What Makes One Type of Lipstick Different from Another?

Different types of lipsticks are formulated for diverse purposes and have special ingredients to target their own unique function. The fragrances, antioxidants and sunscreens that are found in lipstick are what create the specific formula to give each tube its own uniqueness. So what makes one lipstick long lasting, one shiny, and the next lipstick matte? It does not matter whether your favorite brand is Chanel, MAC, Clinique, Revlon, Avon, Estee Lauder, Aveda, Ulta, or Loreal - each brand follows a specific formula to achieve a distinctive purpose. The secret is in the ingredients and formula. Here are some of the more popular types of lipstick and the meaning behind each formula.

Long-Lasting: This type contains a balm and polymers that helps to keep the lipstick on your lips. My favorites are Clinique Stay The Day Lip Colour, Bare Essentials 100% Lip Color, and L'Oreal Endless Eight Hour Lip Color.

Shine: The ingredients are made from metallic which catch the light and gives the lips a glossy wet look. My picks for best shine are Dior Addict Ultra Shine Lipstick or Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Crystal Shine Lipstick.

Hydrating: One of my favorite formulas! The hydration comes from a gel formula which makes the lipstick apply to the lips much like a balm such as Chapstick but still holds the color in without fading it out. I have very dry lips and my absolute favorite hydrating lipsticks are Chanel Hydracaresse Super Hydrating, Versace Hydrating Lipstick, and Ulta's Hydrating Shimmer.

Mineral: The secret formula here is that the ingredients are natural and chemical free. Try Joelle Mineral Cosmetics Lip Color or Pur Minerals Mineral Shea Butter lipstick.

Sheer: This lipstick leaves the lips sexy and seductive with gloss and shine. My personal choice for a sheer lipstick is Clinique Moisture Sheer Lipstick with SPF 15.

Matte: This type applies with a flat finish but the wax and silicone formula prevents the lips from feeling dried out and caked. It glides on smooth and stays in place all day long. The best matte lipsticks I've tried are Clinique Long Last Soft Matte or MAC Matte.

Stain: Great for those who don't particularly like lipstick because this formula contains pigments that stain the lips. Once the lips dry they have an opaque appearance and give the lips a pouty seductive look. Try L'Oreal Just Bitten Lip Stain, Aveda Lip Tint with SPF 15, or MAC Lipglass Stain.

Cream: Lipsticks of this type contain essential oils and have a wax base to give the lips a deeper color that lasts longer and they leave the lips soft and supple. My preferred brands of cream lipstick are Cover Girl Continuous Color Cream or Revlon Moon Drops.

Plumping: These add fullness to the lips and give them that sex kitten pucker up and kiss me pout. Adds shine and gives the lips a younger look. I don't like plumping lipsticks but my friends tell me their favorite picks would be Bourjois Pour La Vie, Avon Beyond Color Nutralush with SPF 12, or Lorac Lotsa Lip.

Anti-aging: Wonderfully smooth and full of vitamins E and C and antioxidants that nourish the lips and gives them elasticity and a sensual look. There is also Vitamin A that helps with anti-aging. I'm a huge fan of anti-aging lipstick and my top picks are Gourmet Body Treat, T. LeClerc Transparent, Olay Regenerist Anti-Aging Lip Treatment, DDF Glossy Lip Therapy with SPF 15.

Organic: The key here is 100% natural ingredients that are made from coconut, jojoba and sunflower oils and beeswax. My mom likes to wear organic lipstick and her top choices are Honeybee Gardens Color Balm, Nvey Eco Organic, Earth's Beauty Shea and Aloe, and Marie Claire Afterglow Organic Liplove.

Source:
http://clearlyexplained.com/culture/fashion/lipstick.html