There are lip-friendly mattes, and there are mattes which are your lips’ enemy – because they are too drying and – well, it sounds weird, but just TOO matte.

This, however, would please Goldilocks herself. It doesn’t feel dehydrating, yet it lasts brilliantly on the lips as a stain. It glides on gorgeously from the doe-foot applicator. And it really lives up to the name ‘Velvet’ – because that indeed is how it feels AND looks once on the lips. Matte-but-not-too-matte just about nails it, description-wise. (See it below, on the lips.)

There are 10 shades in the line-up, and we prefer the stronger shades rather than the brown-y nudes – wine-y #207 Acajou is a particular favourite. (Not sure why they’re called ‘Nature’ – maybe because of the natural tones…?)

We’re not really ones for too much shimmer even when the party season is shocking, preferring rich, velvety finishes and shades. Just like this.

And if there is any mistletoe action, good to know that our lipcolour will remain intact!

£31 – buy here

Prize Draws