Today's choices in lip makeup are endless. Colors, formulas, and application techniques all provide different effects. Lip makeup has a history dating back to the era of the Egyptians. Early lipsticks were created from crushing pigments and even insect shells to obtain the desired colors. Later lip cosmetics were created for movie stars; perhaps that's why lipstick is still associated with looking glamorous.
Today, lip makeup is widely available to everyone. Our guide will explain the differences in formulas, their appearance, and when to choose certain products. Please continue reading to learn how you can keep your lips healthy, add some glam, and keep looking beautiful!
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20 Types Of Lip Makeup Products
This extensive list of 20 lip makeup products is sure to provide you with all you need to know.
1. Satin/Sheer Lipstick
Sheer and satin lipsticks are a light product. These are wonderful if you tend to have dry lips as they contain oils that will moisturize your lips. Lipsticks in this category tend to add shine to your lips. Because of the moisturizing formula, the color may appear lighter once it is applied to your lips. Satin lipsticks provide a natural, no-makeup look. These lipsticks are not long-wearing and will require touchups throughout the day to stay looking fresh.
Click here to see this satin lipstick on Amazon.
Click here to see this sheer lipstick on Amazon.
2. Matte Lipstick
If you prefer a look that is not shiny, matte lipstick is for you. Matte lipsticks will give you a flat color. These lipsticks will make your lips appear smoother, which gives a youthful appearance. A product that has vitamin E or aloe added will also add moisture to your lips. Matte formulas tend to have highly saturated pigments that are long-lasting.
Click here to see this matte lipstick on Amazon.
3. Cream Lipstick
Cream lipsticks provide a smooth, even look. This type of lipstick is good for those with smaller-sized lips. Because they are not shiny, they result in a more even lip appearance. Cream lipstick contains more wax than other lip products, so it keeps lips moist and healthy. Lip gloss can be layered over lipstick if more shine is desired.
This lipstick formula is soft and wet and feels good when applied to the lips. Cream formulas are easy to apply and give the look of a matte lipstick with a moisturizing feeling. The colors of cream lipsticks are vibrant.
Click here to see this cream lipstick on Amazon.
Click here to see this cream lipstick on Amazon.
4. Lip Stain
Lip stains apply concentrated, long-lasting color to the lips. These products generally have a low level of shine. Lip stains are very light and add color to your lips without the feeling of wearing lipstick. The pigment can vary from a sheer wash of color to a more intense color.
Lip stains typically will last throughout the day, decreasing the need for touch-ups. A stain can make your lips feel dry. Lip gloss can be worn over a lip stain to add moisture and shine.
Click here to see this lip stain on Amazon.
5. Moisturizing Lipstick/Gloss
If your lips tend to be dry, a moisturizing lipstick or gloss is for you. These products will contain ingredients like aloe, vitamin E, or glycerin to moisturize your lips resulting in a smooth, soft appearance. Usually, these products will add shine to your lips.
Click here to see this moisturizing lipstick on Amazon.
Click here to see this moisturizing lip gloss on Amazon.
6. Lip Gloss
Lip gloss can create the illusion of larger lips, making it a great choice for those with smaller, thinner lips. Gloss can be added over lipstick for added shine. A wet or glassy look is the result of lip gloss. Glosses do not stay long-term and will require reapplication throughout the day. Clear gloss will allow the lipstick color underneath to shine through or choose a gloss with pigment added for a sheer wash of color.
Click here to see this lip gloss on Amazon.
7. Tinted Gloss
Tinted gloss carries the benefits of shiny moisturizing lip gloss with the addition of soft color. These products can be worn on their own for a subtle color or layered over lipstick. Remember that gloss is not long-lasting and will need to be frequently reapplied to maintain the color and shine.
Click here to see this tinted gloss on Amazon.
8. Glitter Gloss
Glitter gloss is a lip gloss with added sparkle. The effect can vary from a subtle shimmer to full-on bling, depending on the product. Glitter gloss is a great option for parties or special events. As with all glosses, it is short wearing and will require reapplication. This product can be worn alone or over another lipstick. Some glosses will have their own tint of color.
Click here to see this glitter gloss on Amazon.
9. Lip Liner Pencil
Lip liner pencil keeps lipsticks from bleeding out past the lip edge. These pencils are made with a pointed tip that makes precise application easy. As the name implies, liners can be used to draw in the outer edge of the lips and then fill in with another lip product, or you can apply it to the entire lip to create a long-wearing base layer.
Other lip products can be applied over the lip liner color allowing a deeper color or color customization. Lip liner is a quick way to add volume to your lips or correct imperfections in shape.
If you'd like to learn even more about lip liners, check out our post "Do You Really Need Lip Liner?" for all the recommendations on wearing lip liners.
Click here to see this waterproof lip liner pencil on Amazon.
10. Liquid Lip Liner
Liquid lip liner will serve the same functions as a pencil liner; however, the liquid formula goes on smoothly without draging or pulling the skin that can occur with some pencil formulas. Liquid colors are vibrant and long-wearing. Precise and exact application and definition of the lip can be achieved with liquid lip liners.
Click here to see this liquid lip liner on Amazon.
11. Tinted Lip Balm
Tinted lip balms provide moisture for dry lips while also adding a touch of color. If your lips tend to be dry or chapped, a tinted lip balm will help moisturize while also adding color. Tinted balms are like using a lip stain but with the added benefit of moisture. Our discussion "How Often Should You Apply Lip Balm" will fill in all the details regarding keeping your lips soft and moisturized using lip balms.
Click here to see this tinted lip balm on Amazon.
12. Lip Balm Stain
Lip balm stains provide the moisture of a lip balm with the long-lasting color of a stain. Long-lasting sheer color can be achieved without drying out the lips. If you tend to apply lip balm frequently, a lip balm stain will give you the moisture your lips crave, along with pretty color. These products typically have a crayon-like applicator which makes them very simple and easily applied.
Click here to see this lip balm stain on Amazon.
13. Lip Plumper Lipstick
Lip plumpers will make your lips look larger. They contain ingredients that provide mild irritation to the lips causing them to swell. You may experience a tingling sensation from these products. Avoid plumpers if you have allergies, and if your lips tend to be very dry and chapped, they will not work and will cause more irritation. Plumpers will last for about four hours before needing to be reapplied to maintain the effect.
Click here to see this lip plumper lipstick on Amazon.
14. Lip and Cheek Stain
Lip and cheek stains are a product that serves dual duty. If you prefer a simple approach to your makeup, this product will streamline the number of products to apply. Lip and cheek stains result in a sheer natural-looking color that can be applied to both lips and cheeks. Gloss can be applied over the lips for added shine.
Click here to see this lip and cheek stain on Amazon.
15. Lip and Cheek Cream
Lip and cheek cream is a product that can be used on both the lips and the cheeks to add color. In a cream formula, this product glides on easily and will also moisturize the skin. Dual duty products reduce the number of beauty products you'll need to have on hand.
Click here to see this lip and cheek cream on Amazon.
16. Lip Water Tint
Lip water tint is a unique product. Primarily comprised of water (77%), it gives hydration along with color to the lips. Lip water tint will leave lips smooth and soft. Color can be intensified by applying multiple layers of tint until the desired shade is achieved.
Click here to see this lip water tint on Amazon.
17. Lip and Cheek Balm
The creamy formula of lip and cheek balm gives a natural wash of color that can be used on both the lips and cheeks. The balm is hydrating and a great option for dryer skin and lip types. This product will result in a fresh-faced subtle color.
Click here to see this lip and cheek balm on Amazon.
18. Lip and Cheek Tint
Lip and cheek tint provides an additional lightweight dual-purpose product. Sheer and light with just a hint of color can be used as lip and cheek makeup. This tint glides on smoothly for ease of application in both areas of the face.
Click here to see this lip and cheek tint on Amazon.
19. Long Wearing Lipstick
Long-wearing lipstick is a great choice when you don't want to have to reapply lip product. Consider this formula if you work long hours or want your lip color to last through a party or event. Long-wearing products can stay in place from four to eight or more hours. They are available in matte or glossy styles and often have added moisturizers to keep your lips from drying out.
Click here to see this long-wearing lipstick on Amazon.
20. Pearl or Frosted Lipstick
Pearl or frosted lipsticks add shine and sparkle to your lips. However, these formulas do tend to dry lips out and can result in cracking. You'll want to moisturize your lips before applying pearl lipstick. The sparkle from the light reflection of a frosted lipstick can make lips look plumper and more full.
Click here to see this pearl lipstick on Amazon.
Click here to see this frosted lipstick on Amazon.
Create Your Personal Glamour
With so many lip product choices, you can create many different looks - high drama, natural-looking, subtle or bold. Lips can be accentuated and even reshaped depending on the application and products used. Consider not only the color you enjoy but the natural state of your lips.
Do you need a more hydrating product? Or do your lips tend to be naturally dry? Identifying issues like these will help guide your product choices. Enjoy sampling different lip makeup formulas and creating your own glamourous looks.