LIPSTICK, it's fair to say, is a girl's best friend well, along with the eyeliner, mascara, concealer and foundation, anyway.

But with so many different types on the market it's difficult to choose which one will be the best of friends.

While the boys were able to try out aftershaves last month, this month sees the girls in the office testing lipsticks.

The most important aspects of a lipstick are its durability, moisture and whether the colour is nice.

These were the main points we looked for when wearing the lipsticks during the course of a normal day.

Max Factor Lipfinity priced around £10

THIS claims to have "an incredible new ingredient complex, which delivers truly long-wearing colour.

It seems simple enough - a lipstick which lasts beyond lunch, without staining, caking, rubbing off or leaving lips dry and flaky, "only Max Factor Lipfinity has met the challenge", its advert says.

A little pricey but well worth it, according to the girls who wore it.

It's wonderful. You put it on in the morning and then forget about it, said one.

I think it's brilliant. It lasts all day and doesn't rub off during Christmas kisses, said another.

It's also very moist. I think it's the best lipstick around, although it's not as straightforward as other lipsticks.

Lancome £13

IT feels very expensive, it's light on the lips, not greasy at all," our tester said.

It's stayed put and I've eaten all sorts of things and had drinks.

It's good for durability and it kept my lips dry," said another.

I wouldn't normally wear it for work, only for when I go out as it is a bit more expensive.

Margaret Astor Soft Sensation - £4.99

"The staying power was pretty good. The colour stayed on for quite a few hours. I had lunch and I drank a few cups of tea, our tester said.

There were minimal marks on the mug, said one of our testers.

There wasn't much shine, but that might have been the colour.

My lips weren't dry, they felt good. I'd buy this one, it's a very good price.

Miss Sporty £1.29

DESCRIBED as a "mouth-watering, we guarantee he'll be demanding a kiss gives a smooth and even look with satin finish whilst conditioning dry lips and acting as a barrier against moisture loss".

Felt and smelt cheap, was a bit greasy and came off quite easily," said our tester.

But it didn't dry my lips for the short space of time it remained on them."

Oil of Olay Total Effects - from £5.99

THE lipstick "goes beyond ordinary colour and moisture to help provide younger looking and feeling lips".

The colour I had to try looked revolting on the lipstick, but changed dramatically once it was applied.

But you had to put on about four applications to be able to see any colour and make sure it would be long lasting," said one of our testers.

It left a mark immediately I had a drink, not a good sign if you're heading to a party.

It felt very sticky and after less than three hours had all but vanished.

But, the colour looked a lot better after it had worn off and might be better if you're looking for a subtle approach.

It was a very moist coating and didn't feel dry.

Agnes B Forever lipstick - £8.90

IT'S so rare for a stay-on lipstick to feel this pleasant on your lips, say its creators.

Agnes B is available from Le Club des Createurs de Beaute, their website is www.ccb-paris.com

Well the colour has lasted without having to re-apply, but my lips started to feel a little dry, though in fairness I do use a lot of lip balm during a normal day," said our tester. I did get dry lips after about seven hours.

I THINK the most popular lipstick among the team of testers would be the new Lipfinity from Max Factor.

Although it's in the higher price bracket, it got the thumbs up for durability and moisture.

We have all got our favourite lipsticks, and there's always one that is permanently in our handbags.

If you find one that suits you and lasts long then you've got a friend for life (or as long as the manufacturers make it).