What Are the Different Types of Lipstick?

Lipsticks are one of those makeup products that fall under the philosophy of “more is more.” Whether you want the perfect red lipstick for your skin tone or a versatile nude shade for everyday wear, you can find a lip color to go with any outfit, occasion, or mood. But achieving the perfect pout isn’t just about color, it’s also about choosing the right type of lipstick.

Lipsticks are available in different finishes, formulas, and applicators that can impact how you apply lipstick, how it looks on your lips, and how often you will need to reapply it. For example, cream and satin lipsticks are generally easier to work with, but they aren’t as long-lasting nor pigmented as matte lipsticks. Other types of lip products, such as lip glosses, stains, and balms, can be used in place of or in combination with lipstick.

With so many options, it can be pretty tricky to know which one to go for. The best choice will ultimately boil down to your personal preferences and needs.

If you feel overwhelmed, don’t worry because we’re here to help. In this article, we’ve listed down the 10 different types of lipsticks with a detailed explanation of their unique characteristics.

Cream Lipstick

Cream lipstick lies somewhere in between matte and sheer lipstick; it offers great color payoff like a matte but has the moisturizing quality and glossy look of a sheer formula.

This type of lipstick contains a higher concentration of wax that gives it a thick and creamy consistency, allowing it to glide smoothly on your lips. Moreover, this wax works as a protective coating that helps it last longer throughout the day.

Creamy lipsticks strike a beautiful balance between texture, pigmentation levels, and staying power. If you’re looking for a vibrant lip color for the office or a weekend outing, cream lipsticks are a great choice.

Sheer or Satin Lipstick

Satin lipsticks (also known as sheer lipsticks) are one of the most classic formulas. They’re not as pigmented as other lipsticks but they offer a light wash of color that you can build up by layering, making them a great choice for natural-looking makeup that you can wear every day.

Sheer lipstick formulas contain a higher concentration of oils than other types of lipsticks, which makes them less likely to dry out. This also makes them hydrating for your lips and gives them a subtle shine.

Some formulas are further enriched with moisturizing ingredients to keep your lips soft and supple throughout the day. However, this also works to its detriment, as sheer lipsticks are more prone to smudging, feathering, and fading. Thus, you will need to touch up your sheer lipstick more often.

Frosted or Metallic Lipstick

Unlike other lip products that have a “wet,” glossy shine, frosted lipsticks have more of a reflective, almost metallic luster, hence why it’s also referred to as metallic lipsticks. They contain tiny flecks of shimmer or glitter that reflect light at every angle, creating the illusion of a fuller and plumper pout.

It’s worth noting that some makeup brands distinguish frosted lipsticks from metallic lipsticks, as the latter usually has stronger pigmentation and shimmer that looks like molten metal. If you want to stand out in a crowd, these types of lipsticks definitely make a statement.

Matte Lipstick

Matte lipsticks have become a staple in makeup kits because of their intense pigmentation and incredible staying power. They consist primarily of wax and pigment, which translates to pure color, even texture on your lips, and zero shine. Moreover, its formulation has a smudge-proof and budge-proof quality, which means you only really need to apply it once and it should last all day long.

Due to their low oil content, matte colors have a thick and slightly dry consistency that can dry out your lips. They’re also a bit more tricky to work with because the formula tends to settle in and enhance the texture of your lips, so any dry spots can make your lipstick look flaky and uneven. Proper prep is definitely needed to apply matte lipstick. But once you get the hang of it, matte lipstick is a great choice for days when you can’t be bothered to reapply your lip color.

Velvet Lipstick

Velvet lipsticks fall somewhere in between matte and cream lipsticks. Also known as “semi-matte” formulas, this type of lipstick retains the intense pigmentation of a matte formula but contains ingredients that give it more of a creamy texture. Not only does it keep your lips moisturized, but it’s also smoother to apply and adds just a hint of shine.

Liquid Lipstick

Unlike traditional lipsticks that are molded into solid wax bullets, liquid lipsticks have a liquid formulation that is packaged in a tube with a doe-foot applicator. It has a thick and viscous consistency that applies like lip gloss and delivers the pigmentation of cream or matte lipstick. Depending on the formula, it can dry with a glossy or matte finish. Liquid matte lipsticks are intensely pigmented and super long-wearing, though they can be tricky to apply.

Lip Liner

Lip liners are a must-have for any lipstick wearer. Its primary use is to outline the lip line so that your lipstick looks sharper, is easier to apply, and lasts longer. Lining your lips prevents bleeding or feathering, thereby increasing the longevity of your lipstick. What’s more, you can also use it to overline your lips to create the illusion of a bigger and fuller pout. Lip liners are especially useful when working with more unforgiving formulas, such as matte or liquid lipsticks because they can minimize mistakes and uneven application.

Lip Gloss

Glossy lips have been in and out of fashion, but lip glosses definitely deserve a place in your makeup collection. Known for its wet, glass-like finish, this type of lipstick adds a glossy shine to your lips while keeping them hydrated.

This type of lipstick is available in a wide variety of colors and formulas, ranging from clear to full coverage. They can be used alone or layered with other lip products to make your lips glisten. Glossy lipsticks are applied with a doe-foot applicator, making them a great option for when you’re on the go. However, they’re not long-wearing and will need to be reapplied every so often.

Lip Stain or Tint

Lip stains or tints are a great option if you want to add some color to your lips without the stickiness of lipstick. While lip stains have a consistency similar to lip gloss, they dry into your lips, creating a stained effect. And because of their dry finish, they require virtually zero touchups throughout the day.

Formulated to deliver pigment with minimal to no gloss, you can find lip stains with varying pigmentation levels. A sheer stain is great for a natural-looking lip color, whereas a pigmented stain can create a bold lip look. You can wear it on its own or layer it with lip gloss for a softer look. Just keep in mind that lip stains can make your lips feel dry, so be sure to apply a moisturizing lip balm before coloring your lips.

Tinted Lip Balm

Tinted lip balms are a dual-purpose product: they keep the delicate skin on your lips moisturized while adding a sheer wash of color. They’re typically formulated with ingredients such as beeswax, vitamin E, and coconut oil that provide nourishment and add a little shine to your lips. These moisturizing lipsticks are great for everyday wear and a must-have for those with dry or chapped lips.

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