When people think of lipstick options, they often think of shades, hues and brands. That said, lipsticks are also defined by the finish they leave. In simple terms, a finish is a texture that is created by the formula of a lip product.
While glossy pink lips are perfect for a night out, you probably want a neutral lip stain to keep your look classy and subtle for your workday.
Don’t be intimidated by all the options.Check out the products of brands you already trust like BY TERRY makeupand go from there. Determine your finish, then your shade — after all, not all colours look good with the same sheen.
It’s all a lot to take in, which is why it’s helpful to consider all the different lip finishes:
Matte:
A matte finish is simple with no shine, shimmer or glitter. This finish can make for a great subtle everyday look but is also known to dry out your lips. Before applying this product, consider exfoliating your lips so that they are soft and smooth. If you skip this step, you’ll likely be left with flaky lips—which no one wants.
Gloss:
Glosses are the shiniest finish you can get because they catch light in just the right way to reflect shine. A glossy lip is flirty, feminine and fun — but beware the stickiness!
Sheer:
According to Byrdie, sheer lipsticks are the most classic of lipstick formulas. The formula is higher in oil content, which means it moisturizes your lips and dries out slower than other types of lipstick. This oil content also means it doesn’t last as long and requires more frequent application. This finish provides a subtle shine and that luscious appearance that so many striveto achieve with their lip looks.
Satin:
Bustle describes a satin finish as the middle ground between matte and cream. It’s not quite as flat and muted as a matte lip but is more subtle than a cream or a gloss.
Cream:
Cream formulas are a lot easier to apply because they glide on and tend to be packed with more moisture than other products. They contain quite a bit of wax, which helps pigment last longer and provides a textured finish with a subtle glossy sheen. Gloss:
Glosses are the shiniest finish you can get because they catch light in just the right way to reflect shine. A glossy lip is flirty, feminine and fun — but beware the stickiness!
Sheer:
According to Byrdie, sheer lipsticks are the most classic of lipstick formulas. The formula is higher in oil content, which means it moisturizes your lips and dries out slower than other types of lipstick. This oil content also means it doesn’t last as long and requires more frequent application. This finish provides a subtle shine and that luscious appearance that so many striveto achieve with their lip looks.
Satin:
Bustle describes a satin finish as the middle ground between matte and cream. It’s not quite as flat and muted as a matte lip but is more subtle than a cream or a gloss.
Cream:
Cream formulas are a lot easier to apply because they glide on and tend to be packed with more moisture than other products. They contain quite a bit of wax, which helps pigment last longer and provides a textured finish with a subtle glossy sheen.
Stain:
Lip stains literally leave a stain on your lips and tend to have a matteappearance This formula makes for a long lasting, pigmented look that will hold throughout the workday or on a night out. Stains provide minimal shine, which makes them ideal for muted looks. Lip stains are available in all kinds of colours from nudes to bold reds— they are perfect for any situation!
Outside the Box: Metallic, Velvet & Suede OH MY!
More and more, beauty brands are releasing innovative lip products with unique finishes that go beyond shiny, muted and matte. Now, unique formulas have been made to cause lipsticks to appear textured; velvet, metallic and even suede lipsticks are available on the market for those looking to get adventurous and make a statement on their next night out. If you enjoy my blog, please consider following me on Bloglovin'