Lipstick Diaries: Different Lipstick Finishes

Choosing a lipstick hue can sometimes be an arduous task but figuring out the finish you’d like is half the battle won already. Take your pick from creamy, metallic, velvety, glossy, and matte or wear them all! Lipstick is the most loved makeup product for a reason: it’s fun and the easiest one to apply!

Kylie Jenner has been a huge proponent of the matte trend, as evidenced by her numerous matte lippie launches. While this lip finish is bold and especially photogenic, it also requires that your lips be in perfect condition. Make sure lips are exfoliated, and completely devoid of any lip balm or oil so that the product can adhere properly onto your lips. Any remnants of oil or saliva will break down the formula.

If you’re looking to add volume to your pout, then this one’s the way to do it—fast. Adding high wattage shine creates the illusion of a fuller lip, and choosing a nude hue will further pump up the volume. In order to wear this look well, it’s really important to prep lips as any dryness will definitely show. To create a smooth lip surface, try the age-old remedy of running a moist toothbrush up and down on lips. This will dislodge any dry skin, and make gloss application a breeze.

Cream formulations are the most ideal because they glide on easily, and keep lips comfortably hydrated. In nude hues, they’re the most natural-looking lippies—totally in the MLBB category.

If you’re craving for a somewhat matte look but aren’t ready to sacrifice hydration, Velvet is your best bet. It comes across as a matte (looks-wise) but provides a better comfort level because it can still budge.

This is a finish that not everyone can pull off. Keep in mind that this finish tends to look strange in certain lighting so it’s best to road-test which one works for you before heading out. It looks especially dramatic when topped with a swipe of clear gloss.

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