A good lipstick can have transformative powers - a quick swipe is the easiest way to look polished and put together. Whether you’re going for a natural look, bold and dramatic, or just looking for a pop of colour, all you need is the right type of lipstick in your makeup kit to achieve it.
However, it’s hard not to get overwhelmed by all the different types of lipstick out there. From matte to glossy, liquid to bullet, topped off with all the different trends, shades and formulations, the choices available online are enough to make anyone scroll through shopping apps for hours. But don’t worry, the right shade of lipstick is out there, and we’ve created a simple guide to help you find yours.
Lipstick types by finish
1. Matte:
Need a lipstick that will stand the test of time? Or at least withstand dinner and a glass of wine? You can always count on matte lipsticks. Known for their long-lasting colour and intense pigments, matte lipsticks are the perfect choice for creating a saturated, statement look. However, given that they focus on pigments and do not have an oil or buttery base, they can be drying for your lips. If you can handle a matte feel, these are ideal for people looking online to order lipsticks that are high on pigment, transfer minimally, and last long.
2.Creamy:
Creamy lipsticks effortlessly glide onto your lips, offering a smooth and buttery finish. Popular in the beauty world as crème lipsticks, they are formulated with a higher wax component to give you the perfect blend of colour and nourishment. They may not last as long as matte lipsticks and may even require a frequent touch up, but these lipsticks are great for those looking for a hydrated, non-drying lip feel.
3. Semi-matte:
What exactly are semi-matte lipsticks? Imagine the smudge-free and long-lasting goodness of matte lipsticks combined with the non-drying freshness of creamy formulations – that's semi-matte. Relatively pigmented and transfer-proof, semi-matte lipsticks offer no compromise when it comes to comfortable wear.
4. Metallic:
Glam it up like Maddy from Euphoria with vibrant lipsticks infused with metallic pigments that give your lips a unique chrome-like finish. Metallic lipsticks are often fashioned with a lip liner to separate them from your skin, so make sure you hone your lip makeup skills before investing in one.
5. Sheer:
Soft and subtle, sheer lipsticks are our go-to choice for completing any no-makeup makeup look. They’re incredibly lightweight and moisturising, and leave your lips looking like a plumper, more glowing version of themselves.
6. Vinyl:
Unlike actual vinyls, this lip trend is anything but vintage. One of the newest additions to the beauty industry, vinyls are a mix of lipsticks and lip glosses that offer a high-shine lacquer-style finish, leaving your lips looking as full and perfectly glazed as a sugar-coated doughnut.
Lipstick types by formulation
1. Bullet lipsticks:
Classic, easy, precise and portable - bullet lipsticks appear in every celebrity ‘What’s in my bag?’ video. You know you can always rely on them, especially when you’re getting ready in the back of a cab. You can easily find all types of lipstick textures, from creamy to matte, available in this style.
2. Liquid lipsticks:
Designed to give a long-lasting finish and intense pigmentation, liquid lipsticks have gained immense popularity in the last few years. They’re available in various finishes, including matte, glossy, and metallic.
3. Lip stains:
Formulated with water-based ingredients, lip stains are designed to provide a long-lasting, sheer wash of colour that feels exceptionally light and comfortable on your lips.
4. Peel off lip stains:
Here’s another viral trend from TikTok, and one that all ASMR enthusiasts love. Peel off lip stains come in a liquid form, and post drying they leave a stained layer on top of your lips. Simply peel off the top layer to reveal a vibrant and long-lasting colour that stays smudge-free for as long as eight to twelve hours.
There are countless styles, shades, and types of lipstick in the beauty world, and finding the right match for you can be an exciting and fun way to experiment with your style, preferences, and personality. If you’re looking to order lipstick online, browse through our diverse collection at Tira.