Something to smile about: Here's our pick of six super-hydrating and bang on trend lipsticks that won't hurt your budget.

Matte lips have to be one of the most wearable trends to work for a pop of colour this summer. Whether you go nude, blush or bright, you can do day or night looks with ease via a matte look that lasts way beyond glossy colours. These days we’re all about amping up highlighting and bronzing on our faces, so it’s best to leave the lips sultry and understated – this is where matte comes in to be so effective.

Matte lipsticks have evolved quickly from the first batches of drying and cracking products. Now we have so much choice in rich and velvety formulas. We’ve tried and tested many budget and high-street brands for the best quality finds, ranked in order of price. How will you matte your mouth this season?

PS… Velvet Matte Lipstick Crayon €2.50

You can’t go wrong with spending €2.50 on a lip product, and this one is oh-so-right. It’s a perfect pen that comes in a bright rocket red you won’t leave out of your makeup bag all year round. It has fast become a favourite that is so pigmented and long-lasting – we can’t believe it’s so cheap… we love!

Primark PS… Love Velvet Matte Lipstick Crayon In Red

Catrice Velvet Matte Lip Cream €3.95

The Catrice matte lip cream is a perfect affordable choice. They are definitely for a more natural look and aren’t quite opaque but offer a nice subtle “no makeup” kind of look. They don’t dry down completely so your lips are left feeling really moisturised all day. My favourite colour is 020 “Rose Your Voice” a pretty nude pink shade perfect for everyday wear.

Catrice Velvet Matte Lip

 

Rimmel Lasting Finish Kate Moss Matte Lipstick (€7.49)

If you’re looking for a soft nude rose shade then 101 in the Kate Moss strand of Rimmel lipsticks is ideal. The light pink is playful and the consistency is very moisturising. Tip: Make sure to blot and apply twice before heading out for the day as it doesn’t dry very quickly at all and can slide. Nevertheless, it’s a great range for all ages.

KISS NY PRO Egoism Matte Velvet Lipstick (€7.95)

There is an entire range of Kiss New York Professional matte colours that have the same amazing texture and assuring feeling that they aren’t going anywhere for your whole day. There are some great browns in the range for an iconic Kardashian look, while Doppio is a top pick – a pretty deep mauve that is easily wearable on a daily basis. The pigment is strong and the applicator is perfectly shaped for precise outlines.

Egoism Matte Velvet Lipstick_Doppio_€7.95

Isadora Ultra Matt Liquid Lipstick €12.95

If you’ve ever been annoyed by the sticky sensation of a liquid lipstick, then this one from Isadora answers all problems. It’s a lightweight, creamy formula with a top hold that doesn’t compromise on colour. Be pretty in pink with a tube of cool Dolce Rose. It’s ery very matte, so it’s really going to make your highlighting POP.

IsaDora Ultra Matt Liquid Lip 07 Dolce Rose €12.95

Urban Decay Vice Lipstick €18.50

The premium beauty brand recently relaunched their entire lipstick range to include varying degrees of finished. One section of the Vice range is the Mega Matte group, which contains a fiery red in 714. Tried and tested, this is a good one. The blue based tone will make your teeth look extra white so it’s a top party pick – intense, fun and eye-catching.

Urban Decay ‘Vice’ mega matte lipstick – 714

Back it up with blush:

Accentuate your matte lips with a fresh blush colour. When you can’t rely on the weather here at least we can brighten our makeup! We’ve been matching our mattes with a dewy skin and pinched cheeks look with a peachy IsaDora Perfect Blush (€12.95). If you need to mix and match – the Makeup Revolution Blush Palette (€8.60) combines an amazing selection of blushes and highlights for adding illumination to the matte look. It’s a top budget buy we definitely recommend!

What’s your go-to lip finish? Share your recommendations with us!