Next to foundation, lipstick has the most variety of any makeup product we use today. But beyond choosing the correct color, finding the right finish is just as important. A lipstick’s finish will ultimately determine its texture, staying power, pigmentation and overall appearance — the most popular being matte, creme, satin and gloss. When in doubt, a good place to start is by knowing the shape and condition of your lips, as well as what your desired end result will be. Are you hoping to add volume? Do you want to go bold? We’re breaking down everything you need to know.
Matte
The most sought after finish in recent years has been matte, which by definition refers to a color, paint or surface that is without flat and without shine. Matte lipsticks can give your lips a velvety-looking texture, which helps colors appear richer and more vibrant. They’re also the longest lasting because they’re virtually fade and smudge proof. That means fewer touch-ups throughout the day.
Gloss
The major difference between glosses and all other finishes is that they’re meant to give off shine, not color. A true gloss is usually softer in shade and more transparent, designed to accentuate the natural shape and texture of your lips. Sometimes a gloss can even add volume by giving the illusion that your lips are plumper and fuller than normal.
Creme
A creme finish falls somewhere in between a matte and a gloss by putting emphasis on the color and not on the texture. It’s neither sticky nor flat, it goes on smooth and it’s hydrating to the lips themselves. Typically you won’t see any sort of shimmer or glitter but they are highly-pigmented for maximum payoff.
Satin
To put it simply, satin is the lovechild of a creme and a matte finish. It has shiny properties similar to a gloss which makes imperfections less noticeable, but bright colors are still able to pop. A nude satin lipstick on the other hand is basically just an upgraded version of your own lip color, making it ideal for someone who is looking for convenience and low maintenance.
Every girl has her favorite signature lipstick hue, whether it’s a high-glamour red or understated nude. Navigating the various types of lipstick, however, goes well beyond finding your ideal shade. Getting a handle on the various textures and types of lipstick—and how they perform—is essential to wearing your chosen color with confidence. To nail your look perfectly, here’s a quick guide to the five major types of lipstick, how they work, and when to wear them.
Sheer
One of the most classic lipstick formulas, sheer lipstick is a great choice for everyday wear. Since this style tends to be higher in oil content than other types, it’s less likely to dry out, and certain brands even offer especially moisturizing versions of sheer lipstick. However, this formulation also means you may have to apply it more often. When done well, sheer lipstick goes with everything—both daytime and nighttime looks—and offers a touch of color with subtle shine.
Cream
A cousin of sheer lipstick, cream lipstick glides on easily and provides a perfect balance of texture with a hint of gloss. While sheer lipstick is higher in oil, cream lipstick is higher in wax, giving it a greater degree of staying power. This type of lipstick is often nourishing (look for ingredients like vitamin E and aloe), and goes great with professional wear or weekend outings.
Gloss
No type of lipstick is more eye-catching than gloss. While this style is often associated with throwback trends, high-shine glosses are always in season during warm months where classic lipstick finishes may be too heavily pigmented. Lighter shades of gloss can add a youthful glow to fresh-faced daytime looks, but their true calling is at parties, after-hours events, and occasions where you don’t mind attracting a bit of well-deserved attention.
Matte
At the opposite end of the spectrum from gloss, matte lipstick is one of the most essential types of lipstick—and the least understood. So what is matte lipstick? Matte is a shine-free alternative to glossy lipsticks, conveying pure color and smooth, even texture. This is the lipstick to reach for when you’re headed to an art opening or a see-and-be-seen brunch.
Stain
Adjacent to matte in lipstick formulations, stains are all about color with minimal shine. They’re also long-lasting, making them an excellent choice for days when you’re heading to work and then straight to dinner or drinks afterward. In general, lip stains are high-impact and low-maintenance, and create vibrant color that can be easily layered, either by itself for a deeper hue or your favorite nude gloss for a softer look.