Makeup Artist’s Guide To 9 Different Types Of Lipsticks

Ever found yourself standing in front of a makeup aisle, surrounded by a sea of lipsticks in every imaginable texture and lipstick shade, wondering which one is the perfect fit for you? You’re not alone. The world of lipsticks has become a labyrinth, offering everything from glossy to matte, balms to stains, nudes to reds, and just about everything in between.

Fear not. We have your lipstick game covered with a list of 9 types of lipstick. We sat down with makeup artist Ruby Hammer and asked for her top tips on choosing, applying, and making your lipstick last to achieve the perfect pout.

9 lipstick types you should know

“There are endless choices when it comes to lip colour and before making your lipstick selection you need to think about what you are wearing it for. Is it for a special occasion or a day in the office? Do you have dry lips? Do you need it to last? This will dictate which type of lipstick you should be using,” says Hammer.

Read on for a breakdown of the most popular types of lipsticks and what they are best for.

1. Matte liquid lipstick

A matte liquid lipstick has no shine, is usually rich in pigment, and provides even coverage. They should feel velvety when applied, and typically last longer than gloss formulas. “It’s important to remember to use a lip balm and then blot before application. Apply the colour using the doe foot applicator or a lip brush for precise shape and definition,” says Hammer.

2. Satin lipstick

Satin lipstick falls between matte and cream finishes, offering a balanced and natural look for the lips. This versatile type is the best lipstick for those who prefer a subtle appearance but can also be layered over other colours for a more dramatic effect.

Joli Rouge Satin Refill has a range of 16 lipstick shades, spanning from brown lipstick to coral lipstick. The formula not only provides full coverage but also soothes, hydrates, and nourishes, making it ideal for nourishing dry lips.

You can also purchase the new eco-friendly Joli Rouge Reusable Lipstick Case separately.

For those who like a charismatic red look, Clarins has the best lipstick shades that suit: the Joli Rouge and Cherry Red shades.

3. Lip balm

Often regarded as the most comfortable lipstick texture to wear, lip balm hydrates and smoothes the lips, as well as offers a subtle colour payoff. Tinted lip balms are a great pick for anyone looking for subtle colour and loads of hydration.

You could also layer a lip balm under your lipstick as a primer if you have naturally dry lips or want to smooth any fine lines above the lip. Lip balms tend to wear off within 2-4 hours, so you’ll need to carry them with you if you’d like to reapply throughout the day.

If your daily routine feels incomplete without a reliable lip balm, we highly recommend trying the Natural Lip Perfector. This award-winning lip balm strikes the perfect balance—offering a sheer touch while providing just the right amount of colour.

Whether worn on its own or paired with your favourite lip shade, this nourishing formula not only gives a subtle tint of shimmering colour (choose from six shades) but also lavishes your lips with essential moisture. It’s infused with Shea Butter, enriched with Vitamin F, and a delicate vanilla scent, it’s a delightful sensory experience that elevates your lipstick routine to new heights.

If you want a balm with smoothing Raspberry Seed Oil and nourishing Shea Butter to smooth the appearance of fine vertical lines and wrinkles on the lip contour area, Extra-Firming Lip and Contour Balm is the perfect option. 

4. Glossy lipstick

If you like high-shine types of lipstick, glossy lipstick is for you. Generally, a good lip gloss formulation should be non-tacky or sticky, but it will need to be reapplied after a few hours of wear.

Our top pick for glossy lipstick? Look no further than the Lip Perfector Glow. This versatile all-in-one glossy lipstick functions as a lip balm, highlighter, and cheek tint, delivering a naturally radiant and healthy-looking glow. It has a lightweight, non-sticky texture that effortlessly smooths, comforts, and hydrates lips for a full 8 hours.

You can also use it as a buildable colour to enhance your cheeks and has a convenient applicator that also makes it travel-friendly, ensuring an on-the-go beauty solution.

5. Glitter lipstick

Want to ramp up the glam for a festival or fancy dress event (or maybe just to be extra day-to-day)? Look no further than glitter lipstick – a lip colour infused with tiny glitter particles. 

6. Lip oil

Lip oils go beyond makeup; they’re a form of lip care, offering a cushioned, cocooned effect for your lips. Some, like Clarins Lip Oil in Honey shade, even double as a lip mask. Packed with natural oils and beneficial ingredients, lip oils provide deep hydration—a perfect fusion of lip gloss and balm.

Clarins’ Lip Comfort Oil is infused with a trio of plant oils, including Organic Sweetbriar Rose oil, to revive, comfort, and protect lips. This is the best lip product type that visibly plumps your lips, ensuring all-day hydration and nourishment. With 8 sheer shades, it offers a hint of colour and a mirror-like shine for a naturally enhanced look. 

7. Lip stain

Perfect for long wear, a lip stain is a low-maintenance option, ideal for busy days. Lip stains can be creamy or matte to apply and leave a sheer stain on the lips. They are easy to wear and give a subtle colour to the lips – but like matte lipsticks, they can be drying, so always apply after a lip balm.

8. Vegan lipstick

If you’re embracing a vegan lifestyle, it’s crucial to extend that commitment to your beauty routine, opting for cruelty-free makeup choices. Thankfully, the beauty industry now offers a plethora of vegan formulas, giving you a diverse range of options to explore.

Try My Clarins LOVELY Gloss in Peach. This coral lipstick not only boasts an ultra-luminous glossy finish but also has a lightweight texture that effortlessly glides onto your lips. What makes this product even more appealing is its unique formulation with cranberry oil which nourishes and comforts your lips.

9. Waterproof lipstick

A non-budge option for the days when you’re going to be exposed to rain/tears/water, this is a fail-safe, long-lasting formula.

What lip colour suits me?

“Makeup should make you feel like the best version of yourself, so when picking lipstick shades, it is easy to discount shades and textures as ‘not for you’ before you’ve even tried them,” says Hammer.

“I fully advocate experimenting with finding the right lipstick shade for you. Start by working out your undertone (cool, warm or neutral). If you look at the veins in your wrist, cool undertones show them to be bluer, whereas warm undertones show as green. Neutral shows as a mix of the two,” she adds. 

Cool undertones suit shades with a tint of blue in them; deep reds, raspberry rose, taupe-y nudes or lavender shades will look great. If you are warm-toned, peaches, corals, oranges and terracotta/brick reds work well. “However, it’s all about the look you are trying to achieve. Find the pigment that is vibrant enough for you and wear it with confidence and you will immediately look great!”

If you are looking for the best red lipstick, read our guide: Finding the right red lipstick | Blog Optimisation | Clarins | April 2024 

How to apply lipstick

“Depending on what look you are trying to achieve, you can apply lipstick with a brush, with your fingers, or straight from the bullet,” Hammer recommends. “Apply a lip balm as part of your skincare routine and blot away when you get to working on your lips.”

“If using a brush, opt for a square-shaped tip to be able to clearly define the lip line and work into the corners of the mouth. Load the brush up generously and start by applying to the centre of the lip to see if the colour pays off, then fill in. If your lipstick tends to bleed or feather use a clear lip liner,” she continues. 

How to stop lipstick bleeding

If your lipstick tends to feather or bleed, clear lip pencils are a necessity. They create an invisible border on your lips, preventing the lipstick from smudging onto your skin.

Consider using a product like the Lip Definer, available in four shades to complement all your lipsticks. This smoothly gliding pencil enhances the lip contour with an ultra-precise line and prolongs lipstick wear. Enriched with Jojoba oil, its formula adds suppleness and comfort to the lips.

How to remove lipstick

If you have chosen a long-lasting lipstick, it can be tricky to remove. Apply a lip oil and wait a couple of minutes before swiping with a damp flannel. This should leave your lips feeling clean and fresh.

In general, you can use a gentle like One-Step Facial Cleanser to remove make-up and restore skin radiance in a single step.  

Shop related products