Choosing the right lip look is about more than just looking gorgeous. It’s also about aligning your appearance with the occasion, desired look, and personal style. For example, you may want a natural lip tint for a job interview, a matte lipstick crayon for a wedding, and a shimmery lipstick or lip plumper gloss for a night out on the town. Of course, to polish any of these looks, a lip liner is the perfect compliment. Not sure which product to choose as you’re rummaging through your makeup bag? We’ve got you. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular lip products so you can make the best choice no matter where the day or night takes you.
Understanding Different Lip Products
Before deep diving into the benefits and pro tips associated with all of the fabulous lip products you can use to match your mood, look, and occasion, let’s break down the differences between them.
Lip Tint
Are you in a low-maintenance mood yet still want a pop of color? Go for a lip tint. Unlike traditional lipsticks or lip glosses, which can be more opaque and creamy, lip tints are often more lightweight and have a sheer, almost satin finish. They can give a natural-looking hint of color and are usually known for their subtlety and nourishment. Lip tints come in various forms, including liquids, gels, and balms, and they often have a more natural finish compared to other lip products.
Lip Plumper Gloss
As the name suggests, a lip plumper gloss makes your lips look fuller and more volumized. Some lip plumpers work by causing a mild, temporary irritation that increases blood flow to the lips, making them look more plump. Others use hydrating ingredients like peptides and hyaluronic acid to make lips appear fuller, which is preferable for the long-term health and sometimes long-term plumping benefits of the skin on your lips! Remember that the effects are usually temporary and only last for a few hours, so you’ll need to reapply the gloss to maintain the plumped appearance.
Lip Liner
A lip liner helps define the edges of your lips, which provides a more precise and polished look. It usually comes in pencil, pen, or pot form and is applied around the outer edges of your lips before applying lipstick, crayon, tint, or gloss. The goal of a liner is to help prevent your lipstick from feathering or bleeding outside the lip line.
Lipstick
Fun fact: Lipstick goes back to around 3500 BCE, but the first commercially produced lipstick was invented in 1884 by the French cosmetic company Guerlain. As you likely already have several hues in your makeup bag, you know the goal is to add color and texture. It typically comes in a stick form but can also be found as a liquid, gel, pencil, or even a lipstick crayon. It can vary widely in finish, from matte to glossy, and in its range of colors, from subtle nudes to vibrant reds. Beyond just adding color, some lipsticks are formulated to hydrate, plump, or protect the lips.
Achieving a Natural Look with Lip Tint
Regular use of a lip tint is an easy way to keep your lips looking hydrated, fresh and vibrant while being a low-maintenance option. It simplifies your makeup application while giving you a polished and put-together appearance in seconds.
Application: As the coverage is light, gently exfoliate your lips to ensure a smooth surface. Then, use the applicator to swipe the tint evenly across your lips, blending with your fingertip or a brush for a seamless finish. To intensify the color, build up additional layers, allowing each to fully set before applying the next.
Add Volume with Lip Plumper Gloss
A lip plumper gloss enhances the fullness of your lips, instantly giving them a fuller and more defined appearance. It’s typically formulated with hydrating ingredients that help keep your lips moisturized and smooth.
Application: First, ensure your lips are clean and dry. Next, use the applicator wand to swipe a generous layer of gloss evenly across your lips. For best results, press your lips together to spread the product and enhance the plumping effect. If you want more precision, apply the gloss along the edges and fill in the center with a lip brush.
Define Your Lips with Lip Liner
A lip liner defines your lips and prevents lipstick from feathering, ensuring a clean and polished look. It also extends the wear of your lip color, making it last longer throughout the day.
Application: To find the right lip liner shade, choose a color that closely matches your lipstick or is slightly darker to enhance definition. Alternatively, opt for a neutral shade that blends well with your natural lip color for a versatile and seamless look. To blend lip liner with other lip products, apply the liner first and then use a lip brush to gently blend the edges with your lipstick for a smooth transition. For a natural look, choose a lip liner that matches or is slightly darker than your lipstick to avoid stark lines.
Create Definition with a Lipstick or Lipstick Crayon
Lipstick offers a wide range of finishes (matte, satin, glossy) and is a staple in most makeup routines — likely yours! It comes in numerous colors and formulations to suit different preferences, occasions, and skin tones.
Application: To apply different types of lipstick, start with a liner to define and shape your lips. For a matte finish, use a lipstick applicator or brush for precise application, and blot with tissue to set.
Whether you’re going for a bold statement, a soft and subtle touch, or something in between, the right lip color and style can complement your outfit, enhance your mood, and make you feel fabulous!
Remember, when choosing a lip color and type, the key is to consider the event, your personal style, and the impression you want to make. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades, finishes, and techniques. From classic reds and elegant nudes to trendy shades and playful glosses, there’s a lip look for every moment in your life. So, be adventurous, be open-minded, and most importantly, have fun with your lip looks!
