From matte pigments to juicy shine, textures in lipstick abound. Beauty and wellness contributor, Tish Weinstock, asks which will you choose?

For a bold statement: Go matte

During the pandemic, lipstick sales went into decline, for obvious mask-related reasons. No surprise, then, that as we return to normality statement lips are making a defiant comeback. Take, for instance, Lancôme’s new L’Absolu Rouge Drama Matte. Bursting with pigment, as well as hyaluronic acid to keep lips moistened, it’s ideal for anyone looking to make an impact. If it’s a classic red you’re after, look no further than Mac’s legendary Ruby Woo, or the 16H Comfort Lightweight Luminous Matte Lipstick from Guerlain. For a softer approach, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Pillow Talk Original, is a pretty pink – ideal for the ingénue.

For high-shine seduction: Try vinyl

Lip vinyls are having a moment. With its saturated colour and candied gleam, Tom Ford Lip Lacquer Vinyl in Intimidate creates the perfect pout. Elsewhere, Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Kissable Lip Shine is slightly sheerer, but no less luminous. Alternatively, tap into Noughties decadence with a touch of shimmer: Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss comes in a variety of iridescent hues. Otherwise, go full Y2K with Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Gloss, which comes in myriad colour options and looks good enough to eat.

For ultimate freshness: Use lip oil

Think of lip oils as a modern update on Lancôme’s famed Juicy Tube: all the shine but without the stickiness, and with an added skincare element. Made with “colour reviver” tech, Dior Addict Glow Lip Oil, reacts with the moisture level of your lips to reveal a custom colour. Hermès’s new Hermèsistible range, does a similar thing, infusing lips with irresistible colour, shine and fragrance. Deck of Scarlet Threeway Solid Lip Oil, £25, contains pearl pigments that melt on your mouth for a next-level wet-look shine. And, elsewhere, Bobbi Brown has created the perfect multitasking product. The nutrient-rich Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss plumps up lips for a luscious pout, and can be applied to your cheekbones for a subtle sheen.

For a dewy flush: Seek out pigmented balms

Pigmented balms are lipstick’s answer to the “no make-up” make-up look. Take, for instance, the Jones Road Beauty Miracle Balm: rich in fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, it creates a soft-focus colour for a radiant glow. YSL Beauty’s new Nu Lip & Cheek Balmy Tint, does a similar thing: lightweight and creamy, it naturally enhances lips with a tinted glow. Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm, plumps and hydrates lips, and if you’re looking for something stronger, try Violette_Fr Bisou Balm: with its unique matt finish, it’s perfect for creating that just-bitten pout.

This article was originally published on Vogue UK.