Matte liquid or satin bullet: which lipstick for your day

Our two lipstick formulas are made for different days, and customers who own both tend to reach for them at different times. Here is how they compare, and how to get the best from each.

The matte liquid lipstick at ₹549 dries down in about a minute to a soft, flat finish that resists transfer. It is the one to wear for a long office day, a wedding where you will be eating and greeting, or a humid evening. Because it sets, it can feel drier after six or seven hours, and it shows any flaky skin. Apply it to clean lips with no balm underneath. Start in the centre of the lower lip, press your lips together once, then outline the edges with the tip of the wand. Use one thin layer and let it set before adding a second only where needed. Two thick coats are what cause cracking.

The satin bullet at ₹499 is creamier, with a soft sheen. It feels comfortable all day and suits dry lips, but it moves more, so it needs a top-up after meals, roughly every three hours. A thin layer of lip balm first, blotted after a minute, helps it glide. For a longer wear, apply, blot with a tissue, and apply again.

If you buy only one, choose by your routine. If you rarely have time to reapply, choose matte. If comfort matters more and you keep a lipstick in your bag, choose satin. Both come in the same reds and browns, so you can match a shade across formulas.