It’s less of anybody to think of makeup as a superficial need to appear more beautiful; it is so much more. The art goes beyond blending colors and creating a defined face. Using cosmetic products like eyeshadow, blush, lipstick, and lip liner are not just color-adding cosmetic tools, they are used to add depth to our beauty.
Color-adding cosmetic products like lipsticks do more than color the lips and make them look appealing. They help to keep it moisturized and heal chapped lips. Yes, lipsticks have evolved from simple pigmented wax to healthy cosmetic tools that would help enhance your overall makeup look.
Lipsticks have distinctive characteristics, a wide variety of range, and color hues that are different from what was available decades ago. These have made lipsticks a more essential cosmetic product in the current age. This is why we want to delve into modern lipsticks, what they are, and their benefits to us now.
Shopping Guide
Lipsticks are simple and complex tools used in a makeup routine, which is why you have to understand every aspect of the product. This section will address every necessary question you need to know about lipsticks and what they offer. The information will guide you in making a better decision when purchasing your next lipsticks.
What is a lipstick?
Simply put, lipstick is a cosmetic product used to add texture, color, and protection to the lips. It is a dated cosmetic that has been used by women to enhance their beauty over time. It has evolved from the simple pigmented powder and oil to a more compact formula that does more than highlight the lips.
In the modern-day, lipsticks are a staple cosmetic in a makeup routine for tens of millions of people in the world. There are various types of lipsticks and uses. Not only does it highlight the face, but it also protects the lips and creates a certain sexual appeal.
You wouldn’t know you needed lipstick in your routine until using it. And the best part, they come in various colors and formats that it becomes hard to choose from.
Why do I need a lipstick?
As highlighted before, lipsticks add color to the lips. Adding this color enhances our beauty by augmenting the shape of our mouths and our smiles. The colors range from bold and vibrant to cool undertones that make the lips pop and bring out the best in them. Lipsticks have a way of creating a thick illusion and volume to your lips, getting them noticed.
The way you use your lipstick decides how your face looks; whether younger, matured, natural, sensual, playful and many more looks. Also, lipsticks help the teeth look whiter. When you use a bright-colored lipstick, the color bounces off your teeth, making your teeth look brighter. This thereby makes your smile better.
There are also health benefits to using lipsticks. For instance, they moisturize and protect the lips from harsh elements. Some are made with ingredients that help to nourish the lips like essential oils, humectants, and hydrating ingredients. These ingredients help to keep the lips protected and nourished while looking elegant.
Furthermore, you would be boosting your confidence and self-esteem with good lipstick. Wearing lipstick to pigment your chapped dark lips could give you the confidence boost you didn’t know you needed. It serves as a shield because it is masking your lips’ imperfections, and rather improving your face’s beauty. It is a great confidence booster.
A lipstick would make you feel powerful and in control. It encourages you to pick your mood and the emotion you want to convey. Also, increase your sex appeal with the right lipstick on your lips.
What are the components in a lipstick?
When it comes to lipsticks, there are specific components or ingredients in the composition. These components vary in proportion based on what type of lipstick or brand it is.
Also, the proportion is determined by what the cosmetic wants to achieve. But a lipstick always contains these four ingredients: oils, wax, pigment, and alcohol. Some lipsticks also contain emollients, preservatives, scents, and antioxidants.
Wax and oils make up 60% of a normal lipstick. These are used for creating the shape and texture of the lipstick. Oils are also used to provide moisture to the lips. Oils change the intensity of lipstick. This means the more oil, the glossier the lipstick is. Oils like cocoa butter, shea butter, olive oil, mineral oil, petroleum, and lanolin are used in lipsticks.
Wax like beeswax, candelilla, ozokerite are used to make lipstick. They are the shape and texture-forming ingredients. Also, they are what make the lipstick stick to the lips. They make it easy to apply the lips. Pigment adds color to the lips. Pigments like fluorescein, talc, mica, titanium, iron oxide can be found in lipstick.
Alcohol acts as a solvent for oils and waxes, while the preservatives promote the durability of the product. A scent or flavor makes the lipstick more pleasant to the nose and lips.
What are the types of lipsticks available?
Naturally, lipsticks have evolved along with the makeup and cosmetic industry. From the early makeup that was grounded powder mixed with liquid to dye wax applied with a brush to bars that roll out. There is a staggering option for lipsticks in the market. You can pick whichever you want based on your preference.
You can classify lipsticks under the type of finish and the styles of applicators.
Type of Finish
Cream lipsticks: They provide a creamy and smooth finish. Creamy lipsticks are great for evening out the lips. They are the type that contains more wax than other lipsticks to protect the lips from getting dry.
Gloss Lipsticks: They are a shining finish. You can use it if you have small thin lips and you would like to make them look fuller or bigger. The lipsticks can be paired with another lipstick or a lip liner.
Frosted lipsticks: They are the type that glitter and sparkle after application. They attract light to the lips, but they can feel heavy on the lips. Also, they could crack the lips, which is why they are used after a moisturizer or lip scrub has been layered on the lips.
Stains: Stains are used for minimal shine and are long-lasting. They are high-impact low-maintenance lipstick. They are best paired with different colors in layers to create a more popping look.
Long-lasting lipsticks: They are lipsticks that can be worn for hours without smear. You won’t have to worry about reapplying your lipstick when you use this type. It is practical and can also serve as a moisturizer for the lips.
Matte Lipsticks: A favorite of modern women, matte lipstick leaves a flat, smooth finish. It creates a dry effect with its intense colors. It also provides a sophisticated look to the wearer.
Moisturizing lipsticks: Great for people with dry and chapped lips. The lipsticks contain humectants like glycerin or aloe vera to keep the lips moisturized and soft. They have a shining wet finish.
Satin lipsticks: These lipsticks also cure dry lips because they contain moisturizers. They have a shining and glossy finish. These lipsticks contain lots of oils to make them shine and feel lighter to the lips.
Types of Applicators
Lipstick Cream: These types of lipsticks come in tubes. They are wet, soft, and hydrate the lips. Also, they are long-lasting lipsticks.
Lipstick Bar: The lipstick is usually thick with lots of wax. This makes them convenient and easy to apply. They are the most popular format a lipstick comes in. They are also inexpensive and a wide variety of colors.
Liquid Lipsticks: They also come in tubes with a sponge-like tip used to apply them on the lips. There is also a variant with a punch hole where you can squeeze the liquid on your lips. The lipsticks have hydrating effects to keep the lips soft.
Lipstick Pencil: It has a high precision because of its tiny tip. It is easy to apply and can help define the lips well.
When should I apply a lipstick?
Lipsticks are multi-purpose and versatile cosmetics that do not have a guide to appropriate use. It is not bound by time; you can use them wherever, whenever, and however you want. Also, lipstick does not have an age or gender grade. It can be used by anybody.
Although lipsticks have a variety fit for some occasions, it is not totally restricting. The application is also not restricted to practical uses, for instance, to hydrate your lips. You can wear lipstick just to enhance your sex appeal or to give yourself a confidence boost. Lipstick is a non-restricting cosmetic product.
How should I apply a lipstick?
Whether you are new to lipstick or not, there is a correct way to apply lipsticks. If you have been using lipstick incorrectly, this will be a proper guide to a correct application. This step-by-step guide will help you improve your application technique.
- Exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub to get rid of dead skin cells. You can add a moisturizing balm if your lipstick choice does not have a moisturizer.
- Then apply the lipstick. Start with outlining your lips. You can alternate for a lip liner to enhance your lip volume.
- Then apply the lipstick to the inner layer. Start with the center and work your way to the outer layer. Be sure to cover the cracks and chapped parts properly.
- Follow this by layering another coat of lipstick to refine the color and make it pop. If the layer becomes too thick or too much, dab away with a tissue or wet wipes.
- You can keep the lipstick long-lasting by applying a lipstick sealer or pressing your lips on a paper coated with a lipstick fixative powder.
- Then add the third and final layer.
- Remove the excess or bleeding lipstick around your lips with a wipe.
- If you want luscious lips, you can coat the lipstick with a gloss.
- And you are ready to show off your perfect lips.
Why should I remove my lipstick?
The process of applying makeup can be fun, but they have to come off to protect your skin. It could be tasking for those who are tired after a long day or long night, but it must be done. Though cosmetic products are safe on the face, they need to be removed not to clog the pores of the skin and cause a breakout. But you need not worry, removing makeup is easy.
You can use cosmetic removal like a wipe to get rid of the pigment piled on your face. You can also use oils like olive and coconut oil to take makeup off. Also, you can use a lipstick remover to peel off the lipstick from your lips with ease.
Is lead in lipsticks dangerous?
Yes, it is. Lead is found in almost all makeup products. Not that it is an ingredient added but it’s a component created during the process of making the products. It is a neurotoxin stated as dangerous with accumulation. Even though the small doses do not pose an immediate threat, the accumulation is dangerous and could pose a threat to the health of a person.
Its effects include infertility, high blood pressure, coronary heart diseases, hormonal changes, and menstrual irregularities. This is why you have to be careful how you use them. You can inquire from the lipstick brand if their product is lead-free, Also, do not reapply your lipstick too frequently. Only apply when necessary and in need of retouching.
Are there any other adverse effects for using lipsticks?
Lipstick use has been colored with both good and bad stories over time. There are some unpleasant stories about lipstick side effects over the years that would make it seem the product causes more harm than good. But this information must be rationally broken down rather than let assumptions take over.
Yes, there are harmful products in lipstick that could cause side effects like cell damage, irritation, swelling, or hormonal alterations, among others. But in the U.S., a quality lipstick product has gone through rigorous testing and quality control stages to certify it is safe. And synthetic chemicals are banned or have highly restricted use.
So, you have to be vigilant when buying your product. When hunting for a new lipstick, make sure the ingredients do not include synthetic chemicals like tocopheryl acetate, retinyl palmitate, dyes, and polypareben.
What are the pros and cons of lipsticks?
Before making a buying decision for any product, you have to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages. And as highlighted, lipsticks have their own advantages and disadvantages. These are the pros and cons of a lipstick product.
Pros
- Offers different applicators, colors, and finishes
- It enhances your mouth and smile
- It protects the lips from harsh elements
- A lipstick can treat chapped lips by hydrating it
- Builds confidence and self-esteem
Cons
- Those without moisturizers could make the lips dry
- Duration is not holistic, varies with the type
- Could lead to certain side effects for less than perfect qualities
Shopping Criteria
Now that you know everything you should about lipsticks, you are ready for the next stage which is actually purchasing one. But before you do so, you have to check some criteria off your list. These criteria influence your final buying choice.
Facial Features
Your facial structure will determine what type of lipstick to purchase. Each face is unique and lipsticks work differently on our faces. Also, the shape of your lips and mouth will determine what lipstick best matches them. Other facial features include your skin tone, eye color, hair color, and the overall shape of your face.
An example is choosing a light lipstick shade if you have a small face or smaller lips. Lighter shades enhance the volume of the lips. Whereas, a larger lip will need to go for darker shades to make the lips look smaller. If you have full lips, use matte lipsticks, and if you have thin lips use glossy lipsticks to make your lips pop.
For matching your lipstick with your skin tones, it’s best to base your choice on your natural lip color than your skin undertone. Reddish lips can use bright colored lipsticks like orange, hot pink, or cranberry. Pinkish lips are great bases for red or coral lipsticks. While dark lips should opt for burgundy or dark red colors.
Color
Color is one of the most important factors you need to consider when purchasing lipstick. This is about your preference and lifestyle. Physical appearance, skin color, seasons, and the occasion also affect the colors you buy. For example, a warm-season will call for warm and clear colors like pink, red, and coral. Darker shades of lipsticks are more preferable during the winter.
Also, for everyday use, you will need to opt for natural shades of lipsticks like nude, brown, or sheer colors. A dark lipstick fits a night out where it matches your makeup. Your hair color influences your choice too. A brunette or black hair matches well with lighter colors and tones. A redhead will stand out with toasted or coral colors. And a blonde haired-beauty is sure to stand out with red or brown-toned lipstick.
Application
As mentioned earlier, the lipstick comes in different application formats. These formats have features that make them different. For instance, a pencil or cream applicator format might not be a good choice if you have dry lips. Instead, a bar or liquid applicator will hydrate the lips, which makes them great for dry lips. If you want precision when applying your lipstick, you should try pencil lipstick.
Finish
A fundamental question you should ask yourself before buying lipstick is what type of finish do you want. Do you want a matte, glossy, or creamy finish? To answer this, you have to consider what your lips need. For instance, dry lips cannot use matte lipsticks because they have a drying effect. Creamy or glossy lipstick with hydrating effect is a better choice.
Also, you would need long-lasting lipstick if you have a busy schedule or you are more practical with your lifestyle. Sheer or satin lipsticks are also great for everyday use because they keep the lips moisturized.
Occasion
The type of lipstick you get also depends on the occasion you want to use it for. For example, a light-colored or natural shade of lipstick is good for casual or everyday wear. For elegant and formal events, you can wear cream, satin, or frosty lipstick to give you an elegant finish. And for night out or definition lips, you can go for a bright-colored matte lipstick.
Composition
A lipstick’s composition also matters when choosing it. As highlighted before, a lipstick’s composition differs based on its use or goal. The composition of the ingredients varies according to what you want to use them for.
Also, the quality of the lipsticks is defined by the ingredients used. Some ingredients may cause irritation or other severe reactions. This is why you should be sure of the ingredients in the lipstick you are buying. Also, avoid lipsticks with ingredients that you are allergic to.
Recommended Lipsticks
Lipsticks are great products. If you are planning to get one and don’t know where to start, here is a list of the best lipsticks according to their finish and effect. The list is made up of highly reviewed products with great feedback from buyers.
1. Best Matte Lipstick
Coming in 45 different shades, Maybelline New York presents a SuperStay Matte Ink lipstick line. Matte is popular right now and having this in your makeup bag is sure to be a wise choice. This matte from the brand is a highly pigmented liquid lipstick that lasts up to 16 hours. it has rich colors from the classic nude to classic deep red lipstick.
The matte lipstick doesn’t smear no matter how many sips, bites, or kisses and remains perfectly stay all the time. It has a precision tip applicator that lays on intense colors. You can remove the makeup up with micellar water to cleanse your face after removal.
2. Best Glossy Lipstick
L’Oreal Paris is very well known in the makeup market and it hasn’t come to play with this lipstick line. Color Riche Shine is a nice line by the brand designed to hydrate the lips and also provide a long-lasting high-gloss shine. The glossy lipstick is color-rich from a nice nude to dramatic colors to add layers to your features.
The glossy cosmetic makes the lips softer, smoother, and hydrated. You can’t go wrong with this lipstick. And of cause, it is perfect for dry or chapped lips, as it covers and adds a layer to them.
3. Best Cream Lipstick
NYX Professional makeup creates a deep cream line for soft matte coverage that doesn’t feel dry. In 33 deep shades, the cosmetic makes the lip plush and intense. It allows for a smooth lip by just sliding the applicator on your lips to create a perfect creamy light matte finish. It is lightweight and great for creating the perfect pouty lips.
It’s great for those who want something matte but not enough to dry their lips. You can wear it with a lip gloss to get the creamy color out and shining.
4. Best Moisturizing Lipstick
If you are looking for the best natural moisturizing lipstick, then this cosmetic product by Burt’s Bees is your choice. It has moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, moringa oil, raspberry oil, and castor seed oil to make the lips luscious. With a satin finish, the lipstick helps to condition and soothe the lips giving them a nice glow.
The product is free of parabens, petroleum, SLS, and phthalates. It is natural and made with recyclable packaging. The 18 shades are popular and well known; taking home the 2016 Allure Best of Beauty Award.
5. Best Organic Lipstick
For organic product lovers, Pure’s Cocoa Butter Matte lipstick is your best choice for organic lipstick. It is fruit pigmented and rich in different bright colors. The cosmetic is long-lasting with a perfect matte finish made from rice powder instead of the usual talc.
The formula contains not only cocoa butter but also shea butter and Vitamin E to keep the lips moisturized and even. It is perfect for vegans and is cruelty-free. The long-lasting lipstick is great for you if you are into environmentally friendly products.
Summary
Lipsticks are essential cosmetics in a makeup routine because they enhance and define beauty. They are also great confidence booster and are great for everyday use to a formal and elegant occasion. Millions of women have this product tucked somewhere in their bags before going out for the day.
Now that you know lipstick does more than color your lips, you can make an informed decision on what you want in your lipstick. Be it for health or beauty reasons, lipstick will give you that look you desire. And with many formats, colors, and applications available, you will definitely find the right lipstick to match your beauty.
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