Our smiles tend to be one of the first things people notice when meeting. When you pick the right type of lipstick, it can enhance your smile helping with a bold, fresh and bright look, however not all lipsticks are created equal.
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The beauty market is inundated with not only different brands and shades, but different types of lipstick such as matte, suede, gloss or satin. With each lipstick offering a different look and new types of lipstick being developed every day, how do we know which type is best for us? If you are unsure then keep reading because we have put together a list of a few of our favorite lipstick types and will explain the difference!
1. Matte
Matte lipstick does exactly what the name implies – a matte finish. Matte lipsticks offer a flat velvety look that is smooth and not glossy. The reason why matte lipsticks are not as glossy as others is because they tend to be made with more wax than oil. They tend to be highly pigmented shades that often stay on much longer than other lipsticks like a gloss. However, there are soft matte liquid lipsticks out there if you want the best of both worlds.
2. Gloss
Lip gloss is used to give our lips a shiny, glossy look sometimes with subtle color. Many people with smaller lips like to use a gloss because it can enhance the shape by adding dimension of depth. Lip gloss offers an immense amount of shine and really draws attention to your smile.
3. Sheer and Satin
Sheer and satin lipsticks tend to have amazing moisturizing properties due to having a higher oil component. This also means they appear darker in the tube then what they will actually look like on your lips- so pick your shade carefully! These lipsticks give a hint of color and a dash of shine to compliment any look however, prepare to do quite a few touch ups as they are not as long lasting as a matte. Sheer and satin formulas can be similar to a gloss, but offer more color and are not as shiny! Sheer and satin lipsticks are great for chapped and dry lips.
4. Cream/Creme
Cream lipsticks fall in between matte and lip gloss. This type of lipstick tends to be one of the easiest to use as it applies smoothly onto your lips. This is because cream lipsticks tend to have more oil than wax giving them the creamy feel when applied. They can be very hydrating to your lips and stay on longer than a gloss.
5. Stain
Lip stains are very similar to sheer lipsticks however you can apply layers for more color! Many people will opt for a good lip stain because they are very low maintenance. Unlike a sheer or satin where you may have quite a few touch ups throughout the day, a lip stain can last for hours. Lip stains are great however they are usually water and or gel based which can sometimes dry out your lips. It is always a good idea to use a good hydrating lip balm prior to applying a stain.
Lipstick is an essential in all makeup bags. But when it comes down to deciding which lipstick type is best for you, it is always a good idea to think about what occasion you are wearing it for! For an example, a stain would be a great idea to where for an everyday look because it is something that you will not have to constantly reapply. A cream or a matte would work nice for an evening out to make your lips look soft and velvety smooth. At the end of the day, it also comes down to preference and what makes you feel good, inside and out!
By Krisna Garcia (an aspiring writer from California, looking to grow her portfolio and build her specialization and expertise on beauty, lifestyle and health)
Follow her on twitter @Krisna Garcia