Are you in the market for a new lipstick in the run-up to Valentine's Day? As a single girl, I'm not. But I am always in the market for a new lipstick in general. Whether it's for a date night (most definitely not on Valentine's Day), a girls' night out, a trip to Tesco to pick up a pint of strawberry cheesecake ice cream or out to an event, you can bet my lips have something on them.

Here, I've tried five news launches that offer different finishes and textures, depending on whether you're a matte, lacquer or gloss girlie. And if you are planning on celebrating Valentine's, I've even stuck in a kiss-proof formula for you. Thank me later!

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Pink Honey, £24 here

Clinique launched a rosy pink version of their viral Black Honey lipstick

With over 500 million views on TikTok worldwide, Clinique’s universally flattering Black Honey lipstick was arguably the most popular lip launch of 2023. Now, a nude-pink sister, which combines the benefits of both a lip balm and a lipstick, has just hit shelves.

Zoe says: “I loved this soft pink from the first swipe. It has a subtle tint that can be worn alone or over lipstick, and the finish is sheer without feeling sticky. I’ve been reliably informed that it may be too sheer for dark skin tones, so the Black Honey may be better for those wanting more colour payoff.”

Catrice Shine Bomb Lip Lacquer, £4.49 here

This Shine Bomb Lip Lacquer from Catrice is available in seven different shades

This liquid lipstick sets beautifully on the lips to give a long-lasting lacquered effect. Shop the kiss-proof formula in seven colours ranging from About Last Night, a perfect Valentine’s Day red, to French Silk – a neutral pink.
Zoe says: “Considering I’m mostly guilty of applying lipstick on the go (because who remembers to apply it before leaving the house?), I don’t have the best track record with lacquer-like formulas. They usually require a lot of precision, but I got on well with the small doe-foot applicator of this product. I like how the liquid dries down quickly but leaves a glossy sheen, making it very wearable and non-drying.”

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Reds Matte Revolution Lipstick, £27 here

Charlotte Tilbury has launched new matted red lipsticks to suit all skin tones

Some new matte red lipsticks to suit all skin tones have joined the brand’s best-selling Matte Revolution line-up. It’s now available in five shades: Hollywood Vixen, a bright Hollywood red carpet red; Cinematic Red, a bold cherry; Fame Flame, a bright chilli; Pizzazz, a blue-undertone block red and Mark Of A Kiss, a muted rosy red.

Zoe says: “I fell out of love with red lipstick last year, but after I dug one out of my make-up bag to try for New Year’s Eve, a spark was reignited. Charlotte’s Matte Revolution lipsticks have also long been a formula favourite of mine because of their long-wearing, satin-like coverage, so these new shades of red are right up my street – particularly Mark Of A Kiss.”

Too Faced Kissing Jelly Juicy Lip Oil, £21 here

These jellies will give your lips a deeply conditioned, plump appearance

A brand new range of high-shine lip glosses infused with sunflower and jojoba oils to give your pout a deeply conditioned, dewy and plump appearance. Shop the jelly-like formula in six bright shades and scents including a pearly Piña Colada and a hot pink Sour Watermelon.

Zoe says: “I’m a big fan of this oil/gloss hybrid formula. I was a little worried after seeing some of the shades because there’s a blue option and a neon pink, but the tints appear much weaker on the lips, leaving a subtle tinge and plenty of shine. My favourite is Bubblegum, a pearlescent pink that makes neutral lipstick pop when layered over it.”

Maybelline Lifter Plump Gloss, £9.99 here

If you like a tingling sensation, this Maybelline lip plumper is the one for you

Eight sizzling new Valentine’s-worthy shades have joined the Lifter Gloss line-up, all featuring a hyaluronic acid formula spiked with chilli extract. With a high-shine finish and a tingly effect, they promise to boost your pout by up to 30%.

Zoe says: “My drink of choice is a spicy margarita, and the beige shade Hot Honey was like wearing it on my lips. Not everyone loves the tingling sensation on their lips, but believe me it does the job of volumising. Use the XL wand to apply a thick coat of gloss, wait two minutes and check back in the mirror to see a needle-free lip plump. I want all eight shades immediately.”

By Editor