Think red’s not your thing? Maybe you’re just not using the right one. There are so many formulations: stains, glosses, liquid lipsticks, crayons, balms—and that’s just the beginning. The point is, there’s a color and texture out there with your name (lip?) on it, and you should boldly go where many a bad-ass woman have gone before.

This article will help you see perfect places to start. Let’s get into it.

• What Are Some Lip Products for People Who Think They Hate Red?
• How do I Stop my Lips From Red Smudging?
• Does a Red Lip Suit Everyone?
• What Skin Tone Does Red Lipstick Suit?
• Why do People Want Red Lips?
• How Can I Make my Red Lips Look Good?
• How do You Make Lip Gloss Not Smudge?
• Are Red Lips More Attractive?
• What do Red Lips Symbolize?
• How Can I Make my Red Lips Work?
• How do You Get Rid of Red Lip Stains?
• Which Lipstick is Kiss Proof?
• Do Men Like Red Lipstick?
• What Should I Wear if I Don’t Like Lipstick?
• Do People Wear Lipstick Anymore?
• Why Should You Start Wearing Lipstick?
• What is The Lipstick Color For 2022?
• What is The Best Product For Severely Dry Lips?
• What is The Texture of Lipstick?
• Are Lip Glosses Safe?

What Are Some Lip Products for People Who Think They Hate Red?

1. NYX Super Cliquey Satin Matte Lipstick in In the Red

This click-up applicator dispenses a tear drop-shaped lipstick that’s easy to apply, even when you only have a second between meetings.

2. Honest Beauty Truly Kissable Lip Crayon in Strawberry Kiss

A product you can apply without a mirror? Yes, please! And the formula is buildable, so you can bump up the color to be as intense as you want.

3. Glossier Generation G in Zip

For the truly red-adverse, try a balm-lipstick hybrid like Glossier’s Generation G, which was designed to give the diffused effect of an already blotted finish. Plus, it feels good on your lips.

4. L’Oréal Paris x Balmain Paris Capsule Lipstick Collection in Domination

Owning a $14 piece of the uber-chic Balmain empire sounds like a sick fashion joke, but L’Oréal Paris made it happen with their impossibly cool fall lipstick collaboration. Check out the color Domination—as the name suggests, it screams “I am woman, hear me roar.”

5. Fresh Sugar Ruby Lip Treatment

For that popsicle-stained lip, look no further than these classic balms by Fresh. They’re considered a treatment because of how well they moisturize, and they even have SPF 15.

6. Pixi GelTint & SilkGloss in Muted Clay

The combo of this buildable stain and nourishing gloss is the perfect day-to-night purse essential. Wear them separately or layer them together, and don’t sleep on this super-pretty shade.

7. Huda Beauty Lip Contour in Cheerleader

Sometimes all you need is a pencil. Line your lips with this one by Huda Beauty and fill them in completely. If the matte finish feels too stark, top it with your favorite clear gloss.

8. Benefit Benebalm

The classic Benetint stain lasts for hours on end, but if you’d like to make less of a commitment to your red, try Benebalm. The base shade is the same, but it’s less intense and crazy hydrating.

9. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso

It’s hard to find a lipstick that promises 6-hour wear that doesn’t pill or fade, but Stila has cracked the code. Their signature Stay All Day formula manages to feel invisible on your lips, so you can actually forget you’re wearing it—until someone compliments you.

10. Lipstick Queen Lipstick in Medieval

This red looks deep in the tube, but it’s actually very sheer (read: wearable). Lipstick Queen founder Poppy King describes it as “sensual.” Don’t mind if we do!

How do I Stop my Lips From Red Smudging?

Every now and then, we are caught gaping at beautiful women on the telly, almost drooling at their perfectly done makeup. Those attractive eyes, the chiselled cheeks, and those rose-red lips! How do they even keep that bright and vibrant lipstick in place? And how often have we fretted over our lipstick color fading away even before the party was over?

Read Also: Juice It and Lose It: Should You Just DIY Your Next Juice Cleanse?

Here’s a very easy tutorial that will help you achieve that long-lasting, smudge-free lipstick.

STEP 1: Gently exfoliate lips with a damp washcloth and wipe them clean. Then swipe on a matte lip pencil to create an even base.

STEP 2: Dust a translucent powder along edges of lips with a powder brush to lock in the color; layer a slightly darker pencil along the lip line to create definition.

STEP 3: Apply a shiny red lip pencil to the center of top and bottom lips. (Avoid goopy glosses.) Dip a brush in concealer and run it around the outside of the lip line to clean up and sharpen edges.

Does a Red Lip Suit Everyone?

You no doubt have a friend or two (maybe even you) who says they can’t do red lipstick. Well, we’re here to tell you that not only can everyone rock a red lip, everyone can rock more than one shade!

Women who say they can’t do red lipstick generally fall into two groups: those who have been duped by big brands into thinking that their ‘iconic’ lipstick shade suits everyone; or those who have tried shades that looks amazing on a friend, but look frightening on them.

It’s not red lipstick they can’t do, it’s simply those particular shades you can’t do.

How do you find your perfect shade of red? It boils down to two three things – your skin tone, your complexion and your age.

1. Your skin tone
   We all fall into one of three skin tones – cool, warm or neutral. Once you know your skin tone, you immediately know which shades suit you … and which shades to leave well alone.
2. Your complexion
   Complexion falls into four main categories and each complexion suits different shades of red:
   – Fair skin that usually burns, then tans generally suit bold raspberry reds.
   – Medium skin that sometimes burns, but tans well generally suit wine reds and coral reds.
   – Olive skin that rarely burns and tans well generally suit orange reds and coral reds.
   – Tanned and brown skin that very rarely burns and tans well generally suit deeper wine reds, berry reds, and brick reds.
3. Your age
   Plump, youthful lips can generally pull off anything from extreme glosses and mattes, to vibrant or deep shades and even two shades/tones at the same time. As we age however, our lips get thinner and it’s time to pull back gradually to cream finishes and true reds (for those with a cool skin tone) and deeper coral reds (for those with a warm skin tone).

What Skin Tone Does Red Lipstick Suit?

A good red lipstick can make a bold statement. But with so many variations in skin tones and undertones, some trial and error is needed to find the right shade. Keep these tips in mind when shopping for your perfect red.

• Experiment, swatch, and try on various shades of red to see what you feel best in.
• Found a red that’s too bright or dark for your liking? Hold off on tossing it, as it can bring some depth to a too-light red. Or, you can also make a deep red lighter by layering on a gold lipgloss on top.
• Know that a lipstick’s texture (cream, matte, or gloss) could have an effect on the way the shade looks on your lips.
• If you aren’t ready to commit to bold red lipstick, ease into the shade with a sheer formula, or try a lip stain to gradually incorporate the color into your look.

There are a few tricks that can determine your skin’s undertone. The first is whether your skin tends to burn or tan in the sun. If you burn, you most likely have cool skin, and those who tan are probably warm. For those with light to medium skin, you can also look at your veins on your wrists: do they look blue/purple or green? Cooler skin tones will see blue or purple, while warmer skin tones will see green.

For those with dark skin, another undertone test is to hold a piece of white paper to your face in the mirror. In comparison, does your skin look more gold or yellow? If so, you have warm skin. If your skin looks more reddish or purple, you have cool skin. 

There’s also the question of what jewelry looks better on you: silver or gold? Silver looks better on cool, and gold on warm. Those with neutral skin have both undertones present, so they may have a mixture of answers that don’t necessarily fall on one side or the other.

Once you know your undertone, you can start shopping for the red lip that bests suits your skin.

For Cool Tones

For cooler skin tones, blue-based red shades are the way to go. One easy trick to tell if your red lipstick is cool-toned is by applying a light layer first. If it looks pinkish, then it’s most likely a cool color. The Nars Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil in Cruella is a deep red, perfect for holiday parties or a romantic date night.

For a more classic, everyday hue, try Tom Ford’s F*cking Fabulous Lip Color. Those with darker skin may opt for the Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Blackberry for a more natural red tint.

For Warm Tones

Warm reds boast golden or peachy undertones—think fire engine red. To find a bright shade that matches your skin, look to products like Gucci Beauty’s Rouge à Lèvres Satin in Goldie Red or the Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Lipstick in the shade Hot Emily.

Both colors give off an orange glow that won’t wash out warm skin tones. For a deeper blaze, the Nars Semi-Matte Lipstick in Shanghai Express carries subtle golden undertones with a brick red result.

For Neutral Tones

Neutral-toned individuals get the best of both worlds—from dark to light, they can wear blue-based or peach-toned reds. This means that a classic red offers a happy medium that complements neutral tones. Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored provides a top-tier color in a matte liquid formula, while YSL Beauty’s Rouge Pur Couture in No. 1 Le Rouge goes the more traditional route with a cream satin finish. Aptly named, Chanel’s Rouge Allure Ink Fusion in True Red is another timeless shade for a bold lip look.

Why do People Want Red Lips?

It all started 5000 yrs ago, women wants to woo their men by wearing red which signifies power & dominance. Like renowned Coco Chanel says “If you’re sad, add more lipstick and attack.”

Some research work mention that lips that are naturally red are a sign of fertility and health. That’s why red lips are desired and red lipstick is so common. It subconsciously triggers something in the brain that makes others think that your healthy.

Now if the rest of your face is pale it may either be the way your body skin type is. Or the may be an underlying medical issue. You may want to see your doctor, just my two cents. The decision is ultimately yours.

How Can I Make my Red Lips Look Good?

Red lipstick is classic, elegant, versatile. And with these guidelines, everyone (yes, that means you) can wear it.

Consider the lighting. “If you’re going to be outdoors, pick a softer or sheerer shade,” says Rachel Lockhart, owner of Rachel’s Makeup Studio, in Boston. “For evening, go bolder, so your features stand out.”

Avoid deep reds if you have thin lips. They tend to make lips look smaller.

Experiment with intense shades if you have strong coloring. “Natural contrast gives you more options,” says Jill Morton, head of ColorCom, a consultation agency in Honolulu, says of those with exaggerated natural coloring (for example, paper-white skin, black hair, and blue eyes).

Don’t play up your eyes. “Pair red lipstick with the lightest possible eye makeup,” says lipstick designer Poppy King. A little mascara and beige shadow will do.

Don’t toss a red lipstick in a shade that doesn’t work. “Top it with a gold gloss to warm and soften it, or add a pink gloss to take it to the bluer side,” says makeup artist Maria Verel.

Coordinate your look. Dot a little smudge of the lipstick on the apples of your cheeks, then blend it with your fingers.

Be precise. That means whether you’re using a brush or applying lipstick straight from the tube. “Red lipstick should never be applied casually in the back of a taxi,” says Verel.

Don’t use red lip liner. If it doesn’t match your lipstick perfectly (and odds are it won’t), you’ll end up with a two-tone effect. If you like using liner, find a shade that’s close to your natural lip color and use it to outline your lips.

Prevent “bleeding.” Apply a little concealer around the border of your mouth.

Avoid getting lipstick on your teeth. After applying, put your finger in your mouth, purse your lips around it, then slowly pull it out to remove excess color.

How do You Make Lip Gloss Not Smudge?

Lip gloss is quick, easy and beautiful, but it can also be sticky and smeary. Thankfully, there are simple ways to fix these problems and still enjoy your gloss.

Exfoliate First
If you don’t exfoliate first, you’re leaving dry, flaky skin instead of a smooth surface to adhere to. Our favorite (and the easiest!) way to exfoliate lips is with a toothbrush. 

Wet your toothbrush and gently brush it across your lips in a circular motion. This is just enough to slough off the dead skin without being too harsh.

Apply Foundation Underneath
It might seem strange to put foundation on your lips, but it really adds extra staying power to your lip gloss. Just lightly pat your usual foundation or concealer on top of your lips, swipe gloss over the top, and voila! Lip gloss that lasts for hours.

Use Matching Lipstick
Using a matching lipstick, especially in a matte formula, will help your gloss last longer. It will adhere to the gloss and, bonus, once the gloss wears off, you still have color from the lipstick.

Try Lip Primer
You use primer for your face and eyes, why not try it on your lips? There are primers made especially for lips, though, so make sure that’s the kind you buy. 

A good primer will give your lip gloss something to adhere to and keep it shimmering throughout the day.

Beat Stickiness
If your gloss is sticky or clumpy, try running an ice cube over the top of your lips after applying. It smooths it out and de-goops it. 

Another easy sticky fix is to dust translucent face powder over the top – not too much, or it will clump. 

Our favorite tip to beat sticky gloss? Choose a better brand! A high-quality lip gloss is less likely to be tacky and will instead leave your lips smooth, soft and shiny. 

Lip gloss doesn’t have to be banned from your repertoire. With these easy tips to beat stickiness and keep your lips shining, lip gloss can be a fun part of your makeup routine.

Are Red Lips More Attractive?

Red lips are a classic makeup look that a lot of women revert to when they need a pick me up, but do you know why it’s so popular?

The colour can split gals into two categories; those who save it for a special occasion, and those who love it so much, their lips are constantly crimson.

But there is now scientific proof that red is the best colour to wear on your lips daily, as researchers have found that it makes you seem more confident, sexy and youthful to those around you.

A study by CHANEL’s Research and development department and scientists at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, found that wearing red lips can make the wearer look younger and more attractive over time due to a thing called ‘facial contrast.’

As we age our eyes, lips, and eyebrows become paler, so by balancing this out with a striking red lip, we flatter the overall complexion and reintroduce a healthy tint to our pout.

This study has been backed up by Evolutionary psychologist Nancy Etcoff, who found that red lips are a biological ‘sex signal.’

To get into the nitty gritty of it, when we’re feeling turned on, blood will rush to our lips and give them a rosy hue, which signals our youth, fertility and general good health to potential ‘mates.’

And while it’s been quite a few years since we all lived in caves, it seems our instinctive nature is still there to an extent, because that artfully applied rosy red lip will cause the same reaction in the opposite sex all these centuries later. 

If that wasn’t enough reason to wear red lipstick, perhaps this final scientific fact will convince you: it also makes to look more competent at your job. 

A study at Harvard University found that out of the 100 people they asked, the majority found that women who wear bolder makeup in the workplace seem more confident in their job role compared to those who wear minimalist makeup. 

So there you have it, science says a red lipstick is a good idea all day, every day… except when you’re eating. Or drinking. Or kissing.

What do Red Lips Symbolize?

Red lipstick is a cosmetic staple for many women, whether it’s a go-to personal confidence booster or an easy night out accessory. But, the modern-day relationship between women and red lipstick is actually rooted in history. In the early 20th century, red lipstick was synonymous with power and strength, specifically during the Suffragettes movement.

The movement, which campaigned for votes for middle-class, property-owning women and believed in peaceful protest, had quite the connection to beauty.

As these women fought for their rights, red lipstick became a part of their uniform. The bold and dauntless red was feminine, yet daring and powerful. It became symbolic of strength during a time when men were trying to strip that away from women. 

The insinuation that red lipstick could also be viewed as scandalous is a projection that is still relevant today. Especially for women of color,  who were often left out during the Suffragettes movement.

Fashion historian Shelby Ivey Christie reflects on her own relationship with red lipstick as a Black woman telling us, “For me, red lipstick is about shifting the narrative around what red lipstick traditionally meant for Black women.

There’s a long history of hyper-sexualization that is amplified by caricatures of Black women with exaggerated red lips.” There’s also the history of minstrel shows with actors mocking black people by painting their skin black with big red lips to the caricatures of the mammy were often wearing red lipstick. 

By wearing a red lip, you’re doing more than boosting your confidence, you’re displaying a symbol of power that’s embedded in the history of women’s rights.

How Can I Make my Red Lips Work?

if you’re apprehensive about pulling off a fiery red lip, these seven makeup tips are all you need to know.

1. Know Your Undertone

Just as you would choose foundation and concealer based on how cool or warm your skin undertone is, you must do the same when it comes to red lipstick. For skin with cool pink undertones, bright fire-truck reds look lovely. For warmer yellow undertones which is usually medium to dusky skin, deeper reds like brick to crimson shades really pop against the skin.

2. Easy On The Eyes

Says Mansi, “When you wear red lipstick, ensure that you keep your eye makeup clean and minimal. Neat winged liner with a flick at the end is classic choice to wear.” Red lips are attention-grabbing in themselves and don’t need the drama of heavy eye makeup so definitely no smokey eyes. Even just concealed eyes with a few coats of mascara looks fantastic with red lips.

3. Choose Blush Right

Even if poppy pink tones are usually your shades of choice when applying blush, they’ll prove to be a clash of colour when wearing red lipstick. “Along with red lips, keep your blush neutral toned and close to the shade of your own skin. Terracota to bronze toned blush is an ideal choice for this look”, advises Mansi.

4. Take Your Pick

Once you’ve decided to wear red lips, take your pick whether you’d like to opt for a juicy glossy finish or a stark matte one. This is because the rest of your face depends on the finish of your lips. Here’s what Mansi has to say – “If you’ll be wearing matte lipstick, make sure your face is hydrated and dewy. If it’s glossy lips that you are going for, then your skin should be mattified.” This ensures that there’s a balance of finishes across the face, without looking too harshly matte or greasily glossy.

5. Make It Pop

Especially if you have pigmented lips, the rich red colour showing up on your lips can be problematic. To make sure they truly pop, follow this makeup tip from Mansi. “Apply a thin layer of concealer that matches your skin tone all around your natural lip line and slightly inside the edges of your lip. Once it has dried, move on to lipstick.” This works as a primer to remove any traces of pigmentation and prevents lipstick from bleeding outside.

6. Colour In The Lines

Red lipstick is unforgivable when it comes to application because it requires clean, precise application. Ideally, a red lip liner can be helpful as a starting step to first draw the natural lip line and fill it in. If you’re unsure about applying lipstick directly, a lip brush can give you more control over the colour. Word of advice though, don’t try this when you’re running late and sitting in the back of a cab.

7. Apply It

Now once you’ve taken all the precautions, here’s how Mansi advises red lipstick by applied properly – “First apply a layer of lip balm to your lips, leave it for two minutes and dab it off with tissue. Then use matching lip liner to line your natural lip shape and fill it in. Apply lipstick over this, dust a bit of translucent powder over it and finally, finish off with another coat of red lipstick.”

How do You Get Rid of Red Lip Stains?

Lipstick stains are especially brutal. The oily, pigmented, and sometimes waxy product gets caught in the fibers of your clothes, and that combination of ingredients makes it harder to get out than other makeup stains.

There are several fast and easy ways to remove lipstick from clothes without shelling out cash at the dry cleaner. Better yet, you probably already have most of these stain-fighting solutions stashed under your kitchen sink or even in your purse.

First up: You always want to treat lipstick stains as soon as you can. The longer you let lipstick sit, the more the stain will set, making it harder to completely remove it.

You’ll also want to double-check the cleaning instructions on the clothing. If it says dry clean only, it’s better to leave stain removal to the professionals. If you’re safe to wash at home, there are a few household options you can use to remove lipstick from clothes.

1. How To Remove Lipstick With Dish Soap

It’s gentle enough to use on clothes without messing with the color of the fabric. Harsh products like bleach are effective for stain removal, but also affect the fabric and color of the clothes.

Get a soap that fights grease — the fatty oils in most lipsticks are what makes it hard to get out. A dish soap should counteract that. You can use it on anything machine washable, from cotton to cashmere.

1. Place the piece of clothing on a paper towel (stain side down) to absorb water as you dissipate the lipstick stain.
2. Dab the flip side of the stain with soap (no water), and let it sit for 10 minutes.
3. Use a moist paper towel or dishcloth at room temperature to dab or lightly rub the area. The towel underneath should absorb the water and soap as you go — but swap it out as it absorbs the lipstick stain. You don’t want the paper to transfer the lipstick stain to new areas of your clothes.
4. Wash the garment, and check to see if the stain is gone. You can repeat the soap process again.

2. How To Remove Lipstick With Hairspray

A lipstick stain can also be reversed with another beauty staple: hairspray. An old-school hairspray works best here, like TIGI’s Bed Head Hard Head Spray. The more modern versions have less alcohol, which is really what breaks down the lipstick stain. Another stain-removal item you may have at the bottom of your purse are baby wipes, though they won’t be as effective at removing the stain from clothing as hairspray.

1. Spray hairspray directly onto the lipstick stain (one to three sprays is ideal) and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Dab the stain with a wet cloth.

3. How To Remove Lipstick With Rubbing Alcohol

Or skip the alcohol-heavy hairspray and go straight to the source. Rubbing alcohol will definitely dissipate the lipstick stain; it’s just a bit harsher on your clothes than the other options are.

1. Apply a bit to a cotton ball and press it into the stain.
2. Keep dabbing until the lipstick is removed.

Which Lipstick is Kiss Proof?

To prep before a potential makeout session, Mickey Williams, a New York-based makeup artist and founder of Share the Glam, recommends showing your lips some love with a good base. “Before you do anything, use a serum that works a primer,” advises Williams. “Blistex Lip Serum works instantly to hydrate lips and create softness.

It immediately absorbs into lips and creates a smoothing primer to grip whatever shade you put on top.” If you have some extra time, skyn ICELAND Plumping Lip Gels are another great option to make sure lips look and feel super soft.

1. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

“This lip is long-lasting, transfer-proof, and highly pigmented. Its creamy texture makes it easy to apply, and it provides a matte finish without looking too dry. The shade Fiery is a deep red color that’s perfect for your Valentine!”
—Yuki Hayashi, New York-based makeup artist for Streeters

2. Glossier’s Generation G Matte Lipstick

“I love to make out! Being married for 15 years, it’s my favorite thing to do. I’ve tried several lipsticks (of course getting my hubby to weigh in) and Glossier’s Generation G Matte Lipstick is great. It gives your lips a soft feeling thanks to the agave nectar. Talk about a mood changer. This lipstick adapts to you, allowing your natural lip color to shine through.” 
—Jami Svay, Charlotte, North Carolina-based makeup artist

3. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Lips

“The Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Lips stay intact. I’m not saying they have zero transfer, but from my own experience I am quite shocked with the wear. The shade Too Bad I’m Bad is universal pout perfection for light to medium-dark skin-tones. I’m constantly having to give it away once I use it in my kit. Everyone loves that color. —Williams

4. NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment

“For an indelible lip color, try the new NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment. Despite its light and almost watery-consistency, the pigment is very dense and what you lose in creamy texture, you gain in lipstick tenacity.”
—Justine Purdue, New York-based makeup artist for Streeters

5. CoverGirl Melting Pout Mattes

“My favorite longwear lipsticks that you can get for a bargain are the new Melting Pout Mattes from Covergirl. For date night, my favorite shade is All Nighter. The color can last up to 24 hours and the soft plum works on many skin tones. Instead of being glitzy like a shimmer or a gloss, the matte finish is soft and romantic, and it stays on you, not your spouse.”
—Andrew Sotomayor, New York-based makeup artist

Do Men Like Red Lipstick?

Although your average guy may not admit having as strong an opinion about lip colors, a recent study at the University of Manchester found that men really are attracted to lipstick, with red being the most captivating. 

The study involved 50 men viewing photos of women wearing red lipstick, pink lipstick or no lipstick at all. Researchers found that the men spent an average of 7.3 seconds staring at the women wearing red lipstick, 6.7 at the pink lipped ladies and only 2.2 seconds at those who wore no lipstick.

A previous study found that waitresses with red lipstick were tipped by men 50 percent of the time while women with brown, pink or no lipstick were tipped 30 percent of the time (this was in France, where tipping is optional).

The men in the study, when questioned later, said they tipped more because they found the women with red lipstick to be more attractive.

What Should I Wear if I Don’t Like Lipstick?

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense

#CliniqueDidItFirst. The brand actually launched its first Chubby Stick in the  ’90s (who remembers the originals?). However, it’s the 2011 version that set the market ablaze, launching a whole slew of me-too products by other brands. The favorite, though, is the Clinique Chubby Stick Intense, which combines the good-for-you benefits of a lip balm with the ease and convenience of a pencil. $16

Milk Makeup Lip Marker

The makeup equivalent of a Crayola marker (the likeness is seriously startling), this brand new lip stain makes it super-easy to stay within the lines thanks to a chisel felt tip and rubber grips. It goes on pretty light at first application but can be layered on for added intensity.

And unlike other stains, Milk’s Lip Marker is infused with super-hydrating sunflower seed oil, aloe and vitamin E, so you won’t be left with dried-out lips either. As for the staying power: You are talking at least 8-12 hours here, easily! $20

Benefit Benetint

Benetint’s water-based texture allows for easy buildability of color, taking you from barely there to a natural flush that works perfectly for daytime wear (it’s a bit too light for full-on evening drama). The nail-polish-style brush is easy to use. Once on, it’s practically budge-proof, food and kisses included. $30

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

This one’s gone rapidly from being a popular chapstick to becoming a cult product across the world. Buttery smooth, it’s made up of essential oils and reparative waxes that contain hefty doses of Vitamins A, C, E, and SPF 15. It’s super-moisturizing and slightly glossy, without being too high-shine. The color payoff is good but not so bright that it would look out of place at a Sunday brunch. Only issue? It doesn’t last for more than a couple of hours. $22

Burt’s Bees Lipstick

The brand’s new lipsticks tick all the boxes. The creamy, all-natural formula (moringa oil, raspberry seed oil, beeswax, and vitamin E) make it feel like a lusciously comfortable lip balm, while the concentrated pigments build up all the way from natural to full-on opaque.

Wearability is a good 6-8 hours and the tube’s cut-out honeycomb design makes for easy color identification. The favourite shade? Juniper Water, which goes from day to night in 4-5 swipes. $8.99

Do People Wear Lipstick Anymore?

Blame the coronavirus, which appears to be the kiss of death for this classic cosmetic. Our grandmothers might not have left the house without wearing lipstick on, but would they actually have applied a fresh coat to their lips if, like us, they were not, in fact, leaving the house?

Not only are so many of us now working from home — where there’s no Jill at the water cooler to compliment us on our classic red pout — but even if we do venture outside, we likely have a mask on.

In case you haven’t tried it yet, putting on lipstick and then wearing a mask is a pretty messy endeavor; you’re likely to end up with a “Joker smile” (per Los Angeles Business Journal) and your mask will look like a crime scene.

Lipstick is not the only type of makeup lagging in sales; cosmetics as a whole are down 22 percent, and the perfume industry is down 15 percent. according to CNN. But there are some surprising winners in our new covid culture.

With salons closed — or people apprehensive about spending several hours face-to-face with an aesthetician during a pandemic — at-home hair coloring is up by 172% and nail care is up a whopping 218%, Fortune reported.

And maybe we’re skipping lipstick, but we’re not necessarily going naked-faced. According to ULTA, a few types of makeup are still doing well. “We are also seeing demand for makeup with skincare benefits, such as tinted moisturizers and foundations infused with good-for-you ingredients offering buildable coverage. This is especially true for those wanting to achieve a natural, less-is-more look,” the cosmetic retailer said in a statement to CNN.

When we do start going out in public with our masks on, there’s a good chance that there’s one type of cosmetics we’ll start to double down on: eye makeup. This has been the case in post-pandemic China, where “mask-conscious makeup” — a focus on a dramatic eye — is seeing a seismic shift, with one retailer reporting an almost 130% increase in eyeliner sales.

Why Should You Start Wearing Lipstick?

There are lots of reasons to wear lipstick, and it´s probably the most popular item of makeup. Lipstick is great for making you feel and look good, so if you need some encouragement, here are some ace reasons to wear lipstick.

1. Variety

Have you ever looked at a lipstick range and felt bewildered at the sheer number of colours? Talking of sheer, you can buy glossy colours, moisturising lipsticks, matte lipsticks … the possibilities are endless! Taking into account the colours that suit you, there are so many options for everyone.

2. Cheerful

One of the best reasons to wear lipstick is that it´s so cheerful. Just a simple application changes your look completely. It not only makes you look good, it makes you feel good. So if you need cheering up, grab that lipstick tube and brighten up your face. You´ll feel so much better.

3. Easy to Apply

Most women find putting on lip colour a little daunting, and worry about smudging it. Don´t worry! Lipstick is actually pretty easy to apply. You need to get a decent brush though. I can tell you from experience that cheap ones are not worth buying – the hairs fall out quickly and you don´t get a good application of colour.

4. Effective

Lipstick is really effective in how it makes you feel and look. If you have a date or an interview, a subtle application of colour can really make a difference to your image. Be careful not to overdo it. The aim is to polish your look, not look like a clown who´s got lost looking for the circus!

5. Dramatic

Lipstick can make the most amazing difference to your face and look. The effect can be really quite dramatic. It´s probably the one item of makeup that has the most impact – even if you don´t want to apply full makeup, put on some lipstick and see the difference it makes.

6. Flattering

Lipstick is flattering to most women. There are some who look great without it, and some who don´t really suit makeup, but most of us really benefit from putting on some lipstick. Look at yourself carefully both before and after applying lipstick – you´ll see the change in your face.

What is The Lipstick Color For 2022?

If you’re looking to get a jump on your seasonal shopping list (or are simply craving a switch-up in your go-to pout pigment), here are the 5 spring lipstick colors for 2022 that pro makeup artists are buzzing about.

1. Peach

Kassajikian says that peachy shades will be big this spring. According to him, the color is “soft yet still makes a statement.” He specifically loves Urban Decay’s Vice Lipstick in the shade Fuel, which is a warm, neutral hue.

2. Coral

For a brighter option, Kassajikian also sees coral lipstick as a color trend this spring. He notes that the shade “adds brightness to the face,” and that it’s wearable for everything from Zoom meetings to happy hour. Options like The Lip Bar’s As If is a great matte coral, or you can go glossy with Urban Decay’s Snitch.

3. Fuchsia

Coleman is all about fuchsia for the upcoming season. “Spring is always a great time to mix up your makeup, and pops of color on the lips are showing up for 2021,” she tells Bustle, pointing to playful fuchsia as the perfect color choice. Rare Beauty’s Ascend shade is a deep, bold pink that’s right on trend.

4. Red

Phillips says red will continue to be a popular lip color in spring 2021. “Lip color is something that makes a polished statement on virtual platforms, and this season [the] lips will help bring some brightness,” she tells Bustle. “We saw a lot of bold shades on the runways along with bare skin and brushed brows, and these trends complement each other perfectly.”

5. Berry

Another of Phillips’ predictions? Berry shades. While the color is typically a colder-weather classic, she believes it’ll continue into the spring this year. “Colors that we’ve seen on the runway for 2021 may seem unexpected for the season but are traditionally tried and true shades for the fall and winter,” she says. If you prefer a darker pigment on your lips, berry hues like Rock With You by NARS is ideal.

What is The Best Product For Severely Dry Lips?

To help you take the guesswork out of shopping for lip ointments and balms, here are some of Steveson and Marbein’s top picks for soothing and preventing dry lips.

1. Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Stevenson and Marchbein recommend Aquaphor for its healing ingredients, which include petrolatum, mineral oil, lanolin and glycerin. In addition to restoring moisture to cracked lips, this multi-purpose ointment can help alleviate dry hands and feet and treat minor cuts and burns.

2. Vaseline Petroleum Jelly

One of Marchbein’s go-to products, Vaseline’s petroleum jelly is made with one key ingredient: 100 percent USP white petrolatum. For those who are allergic to lanolin, this petrolatum-based ointment hydrates a dry pout and has zero flavors, fragrances and additives that may irritate sensitive skin.

3. Maya Chia Supercritical Chia Waterless Wonder Balm

Stevenson never leaves home without her Maya Chia waterless wonder balm, which she applies to her face and lips day and night. Moisture-boosting beeswax, chia seed oil and shea butter get deep into the cracked crevices of your lips to restore a healthy, youthful shine.

Unlike other lip balms that use synthetic fragrances, this orange blossom balm relies on essential oils and botanical extracts for its zesty scent.

4. Cerave Healing Ointment

Formulated with petrolatum, hyaluronic acid and ceramides, this hydrating ointment breathes new life into dry, cracked lips by reviving and strengthening the skin’s natural barrier. It’s no wonder Marchbein say it’s one of her top recommendations. Free of lanolin, fragrances, preservatives and dyes, this is another great choice for those with sensitive skin.

5. Fresh Tinted Lip Treatment, SPF 15

For a soothing lip treatment that also provides some color, go for this tinted lip balm, which comes in 13 shades and two different finishes — satin and shimmer. “These tinted lip balms double as lipstick and are perfect for protecting the delicate skin on the lips while outside,” Marchbein says.

Sugar, grapeseed oil and meadowfoam and black currant seed oils are the star ingredients that work together to prevent moisture loss while softening rough skin. While this lip balm is a little lower in SPF than what’s recommended, it still provides some protection.

What is The Texture of Lipstick?

The best lipstick for you depends on factors like your skin tone and where you plan to wear it (to a meeting, or on a date?). Our overall pick, Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick, is the favorite for any situation where you don’t want to think about touching up your lip color since it really will stay all day—whether you’re drinking coffee at work or making out on a date. If color options are what you need, Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick offers nearly 80 to choose from.

Best Overall:
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick at Amazon
Create a matte lip that won’t budge, smear, fade, or feel dry.

Best Budget:
NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream at Amazon
The lip cream has intense pigmentation but feels gentle on lips.

Best Drugstore:
Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick at Amazon
This lipstick goes on like a liquid and dries down to a matte finish.

Best Long-Wearing:
Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Eye, Cheek & Lip Cream Pigment in Alien at Sephora
A matte lip that can be used on your eyes and cheeks—and stays for 24 hours.

Best Feeling:
Milk Makeup Lip Color at Sephora
It’s soft (thanks to shea butter), blendable, and stays put.

Best Shade Range:
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick at Sephora
With nearly 80 matte colors to choose from, you’ll find the color right for you.

Best for Dark Skin:
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Flesh 3 at Sephora
Swipe it on for full, opaque color, or blend it out for a sheer look.

Best for Olive Skin:
Maybelline Liquid Lipstick in Heroine at Amazon
This long-wearing formula is supersaturated with color.

Best for Medium Skin:
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Lost Cherry at Charlottetilbury.com
The bright tones of Lost Cherry really pop on medium skin tones.

Best for Fair Skin:
MAC Lipstick in Kinda Sexy at Nordstrom
The neutral tones in this MAC lipstick will work for many fair skin tones.

Are Lip Glosses Safe?

When nutritionists and doctors tell us to eat only natural ingredients and to avoid ingredients you can’t pronounce—take a moment to think about what is in your lip gloss.

Unknown to most consumers not using natural lip makeup, the chemical-based lip gloss products they purchase contain unpronounceable names that can contain ingredients that are not only unnatural but may cause health problems. Natural lip gloss products are a safe, better alternative.

Here are some of the worst chemicals that may be found in lip gloss:

Lanolin Oil & Hydrogenated Lanolin

These ingredients are extracted from the sweat glands of sheep in order to keep water from penetrating their wool. Topically, this ingredient is okay but when ingested can cause diarrhea. Another ingredient to mention is Isopropyl Lanolate— which is also made from wool as a thickener. 
 
Polybutene and microcrystalline wax are used in cosmetics as binders to increase the viscosity of a product. Both ingredients are classified in the Environment Canada Domestic Substance List as toxic or harmful with a medium human health priority in relation to organ system toxicity.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Assessments have strong evidence that Polybutene is a human irritant for products used around the eyes, on the skin, or aerosolized. It is interesting to note that Polybutene is commonly used as an airplane adhesive. 

Ethylhexyl Palmitate

Ethylhexyl palmitate, also known Isopropyl palmitate or Octyl palmitate, is derived from Palm oil as a natural replacement to Silicone. Although, this ingredient is deemed natural—the harvesting practices by major palm oil suppliers destroy our beloved rainforests and put creatures that rely on this tree and it’s fruit at risk. Did we also mention that it clogs your pores, irritates your skin, and may cause dermatitis?

Isopropyl Myristate

This synthetic oil is another thickening agent—with the purpose of moisturizing skin. According to the Environment Working Group’s Skin Deep Database, it’s highest concern is irritation when applied onto the skin. This irritation may pave the way for other chemicals in your products to cause severe irritation.

Ceresin

Considered to be highly toxic, this mineral wax is made from coal to be used as an emollient. It has been shown to cause cancer in animals when ingested.

Propylparaben

Parabens may be considered the most harmful ingredients on the market. Unfortunately, you can find parabens listed in many foods. Propylparaben is an endocrine-disrupting chemical which leads to infertility in both men and women. It is also linked to accelerating the growth of breast cancer cells.

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Make sure this ingredient is not listed in your deodorant. The FDA considers small amounts safe, but if you consume a small amount from many sources this can build to a significant amount of toxins in your body.

Synthetic Coloring

Synthetic coloring in lip glosses contain heavy metal. Toxic metals include Cadmium, Manganese, Lead, Mercury, and radioactive metals. Metal toxicity depends upon the absorbed dose, the route of exposure, and the duration of exposure (i.e. acute or chronic). Some symptoms of exposure to heavy metals is nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anemia, and heart problems.

Synthetic Fragrances

Thousands of synthetic chemicals are used to create modern day fragrances. Some of these chemicals have been linked to health impacts ranging from eye and skin irritation to hormone imbalance and increased risk of breast cancer.

Furthermore, these ingredients are kept secret. The vast majority of manufacturers are currently not disclosing fragrance ingredients on websites or on the product label.