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The right lipstick can really make or break your look. Period. A single swipe of the little magic wand is enough to change the way you feel and look (Read: renewed energy and confidence), and we are not debating that. So, before you begin your search for the perfect lipstick, we’ve got amazing news for you! We have a multitude of different lipstick formulas and brands to choose from and they all offer different shades to match all skin tones. Plus, there is a lipstick for every occasion, and all you need to do is identify the best one for your skin tone. So, we’re dishing out all the deets on every type of lipstick so that you can find your perfect match.
While selecting the right shade is crucial, there are several other factors that you need to consider. Depending on texture, formulation, application style, stay time, and pigment payoff, there are several different types of lipsticks for you to choose from. From the classic solid bullet to new-age lip oils, there is a formulation waiting for you. If you are finding it difficult to choose the right lipstick then read our detailed article on the different types of lipsticks available on Nykaa and which lipstick suits your needs the best.
Different Types Of Lipsticks
1. Matte Lipstick
Matte formulations are long-lasting and comfortable to wear. They are best for days when you have no time to do frequent touch-ups. Matte formulas are highly pigmented and skillfully define your lips. Perfect for all-day use, the best matte lipsticks are smudge-free, kiss-proof and waterproof.
Make a statement with the Insight Cosmetics Matte Lipstick. Available in 23 gorgeous shades, it is bold, long-lasting and pigmented.
Best For:
- Long Lasting
- Colour Pay-Off
Pro Tips:
- Matte lipsticks can be drying, so regularly moisturise your lips with a lip balm or mask and exfoliate the lips for a smooth finish.
- Apply a lip liner before you go in with the matte lipstick for a nice, clean border.
2. Creme Lipstick
Creme lipsticks have a rich buttery consistency and are highly nourishing on the lips. Standing somewhere between gloss and matte, they contain a high amount of wax and oil that gives them a creamy and velvety texture with a twinge of shine. A perfect choice for a weekend getaway or office wear, creme lipstick is an absolute must-have.
Our pick is the newly launched Kay Beauty Hydra Crème Hydrating Full Coverage Lipstick. With saturated colours and a semi-matte finish, this bullet lipstick soothes your lips, giving you an even-smooth texture
Best For:
- Hydrating Pout
- Everyday Look
Pro Tips:
- Apply 2–3 swipes for the colour to fully show.
- Creme lipsticks are not smudge-proof, so keep them handy for reapplication.
3. Lip Gloss
One coat is all it takes – count on a twinge of lip gloss to help elevate the look and feel of your ensemble. This lightweight formula is a staple in most vanities, and grants the lips a sheen that’s hard to miss!
Glam up your look with Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss which is non-sticky and is infused with hyaluronic acid offering lasting hydration. Available in 4 shades, it is best for a fuller-looking pout and glam nights.
Best For:
- Shine & Hydration
- Youthful & Y2K
Pro Tips:
- Apply a lip liner to contain the gloss and a contoured lip look.
- You can also apply a lip gloss over a matte lipstick for a long-lasting colour.
4. Lip Tint
Do you hate reapplying lipsticks? Would you rather have a natural lip look? Then lip tints are the perfect pick for you. Lip tints do not fade off easily and work perfectly for a no-makeup makeup look. You can opt for these formulae for a long-lasting and natural tinge to your lips and cheeks.
We love the new Maybelline New York Superstay Teddy Tint a nourishing formula made with the goodness of shea butter and vitamin E. Smooth to apply, it is highly pigmented and stays put for long hours.
Best For:
- No-makeup makeup looks
- Natural & dewy finish
Pro Tips:
- Apply it in the centre of your lips and smudge it around, apply a thin layer of lip gloss for a natural finish.
- You can use lip tints as a blush – simply apply a little bit on the cheeks and blend.
5. Liquid Lipstick
With sleek packaging and a doe-foot applicator, liquid lipsticks look like wands that can enhance your pouts. It has a rich formula which soon settles into a matte or semi-matte feel. The best liquid lipsticks go all day long without smudging or bleeding. However, make sure to moisturise your lips well before using liquid lipsticks to prevent lip lines.
We recommend Nykaa All Day Matte Waterproof , Transfer Proof, Mask Proof , 12H Liquid Lipstick . One of the best liquid lipsticks out there, it delivers a weightless matte finish, is available in 18 vibrant shades and promises 12-hour-long wearing comfort.
Best For:
- A bold and vibrant look
- Long-lasting and smudge-proof
Pro Tips:
- Use a lip liner before using a liquid lipstick. Apply some concealer around your lips for a more defined look.
- Wait for a few minutes for the formulation to completely dry before you touch it.
6. Sheer Lipstick
Super hydrating and moisturising, sheer lipsticks are the perfect combination of shine, colour and nourishment. They have high oil content and are translucent with fewer pigments. With a natural tinted look and subtle sheen, sheer lipsticks are the best choice for a get-together with girlfriends or a date night.
Try the Butter London Sheer Wisdom Lip Oil which offers a hint of colour and a whole lot of moisturisation. This lipstick will give you the coveted ‘just bitten’ look and pamper your pout with the nourishment it needs.
Best For:
- The natural and dewy look
- Perfect for an everyday look
Pro Tips:
- Keep reapplying sheer lipsticks throughout the day because your lips will absorb the oil.
- You can also apply sheer lipsticks over matte or cream lipsticks to add a layer of shine.
7. Lip Crayon
The smoothness and ease of application are what set lip crayons apart. These sticks are great at multitasking and provide an easy grip. Line your lips, fill in the colour or just use it with gloss, it excels at it all.
We recommend the Nykaa Matte-illicious Lip Crayon Lipstick with Free Sharpener, a matte formula which is super easy to apply and maintain. One stroke application is enough to last all day long comfortably on the lips.
Best For:
- Convenient
- High Precision
Pro Tips:
- Use the sharpened crayon as lip liner and swipe it 2–3 times for a bolder colour.
- Hold it like a pencil for precision application.
8. Tinted Lip Balm
If you still think lip balms are for care and not for colour, think again. Enter: tinted lip balms. These provide moisturisation to your lips with a hint of colour. Rich in nourishing properties, tinted lip balms give your lips a soft rosy look, and a natural flush.
We loved Lakme Lip Love Chapstick SPF 15. It is tinted, nourishing and colourful. Available in 7 fruitilicious shades, this offers 22 hours of moisturisation, leaving your lips super soft and smooth.
Best For:
- Natural finish
- Lip care with Makeup
Pro Tips:
- Keep a small brush on you to better apply the tinted lip balm and to avoid getting the pigment on your fingertips.
- Reapply as you go.
9. Lip Oils
pH-activated lip oil offers a unique shade for everyone, it reacts to your body’s natural pH level and changes colour from transparent to a spectrum of custom pinks, mauves, and peaches. It gives a natural finish and a dewy look. We recommend this homegrown brand that is dermatologically tested for hydrated lips – Typsy Beauty Shade Shifter Lip & Cheek Oil. It’s a long-lasting and ultra-hydrating formula that nourishes and softens your lips.
Best For:
- Unique colour pay-off for everyone
- Ultra hydrating
Pro Tips:
- Use a lip liner before for a glam look.
- Keep the lip oil handy for reapplication as they are not meant for a long-lasting effect.
10. Lip Stain
If you are looking for a naturally flushed look for your lips, then a lip stain might just be it. It offers a silky satiny finish that goes well with the clean-girl aesthetic. These neutral shades look perfect on skin types and skin colours. We recommend the Blue Heaven Silk & Stain Lip Stain formulated with vitamin E and jojoba oil for ultimate nourishment and hydration. Although, a light colour pay-off it is actually transfer-proof and long-lasting.
Best For:
- Natural finish and hydrating
- Perfect for a barely-there look
Pro Tips:
- You can also use it as a cheek stain for a more cohesive look.
- Apply a lip gloss
11. Lip Liner
Though not a type of lipstick, lip liners play a pivotal role in granting your lips definition, depth and dimension. They keep your lipstick within the edges and prevent it from feathering or bleeding. You can pick a lip liner to define the outline of your lips, create the cupid’s bow or just fill in the colour. We recommend SUGAR Lipping On The Edge Lip Liner With Free Sharpner, which is perfect for fuller, matte-looking lips in one single stroke. It has a gel-like texture with smudge-proof and waterproof features. Pick shade number 04- Tan Fan, if nude shade lipsticks are always your first pick.
Best For:
- Definition
- Depth
Pro Tips:
- Use a darker shade of a liner than your lipstick for a gradient look.
- Always keep it sharpened for crisp lines.
How To Make Lipstick Last Longer
- Exfoliate your lips regularly to get a smooth base to apply your lipstick and help it cling better.
- Apply a lip mask and hydrate your lips with balms or chapstick throughout the day. Since our lips don’t have any oil, sweat, or hair glands, they are incapable of moisturising themselves.
- Don’t lick, pick, tear, or pull your lips, it creates an uneven texture causing your lipstick to look rough and peel off easily.
- Use a primer before you apply your lipstick to make it last longer.
- Apply a lip liner for more definition and to avoid bleeding your lipstick.
- Use transfer-proof lipstick and apply some translucent powder on top of your lip makeup to avoid smudges.
- Use a setting spray once your face makeup is over, including your lips for a long-lasting look.
Parting Thoughts
Different types of lipsticks offer a different look with respect to pigment, longevity, and hydration. Depending on the occasion and your outfit, choose a lipstick that goes well with the vibe of the event. From long-lasting matte lipstick to hydrating tinted lip balms, from bold and vibrant liquid lipsticks to barely-there lip stains, there is lipstick waiting for everyone.
P.S. Now that you know how to select the perfect type of lipstick, read how to pick the right lipstick shade for your skin tone.
FAQ
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What are the different types of lipstick?
Here are the different types of lipstick:
- Matte
- Cream
- Liquid
- Tint
- Gloss
- Glaze
- Stain
- Sheer
- Satin
- Balm
- Crayon
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Why do I need a lip liner?
You need a lip liner before you use lipstick to create a well-defined border that avoids bleeding of your lipstick. It gives your lips definition and makes them look plumper.
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Which lipstick is best for beginners?
The best lipstick for beginners is a crayon lipstick, it offers better precision due to its shape and you can sharpen it for a more defined look.
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How to choose the correct type of lip shades?
Choose the correct lip shade according to your skin tone. If you have a warmer undertone choose deeper colours such as red, brown, maroon, and nude. If you have a cooler undertone, choose pinks, mauves, peaches, and light red.
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Can I use the different types of lipstick shades on my cheeks?
Not all lipsticks are meant to be used as cheek tints, make sure you check the packaging, if the product mentions it is safe for cheeks, go ahead, if not you might just welcome wanted acne.
