When you’re not so clued up in the make-up field, choosing a lipstick may seem tricky as the variety available on the market is unbelievably wide. Before selecting a colour to suit you, it is important that you know the formula you’re after. The finish of lipstick you go for is a very personal choice as not every texture works for everyone. When searching for a lipstick, you may be after one with a lot of coverage or maybe you just want a wash of colour; some people require one that provides moisture, others do not mind. It is entirely up to you. You may have to play around a bit until you find one that you feel comfortable with.
To aid in your decision, here is a breakdown of finishes you may consider:
Matte
Matte lipsticks have absolutely no shine at all and give a flat colour. Due to the lack of shine or gloss, they have the tendency to make your lips appear dry and dehydrated. It is important that your lips are well prepped beforehand if you are going to be wearing a lipstick with this finish otherwise it may accentuate any fine lines and any dryness that you may have. A matte lipstick will definitely give you the most coverage out of all the different finishes available and due to its formula, it will also be very long lasting. This finish is good if you’re going for a sophisticated and classy look and is great for creating retro looks.
Example: MAC Matte lipstick range
Sheer or Glaze
Sheer or glaze finishes are great for a natural look or where you want your natural lip colour to show through as they provide a glossy, sheer wash of colour. Note that this type of lipstick does not offer intense colour, it really just adds a hint of colour. The coverage is not as long lasting as a matte lipstick obviously, but it will last longer than your typical lip gloss. This finish is especially good if you like to apply your make-up on-the-go as not much precision is needed during application.
Example: Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick or MAC Glaze lipstick range
Satin/Cream
In terms of coverage, satin lipsticks are very similar to matte lipsticks. The difference between a matte and a satin finish is that satin lipsticks contain more emollients. This means that you can get similar colour durability to a matte lipstick but with added moisture without looking shiny. A satin or cream finish tends to vary from brand to brand, with some providing more rich formulas than others and different levels of coverage.
Example: MAC Satin lipstick range, Wet'n'Wild Mega Last Lip Color range, YSL Rouge Volupte Lipsticks, Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipsticks
Frost
If you’re looking for a lipstick with a shiny, metallic finish then you might be after a frosted lipstick. Frosted lipsticks have an added touch of shimmer to the colour and generally provide an opaque coverage. They are good if you want a shiny appearance without using lip gloss.
Example: MAC Frost lipstick range
I hope this has helped somebody out there who is clueless when it comes to choosing a lipstick. Believe me, once you've found the right finish then taking making a colour choice becomes easier. Try testing out different lipsticks to see which one you like the most. Eventually you’ll find one to suit you.
I really like lipsticks with a satin finish. For those daily lipstick wearers out there, which finish is your favourite?
When you’re not so clued up in the make-up field, choosing a lipstick may seem tricky as the variety available on the market is unbelieva...
