From The Straits Times    |

lipstick finishes

Photo: _kindacool / Instagram

With such an enormous amount of lipstick shades available for us to play around with, it’s easy to forget that there are so many different kinds of finishes and formulas we have to choose from as well. But it can be confusing if you don’t know which formula best suits the makeup look you’re going for. Do you want your lipstick to look sheer and natural or completely matte and bold?

It’s pretty much like choosing a suitable foundation finish for your skin type. Do you prefer a matte finish for shine-free skin or a dewy finish for that healthy glow?  

Whether you prefer lipsticks with a velvety texture or a whole lot of shine, the choice of finish you go for makes every bit of difference to your entire look.

It may seem extremely daunting to test out different formulas you’re not accustomed to, which is why we have created a guide on which lip colours work best in the various finishes. We’ve also included a list of our very own editor’s picks from the Guardian Health and Beauty 2018 Awards and fan-favourite lip products you can try out without breaking the bank.

For the full list of winning products, visit https://www.guardian.com.sg/hba-awards

 

ALSO READ: 9 FEEL-GOOD AND GUILT-FREE ECO-FRIENDLY BEAUTY BUYS FROM GUARDIAN THAT WILL KEEP YOU GOING BACK FOR MORE

 

Matte

matte lipsticks

Photo: fentybeauty / Instagram

The matte formula is well-known for its long-lasting wear time and full opaque colour. With matte lipsticks, you can get intense colour-payoff and it packs quite a bold punch to your overall makeup look. As the formula can get very drying, especially with liquid lipsticks, it’s best to moisturise and exfoliate your lips to prevent them from flaking.  

Best lip colours: Since the matte formula works well with darker and brighter colours, such as reds, pinks and purples, you can’t go wrong with a matte red lip. Due to the non-shiny finish, red is the perfect eye-catching lip colour.

Silkygirl Matte Lip Cream

Photo: Red Mart

Try out our editor’s pick: Silkygirl Matte Junkie Lip Cream in 08 Artsy ($11.90), which is a gorgeous red shade that you can pair with minimal makeup to let your lips do all the talking.

Revlon matte balm

Photo: Red Mart

If you find reds a little too overbearing, the Revlon Matte Balm in 225 Sultry ($20.90) is a muted berry colour that you can wear every day. As it comes in a chubby stick, this lippie is easy to apply without the use of a lip liner and will not bleed or feather.

 

Stain

lip stain

Photo: heybiblee / Instagram

Lip stains are very much like upgraded versions of sheer lipstick formulas. You can opt for a natural wash of colour or you can build it up by applying additional layers for more intense colour. They are also good alternatives to matte formulas as they last very long without requiring any touch-ups.

Best lip colours: Lip stains often look best in pink, coral or reddish hues. Darker colours can go on slightly patchy and usually end up looking messy on the lips.

Skinfood tomato tint

Photo: Skinfood

With the Skinfood Tomato Tint Lipstick in #04 ($11.50), you can add a simple pop of rosy colour to your ‘no-makeup’ makeup look. This lip tint is also moisturising and adds a subtle shine to your lips.

 

Cream

cream lipsticks

Photo: lilymaymac / Instagram

Cream-textured lipsticks typically fall in between a matte lipstick and a lip gloss, boasting high colour pay-off with a glossy or shiny finish. These lippies glide on smoothly and feel extremely hydrating on the lips. However, since they don’t dry down like matte lipsticks, you may experience some bleeding or smudging if you’re not careful.

Best lip colours: Cream lipsticks work well in a wide range of shades, from light nudes to dark bold shades.

l'oreal paris colour riche shine

Photo: L’Oreal Paris

The L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Shine On Lipstick ($20.90) delivers a smooth, lacquer finish and is enriched with a mix of French rose oil and shiny pearl properties melted with coconut water. For daily wear, choose a warm, rosy nude such as #905 or if you want something more dramatic, go all out with this dark berry in #908.

Revlon super lustrous lipstick

Photo: Revlon

Alternatively, you can reach out for the fan-favourite Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick ($18.90), which is formulated with Liquisilk to seal in colour and softness. The lipstick goes on thick and creamy and you only need one swipe to achieve full pigmentation. Add in a matching lip liner to ensure your lipstick won’t bleed or feather.

 

ALSO READ: 4 NEW LIP FINISHES TO UPDATE YOUR LOOK

 

Coach ID Lanyard
Now $75
Original price: $168
Shop Now
Jabra Elite 4 Wireless Earbuds
Now $88
Original price: $162
Shop Now
BaByliss Air Pro 2300
Now $63
Original price: $144
Shop Now
Abib Collagen Eye Patch
Now $19
Original price: $35
Shop Now