From matte lipstick to iridescent lip toppers and the latex-like lip-gloss that’s currently taking Instagram by storm, it’s fair to say that we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dressing our lips.

But a new breed of lip products have not long arrived on the beauty scene and they’re on course to completely revolutionise the way you do your make-up.

Enter lip powders.

We know what you’re thinking. A powder? But how will it stay on my lips? And what about the mess? Surely, it’ll go absolutely everywhere?

Well, actually, that isn’t the case at all, because these formulas are nothing like the trusty translucent powder you employ to prevent that dreaded 3pm shine – they’re much cleverer.

“Unlike traditional lipsticks or glosses, lip powders are filled to bursting with things like water microbeads, which burst and melt on contact with the lips for long-lasting colour,” says make-up artist Dean Smith. “Not to mention intelligent cushion applicators to prevent dreaded fallout. They provide a swipe of intense colour that stays put for hours on end, which is exactly why they’re now a staple in more or less every make-up artist’s kit.”

And we can vouch for that, too – we’ve relegated every other lip product we own to the bottom of our beauty bag for the time being.

Stylist picks the very best of the bunch. 

By Terry Lip Powder Essence

Supercharged powder pigments encapsulated in water microbeads explode and disperse when they hit the lips, providing vivid, velvety colour that lasts way past lunchtime. The texture is almost creamy, so it doesn’t collect in lines or dry lips out.

 £25, feelunique.com

NARS x Erdem Lip Powder Palette

Fashion designer Erdem Moralioglu has joined forces with NARS to serve up one of the most hotly-anticipated beauty collaborations of the year, and at the top of our list is this Instagram-worthy lip powder palette. Comprised of petal-like pinks, purples, reds and a nourishing balm to bring it all together, you can layer each powder for a dramatic finish or daub them on to lips for that just-bitten look. 

£35, narscosmetics.co.uk

Chanel Poudre A Levres Lip Balm Powder Duo

And the award for most luxurious lip powder goes to…Chanel. Global creative make-up and colour director, Lucia Pica, likens the finish to a ‘just-kissed mouth.’ Pat the nourishing balm onto lips with your fingertips and use one of the applicators to sweep on the super-fine, scarlet powder. You can dial the intensity up or down depending on the effect you want.

£31, johnlewis.com

Clinique Pop Lip Shadow Cushion Matte Lip Powder

Once on, this matte lip powder has the muscle to defy everything from cocktails to burritos. Simply dab the powder-packed sponge onto balmy lips and go. The screwcap makes it clutch bag friendly, so you can forget about any powder spillages.

£17, clinique.co.uk 

NYX Professional Makeup Powder Puff Lippie Powder Lip Cream

This mousse-powder hybrid glides onto lips and stays put for hours once it dries to a matte finish. Glycerin and added oils in the formula ensure it doesn’t make lips look or feel cakey or parched.

£8, boots.com 

Images: Unsplash / Instagram / Courtesy of Brands