There are so many lipsticks to choose from now, which is fun but can be overwhelming. The longest-wearing formulation is liquid, which forms a sort of seal on the lips, but many people find them drying. The next best thing is a matt lipstick bullet, offering staying power without parched lips.
Start with picking a colour you love. You told me your outfit and colourings: a cream dress suits bright red. If you’re new to red lipstick, I’d recommend a brown-ish red such as Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Walk of No Shame. Or try something with a hint of orange, such as Chilli, a warm, brick red, or Lady Danger, a vivid coral, from Mac’s reformulated Macximal Silky Matte range.
A neutral shade similar to your own lip colour works for every outfit. Dior Rouge Dior Couture Colour range has incredible staying power, but for a creamier finish, its Make Up Revolution IRL Filter Finish Lip Crème is in between a matt and a cream lipstick, and lasts well. Or try a pigmented balm that really lasts – Kosas and Westman Atelier are my go-tos.
Whatever colour or formulation you pick, always use a lipliner in a similar or slightly darker shade to line the lips and avoid any bleeding or feathering. But my biggest hack is to use the lipliner to also fill in your lips; this gives the lipstick something to “grip” on to and keeps it in place. Whatever you pick, if you like it, it’s perfect – whether it’s green, nude, red or sparkly purple.
Got a beauty question for Anita? Email her at BeautyQandA@theguardian.com
