There’s always that one friend who says “I can’t wear red lipstick; it just doesn’t look good on me.” Suggestions are made, hashtags are searched, and still she remains convinced that abstinence is the best—and really, the only—policy, because there’s no such thing as a red lipstick for every skin tone. Sunday night at Brandon Maxwell’s fashion show, MAC Cosmetics called BS on that friend, and gave us a statement red lip to prove it.

Instagram: @karliekloss
After lining lips with the MAC Cherry Lip Pencil, makeup master Tom Pecheux painted models with MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Feels So Grand. It’s a “true” red that’s smack in the middle of the colour’s shade spectrum—and ready to elevate the natural skin tones of all Maxwell’s models, from Herieth Paul’s rich brown glow to Ruth Bell’s pale satin complexion. (The supermodel squad were scarlet starlets, too—Bella, Gigi, Karlie, Joan, and Jourdan all rocked the shade.)

Instagram: @jourdandunn
Maxwell’s clothes were pretty dazzling, but the designer’s jewel-strapped playsuits and KiraKira-friendly dresses weren’t the only reason Pecheux stayed away from shiny pouts. “I prefer a matte lip because it doesn’t take a lot of maintenance,” he explained. “A glossy lipstick is so hardcore.”

Instagram: @brandonmaxwell
Instead, he used a small, precise eyebrow brush and outlined the top lip line with a creamy gold glaze—but like a Kardashian’s pregnancy annoucement, the product remains a well-guarded secret. The mysterious new formula will be out later this year… just in time to convert that other friend who swears she can’t wear glitter.

Instagram: @brandonmaxwell

Instagram: @brandonmaxwell

MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Feels So Grand, Rs 1,349; macys.com
From: ELLE USA
Best matte lipsticks to spend your money on
Colorbar Deep Matte Lip Crème
Rich pigment that’s perfect for everyday wear.
The Texture Test: The weightless formula is super matte and moisturizing at the same time.
Applicator: Reliable enough to give an opaque finish with light hand application.
The Transferability: Lasts through your 9 to 5 job and leaves behind a tint for the rest of the day.
Rs 665
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick
A classic that’s true to its name.
The Texture Test: Comfortably matte, though you might spot some peeling in the long run.
Applicator: You might catch yourself going a little Suicide Squad with this one.
The Transferability: Will last you through a salad, with oil-free dressing of course!
Rs 1,800
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick
Gives the illusion of fuller lips with just a single swipe.
The Texture Test: Strikes the perfect balance between being matte, non-drying and smooth.
Applicator: Makes it look like you had your lips done backstage.
The Transferability: Wear this one when you catch a 12-hour flight.
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
Lock in moisture with creamy mattes that won’t dry your lips out.
The Texture Test: Feels like a lightweight layer of velvet has coated your lips with colour.
Applicator: Though it’s great for fuller lips, it can prove to be slightly messy for the thin-lipped lot.
The Transferability: Have this one handy it all times because it doesn’t last through meals, or even a hot cuppa.
Rs 600
Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick
If you’re Instagram-savvy, you probably get the rage around these babies created by beauty blogger Huda Kattan.
The Texture Test: The super fluid formula is lightweight and quick drying, but can draw light to creases.
Applicator: We’d trade it in for a lip brush, especially with the lighter colours.
The Transferability: You’ll find stains on your first cup of coffee of the day.
MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour
Bring the ‘60s to your lips with the deep berry hue in Oh Lady or go bare with So Me.
The Texture Test: Creaseless and super matte, this lipstick fools your lips into thinking all you have on is balm.
Applicator: The doe-foot applicator makes for the most precise application in a single swipe.
The Transferability: This one will last through a night of binge drinking, guaranteed.
Rs 1,850
Chambor Extreme Wear Transfer-Proof Liquid Lipstick
Add this to your kit for the festive season.
The Texture Test: The comfort matte finish won’t dry your lips like the Saharan desert.
Applicator: Smoothens out fine edges like no other. No lip liner needed.
The Transferability: The only way this one’s getting off is if you sink your teeth into a chilli oil-topped pizza.
Rs 849
The Balm Cosmetics Meet Matt(e) Hughes
A liquid lipstick that tastes like vanilla and mint, need we say more? Rs 1,199
The Texture Test: The lightweight formula dries out perfectly matte, without emphasizing any flaws.
Applicator: The felt tip applicator is rigid and provides for machine-like control.
The Transferability: Leave this one in your beauty drawer as you take on the day. No budging here.
Rs 1,199
Kylie Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick
The product that pioneered the trend comes with candy-scented shades that flatter all skin tones.
The Texture Test: Exfoliate your lips before this powder matte finish, because you can’t iron these creases out.
Applicator: The bristled wand magically plumps your pout, minus a lip job.
The Transferability: Lasts a lot longer than it sells out, we guarantee!