Saying lips are ‘on trend’ is a bit like claiming The Beatles are back, wrongly implying that there’s been some historic blip in popularity.
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You might have a vast lipstick collection for your lips in various stages of stubbiness, or one tinted balm rolling around the bottom of your handbag, but just about everyone uses a lip product, which doesn’t come as a surprise. What has changed, though, is the amount of new products now on the market. Nearly every major make-up brand is launching a huge lip range, averaging 30+ shades in myriad textures, with some excellent new formulations. Liner – long-time friend of feathered or thinning lips – is also having a moment.
Most excitingly, proper lip care’s gone mainstream. The skin in this area is famously thin, has no oil glands and is easily irritated by cold winds, UV rays and even drinking alcohol (yikes).
Clever care and buys can take your fave lips look to a whole new level. Try our favourite new products for soft, plump lips this season.
Best natural treatment for lips
Looking for a multi-tasking lip colour and treatment you can wear to tint and hydrate lips at once? Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Color Replenish Lip Balm, R395, is pricey but it’s honestly the best lip treatment on the market. Plus, it responds to the natural shade of your lips and makes them pop with natural colour.
Long-wearing lacquer for your lips
If you’re looking for a non-sticky, highly pigmented lip gloss that stays bold for hours, then its a good idea to choose a lip lacquer. NYX Professional Slip Tease Full Color Lip Lacquer in Cardio Bunny, R139,95, has a clever hour-glass shaped applicator, which helps the colour to glide on the lips and stay put.
The ultimate lip soother
Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil, R335, was voted the best treatment for your lips, with our Beauty Editor Martinique Stevens saying: “I’m not sure how I lived without this nourishing gem! I love its sweet taste and smell, and the lush, non-sticky sheen it leaves”.
ALSO SEE: Trendy beauty buys for lips and cheeks
The best natural balm
Meet your new go-to daily gloss… Palladio Butter Me Up Lip Balm, R99,95. The super conditioning formula is paraben-free and made with the finest natural ingredients to nourish and protect dry lips. We also love the wide range of subtle colours – ideal when paired with bold eyes.
Easy wear for lips
When a lipstick range has been designed by Kate Moss, you know it’s bang on trend. Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate called Unclothes, R109,95, is a neutral shade that’s supermodel approved. “I adore this nude hue. It’s my new everyday staple,” says professional make-up artist Storm Catherine Pass.
Barely-there lip pencil
For lipstick that doesn’t disappear an hour after application, its essential to use a lip pencil before applying. The budget buy that makeup artists love is Body Shop Lip Liner in Pink Clover, R140. It’s such a creamy, natural colour that helps lipstick last much longer.
ALSO SEE: What causes dry lips? Plus, the best products for them
A pop of colour
Looking for the ultimate, long-wearing lip stain? Then look no further than Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Lipstick Ruler, R169. Not only does it last for a whopping 16 hours, it’s matte finish doesn’t dry out the lips, and it glides on easily for an ultra-smooth finish. No need for touch-ups in the day. Where do we pay?
