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Including our latest K-Beauty obsession.

Finding the best matte lipstick can be a test of endurance. So many of them look amazing on application, but soon dry into a flaking, crumbling mess that feels as unpleasant as it looks. So, how do you master matte while keeping your lips in mint condition? You need one of the lipstick world’s newest arrivals – and a few insider application tips.

'Firstly exfoliate the lips, then put on a deep moisturising lip balm and allow it time to sink in before you move onto the next step,' says make-up artist Lesley Keane. 'After 5-10 minutes, press down on the lips with a sheet of dry tissue to absorb any excess moisture – this will prevent the texture of your lipstick changing.'

Keane also recommends applying a matte yet moisturising primer (not easy to come across, but MAC Prep & Prime is perfect) before going in with your lip colour. 'This gives a base for the matte lipstick to adhere to and allows for easier application,' she explains. 'Finally, apply your lipstick and neaten up the edges with a lip brush or a lip liner.'

From rich creams to velvety powders and long-wear liquids, each of the brilliant formulas below offers a perfectly matte finish as well as supreme comfort, thanks to nourishing ingredients and advanced pigments. Finally, a matte (or 10) we can really get on board with...

You can halt your hunt for the perfect matte red lipstick right now – we've found The One. Yves Saint Laurent's offering has the perfect levels of pigment – it's matte, but won't highlight any flaky patches – and boasts a skinny, square bullet that makes it easy to define your cupid's bow. As for the red? It's shade 21: Rouge Extravagant. You can thank us later.

Huda Beauty’s take on the traditional bullet lipstick is unsurprisingly game-changing. First, there’s the sharply angled tip that makes precise application a breeze (no liner or brush required). Then, there’s the way the shades are categorised by undertones, so you can find the nude that complements your complexion best – something that’s often overlooked when it comes to lipstick.

Dior's new tinted lip balms combine the matte finish of a lipstick with the hydrating properties of a balm, meaning you won't get that flaky finish after a few hours of wear. Great for smoothing and plumping, the naturally-focused formula feels super comfortable, and the translucent pigment wont transfer onto your mask.

Unashamedly decadent, Christian Louboutin's lipsticks are not for wallflowers. This weighty, statement case contains a bullet of rich, creamy matte lipstick in the world's most famous shade of red. It even comes with a gilded string, should you wish to wear it around your neck. Need we say more?

Selena Gomez' Rare Beauty has landed, and we are loving the brand's light-as-air matte lipstick. These creamy, moussey formulas go big on the pigment but light on the texture, delivering a bright and comfortable finish that doesn't crack or fade.

Trust Tom Ford to deliver a seriously sophisticated shade range. This classic matte lipstick comes in a spectrum of ultra-flattering hues, from cool-toned nudes to flatter every complexion, to Black Dahlia: the perfect vampish evening statement. They're matte yet creamy, so won't emphasise dry patches or fine lines.

Kevyn Aucoin has got the shade range so right in this lip collection: there's a nude to flatter every skin tone. The texture is lighter and creamier than most, and skims over dry patches with ease.

Add extra definition with one of the collection's lip liners, which are designed to match your natural lip colour (rather than your lipstick shade) for an ultra-flattering result.

If you're looking to create runway-worthy looks, Gucci Westman's sublime lip palette is the one for you. The red metal case contains four marula oil-infused lip colours, which can be worn solo or blended together to create your dream shade.

The texture? It's unusually creamy, yet appears velvety matte when blended onto lips. In short, it's a total success. Apply with a brush for sharp definition, or diffuse the edges with your ring finger to create that 'just-kissed' translucence.

Hermès's exquisite lipstick line is a fail-safe choice for gifting – but that's not to say you shouldn't treat yourself, too.

Unsurprisingly, they're a beautifully crafted proposition, with creamy, vibrant bullets encased within lacquered (and refillable) cases. Head straight for the more unusual shades, such as the flamingo-pink Rose Indien, and the signature Orange Boite.

There's an endless array of matte liquid lipsticks out there today, but most are incredibly drying and lead to cracked, flaky patches within a few hours.

Maybelline's brilliant Super Stay Matte Ink, however, strikes the perfect balance: high-pigment drama with a matte yet comfortable finish.

Byredo enlisted revered make-up artist Isamaya Ffrench to help create the shade range for its eponymous lipstick line, so you know there are some striking, unusual shades in store.

Lascaux is a rich burgundy that works on every skin tone, while Reunion is a retro orangey brown that feels so right for now.

Not content with creating the best hues and most covetable packaging around, the formula is outstanding here too. Expect ultra-creamy, intensely nourishing colour that stays put for hours on end.

This season, MAC is celebrating its legendary Ruby Woo lipstick with a very special collection. The bestselling shade of red is now available in a host of different formulas.

Our favourites are the Retro Matte Liquid Lip Colour, which is incredibly long-lasting, and the airy, velvety Powder Kiss Lipstick.

South Korean make-up line Dear Dahlia has struggled to keep this unsung hero in stock. Loved for its creamy, mousse-y texture and highly pigmented shades, its the perfect product for creating that soft-edged lip look that SoKo girls do so well. Swipe it in the centre of your lips, smudge to the edges, and see what we mean.

For bold, intensely saturated shades that suit all skin tones, Uoma Beauty is the brand to know These mango butter-infused matte lipsticks feel as nourishing as a balm, yet do not disappoint when it comes to colour payoff.

Designed to be worn on both cheeks and lips, these hard-working pencils are ideal for experimenting with monochrome make-up. The result is more subtle than most: think gentle enhancement, not ‘out-out’ impact.