Finding a true everyday nude lipstick that doesn't wash you out or feel like chalk can take dozens of attempts. The NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream in Abu Dhabi has spent years as a cult-favorite benchmark for liquid lip formulas. It sits somewhere between a classic lipstick and a gloss, offering a velvety texture that dries down comfortably without demanding high-maintenance upkeep.
Abu Dhabi is a medium, warm-toned peachy brown designed to look effortless. If you've been wondering how this specific shade swatches across skin tones, how it wears through meals, and whether it deserves a spot in your makeup bag, let's break down the details.
What is NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Abu Dhabi?
This product isn't a traditional liquid lipstick that dries to an unyielding, tight crust. Instead, it uses a whipped, mousse-like formula that goes on creamy and sets to a soft, diffused matte finish.
The shade Abu Dhabi is officially described as a muted, warm beige-brown nude. It avoids the harsh grey undertones that plague many modern nude liquid lipsticks, leaning instead into a balanced warmth that mimics natural lip color with an upgrade. It comes with a standard doe-foot applicator that deposits a thin, opaque layer of pigment in a single swipe.
Swatch Analysis and Undertone Behavior
Skin tone interaction dictates how Abu Dhabi looks once it sets.
- Fair to Light Skin Tones: On lighter complexions, Abu Dhabi reads as a deeper, rich nude with distinct warm brown and peach notes. It makes a reliable statement nude that pairs well with smokey eyes or heavy contouring without looking corpse-like.
- Medium and Olive Skin Tones: This is where Abu Dhabi truly hits its sweet spot. On medium skin, it functions as an absolute "my lips but better" shade, blending seamlessly into natural lip borders with a polished finish.
- Tan and Deep Skin Tones: For deeper complexions, Abu Dhabi can lean quite pale or peachy, occasionally resulting in a frosted or washed-out look unless paired with a deep brown lip liner to anchor the edges.
Application and Layering Tips
Getting a smooth finish with mousse formulas requires a little preparation. Because matte finishes cling to texture, dry flakes will show up clearly if you skip basic lip care.
- Exfoliate gently: Buff your lips with a damp washcloth or a sugar scrub beforehand to remove loose skin.
- Moisturize early: Apply a lightweight lip balm while doing your base makeup, then blot off all excess oils before applying the lip cream. Liquid mattes need a dry base to grip properly.
- Apply a thin layer: Swipe the product across your bottom lip, press your lips together, and fill in the Cupid's dart carefully. Avoid caking on multiple thick layers, which causes the formula to ball up or flake prematurely.
- Line for definition: If you want extra dimension, use a slightly darker neutral brown lip liner before filling in your lips with Abu Dhabi.
Wear Time, Comfort, and Real-World Performance
Comfort is where the Soft Matte line built its reputation. Traditional liquid lipsticks often dry lips out completely by midday. Abu Dhabi feels lightweight and almost unnoticeable after it sets.
When it comes to longevity, expect about three to four hours of solid, opaque wear if you aren't eating or drinking heavily. Oily foods will break down the formula around the inner rim of your mouth, requiring a quick touch-up. Fortunately, the formula layers well over itself without getting crumbly, meaning you can reapply directly on top of old product without starting over. It also features a subtle, sweet vanilla scent that fades quickly after application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying over heavy lip balm: Slipping a greasy balm underneath prevents the formula from setting, leading to patchiness and sliding.
- Rubbing lips together constantly while wet: Let the product dry down for sixty seconds without pressing your lips together to ensure an even, velvety finish.
- Skipping a liner on deeper skin: If you have rich or deep skin, wearing Abu Dhabi entirely on its own can look too stark. Always pair it with a defined liner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NYX Abu Dhabi cool or warm toned?
It is firmly warm-toned. It carries distinct peachy and golden-brown undertones that prevent it from looking grey or blue against the skin.
Does the formula dry out your lips?
It is far less drying than traditional liquid lipsticks due to its whipped cream texture, but because it dries down to a matte finish, it won't hydrate your lips either. Proper hydration beforehand makes a significant difference.
How does Abu Dhabi compare to NYX Stockholm?
Stockholm leans noticeably pinker and lighter, making it a bright everyday option for fair skin. Abu Dhabi is deeper, warmer, and more true brown.
Is this product cruelty-free?
Yes, NYX Professional Makeup is certified cruelty-free by PETA.
