of the lips, and you will be back to a smooth, even finish in seconds.

How can I prevent patchiness or settling into lip lines?

Do a quick prep with a warm washcloth or gentle scrub, apply a thin layer of balm, then blot until lips feel conditioned. Apply Soft Matte Lip Cream in two thin coats rather than one thick one. If your lips are very textured, use a neutral lip liner to create a base, which evens out the surface and helps the cream grip evenly.

Can I layer balm or gloss over Soft Matte Lip Cream without ruining the finish?

Yes. Once the color sets, you can tap a small amount of balm on the center for comfort or add a thin layer of gloss for shine. Avoid heavy layers of slippery balm before application, which can cause sliding. For touch-ups, blot first, then reapply a thin coat of lip cream, and add balm or gloss afterward.

What are the best pairings to make lighter nudes like London or Stockholm work on deeper skin tones?

Use a warm brown liner that is one to two shades deeper than your natural lip, slightly fill in the corners, then apply the lip cream to the center and blend where they meet. This creates a flattering gradient that keeps the nude from looking chalky while still delivering a bright, everyday look.

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