A GLOSSary of popular lipstick formulas
Beauty trends may come and go but our obsession with luscious lips is eternal! Although lipsticks have been used since ancient times, the beauty industry's recent boom in popularity gave rise to perfected formulas and new finishes.
@cinesupreme wearing a combination of clear lip gloss and loose glitter pigment
If you're just getting started in your beauty journey, coming face-to-face with different kinds of terms for these lipstick formulas may seem daunting with the many finishes and effects they offer. To help you understand these formulas a little better, here's a brief glossary and description of popular lipstick formulas available on the market right now.
A GLOSSary of popular lipstick formulas:
Cream
Cream or Creme formulas have higher wax components than most and has a slightly glossy finish to it. Its color payoff is quite opaque, plus the formula's creamy texture is also moisturizing and comfortable to wear on the lips.
Source: @remic_organic (IG)
Frosted
Frosted finishes leaves a reflective, iridescent sheen to the lips giving it an icy or "frosty" look. Frosted lipsticks were all the rage in the early 2000s, being worn by the biggest stars of the time such as Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and Christina Aguilera. Frosted lipstick formulas now have even finer pearlescent particles which offer a more reflective and brighter look than ever before.
Source: @runway.rouge (IG)
Glossy
As its name suggests, glossy finishes, add shine to the lips leaving a slick and wet finish; perfect for those who want a plump pout. Although glosses give lips that juicy look, most formulas tend to be on the stickier side making things like hair stick to it incessantly. Something to consider if you're thinking of getting your own lip gloss.
Source: Gabb Tapic from pexels.com
Matte
Opposite to gloss are matte finishes that have no shine or luster at all. These formulas are known for its opacity, smoothness, and longevity. A few modern formulations of matte lippies even have a 24-hour claim that can weather any lip-related storm.
Source: @mattelipsticc (IG)
Metallic
Metallic finishes make lips look as if it's made out of precious metals like gold and silver. Mostly worn as a topper to other lipstick formulas, metallics add that extra luxurious oomph to your makeup look.
Source: @phreshpaintbeauty (IG)
Satin
Much like its fabric namesake, a satin finish gives lips a shiny look and a soft, cushiony feel thanks to the high oil content in its formula. Although not as opaque as other finishes, satin lipsticks are definitely buildable until you achieve the shade that you desire.
Source: @anlove.makeup (IG)
Sheer
Sheer finishes are comparable to lip balms but tinted with pigments that add very subtle hue on the lips. Sheer lipsticks are meant to be worn as a slight wash or flush of color that add a healthy glow. It won't fully mask the lips like other opaque formulas would, but instead give them a natural and effortless shine.
Source: Shiny Diamond from pexels.com
Stain
Lip stains usually come in the form of liquids and gels; formulated in a way where pigments in the product are absorbed by the skin. This formula leaves a long-lasting and pigmented "stain" as opposed to forming a layer of product over the lips like most lipsticks do.
Source: @anastasiabeverlyhillsit (IG)
Tint
Much like lip stains, lip tints are meant to stain or "tint" the lips with a wash of red or pink hues. However, tints tend to be less pigmented than stains and fade much quicker; which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Tints can give lips that subtle touch of color and is perfect for an everyday look.
Source: @_cherie_ground_ (IG)
Velvet
Velvet finishes are like matte lipsticks with an ever-so-slight gloss to it. Thanks to its unique formula, velvet lippies look opaque and soft much like the plush fabric it is named after.
Source: @_cherie_ground_ (IG)
Now you can start shopping for that type of lipstick you've been thinking of. You can thank this writer later.