Forget about basic lipstick–it’s an outdated relic. As lip trends become more elaborate, products are constantly being updated to deliver the latest look. Whether the fad is a shimmering finish, a fierce blast of color or just a dewy luster, lip makeup is in a never-ending cycle of innovation. Currently, the big players are liquid lipstick, lip paint and lip stain.
Although all these variations can seem confusing (and perhaps a little snobby), knowing the differences is simple. Each formula caters to a specific type of effect according to your personal style and skin-care needs.
Why so many options?
The science behind new lip makeup is constantly evolving. With the rapidly changing beauty scene, cosmetic companies must meet the growing demand for stronger, sexier lip makeup, There’s now a greater focus on these four main factors: texture quality, color saturation, resiliency and the finish.
That’s why each type of lip makeup is subdivided into more categories: shiny, shimmery, creamy, clear ect. Then, those categories are further subdivided, according to viscosity, ranging from hydrating versions to non-sticky or long-lasting matte. Wow, right?
So clearly, we’ve got a huge buffet of options for decorating our pout. To help you pick your poison, let’s learn the basics of this makeup trio: liquid lipstick, lip paint and lip stain.
Liquid lipstick
Liquid lipstick is loved for its intense, smudge-proof color. It applies wet and then once dry, it can’t transfer or fade. Formulated with waxes and oils, they add a little moisture, while providing a full level of coverage that lasts for hours. The best liquid lipsticks are typically velvety and matte, but you can also find semi-matte and shiny.
The pros
If you love shellac nail polish, think of liquid lipstick as its equivalent. You could go outdoors, sweat like crazy, and even sip down some mimosas, without ruining the pigment. So the next time you go fine dining, don’t hesitate to sport those blood-red lips and still order the soup. Be rest assured, no amount of liquids will cause your color to budge.
With a dense formula and opaque color, liquid lipstick is preferable for those who like creating strong, precise lines. Unlike traditional lipstick, which needs a lip liner, liquid lipstick is vivid enough to create contours on its own.
The cons
Although there’s tons of diversity, many of them feel quite heavy. For this reason, you might find that some formulas can be a bit drying. That’s why it’s best to read the reviews for different brands before selecting a liquid lipstick. You’ll want to consider your skin type and hydration needs, so you can find a version that works with your body’s chemistry.
Different lipstick brands will vary in quality due to the variations in the pigmentation levels. For instance, colors that are bold, dark or bright colors need to be checked frequently because they fade fast, especially if they’re low quality. So, for the best value, focus on a reasonable combination of quality and affordability.
Lip Paint
Remember the good, old days of Juicy Tubes? If you were a makeup junkie in the ’90s or early ’00s, you were probably addicted to applying globs of shiny sludge to your pout. Well, those days are no more– at least for now. To solve the goopy, heavy feeling of lip gloss, makeup science evolved to bring us something better– introducing lip paint.
The pros
A hybrid of lip gloss and lipstick, this new formula is lighter, smoother and jam-packed with color.
Unlike liquid lipsticks, most lip paints won’t dry down. Instead, they tend to stay moist, so they won’t dehydrate your lips, yet they still won’t feel gluey like a gloss.
This means you get the best of both worlds: a lustrous finish with a zip of color.
The cons
Some brands feature lip paints that dry matte, which gets easily confused with liquid lipstick. Realistically though, lip paint is known for its dewier texture. Otherwise, it’s technically not a true lip paints. Rather, it’s just a liquid lipsticks being marketed as smudge-proof lip paint. Be careful not to confuse the two.
Lip Stain
The most natural-looking of the bunch, lip stains are sheer to give subtle sex appeal. Like a temporary dye for your lips, the lip stain creates a delicate flush. Without the dense, bold color of the liquid lipsticks or paints, the alternative of a stain is more practical for everyday wear.
The pros
Lip stain is wonderful for women who don’t want vivid color, but still want a slight hue. If you tend to focus more on eye makeup, lip stain is a better compliment for giving your lips a boost, without overwhelming your whole look.
As the lipstain formulas are buildable, you can also control its intensity. One layer gives you a barely-there blush, while three layers create a seductive glow. Other versions of lip stain glide on opaque, then dry into a rubbery texture that must be peeled off, revealing the color underneath. The opaque layer penetrates the lips to deposit the temporary dye for longer-lasting effects.
Other types of lip stain come in a marker or gel. The marker versions comes with a defined felt-tip applicator allowing you to line and define your lips with precision. They’re also more fade-resistant and offer stronger pigment. Alternatively, the gel formulas are denser and provide more hydration.
The cons
Although both types of lip stain appear beautifully natural, the marker versions tend to contain more fast-drying ingredients. Since you might end up with dry lips, you should apply a chapstick to maintain some moisture.
In terms of color options, lip stains don’t offer as much diversity as liquid lipsticks or lip paints. Usually, the range stays within the rose family, but depending on the brand, you can find colors bordering on orange, brown and plum.
The world of lip makeup is a rich and diverse realm. It can be a tricky place to navigate, but since we’re all blessed with our own unique styles, we rightfully need options to customize our look. From daring and edgy to soft and simple, there’s a lip product out there designed exactly for you. You might crave the hard-hitting impact of liquid lipstick, the smooth sensuality of lip paint, or to keep things simple, the subtlety of a lip stain. Yet, no matter how you choose to decorate your mouth, feel confident that you know the difference between a liquid lipstick, lip paint and lip stain.
