Different Types of Lipstick Makeup
Selecting a lipstick is not always about the shade. With an array of lipstick formulas, each designed to create a unique finish and effect, your search for the perfect lipstick goes beyond just picking a shade. This guide on different types of lipstick outlines every aspect of this lip makeup product, starting from texture to finishes, and more! Discover various lipstick shades, formulas, finishes and let your lips do the talking!
Lipstick Type |
Finish |
Best For |
Creamy Lipstick |
Satin, lightly luminous |
Everyday wear, dry lips |
Matte Lipstick |
Velvety, shine-free |
Special occasions, all-day wear, oily skin |
Glossy Lipstick |
High-shine, reflective |
Weekend looks, layering over other lipsticks, enhancing lip size |
Sheer/Satin Lipstick |
Subtle, natural |
No-makeup makeup days, casual outings, dry lips |
Liquid Lipstick |
Matte or glossy |
All-day wear, special events, bold looks |
Bullet Lipstick |
Wide range of finishes (creamy, matte, satin) |
All occasions, depends on the specific finish |
Lip Crayon |
Creamy or matte |
Defining lips, creating fuller looks, on-the-go touch-ups |
Lip Tint |
Natural, long-lasting |
Natural look, long wear, no-budge color |
Types of Lipsticks
With so many different types of lipsticks to choose from, there is a lipstick out there for everybody. And we have listed all the types of lipsticks here for you. Consider your skin tone, undertone and pick one based on your mood and preference.
1. Sheer or satin lipstick
Sheer or satin lipsticks deliver soft and hydrated look and are perfect for your no-makeup makeup days. These lipstick formulas add a light wash of colour to your lips that you can build up by layering. These lipstick formulas are enriched with moisturizing ingredients to keep your lips supple and hydrated throughout.
2. Liquid lipstick
Liquid lipstick are enriched with high-pigmentation and budge-proof formula that provides an intense color payoff that lasts all day, even with eating, drinking, and daily wear. Liquid lipsticks are usually offered in matte or shiny finishes, allowing you to choose the look you want. With an innovative formula, Maybelline New York Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick gifts you a bold matte finish that won't fade or smudge for up to 16 hours.
3. Creamy lipstick
Creamy lipsticks boast the hydration of a satin lipstick and the look of a matte lipstick. These types of lipsticks glide onto your lips with ease and have more coverage than sheer or satin lipsticks. Try the Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipstick. This lipstick makeup delivers a vibrant lip colour while the shea butter-infused formula keeps your lips moisturized all day long.
4. Matte lipstick
Looking for a lipstick with intense pigmentation and longevity? Get yourself a matte lipstick. Consider using Maybelline Ultimattes Lipstick. Its lightweight blurring formula delivers high-impact color results and a supremely matte finish. Color your lips without drying it out.
5. Glossy lipstick
If you are immediately drawn to the thick and sticky lip gloss you wore in middle school, you would be happy to note that lip glosses have come a long way. If you want your lips to have a wet or glass-like finish, this is the lipstick makeup for you. Lip glosses have light to medium opacity and low staying power. But the good part is that they keep your lips well hydrated all day long. You can even layer lip glosses on top of other types of lipstick to add some dimension and shine to your lipstick makeup. Rely on Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss, as its hyaluronic acid-formula elevates the hydration content in your lip, giving it a super juicy appearance and a soft hue.
6. Frosted or metallic lipstick
Frosted lipsticks were all the rage in the 90s, on and off the red carpet and runways. Frosted or metallic lipsticks reflect light and make your lips glisten and sparkle, which in turn also makes them look plumper and fuller. Some of these lipsticks also contain tiny flecks of shimmer or glitter that add extra shine to your lips and make them look like molten metal. If you are interested in flaunting this lipstick makeup, remember to moisturize your lips beforehand since these lipsticks can also get dry and crack your lips.
7. Tinted lip balm
Lip balms are a must-have lipstick makeup product, especially if you are prone to having dry and chapped lips. If you find yourself reaching for your lip balm very often, why not get one that also adds a beautiful colour to your lips, for a shade that makes them look like your lips but better. The Maybelline Baby Lips Loves Color Lip Balms are infused with colour pigments to add a subtle flush of colour to your lips along with the moisturization. These lip balms are like lip tints or stains with hydration!
8. Lip stains or lip tints
Lip stains or tints are great for when you want to add a flush of colour to your lips without adding any sensation of wearing lipstick. Lip tints are usually super long-lasting and can come in a variety of pigmentation levels, from almost sheer and natural-looking to vibrant and bold. Lip stains and tints are very low maintenance as they do not require any touch-ups throughout the day. For best results, use Maybelline Super Stay Teddy Tint. Its transfer-proof formula delivers blurred matter lip color that stays for up to 12 hours and leaves you with a plush light feel.
9. Bullet lipstick
The original of lip color, bullet lipstick is still a staple for a reason. From creamy to velvety matte, there's a bullet lipstick for everyone and every occasion. Its easy, twist-up design makes application easy (for beginners as well as pros).
10. Lip liner
Lip liners increase the longevity of your lipstick makeup, prevent your lipstick from bleeding or feathering, fill in any cracks you might have in your lips, help you define or create the cupid’s bow, and can also be used to overline your lips to make them look bigger and fuller. So, the next time you reach for your favourite type of lipstick, remember to first outline and fill in your lips with a lip liner.
11. Lip crayons
Love the fine strokes of lip liner and color payoff of a lipstick? Enjoy the best of both worlds in lip crayons. These are easy-to-use and typically formulated with a creamy, blendable texture that glides on easily. Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon is a matte crayon lipstick that ensures precise application and lasting performance for up to 8 hours.
Now that you know about almost all the types of lipstick finishes and formulas, let’s help you find the right type of lipstick.
How to choose the best type of lipstick for you?
Here's a guide to help you choose the best lipstick type based on your needs:
• Consider your priorities
Long-lasting: Do you prefer a long-lasting performance and a comfortable feel? Go for matte lipsticks that don’t dry out your lips.
Comfortable wear: Prefer comfort over everything? Select creamy lipsticks or hydrating lip blam or tip tints.
• Factor in your lip skin type
If you have dry lips, creamy or hydrating lipstick formulas are your best bet. For oily skin, matte lipsticks may be more appealing.
• Identify your lip shape
Thin lips: Light to medium shades, nudes with a peachy or pink hue, glossy or satin finishes, suits people with thin lips
Fuller lips: Bold reds, berries, plums, and matte finishes are ideal for those with fuller lips
Heart-shaped lips: Go for bright pinks, reds, corals, or any shade that suits your natural skin tone
Round Lips: Deep plums, berries, browns complement people with round-shaped lips
• Consider the occasion
Everyday ear: Creamy lipsticks, tinted lip balm
Work: Neutral shades in creamy or matte finishes or lip tints
Special occasions: Matte liquid lipsticks, bold shades like classic reds, berries, or plums in matte or satin finishes
This guide covers almost all types of lipstick formulas and finishes. Read the details carefully and select lip makeup products as per your preference.
If you are still unsure about the shades or finishes, check out the new Maybelline Virtual-Try-On tool. With this tool, you can virtually play with all the different types of lip makeup, eye makeup, and face makeup products from the comfort of your home.
For more information on different lip makeup inspo, visit our lip makeup ideas and tips and be a beauty aficionado.