This is a problem I know well. If I wear a glossy or satin lipstick, it ends up all over my face, on the walls, passersby … but the dry, corpse-like effect from matt lipstick isn’t pleasant either.
First, let’s talk lip prep. It’s worth giving your lips a scrub with a facecloth and Vaseline, or a lip scrub, to buff off the dry bits of skin and create a smooth base. Next, apply a lip balm that sinks in quickly and is also matt. (I like MAC Prep and Prime Lip.)
Then choose the formula that works for you. My favourite is liquid lipstick, which is applied with a wand then dries to a matt finish that’s immovable. However, it’s tricky to touch up as you need to take it off completely then reapply, and no matter what brand you pick it will be a little drying (though the prep stage does help a little). Lip creams are also worth a go. These come in a tube like liquid lipstick but with a more moisturising finish (Anastasia Beverly Hills and NYX have great options).
If you prefer the finish of a traditional bullet lipstick, L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte has great nude shades with a creamy but matt finish. For dark and bright shades, two stand out: Rouge Dior, applied like a regular matt lipstick but with incredible staying power; and MAC has just relaunched its Matte Lipstick collection – the formulas are impactful without being drying.
Got a beauty question for Anita? Email her at beautyQandA@theguardian.com
