So many lipsticks, it can be hard to see which direction to set ones compass to. Whether it is the classic bullet lipstick, pencil, liquid, or gloss… I have got you covered in seeing what is right for you.

Traditional Lipstick – Take the Bullet!

When I think bullet lipsticks, I think of lipsticks worn from the 1940’s to the 2000’s. One can easily move the bullet of pigment over the lips, but a lip liner still helps a lot in creating a smooth shape. Traditionally this comes in satin or matte. This is a good starter for anyone just getting into applying lipstick.

I like the shape of Bésame’s lipstick for easy application and vintage colors. Also Bésame is cruelty free.

The Lip Pencil

The Lip Pencil became popular in the 1990’s-2000’s. The fun part is that you can just color in your lips like a coloring book. Well if you’re good at coloring within the lines that is. This is a pencil that works not only as a liner, but also a lipstick in one. Although the popularity of these didn’t seem to last. You can still find lip pencils today in your local drug store and/or a couple of brands in Sephora or Ulta. I do not have any specific pencils to recommend currently.

The Liquids

Liquid lipsticks became popular around the 2010’s with a goal to last longer than their competitors. And guess what? They did just as promised. These are a little more difficult to maneuver in application though.

Here’s part of the challenge with these. Nobody’s face is perfectly symmetrical. We are all just little Picasso faces walking about the earth. One side of the bow of the lip will always lays a little flatter than the other. Unless you get cosmetic surgery, fillers, or Botox. But that’s another can of worms. Being slightly asymmetrical is just a part of being human. When applying the liquid lipstick, you must apply before the liquid dries, setting into place. Once it is on there, it is there for good until a fat soluble ingredient like oil, lotion, or a make up remover hits it. The good thing about the liquid lipstick, is that it will last as long as you want it to. These come in matte and a vinyl like gloss. Cost effective brands like Maybelline Super Stay are great. Unfortunately Maybelline is not cruelty free. Wet N Wild is cruelty free though and cost effective. Th color Bad Girls Club is nice! You can also go for a higher cost profile like Anastasia which is cruelty free. I also liked Violette, cruelty free as well.

What I don’t love about the liquid lipsticks is that they can be drying for the lips. I have never had one that doesn’t dry me out. If you are going to go this route, then try applying a hydrating lip mask prior to application. After removal apply a lip mask or balm to help rehydrate your lips in between uses. Some people also like to exfoliate and hydrate to keep the liquid lipstick from clumping. More work is put into this lipstick, but it’ll last without too much reapplication.

Matte vs. Gloss Debate

In 2023/2024, we have officially entered mermaid core as some call it. I like mermaids. After-all, being a young girl when The Little Mermaid came out, and being a child of the 80’s… some of my earliest memories are of gloss, shine, and sparkle prior to the 1990’s. Then 1990’s hit, and we all went matte.

Matte is good for a muted look or day time look. But can also be a little drying no matter liquid, traditional bullet lipstick, or pencil. Matte leans to looking better on a fuller set of lips. If you have a petite set of lips, then matte can make your lips appear smaller. Think Betty Boop, 1920’s silver screen small lips. If you are going for the little lips/big eyes look or have fuller lips … then the matte option might be for you. Matte is also good day time casual look no matter who you are.

If you want to trick the eye to a fuller lip, and have easy application with extra hydration then the gloss will be a home run. Gloss looks good on everyone, and with today’s formulas it is much less sticky than it used to be. Also given nobody is perfectly symmetrical, the bow is easily evened out with a glossy finish. Gloss seems to be the crème de la crème of the current times.

NYX and Rimmel are both good options for glossy colors under $7 USD from your local drug store. Both of these are cruelty free. I really like the NYX Butter Gloss, and the Rimmel London Stay Glossy.

Another option is to hydrate with a gloss over a longer lasting liquid lip. This will give you longer wear. A liquid lip alone usually doesn’t transfer. But a liquid lip with a gloss overlay will transfer in those little kisses so just beware!!

Take aways –

Matte – Best on a fuller lip. Good for a 60’s powdery velvet lip look. Good for casual day time or business look. Can easily tell when over lined for a fuller look on smaller profile lips.

Gloss – Looks good on all lips. Hydrating, which is so important! Easily can go from day to night time look. Can’t tell as much if a little over the bow line as the gloss blurs this. Gives a youthful appearance. Better with aging lips as this gives more hydration, decreasing fine lines.

What will you try? Matte, Gloss, or a liquid with a gloss overlay? I’d be interested to hear! For now, I’m sticking with the gloss.

-Keri 💋