3 LIP KITS TO LOVE

Hands up: who's increasingly expecting more bang for their beauty buck? Yep, we want quality, convenience and cool – and all at once. Exhibit A? Our rising obsession with lip kits: a duo or trio of products purpose-built to execute major concentrated wow in one shade and one shade only. Whether you’re looking for something geared towards everyday use, or a shade to seamlessly conquer your night thing, here are three for every budget…

There’s something inexplicably chic about matte lips. The allure lies in its softer, velvety appeal – oh, and the fact that it doesn’t turn into a beauty Venus flytrap for your hair when the wind blows. This duo from Barry M delivers long-lasting matte perfection in a dusty rose shade, with an easy-to-apply wand. Just line your lips first and then apply the liquid lipstick. Double the power for under a tenner? Yes, please.

Every so often, we see a glimpse of the rare phenomenon that is sunshine and get reminded that summer isn’t far off, which means festival season awaits. This holographic three-piece lip kit from HAX is bound to be your go-to. Line with the plum pencil, then fill in with the berry liquid lipstick. And to up the ante, apply the holographic gloss over the whole look.

HAX Holographic Lip Kit, £17.99

Forget fire-engine red... For the creamiest, most infallible deep red ever? This power couple in an intense burnt chilli red from MAC. Apply the almost terracotta rouge pencil to the lip line to seal in the deal and lightly blend into the centre of the lip for a more seamless look. Then, apply the matte-finish lippie, gently blot with a tissue and slick on again for a won’t-budge AM-PM look.

MAC Lip Duo – Chili/Auburn, £30