It’s not called Tatouage (tattoo) for nothing. YSL’s highly pigmented, liquid matte lip stain boasts super long-lasting power and clings to your lips comfortably through the day. It breezed through the drinking glass test (no leftover lipstick mark on the rim), and we love the patented bevelled applicator which makes for easier, more precise application. The collection has 18 vibrant, intense hues which are so pigmented they impart a brilliant colour on the lips, yet the stain feels like a soft thin veil. At $55.

The gradient, ombre lip is a hit with the K-beauty inspired, and LANEIGE has come up with a product that allows you to get the look easily. Combining the features of a defining tint and moisturising lip balm, you get effortless two tone gradation. So, you’re getting a lasting vivid colour tint plus a pastel tone lip balm that comprises ingredients from the brand’s Lip Sleeping Mask technology to keep your pucker hydrated. At $34.

We know people who have become bold-shade converts after slicking on this lip stain. The Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain is coveted for its comfortable, long-lasting finish, and amazing range of over 80 different shades. This creamy liquid lippie glides on smooth and transforms from a creamy texture to a silky, lightweight, yet richly-coloured, silky finish. The addition of avocado oil prevents it from drying out lips – a big plus for a long-lasting lip colour. At $19.

Our hunt for a glossy without the sticky has come to an end. Make Up For Ever’s Artist Acrylip, which is inspired by artists’ high-pigment paints, coats lips with a non-sticky soft shine. The slanted cushion applicator slides comfortably over lips, providing an even layer of colour with just one stroke. Dab on for a light stain, or layer for high intensity pout. At $33.

Urban Decay’s Vice Liquid Lipstick lays down intense colour, and it’s one of the best long-lasting lipsticks that keeps lips feeling comfortable. The formula is packed with pearls and glitter, and special technology allows the pearls to float on top, giving the metallised colours that sexy shimmer.

The long, flocked paddle provides a nice, even application of colour; the flat edge helps give complete coverage in one coat; and the tip allows for precision lining especially for areas like the lip corners and Cupid’s bow. At $32.

Pop into any Urban Decay or Sephora store and you’ll see the impressive Vice Lipstick stand with over 100 stunning shades.This impressive lineup comprises six finishes, including Comfort Matte, which made us think twice about associating matte lipsticks with dry, parched lips.

Besides vivid colours, the formula also has the proprietary Pigment Infusion System that gives the lipstick its super-creamy texture that glides on smoothly and hugs lips. At the same time, nourishing ingredients and a yummy butter blend nourishes and softens lips. At $31.

The Rouge Dior boasts a total of 55 shades ranging from matte to satin, but the star of the show is their signature creamy formula which glides on smoothly and prevents your lips from drying out. Enriched with natural hydrating mango butter, along with Aroelat Samphira for its revitalising properties, this luxe lippie helps maintain moisture in your lips, keeping them looking plump and healthy. The shades include iconic reds, vibrant corals, soft pinks and a few unique matte shades for those looking to try a bolder look. At $45.

For a vivid, high shine lippie that lasts, the Dior Addict Lacquer Stick delivers. Formulated with five ultra-light oils and beeswax, it smoothly glides across your lips, adding colour without leaving any greasy or sticky feeling. It has the pigment and finish of a gloss and the moisturising properties of a balm. From neons to pastels and vampy shades, you will be able to find a colour that flatters you. At $50.

For ‘no-makeup makeup’ days, popping on a sheer lippie adds a natural flush of colour to your lips. This one from Bobbi Brown is rich in Vitamins E and C and beeswax. The balmy formula glides on comfortably, helping to hydrate parched lips and the colour fades beautifully too, so you need not worry about having to touch up immediately after meals. One swipe delivers a blotted down, stained effect. For a more opaque finish, layer it up to increase the intensity. At $41. 

Besides clinching ‘Lipstick of the Year’, the Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Tatouge Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain also has our vote for the ‘Best Long-Lasting Lipstick’ . Firstly, the revamped applicator makes application a breeze – its spatula shape allows precise lining of lips and holds just the right amount of product to fill it in. Then, the stain and lipstick combo packs a long-lasting punch; gliding on smoothly and leaving just a tinge of colour behind so you don’t end up with a lipstick ring around your mouth after a meal. At $55. 

A cult favourite, this lip crayon delivers the intensity of a matte lipstick, with the precision of a lip pencil. Its size allows you to fill in your lips quickly while the defined pencil tip lets you line the edges of your lips with ease. The non-drying formula is infused with Vitamin E and emollients, giving it a creamy texture that glides on smoothly. At $38.

Prepping the lips before lipstick application is important. Not only does it reduce feathering or smudging, it helps add a protective layer from some lip products which can be drying. Urban Decay’s Ultimate Ozone Multipurpose Primer Pencil contains jojoba oil that nourishes the skin and provides a smooth base for other lip products to glide on, while preventing lipsticks from bleeding. At $25.

Infused with oils, the Mamonde Highlight Lip Tint Glow helps provide moisture to your lips while delivering vivid colour. Its small applicator gives you better control and gets into the smaller crevices of your lips easily. Pat a generous amount in the centre of your lips and use your fingers to blend the colour out for a glowy, gradient lip look or fill in the entire lip for a bright pop of colour. At $18. 

To ensure your lip look remains budge proof for a longer period of time, seal it off with a top coat. This one from Yves Saint Laurent Beaute glides on and keeps lip colour looking mattified, without the dryness. It also seals in the colour and forms a protective layer over your lip colour to keep it looking vivid and intense.  At $50. 

Lip-care is an often neglected part of the average woman’s skincare routine. Smear on this ultra-nourishing lip balm from Fresh and leave it overnight for the moisturising ingredients to penetrate deep into your skin, helping to get rid of dry flakes. Nourishing ingredients like sea fennel helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, while orange extract which is rich in antioxidants, defends against free radical damage. At $39.

Kiehl’s Butterstick Lip Treatment is made with coconut oil and antioxidants such as lemon butter which helps to nourish and protect the lips. Combined with an SPF of 25, your lips remain protected from the harsh ultraviolet rays. Swipe a layer of this balm before applying a matte lipstick to prevent dryness on your lips or wear it on its own for a subtle hint of colour. At $28. 

Lip oils offer the ultimate hydration, especially for dry flakey lips. Containing plant based active ingredients infused in a hydrating oil, the Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil leaves your lips looking plump and hydrated without greasiness. The sponge tip applicator gently deposits just the right amount of product onto your lips for a non-sticky coat of shine. At $36. 

Exfoliate and condition your lips with the Sugar Lip Polish from Fresh. The fine granules of sugar gently removes dead skin and polishes lips without needing excessive scrubbing. Nourishing ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil help to soothe and moisturise, leaving your lips feeling soft and smooth. After massaging it into your lips, remove carefully with a damp cloth. For maximum benefits, use it up to two to three times a week. At $36.

Using marine based fillers, the collagen infused Dior Addict Lip Maximizer offers lip plumping action. It also contains hydrating hyaluronic spheres to smooth out your pout and the minty, tingly sensation does not have a painful sting. Use it as a base to boost lip volume before applying a coat of your favourite lippie, or over it for a touch of shine. At $46.