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Beauty
Everything You Need To Know About Lipsticks
Choosing the right lipstick can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming. With so many different types of lipstick out there, it can be hard to know which type of lipstick is perfect for you.
This guide makes that easy, with different types of lipsticks explained. Sheer, matte, glossy or cream? Get ready for smoother, softer-looking lips.
Starting With The Perfect Base
Before applying any lipstick, it is important to ensure your lips are hydrated and soft for an even application that lasts.
1. Lip Masks
A lip mask from STARSKIN is the perfect starting point. Lips are deeply hydrated after use and visibly plumped, with fine lines diminished, creating the perfect canvas for lipstick application.
2. Lip Balm
Apply a lip balm such as Sisley’s Confort Extrême Nutritive Lip Balm generously throughout the day to keep lips hydrated and smooth. Lips are instantly moisturised and lastingly protected, appearing softer, smoother and more plump.
3. Scrub Up
This sugar-based exfoliator from M.A.C gently buffs away dry and flaky skin, with a formula enhanced by hydrating and nourishing conditioners leaving lips soft and smooth.
Choosing The Right Lipstick For You
Now that you’ve prepped your lips with the perfect base, it’s time to choose the lipstick that is right for you and your look. From sheer to cream to liquid matte, these are all our favourite finishes.
1. Sheer Lipstick
Hydrating, with a sheer wash of colour and shimmering sheen, these lipsticks are enriched with moisturising oils so that your lips don’t become dry. The drawback of these lipsticks is that they don’t stay for long hours and need a touch up every 4-5 hours. However, if you have dry or chapped lips, a sheer lipstick would be the best choice.
We recommend: Tom Ford Lip Color Sheer
2. Matte Lipstick
Matte lipsticks give your lips a pure colour with a smooth and even texture. They are brilliant at hiding pigmented and patchy lips. For the best results, apply a little balm on your lips first. This balm will fill up any cracks giving an even texture to your lips. Matte lipsticks may cling to any dry skin, so be sure to exfoliate and moisturise your lips before using a matte lipstick. Long-wearing and often very pigmented, a matte lipstick such as Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution Lipstick is the perfect choice for a long night.
We recommend: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution
3. Glossy Lipstick
As the name suggests, these lipsticks give a shiny finish to your lips. Glossy lipsticks are hydrating and offer the high-impact colour of a lipstick plus the glassy shine and finish of a gloss. These lipsticks are often infused with emollient oils, offering a creamy, lightweight texture that stays bright, lustrous and comfortable without ever cracking or peeling.
We recommend: M.A.C Versicolour Stain
4. Cream Lipstick
These lipsticks apply effortlessly as they glide onto the lips. They are rich in oils and natural butters such as shea and cocoa, and therefore are excellent for nourishing lips. Radiant, long-wearing and silky soft to touch, cream lipsticks are rich in colour with a satin finish.
We recommend: Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Ruby Cream
5. Liquid Matte Lipstick
Liquid Matte lipstick is a gloss-like lipstick which after a few minutes of application, transforms into a semi-matte to matte finish on your lips. This is a great alternative to matte lipstick if you suffer from dry lips. Full coverage pigments are suspended in a silky formula that glides over lips effortlessly, then dries to a long-wearing, natural matte finish.
We recommend: M.A.C Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour
With every colour, shade, texture and style under the sun available, it can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming when trying to choose the lipstick for you. We hope our guide has helped you to make your decision.
If you’re still unsure, why not try them all?