Law #13: FIND YOUR PERFECT LIPSTICK
Lip products are often the first place we start our makeup journey—usually around middle school. A lipgloss is easy enough to wipe off before you get home after school. Not that we condone not listening to your parents, of course.
Famous people like Cleopatra and even George Washington were said to have worn lipstick. It’s certainly had its fair share of controversy and, at one point, was even seen as an unfair advantage in landing a husband. Today we call that catfishing or filters, lol.
Lipstick is one of those fun places to experiment with your look. If you don’t like it, you can simply wipe it off and start over. Be bold! It’s just lipstick. Today, we help you find your perfect lipstick.
Satin and sheer lipsticks. For those that prefer an understated look or dislike a heavy feeling on their lips, this formulation is perfect. Out of the tube, it may look the same as any other lipstick. But unlike matte or opaque lipstick, sheer lipstick will deliver a subtle wash and lots of moisture. You will need to reapply this one more often as it fades quickly. Although most sheer lipsticks tend to be on the glossy side, this one is a unique sheer matte formula.
Cream. This wax-centric formula was designed to be highly protective of the delicate lip skin. It falls between the long-lasting matte family and the hydrating gloss family. As such, it doesn’t deliver a high-shine look but can be topped with gloss to achieve that.
Gloss. The main difference between lipstick and lipgloss is, as you already know, the highly glossy look it leaves on your lips. Invented by Max Factor in the 1930s, this forgiving formula gives you flirty, hydrated lips but will have to be reapplied often as it fades quickly. You can opt to wear solo or layer it over lipstick to finish things off. A tried and true trick is to dab the center of your lower lip with a bit of gloss for a pouty effect.
Matte. This essential type will give you the highest color payoff, staying power, and opacity of all the formulas. It delivers a smooth, even texture if your lips are hydrated and healthy. If you suffer from dry lips, the intensity can cling to dry bits of skin and dry out your lips even more. It is on the total opposite end of the lipstick game from a gloss. These are designed to be shine-free.
Stain. Designed to mimic that luscious just-ate-a-juicy-popsicle look, lip stains are meant to do just that. Stain the lips. Most lipsticks start with waxes and oils as a base and then add their pigment. A stain will usually start with water or gel, and then sometimes alcohol is added, which makes the dry down very fast. In other words, you need to work quickly with a lip stain. They are a good option for mask-wearing as the color transfer isn’t as bad. The application is also very different than lipstick, often with a sponge tip applicator in a tube. But be warned, this is not a forgiving gloss. Mistakes will stain for a while, hence the name.
Liquid lipstick. These became insanely popular a few years ago, with the ease of a lipgloss applicator and the opacity and staying power of a matte lipstick. The color choices are vast with liquid lipsticks, but they aren’t for the faint of heart. They are extremely long-lasting and, as such, can be drying. They are a beautiful option for nude lips as the intensity defies the faded corpse look.
Demi matte. We had to include Huda’s formulation for this category as she is the owner of National Lipstick Day, and we support any woman who goes for hers. Her team wanted it to be saturated in pigment (like matte lipstick) but coupled with a creamy glide on application. They even added a hit of menthol for that cooling and plumping effect.
Perfect your application. Lippies are one of those categories, perhaps more than other makeup, where you can go as casual or multi-step as you like. Something like lipgloss is one of those “swipe it on” and go. You probably don’t even need a mirror. But if you are dealing with a liquid lipstick, matte or red or dark lipstick (say even black or blue), then you want to add in some extras that could include a lipstick base, lipliner, lip brush, powder-and-blot, and other advanced hacks. Finally, friends don’t let friends wander around the world with lipstick on their teeth.
Get your base correct. With darker lipsticks and matte formulations, smooth, hydrated lips are a must. If you have ever sat in a pro artist's chair, they often begin with a hydrating lip balm to prep your lips while they start on your face or eyes to give it a chance to do its work. You can also exfoliate on your own time with something like this or a gentle baby toothbrush with a bit of water.
Start with your power duo. The options for lipstick may seem endless, so start with two. First, find your perfect nude. It seems simple enough, but the wrong nude can completely wash you out and make the poutiest of lips disappear from your face. The second shade to add to your arsenal is your perfect red lipstick. Red is a power color and can give you that instant boost of confidence. According to this expert, there are four bases that start a red lipstick. We suggest that with both of these shades, a lip liner is crucial. You can opt for a clear lip liner to lock the edges and prevent feathering. You may also choose a color liner to add depth and dimension (looking at you, Nude), or to have another layer of color should your lipstick start to fade as the day goes on (looking at you, Red.)
Shop and shop some more. The only way to truly find your perfect shades is to shop around. Knowing your skin undertones will also cut some of the guesswork. You can swatch on your inner arm, but nothing will quite tell your story like slicking it on, for real. When you find it, buy multiples. You never know when something might be discontinued. Companies like this can help you try and replicate something that is no longer available. And experts say you should toss your lipstick every 12-18 months. However, if changes texture or smells funky, toss that baby out.
Take it to the next level. We love a good overline technique (hi Kylie) and an ombre trick. But if you want a little more permanent help, you can explore lip injections or something like this anti-aging lip lift.
Make your own. Explore your artistic streak and customize your lip colors. You can do so with a great palette (so great for travel options) or even explore making your very own lipstick. Who knows? You may just invent the next “it” color.
“There's something sexy about a lip with a hint of red in it.”
- Huda Kattan
"Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together."
- Elizabeth Taylor
"Evening bags should be just big enough for my phone, lipstick, house key and credit card."
- Laura Wasser
"If I had to teach someone just one thing about lip color, it would be this: Find a lipstick that looks good on your face when you are wearing absolutely no makeup."
- Bobbi Brown
"There are endless ways to enhance beauty. You never know when you will find your perfect lipstick unless you keep experimenting."
- Pat McGrath
“Red lipstick is instant glamour."
- Charlotte Tilbury
"I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick."
- Audrey Hepburn
I love lippies in every form and have an entire vanity drawer dedicated to them. My favorite red is this one from Chanel. The chic, sleek retractable packaging adds to its glam factor. As for lipgloss, I love the tingle of Buxom lipgloss. It’s just enough. I suck my index finger (in private, of course) to ensure I don’t have lipstick on my teeth. And this sleeping mask keeps my lips soft for the next day’s look.
Lipstick is one of those low-lift places to experiment and try something new. As always, don’t wear something that irritates your skin and makes you allergic. And if it just doesn’t “feel like you,” don’t let a pushy salesperson cajole you into a purchase.