Is it time to invest in a lip powder? ES tests the trend

Once upon a time the make-up of makeup fell into simple categories: cream for your cheeks, powder for your lids and liquid for your lips.

Aah, how quaint.

Nowadays the cosmetics industry powers that be delight in confounding us with all manner of novel textures and applications; from powder foundations to eyebrow mascara. The latest unexpected texture to gain traction? Lip powder.

Like so many of beauty’s zanier inventions, lip powder first originated in Seoul and has since spread among Instagram influencers and beauty hypebeasts. The first products available in the West were a Sephora own-brand powder and a Make Up For Ever sponge-tipped stick, both of which were more iridescent, stage makeup-y than everyday lip attire.

However the past year has seen several of the big brands - including Dior, Nars and Chanel – add lip powders to their armouries, whose colours are chic, matte and immensely wearable. But what do they offer that a matte lipstick (of which there are so many excellent products already on the market) doesn’t?

We tried the latest lip powders from Dior, Chanel, Nars, Clinique and ByTerry, and here’s our verdict on the trend.

THE PROS

They’re buildable

Rather than slicking on a terrifyingly unctuous liquid lipstick and waiting for it to dry, lip powders that come with a separate balm and powder (like the Chanel and Erdem x Nars varieties) allow you to build up your preferred depth of colour.

They stick around

Unlike some matte lipsticks which seem to transfer high-pigment colour to every cup and collar in sight, lip powders keep themselves to themselves a bit more, and even after the initial colour fades, I found most had a lasting stain.

They’re bold and bright

If matte lipstick was lip gloss’s colourful cousin, then lip powders are the high priestesses of pout pigmentation. So far most of the products on the market come in deep, rich hues and if you’re looking for that camera-ready bolt of colour, they’re definitely a good option. Plus their precise applicators (whether brushes or pointy tips) mean clean lines are not a problem.

The CONS

They are drier than the Sahara

As a silky lip balm devotee I’m afraid I’m a little biased on this one, but there is no getting round the fact that lip powders create the driest effect on the market. If you like that hydrated, silky slippery feeling on your lips, they’re not for you. If, on the other hand, you wear matte lipsticks on the reg, they’re well worth a try.

They’re a bit of a faff

The lip powders that come in compact versions (that require you to apply a lip balm and then a powder using two separate brushes) strike me as the sort of products that work only if you have a very organised, spacious makeup bag, and significant amounts of time on your hands.

The (fairly large) NARS compact for example comes with a separate, unattached application brush, which is almost guaranteed to be lost in my cavernous makeup bag/handbag within hours. Honestly, I get a headache just thinking about it.

They highlight imperfections

If, like me, you’re prone to cracked, chapped and flaking lips, be warned that powders have a sneaky way of highlighting every lippy lump and bump. Not only do they really lack moisture, but they are unforgiving when it comes to dryness. If you’re set on using one, using a good lip exfoliator beforehand is a good idea.

Fancy seeing for yourself? These are some of the best lip powders to try:

By Terry Lip Powder Essence, £25. Available exclusively on feelunique.com

Chanel Lip Balm Powder Duo, £31. Chanel.com

Poison Rose Lip Powder Palette, £35, Nars x Erdem. narscosmetics.co.uk

Clinique Pop Lip Shadow Cushion Matte Lip Powder, £17. Clinique.co.uk