Many a woman has used lipstick as a weapon, and I don’t mean a weapon to be flung at belligerent family members. Can we get through job interviews and meetings and visits from the mother-in-law without it? Well, of course we can. Occasionally, though, a simple slick of lipstick can jolt you with a shot of confidence. It’s a form of mood reflective armour. Wear a nude for everyday, or a more daring shade any time.
MDMflow Semi-Matte Lipstick (£18 from mdmflow.com): MDMflow is an incredibly unusual brand. Started by cosmetic scientist Florence Adepoju out of her parents' shed when she became frustrated at just 22 by the lack of fully opaque, quality lipsticks for darker skin tones, the brand has only grown. The semi-matte lipsticks are a revelation. Bossy is the perfect warm toned understated daytime lip. Mas Marina is a shocking blue that will draw envy and comment in equal measure.
Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro Drama (€32, from August 24th): A good liquid lipstick is a reliable make-up bag staple, and this range, though generally lovely, is particularly good if you love pink shades. Opt for No 400 – one of several soft, wearable pinks for a subtle day look, or choose a blowsier version (No 513) if you're feeling more daring.
MAC Star Trek Lipglass (€21, from September): Any seasoned make-up lover will be in raptures over this collection. As a Star Trek fan, I lost my Vulcan calm when I set eyes on these heavily sparkled lip glosses. The names alone are thrilling, but the glosses are set through with vivid pinkish grey (Set to Stun) and gold (Pleasure Planet) sparkles. Set your phasers to chic and get to the MAC counter at warp speed when it launches in September.
NARS Velvet Lip Glide (€26 from October 1st): October is a while away, but these are worth waiting for. They are buttery smooth, non-sticky, and with a solid bash of pigment. I'd describe the finish as mostly matte with a touch of glowy dewiness. Choose Stripped for a nude which perfectly accompanies a smoky eye, and Area for a daring chocolate that makes the wearer instantly more broodily sophisticated.
Rouge Dior Lipstick (€36.50, from September): The famed Rouge Dior lipstick has been modernised. No fewer than 38 shades hit counters for your delectation in September. Saint Germain 414 is a perfect nude for a your-lips-but-better look, with a satin finish. For utter subversion and daring, choose the extreme matte in Montaigne Matte, a strange and interesting grey.
Product of the week – Anti-Ageing Eye and Lip Perfection a Porter (€138): Are there much cheaper, more get-the-job-done, lip products? Yes. But this is sheer, unadulterated luxury. The compact contains both a smoothing eye cream gel which is great for reapplying over tired under eye concealer to refresh it, and what is unfortunately (for my wallet) the best lip balm I've ever used. It's exquisite.
