1. Scrub, Scrub, Scrub

Because the last thing you want is for your lipstick to cling to any dry patches, matte formulas are best applied to a silky, conditioned, flake-free canvas. Lightly exfoliate lips by buffing in a circular motion with a gentle face scrub, then remove with a cotton pad to reveal a softer, smoother pout.

2. Stay Hydrated

For lip colour that glides on in a flash, start with a well-hydrated base. As well as drinking your eight glasses of water a day, dot a little moisturiser onto your top and bottom lips, lightly tapping to help it absorb. For really dry lips, apply a moisturising balm 10 minutes before applying your shade of lipstick, giving it time to work into the delicate skin. Then, blot balm off with a tissue and bring on that bold colour.

3. Draw the Line

Etch your way to fuller-looking lips with a multi-tasking lip liner. We love Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Lip Liner for seriously bold colour that lasts. Use the sharp point of your favourite shade to start outlining the cupid’s bow, then trace it to the outer corner of one side of your mouth and repeat on the other side. On your bottom lip, start in the centre and, again, sketch the pencil to the outer corners. For a plumping effect, go just outside your natural lip shape – just.

4. Layer Up

Get your lip game strong and long-lasting by applying matte lipstick in lightweight layers. After lining your lips, use the lip liner to fill, so it acts as a primer for the lipstick on top.

If you’re new to applying matte lipstick, gradually build colour up by using a lip brush to transfer lipstick from the bullet. Or, dot our kiss-proof, touch-proof, waterproof Stay Matte Liquid Lip Colour across lips and blend for an even finish.

Meanwhile, pros can sweep colour directly onto lips, starting in the middle and blending outwards for the most even coverage. Once your first layer of colour is on, blot with a tissue, then reapply. Layering your lipstick gives your finished look some serious staying power.

5. The Power of Powder

Once your lip colour is on, lock it down with this have-to-try hack: Hold a very thin tissue over lips and, using a big, fluffy brush, tap a light dusting of Insta Fix and Matte Powder on top. Not only will this give your lipstick a long-lasting finish, it will also add a velvety veil to your matte look. It’s a win-win.

Made a mistake? Save the makeup meltdown, because we’ve got just the trick to fix it. If your lipstick has gone over the lip line, use a cotton bud to lightly blur and remove colour from your skin (cheek, chin – we know lipstick can get everywhere). Then, add a small amount of Match Perfection Concealer to hide any leftover lip colour. They’ll never know…