Matte Lipstick

By Eleanor Tucker

Forget the dry-looking matte lips of the 1990s. Matte lipsticks are back, but this time they're flattering, velvety - and totally on trend. It might not be quite as easy to apply as a slick of gloss, but matte lipstick lasts longer, suits all ages and skin tones and looks thoroughly modern, too. Try these tips for achieving flawless matte lips.

The darker the shade of matte lipstick, the more cracks or flaky, dry skin will show. Prepare your lips well by applying plenty of lip balm, leaving for a few minutes and then buffing with a toothbrush or a soft, damp flannel to remove any dead skin. Follow this with more balm or cream, but nothing too greasy as your lipstick will slide off. Try The Body Shop Aloe Lip Treatment, which soothes without leaving an oily residue.

One single texture across your face can look dull and ageing, so use your imagination and play around with textures as well as colours to contrast with your matte lips. Choose Lord & Berry Vogue Lipstick, which has beeswax to prevent dryness - then experiment with dewy cheeks or shimmery eyes to avoid that 'flat' look.

"Instead of just using lipstick, start by lining and filling your entire lip with lip-liner, then pat lipstick on using your fingertip. With mattes, I prefer a softer, less defined finish as it looks more modern," says make-up artist Kenneth Soh. Dab on Collection 2000 Cream Puff Lip Cream, a soft, easy-to-wear matte.

Darker skin can carry off really dramatic matte shades, as long as skin is kept moist and sheer. Revlon Matte Lipstick is packed with pigments and lasts for hours – pick 'In The Red', a show-stopping crimson that adds a pop of colour to black and Asian skin.

Love matte lipstick? Share your tips in the comments below.