We love lip gloss, but changing things up is fun – it's what keeps beauty interesting. A matte, blurred lip is exactly the kind of change we're leaning into right now. It's polished, easy and effortless in a grown up way. Who doesn't want a lip look that's nonchalant and somewhat French... maybe a little bit 90s? Turns out, we do.

Fortunately, brands are leaning in and there's a few standout formulas that fit the brief: matte, blurry colour that's weightless, hydrating and long-lasting. From new YSL to viral Refy liners, the best products to help you pull off the soft-focus lip trend below.

How to apply a blurred lip:

The easiest method is to find a great matte or semi-matte formula – either a lipstick or liner or both. If you're using a liner, trace it around the outer contour of the lips before using a brush or your finger to soften the edges, blurring them slightly beyond the natural edge of the lip. You can then fill from that point, patting colour into the centre of the lip and working outwards. If you want to mattify even further, try dusting a tiny amount of translucent powder on top.

YSL Beauty Lovenude Lip Blusher

This dedicated line of nudes delivers on its promise of soft, pillowy lips. The pigment lasts for hours without over-drying, feels relatively weightless and gives the illusion of fuller-looking lips. The fact there's ten dedicated nudes means it's easy to find your perfect shade, as well. You can even pair it with the matching lip liner for more definition.

Merit Signature Lip Blush

Just in from Merit, this semi-sheer lipstick offers a grown-up iteration of the previous signature lip. It's buildable, wearable and like all Merit products, can be applied without a mirror.

Refy Blur Liner

This viral liner can be used to shape and contour the lips or fill them in entirely. It's light and hydrating, while the dome shape means you get a soft, blurry line (i.e. no need to blend).

Tom Ford Runway Lip Stylo Matte

If you want dense pigment and a bold matte finish that's still super comfortable, this is the one to try.

Violette FR Plume Lip

If you want a French girl blurred lip that lasts, this formula stands up. It's super soft, weightless and can be layered for intensity. It dries down too, so won't transfer.

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge Velvet Matte

The texture of this isn't dissimilar to Maybelline Matte Mousse, but it's super soft and airy for diffused colour. It works on the lips (just pat it on with your fingers) or on the cheeks. You can even use it across both for a monochromatic look.

Westman Atelier Lip Suede Matte Lipstick

This is maybe the most sophisticated matte lipstick out there. It's super soft – like cashmere – and delivers beautiful colour that's hydrating enough for all day wear.

Images: @ninapark, @dualipa