Lipstick Shades Buying Guide

Overview

Lipsticks are unofficially a girl’s best friend! Every girl has at least one if not a dozen. More often than not, we end up buying too many lipsticks while we might only use a couple from the whole lot.

Here, is an interesting guide to categorize various lip products and even help you shop wisely.

Types of Lip Products

• LIP BALMS

Lip balms are wax-like substance, mostly made of beeswax with some essential oils. They help to repair, heal and moisturize parched and dry lips. They are mostly sheer and tacky. They may come in either a tin-like container or a lipstick container.

• TINTED LIP BALM

They are lip balms that have a hint of colour. They are not as pigmented as lipsticks, they just give a tint of colour or sheen to the lips.

• LIP GLOSS

A lip gloss is a tacky substance that gives a glossy finish to the lips.They may only last an hour or so on your lips and require constant touch-ups. They mostly come in a tube-like container with a doe-foot applicator.

• LIP LINER

A lip liner comes in a pencil form. It is used to shape and contour the lips. It mostly comes in handy to ‘over-draw’ the lips which makes the lips look bigger than they actually are. Lining the lips before applying a lipsticks helps the lipstick last longer and prevents it from bleeding from the edges.

• MATTE LIPSTICK

Matte lipsticks are lipsticks that are completely shine-free and opaque. Some may look a little glossy during application but they will dry out completely matte within minutes. Matte Lipsticks are perfect for summer days but may look flaky during winters. It is necessary that you moisturize your lips well before using a matte lipstick.

• SEMI-MATTE LIPSTICK

Semi-matte lipsticks are not as drying and shine-free as Matte Lipsticks. They look almost matte but are slightly tacky so that they don’t dry out the lips. Semi-matte lipsticks are perfect for those with extra dry lips.

• SATIN FINISH LIPSTICK

Satin finish lipsticks are slick but not glossy. They give the lips a satin finish that reflects a hint of light on the high points. They are extremely comfortable to wear in any weather.

• GLOSSY FINISH LIPSTICK

As the name suggests they are gloss-like lipsticks. They are extremely creamy and glide on easily on the lips. They have a buttery texture that reflects light very well.

• LIQUID LIPSTICK

These are lipsticks available in a liquid formula with a doe-foot or thin brush applicator. Mostly these lipsticks are matte but off late they have expanded their horizon and come in various finishes be it satin or velvet finish.

• LIP STAIN

They are much like lip balm when it comes to texture. They have gooda dose of color, but are not as pigmented as lipsticks. Theycan be applied on the lips and cheeks to give a natural flushed look.

Things to Consider Before You Splurge on Lipsticks

1. How much shelf life does it has?– Lipsticks last a long longer in your vanity than any other cosmetics since we require only a minimal amount per use. Hence check for the expiry dates. If a lipstick lasts anything less than 3 years, give it a miss.
2. Try it on! –Almost all cosmetics counters gave trial or sample pieces of lipsticks. Try the lipstick on the back of your hand to know the colour pay-out. You can even try them on your lips but do not forget to sanitize them first. Once you are completely satisfied with the product you can go ahead and purchase it.
3. Know your skin type–If you have dry lips throughout the year; matte lipsticks aren’t for you. Similarly, if you have very oily skin, chances are a lip gloss may easily smear on your skin. Hence, understand your skin type and choose your lip products accordingly.
4. Same shade alert!–We are mostly drawn towards the same colour, that’s why we end up with too many lipsticks of the same shade. Before you go out to buy a lipsticks, have a quick look at the lipsticks you already own and avoid buying the same shades. This way you will have a good variety of colours in your vanity.
5. Beware of dupes!–Since good brands are slightly expensive, there are a many dupes and fakes available in the market. Make sure you buy good quality lipsticks and stick with brands you know. Also buy cosmetics only from a trusted retailer.
6. Read the Ingredients–Do not blindly buy a lip colour based on brand. Always try read the ingredients before buying lipstick as it may contain harmful ingredients that couldharm your skin.
7. Online Reviews help to know–All online shopping sites or user-based review portals have reviews of the products that they sell to their customers. Reading through these reviews gives you clarity about a product, its brand, its shades and their lasting time.