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Your questions on liptstick answered What is the best lipstick? Even if it didn’t have the sub-£10 price going for it, I’d still award L’Oreal’s color riche lipstick the title of our best lipstick, with the pigment, packaging and long-lasting finish proving super impressive. Given that it combined affordability and quality, I didn’t select a best budget buy; however, at the other end of the spectrum I loved the indulgence of Dior’s addict shine lipstick, with its creamy formula and iconic tube. As for nude lip colours, it was a toss up between Mac’s lustreglass and Charlotte Tilbury’s pillow talk – but, ultimately, Mac’s nude won me over, with pillow talk earning a spot instead as my favourite everyday pick. How I tested the best lipsticks For five months, I put 20 bestselling budget and high-end lipstick to the test. I wore them to meals out, while sipping on my daily coffee and to the office. Here’s everything I considered while testing: Staying power: One of my key criteria was how well the lipsticks lasted and, if they needed topping up, after how many hours. I used all the included formulas both on their own and with lip liner, gauging if this additional base layer affected their wear. Consistency: I evaluated how comfortable the lipstick was to wear and recorded if it was comfy, sticky or heavy. Finish: I rated the finish of each lipstick, be it glossy or velvety, and weighed up how flattering it was. Packaging: Premium lipsticks often come in luxury casing, but that’s not always the case. As such, I set out to find the most aesthetic, functional and best value lipstick packaging. Formula: I judged how moisturised (or dry) my lips felt after wearing the formula over an extended period, and highlighted the hydrating lipsticks for those prone to cracking. How to get lipstick to stay on longer The key to lipstick longevity is adequate prep, says professional make-up artist Mira Parmar. She suggests exfoliating the lips first – be it with a scrub or liquid exfoliator – and then applying a lip balm. “Leave this on for a couple of minutes and then wipe it off so the lips are clean,” she instructs. Next, she recommends choosing a lip liner in the same shade as your lipstick, if not darker. “Carefully outline and fill the entire lip area to create a great base for greater staying power,” she continues. Now you’re ready for the lipstick itself and, following Parmar’s directions, you should “apply a coat of lipstick on top [of your lip liner], set it with a translucent powder (or blot with some fine tissue paper) and then apply a second layer for a stronger pigment.” For longevity, she also recommends matte lipsticks and lip stains rather than cream lipsticks. Does lipstick count as a liquid? According to Heathrow airport, solid lipstick is “not considered a liquid.” However, airport passengers are often caught out with liquid lipsticks, lip glosses and lip stains, all of which count as liquids. To clarify, Gov.uk defines liquids as creams, lotions, oils, gels, pastes, sprays and “any other solutions and items of similar consistency.” What is the best lipstick for ageing lips? Parmar explains that “Cream, balm and satin finishes give the look of plump lips [on more mature skin] and adding a gloss adds to that plumpness, too.” She describes how these more hydrating formulas help to smooth the lips and, personally, likes By Terry’s hyaluronic hydrabalm lipstick (£33, Spacenk.com) and Charlotte Tilbury’s hyaluronic happikiss (£25, Cultbeauty.co.uk) for their moisture-infused formulas. What lipstick shade suits me? Shade suitability can be broken down by skin tone, Parmar tells us. Splitting complexion types into three groups, she advises the following hues for each colouring: Fair and light skin tones: “Your shades will be soft pinks, nudes, peaches and corals,” she says. Olive and medium skin tones: “These complexions tend to suit berries, warm reds and roses.” Tan, black and deep skin tones: “Something like a rich plum, wine, chocolate or warm brick shade will work really beautifully.” Though, she caveats that selecting a lip colour “comes down to what you like, as well.” How to get lipstick out of clothes You can remove lipstick from fabric in three steps by, guides Parmar, “Scraping the excess away, using a cloth with a little Fairy liquid and then patting isopropyl alcohol [rubbing alcohol] onto the stain.” Alternatively, she vouches for Dr Beckmann’s stain devils (£2.35, Ocado.com) solution in a pinch. Can lipstick be used as blush? Absolutely, Parmar confirms that lipstick “gives a great finish [as blush].” She tells me to “pop a tiny bit of lipstick onto both cheeks, blending with your fingers or a brush until you achieve the desired result.” Her top tip? Apply it lightly and build-up the colour – it’s easier to add more than to take away. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews As IndyBest’s beauty writer, Lucy Smith is well versed on all things lips, having tested the best lip stains, the Clinique nude honey almost lipstick and the Charlotte Tilbury lip cheat contour duo. She’s knowledgeable on make-up application and hero beauty ingredients, having spoken to Gillian Anderson’s make-up artist Florrie White and, personally, applies a nude lip colour two to three times a week – making her just the person to put the following lipsticks through their paces. You’ve got the make-up, but what about taking it off? We’ve found the 10 best micellar waters, tried and tested for quick makeup removal
