Matte lipsticks have always carried baggage. For as long as they’ve been on shelves, they’ve had a reputation for being bold but punishing — a look that photographs beautifully at first swipe, only to settle into fine lines, dry patches, and cracks within hours. Beauty lovers often learn to compromise: you either get colour that lasts or comfort that doesn’t. Rarely both.

This is what makes the Qasmetics Sparkly Glitter Lip Matte an intriguing player. A local Malaysian creation, it steps into an already crowded field but dares to experiment with something unexpected — sparkle. Not glitter gloss, not metallic sheen, but a formula that’s matte at its core, with shimmer woven through. It’s a bold claim and, for a product priced at RM45.00, one worth putting to the test.

Matte lipsticks didn’t always carry this bad reputation. In fact, they were once the ultimate symbol of cool — think Kylie Lip Kits in 2015, endless Instagram flat-lip swatches, and that soft-focus filter effect that only a matte finish seemed to perfect. For a while, everyone was obsessed with the idea of bold, opaque colour that didn’t budge. The problem was, the reality rarely matched the fantasy. Behind the flawless selfies were lips that felt like sandpaper by the end of the night.

As trends shifted, so did expectations. Glosses made a comeback, balmy textures took centre stage, and “comfort” became the new buzzword in beauty. Mattes started to feel dated, or worse, like a punishment for daring to want staying power. Which is why a product like Qasmetics Sparkly Glitter Lip Matte feels timely. It doesn’t deny the flaws of matte history — it tries to fix them.

The Formula

Packaging-wise, Qasmetics keeps it clean and fuss-free, letting the product do most of the talking. Twist open the tube, and the scent hits first: a soft, subtle sweetness, not overwhelming, but enough to make application feel like a moment rather than a task. It’s a small but deliberate touch that sets the tone for what follows.

On application, the texture is the first surprise. Unlike the tug-and-drag of traditional matte formulas, this one glides on silky-smooth, almost like a lip oil that settles quickly into colour. The formula is lightweight and non-sticky, which makes it comfortable enough to forget you’re wearing it. For a matte, that’s a rare win.

Comfort is one thing, but does it last? For the most part, yes. The colour payoff is strong, and once it sets, it stays put through coffee breaks, lunches, and even the occasional late-night mamak run. The staying power is respectable, though not indestructible. After a heavier meal, especially with oilier foods, a quick reapplication helps to revive intensity

What stands out most is the hydration. While it’s not a balm — you won’t get the nourishing feel of skincare-grade lip products — it avoids the dreaded parched effect. Lips feel soft and smooth for hours, which puts it a step above many matte formulas in both local and international markets.

That said, by the five- to six-hour mark, it does begin to show signs of settling, particularly on drier lips. Exfoliation and prep are key if you want the formula to look its best.

The Glitter Question

The standout feature here is, of course, the glitter. On first swipe, it’s subtle — more of a soft shimmer than a full sparkle, and dries out beautifully to fully show its sparkling potential. In daylight, it reads as dimension rather than drama. But at night, under artificial lighting or especially in flash photography, the glitter becomes much more apparent. This is where the product feels unique: a matte base that comes alive when the lights hit it.

It’s not the chunky glitter that disappears with a sip of water either. The shimmer clings well and doesn’t scatter all over your face. That said, if you’re someone who prefers a straightforward matte or doesn’t like the idea of sparkle at all, this probably won’t convert you. And personally, I’ve left my matte lipstick days behind me in 2019, but this has totally opened me back to the look.

Shades and Wearability

The line offers five shades, covering the usual bases — nude, pink, red, and a couple of in-betweens. They’re wearable and versatile, leaning more on the “safe” side of the colour spectrum. If you’re hoping for experimental shades, this range might feel limited, but for everyday use, it does the job.

Longevity-wise, it lives up to the claim. The colour doesn’t fade quickly and holds up through a standard day, though the more intense shades may require a quick reapplication after heavier meals.

Pro Tip: Elevate the Sparkle

While the matte-plus-glitter combo is interesting on its own, there’s an easy way to push it from “playful shimmer” to “editorial spotlight”: layer a gloss or lip oil over it. The matte base does the heavy lifting — anchoring pigment and keeping it from feathering — while the gloss magnifies every fleck of sparkle, giving lips that liquid-diamond effect.

The trick is in the topper you choose. If your goal is a glassy, cushioned finish, Rhode’s Peptide Lip Treatment makes a smart partner. Its balmy, slightly thicker texture smooths over the matte surface, catching light in a way that feels plush and expensive. For nights when you want the shimmer to look juicy rather than subtle, it’s hard to beat.

If you’re leaning more editorial, Haus Labs by Lady Gaga PhD Hybrid Lip Oil does something different. Lightweight, nourishing, and with a whisper of tint, it blends with the glitter in a way that feels modern — think vinyl-shine lips with dimension, perfect for flash-heavy photos or late-night events. The oil also prevents the matte from feeling tight over long wear, which makes it practical as well as dramatic.

For those who prefer to keep things simple (and budget-friendly), even a clear drugstore gloss can unlock this effect. The key is to go sheer: you don’t want heavy pigment competing with the sparkle, you want transparency that lets the glitter come through.

Experimentation is encouraged here. A nude Sparkly Glitter Lip Matte under gloss can look editorial-minimalist, while the red shade topped with shine reads like full-on vinyl drama. What’s impressive is that this lipstick holds its ground underneath, so you get the longevity of matte with the eye-catching gloss of a high-shine topper.

It’s a small tweak, but it repositions the product entirely: from a comfortable matte with glitter to a two-in-one base for building bold lip looks.

Price Point

At RM45.00, the Sparkly Glitter Lip Matte sits firmly in the affordable bracket. For what it delivers — a comfortable matte with a unique glitter twist — the price makes it accessible enough to experiment with, even if you’re not fully sold on the idea of sparkle.

Where to buy: TikTok Shop | Qasmetics Website

Final Thoughts

The Qasmetics Sparkly Glitter Lip Matte is an unusual entry in the local beauty scene.What makes it compelling isn’t just the glitter, though that’s the obvious hook. It’s the way it manages to challenge matte’s reputation for being uncomfortable and high-maintenance, without abandoning the boldness that made matte formulas so iconic in the first place. It doesn’t reinvent matte lipsticks entirely, but it does make them more wearable and less punishing than most. The glitter gives it a distinct edge, especially under flash photography, which makes it appealing for nights out or social media-heavy moments.

For anyone who’s ever scrolled through photos the morning after and realised their lip colour vanished in the background, this is a refreshing change. The Qasmetics Sparkly Glitter Lip Matte makes your lips look like the focal point — polished, dimensional, and very much alive.

For those tired of lifeless mattes, this hybrid offers something different and definitely interesting.

EDITOR’S REVIEW: Qasméticsbynqs Sparkly Glitter Lipmatte