Guide to Buying Lipstick

When you're in a hurry or don't have the patience to do your makeup for a friendly gathering, using lipstick  is probably the first thing that comes to mind to make yourself look presentable; because adding color to your lips can make a big difference in your facial features. But what are the characteristics of a healthy lipstick and what factors should you consider when buying this cosmetic product? In this buying guide, we try to provide the most important tips for choosing lipstick so that your next purchase at the store goes smoothly!

Is lipstick material dangerous?

In general, it must be acknowledged that most lipsticks contain lead (even if the manufacturer denies it) and can be a cause for health hazards, sensitivity, irritation, and cracking of the lips and surrounding skin; however, the amount of lead in this cosmetic product is decreasing day by day due to new technologies.

In addition to this, it should be noted that the main material used in this consumer product is wax, which helps lipstick to have a cohesive structure and shine. In some cases (especially in flesh-toned lipsticks), to make the lips appear fuller, these products are accompanied by a substance called capsaicin, which is also found in chili pepper. Furthermore, the presence of specific dyes and fragrances can be a factor in determining the color and scent of lipstick. Recently, other materials such as Vitamin E, moisturizers, Aloe Vera, collagen, and sunscreen have also been added to many lipstick formulas to protect the skin on the lips in the best possible way.

Getting Familiar with Different Types of Lipsticks and Their Pros and Cons

The cosmetics market is filled with various types of lipsticks, each with different formulations, textures, and coverages, which can be confusing for many people. Therefore, in this section, we provide some effective and quick explanations about the main types of lipsticks and examine the advantages and disadvantages of each one.

1.Satin and Cream Lipsticks:

Generally, most solid lipsticks that come in tube or roll-up form are of the cream or satin type, which gives a natural shine and lightness to the lips. These types of products are among the most common and popular options because they are easy to use and are not very moisturizing.

Satin lipsticks are usually made from a combination of natural or synthetic waxes, oils, synthetic softeners, and pigments, and their popularity is due to their full coverage because of their rich and strong pigments. In this regard, it is recommended to draw a lip line before using this product and spread the lipstick on the lips with a small and dedicated brush to make it look more beautiful.

2.Gloss Lipsticks:

Gloss models add more shine to the lips, making them look larger and more moisturized. These lipsticks can be used as a moisturizer  for the lips, but since they slip on the lips, they do not have high staying power! It should be noted that this type of lipstick is available in both solid and liquid forms.

3.Matte Lipsticks:

Matte lipsticks have become very popular in recent years because they do not reflect much light, so they look slightly dry and smooth. Matte lipsticks  also have better staying power compared to satin and glossy options. These types of products are a combination of softeners and polymers that create a layer on the lips that is difficult to remove, but at the same time, they can dry the surface of the lips!

4.Sheer and Balm Lipsticks

Some lipsticks are specifically designed to create transparency on the lips, so they are accompanied by less color pigments. In this regard, many women who want to use lip balms to create softness and shine on their lips prefer sheer and balm lipsticks. Sheer and balm lipsticks are an excellent choice for beginners in makeup or for everyday use. They are also very suitable for autumn and winter seasons and do not require an applicator or lip liner.

5.Pearl and Metallic Lipsticks

 Pearl and metallic lipsticks have been introduced to the market in various textures because what affects their color is a particular type of highly reflective pigment, and this has increased the texture diversity. The reflective pigment used in these lipsticks is usually mica, which is an incredibly shiny mineral and gives a metallic appearance to cosmetic products. However, in recent years, due to unethical practices towards people involved in its extraction, it has been under scrutiny and is not very common.

5 Important Tips to Consider Before Choosing Lipstick

In addition to being familiar with different types of lipsticks, it is necessary to keep in mind a series of tips when buying this type of makeup in order to make an informed purchase. For this purpose, we will go through 5 important tips for choosing the right lipstick.

1.Pay attention to skin tone and color when buying lipstick

The first step in choosing the right lipstick is to determine your skin tone and select a suitable color for your lips. In this regard, the easiest way to identify skin color tone is to check the color of the veins on the inside of your wrist. If your veins appear blue, your skin tone is cool or pink, while if they appear green, you have a warm skin tone. Additionally, if you cannot determine whether your veins are blue or green, you probably have a neutral skin tone and can use a wide range of colors among lipsticks.

In general, skin tones with warm undertones look great with colors like peachy, pink, and red, while cooler skin tones find better shades in reds and brownish colors. To make a more accurate selection, in the image below we display various shades of lipstick colors suitable for each skin tone.

2.The features of your lips are important!

 If you have very dry lips, finding a suitable lipstick that doesn't cause dryness can be difficult. In such cases, it is better to avoid matte and glossy liquid lipsticks, or at least postpone their use for days when you don't have enough time for layering and moisturizing your lips.

In general, it is recommended to check the lipstick formula before purchasing and make sure that it contains moisturizing and wax-based formulas. If your lips are naturally fully hydrated or you have previously followed a good lip care routine, you can enjoy all types of lipsticks, from matte liquid lipsticks to creamy and glossy ones.

3.Pay attention to the shape of your lips!

If you are among those whose upper lip is larger than the lower one, it's better to use a lighter shade of lipstick on the lower lip and a slightly darker option of the same color for the upper lip. If you are among those whose lower lip is larger than the upper parts, you're in luck! Any color that complements your skin tone is a good choice. However, using a neutral and bright lipstick in the center of the upper lip can enhance the beauty of your lips. If your lips are asymmetrical, it's better to make them symmetrical with a lip liner and then use sample colors for applying lipstick. Also, keep in mind that if you have thin lips, it's better to avoid dark and intense shades because they make your lips appear even thinner. Instead, try brighter and glossier shades of lipstick. Furthermore, it's important to know that if you have plump lips, choosing a very bright and shiny textured lipstick is not aesthetically pleasing.

4.Pay attention to the type of lipstick you choose for daily use or parties

 For example, solid lipsticks, also known as classic lipsticks, are suitable for daily use and have a higher oil content. Meanwhile, colorful lipsticks with a higher wax content have a longer-lasting power.

Also, matte models are attractive options for openings and important sessions, and shiny options can make your lips look more beautiful at night parties. Therefore, it is necessary to determine your goal before purchasing so that you can choose a suitable option based on your needs, taking into account your familiarity with the types of lipsticks.

5.Don't forget the production and expiration date of lipstick

One of the most important points to consider when buying cosmetics, especially lipstick, is paying attention to the production and expiration date of the product. It is important to note that most lipsticks have a shelf life of 3 years. However, some stores try to sell their one-year-old or older products to replace them with new ones. Therefore, we recommend that you pay attention to the dates listed on the product and go for newly produced products to get the most out of your makeup items.

Tooth color is important in choosing lipstick color!

It's interesting to know that tooth color is very important in choosing lipstick color! In fact, people with white teeth can choose any lipstick color based on their skin tone. This is while people with milk or yellowish teeth are better off choosing a lipstick color in light pink, light orange, or bright red. It is also recommended that these people avoid colors such as purple, brown, and dark red.

Closing Remarks

It's important to remember that sometimes people are drawn to a lipstick color that doesn't match their skin tone or the occasion they plan to wear it for. Therefore, it's better to test the lipstick color before buying to make sure it's exactly what you want. In this way, you will probably feel better after your purchase because you have made an informed decision based on the product's features and your needs.