Five types of lipsticks for any occasion
17.03.2023
Any beauty lover knows the struggle. You’ve finished your eye makeup, added your blush then are left with the question, “What type of lipstick should I wear?”.
Whether you’re getting ready for a night out or you’re heading off to work, selecting the right type of lipstick can completely change the way your look comes together.
We’ve broken down five different types of lipstick in terms of what they are, when to wear it and we’ve even added some of our personal recommendations.
Cream Lipstick
What it is: Cream lipstick is arguably the most common lipstick you will find on the market. They glide across the lips offering a creamy finish with a moisturising, comfortable feel. They offer a lovely shine (less than a lip gloss or sheer lipstick but more than a satin lipstick) and usually provide decent staying power.
When to wear it: Cream lipstick would be excellent for occasions where you want to dress up but you anticipate doing lots of conversing such as a family reunion or a birthday party. This is because they provide rich pigmentation and adequate staying power but they shouldn’t dry out your lips – especially if you look for a formula with ingredients like Vitamin E.
Recommendation: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Creme 774 Fearless - $8.95 (RRP $24.95)
Satin Lipstick
What it is: Satin lipstick is the bridge between cream lipstick and matte lipstick, generally offering an element of comfort and nourishment like a cream lipstick with a level of boldness and staying power that can be comparable to a matte lipstick. Their subtle sheen is not only gorgeous, but can reduce how much the lipstick sets into fine lines.
When to wear it: Satin lipstick is a great option for a formal event where you will likely be doing lots of smiling, such as a wedding or a graduation, as they should provide rich pigmentation and longevity without creasing or cracking too much throughout the day.
Recommendation: Australis Grlboss Satin Lipstick Hot Shot - $4.95 (RRP $14.95)
Matte Lipstick
What it is: Matte lipstick is opaque and usually offers the highest level of pigmentation and staying power. A true matte lipstick will be shine-free and offer smooth, even colour. Its formula contains less oil than other types of lipsticks which is great in terms of staying power, but also means it can be drying on the lips and accentuate fine lines. If you anticipate wearing a matte lipstick for an event, it’s good to prepare in advance by keeping your lips moisturised and exfoliated with a lip scrub in the days prior.
When to wear it: Because of their excellent staying power, matte lipstick can be a great option for a date night or any time you want to make a good impression because you shouldn’t have to worry about reapplying or whether or not you have lipstick on your teeth. In the right shade, matte lipstick can work wonderfully for a job interview as their lack of shine makes them less distracting and appear more sophisticated.
Recommendation: Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick 006 Really Red - $8.95 (RRP $24.95)
Sheer Lipstick
What it is: Sheer lipstick is basically elevated lip balm. They provide subtle shine and an element of colour but mostly prioritises keeping the lips happy and nourished. Although their higher oil concentration keeps the lips feeling moisturised, this does mean you may have to reapply it throughout the day.
When to wear it: Sheer lipstick is a great option for any event where you want to look nice but mainly just want to feel comfortable. Think your workday, a day at the beach or a picnic with friends. They are super handy to pop in your handbag and apply whenever needed.
Recommendation: Collection Sheer Lip Colour Spf 15 Blissful Peach - $4.95
Metallic Lipstick
What it is: Metallic lipstick is certainly a statement-maker. It can almost be seen as a lipstick / highlighter hybrid. This type of lipstick is typically bold, vibrant and long-wearing like a matte lipstick, but also adds a dimensional shine to the lips. You can wear it alone if you want to go easy on the eye makeup and make your lips pop, or you can apply it to the centre of the lips on-top of a layer of matte lipstick to create the illusion of fuller, poutier lips.
When to wear it: Metallic lipstick would work so well for a costume party, a music festival or a night out clubbing with your friends just for the way it reflects the light. It’s also a great option for a photoshoot or for taking pics for the ‘gram as it photographs stunningly.
Recommendation: Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color Metallic 685 HD Glitz - $6.95 (RRP $23.95)
