Types of Lipstick: A Guide to 7 Types of Lipstick

Lipstick is a makeup product made of colored pigments formulated to enhance the look and texture of your lips. Most lipsticks come in a small tube that reveals a colored, crayon-like product when twisted upward. While many lipstick shades mimic the natural colors of lips, makeup artists use bold and bright colors—like classic red lipsticks—to make lips stand out.

Lipstick contains three main ingredients: color pigment, wax, and oil. Different types of lipsticks use a varying ratio of these ingredients to create distinct textures and finishes for different makeup looks. Some of the varieties of lipsticks include:

1. 1. Cream: As a hydrating and nourishing lipstick, cream lip products are ideal if you have naturally dry lips. Formulated with a higher concentration of wax, cream lipsticks create a protective coating that lasts throughout the day. The finish of a creamy lipstick is between a glossy and matte look, giving the lips a slight shine.
2. 2. Frosted: Formulated with ingredients like glitter, frosted lipstick reflects the light, making your lips glisten and appear more voluminous. You can use frosted lipstick to dress up a nighttime look or mix it with a DIY lip balm to add a shimmery effect to your lips.
3. 3. Glossy: Known for their lustrous glow that mimics lip glosses, glossy lipsticks create a smooth and shiny effect on the lips. Gloss lipsticks come in a range of colors, from neutral tones to vibrant and bright hues.
4. 4. Matte: Due to its low oil content, matte lipstick has a high staying power. As a long-wearing lip color, you can apply matte lipstick once, and it will last throughout the day, smudge-free. The signature shine-free look of matte lipsticks can make your lips feel dry, so opt for a matte lipstick that contains moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E and aloe to keep your lips hydrated.
5. 5. Sheer: Since sheer lipsticks contain a higher concentration of oils than matte or cream lipsticks, they are more hydrating and moisturizing for the lips. However, the oils in sheer lipsticks can result in feathering or cause the color to smear off throughout the day, so you may have to touch up sheer lipstick more often. Sheer lipsticks also contain fewer colored pigments and tints, so opt for sheer lipstick if you want a natural makeup look with a subtle lip shine.
6. 6. Stains: Also known as lip tints, lip stains are liquid lipsticks that create a long-lasting color stain on the lips. While lip tints are similar to the consistency of lip gloss, they dry into a sheer stain. Some lip tints can make your lips feel dry, so apply a moisturizing lip balm before using a lip tint.
7. 7. Tinted balms: Nourishing tinted lip balms help keep the delicate skin on your lips from drying out. Packed with hydrating and protective ingredients—such as coconut oil, vitamin E, and sometimes sunscreen—these moisturizing lipsticks are great for everyday wear. Consider using a tinted balm with SPF to protect your lips from the UV rays during the summertime, or use a tinted balm year-round if you have dry lips.

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