Top lipsticks for spring 2015

Sophisticated brights and flattering nudes are essential when it comes to lipstick. We’ve tested a selection to determine four fundamental lip shades that every woman should have on hand for the new season.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Bond Girl, £23, Charlotte Tilbury

Packaging: The trademark, beautiful, rose-gold ribbed bullet, presented in a corresponding chic box.

Application: In contrast to other lipsticks, Charlotte Tilbury features a square, angled tip that delivers the precision of a lip brush. Bond Girl, a natural berry, provides a rich, modern-matte aesthetic complete with a 3D satin sheen to create the illusion of fuller “lit from within” lips. This avant-garde formulation is balm-like, offering hydration alongside intense pigment. 

Staying power: Come afternoon, the impressive amount left was easy to top-up. 

Tom Ford Lip Colour in Pink Dusk, £37, Selfridges

Packaging: A deluxe, black, enamel case, featuring gold trim and TF-embossed lid, complete with a satisfying click. Boxed.

Application: This lipstick glides on effortlessly with a beautifully creamy, opaque consistency. It feels very luxurious and moisturising on the lips, and has a subtly pleasant scent. Pink Dusk is a beige-pink that turns peachy in direct sunlight and more mauve in darker light; its soft shine adds dimension and glow devoid of shimmer. This hue is great for daywear as it falls into the “like my lips but better” category, but also works well when paired with heavy eye make-up for the evening.

Staying power: Stays immaculate for several hours, after which a quick swipe will restore full coverage.  

Sisley hydrating long-lasting lipstick in L9, £34, House of Fraser

Packaging: The bright, multi-coloured box contains a velvet pouch, holding the golden bullet; both feature the Sisley logo.

Application: This lipstick has an innovative, twisted structure that applies a medium, buildable coverage, but could also be dabbed on for a more subtle wash. Once settled, it has a smooth, brightening appearance and appealing scent. Shade L9 provides a welcome pop of colour without being too “out there” – a pretty, pinkish coral for spring.

Staying power: Plenty of colour remained after eating and drinking. 

Chanel Rouge Coco ultra hydrating lip colour in Edith, £26, Boots  

Packaging: A classic, black, rectangular case with gold edging and iconic logo printed on its lid.

Application: The reinvented Rouge Coco applies with ease, creating a soft and lustrous finish. Shade names are inspired by Coco Chanel’s closest friends; Edith is a charming, rosy pink with a light and fresh aspect – perfect for the warmer months. Its hydrating texture becomes fluid on the lips, providing a gloss effect that is sheer with one swipe, but may also be built up.

Staying power: Leaves lips stained for several hours; can be readily touched up without a mirror due to its graceful consistency.

Rebekah Absalom