20 Different Types Of Lipstick (Complete Lipstick Guide)

Have you been using the same lipstick your entire life?

It may be time to change things up a bit.

With all of the options on the market, the different types of lipstick can get a bit overwhelming.

Some lipsticks will help those who need moisture, those who want something light, and of course, those who want to stand out and shine.

Here is a quick guide discussing twenty different kinds and what makes them unique.

20 Different Types of Lipstick

1. Sheer Lipstick

A sheer lipstick is a good choice if your lips are dry for some reason.

The sheer can moisturize your lips but also provide a lot of gloss and shine.

This is going to be a lipstick that stands out, but you will have to be careful about the color you purchase.

For some reason, the sheer lipsticks always look darker in the package than they do when you put them on.

Make sure you choose the proper color for your occasion.

2. Satin Lipstick

Sheer and satin lipsticks are very similar and are often used interchangeably.

Satin lipstick is great for moisture and a high gloss look.

One of the essential things to remember about satin lipstick is that it has a high oil content.

Sometimes high oil lipsticks need to be applied more often than other types of lipstick.

The satin lipstick can be worn during the day, but because of the shine, it makes an excellent choice for a special occasion.

If you have a night out on the town planned, the satin is a great choice to consider.

3. Cream Lipstick

The cream lipstick is a bit different than the first two options on our list.

The cream is a much more subtle, low gloss look.

Cream lipstick is not shiny, but it will look very nice and smooth as a covering on the lips.

Cream lipsticks don’t do all that much from a moisturization standpoint, but they can protect the lips.

The cream lipstick is a wax type formula.

The wax will work as a barrier on your lips to protect them from the elements.

Cream lipsticks are trendy and can be purchased in many different styles.

4. Gloss Lipstick

A gloss lipstick is going to stand out a bit more than a cream lipstick.

When you add shine to your lips, you will make them look bigger than they are.

For women who have very small lips, gloss lipstick can be a great fit.

Some people will use cream lipstick and then put a gloss lipstick on top.

This combination can help you get a great combination of both color and the impact you want.

As you will see throughout our guide, you will likely end up having more than one type of lipstick in your makeup bag.

Having some versatility in color, shine, and style is very important to get the proper look.

5. Lipstick Stains

A lipstick stain can sound a bit scary to be putting on your face, but they are not.

Another name for these could be lipstick paint.

The lipstick stains are all about color, but they are not about shine or gloss.

Lipstick stains are going to give a real pop of color, and they are available in many different colors and shades.

If you don’t want a lipstick that takes a lot of time and effort, stains are a great option.

Most of the time, a stain is applied with a pencil.

The pencil is simple, clean, and neat to apply.

A lipstick stain is just a great overall choice, even for those who don’t’ really enjoy wearing lipstick.

6. Pearl Lipstick

A pearl lipstick is designed to reflect light.

Where the lipstick stain focuses on color, the pearl lipstick will be more about shine and light.

Many of the pearl lipsticks will also sparkle.

This can be an excellent look for a dinner party or formal event.

You will want to wear a moisturizer with your pearl lipstick as they are not known for being all that easy on your lips.

7. Moisturizing Lipsticks

If you live in a dry climate, you know how hard it is to keep your lips moisturized.

Using a lipstick that has the moisturizing capability is not only practical, but it can be helpful as well.

Many moisturizing lipsticks are going to have additional ingredients to keep your lips healthy.

Some of these lipsticks will contain aloe or vitamin E.

Your lips will stay protected and maintain a soft feel as well.

Most of the moisturizing lipsticks are going to look a bit glossy.

This is because of the moisturizing properties included in the lipstick.

If you want a healthy option which also looks great, the moisturizing lipsticks are a great choice.

8. Matte Lipsticks

Sometimes when you are looking for a modern look, you will want a matte finish lipstick.

The matte is exactly like the name sounds, not shiny or glossy at all.

You will have a very flat look with a matte lipstick, but they come in a variety of colors.

Matte lipsticks give a very bold look even though they don’t shine.

Many of the matte-style lipsticks are available with moisturizes in them as well.

These may have a bit of a glossier look than a true matte will have.

9. Long Wearing Lipstick

Everyone knows that stopping to reapply lipstick can be a real pain.

If you don’t want to have to reapply your makeup during your day or your night out, then long-wearing lipstick could be a great choice to consider.

Some of these lipsticks are meant to last for four or even eight hours.

Of course, after a meal, you may need to touch up your lipstick, but for the most part, these long-wearing options will stay in place and make your life much easier.

10. Frosted Lipstick

If you want your lips to sparkle and shine, the frosted lipstick is going to be the best choice for you.

A frosted lipstick is something that will not only shine, but it will probably have sparkles in place as well.

This type of lipstick is going to be much better for a night out on the town as opposed to a lipstick you would wear during the day for work.

Since this is intended to be so sparkly and shiny, you may need to reapply quite often.

If you are eating or doing a lot of talking, you will start to lose some of the impact and effect of the frosted look.

11. Transfer Resistant Lipsticks

When lipstick transfers from onto another person or your clothing, it can be very frustrating.

Not only is there sometimes an issue with getting the lipstick off of your clothes, but you also know that your lips don’t look as good as they once did.

With a transfer-resistant lipstick, you will not have to worry nearly as much about this.

Transfer resistant lipsticks tend to stay in place for a long time, and you will save time having to reapply several times throughout your day.

Some of the transfer-resistant lipstick will come with moisturizing capabilities, but most will not.

12. Lip Tint

Lip tint is very similar to a lip stain, and it is a method preferred by people who do not want to be stuck reapplying and spending time on their lipstick.

The lip tint goes on easy, it is available in a wide range of colors, and you can get your lips looking great without much effort at all.

Since lip tint is usually a thinner, less bold product, it also does not do the most fabulous job of moisturizing your lips for the long term.

If you have issues with dry lips, you may need to add a moisturizing lip gloss in addition to the tint.

13. Lip Primer

A lip primer works precisely the way a facial primer or even a paint primer would work.

The primer prepares the lips for the lipstick you are about to apply.

When you put on a lip primer, you will then have to apply lipstick or lip gloss.

When you apply lipstick in this way, it should last longer, and your color should be perfect.

Of course, this step will take a few extra minutes, but to have your lips looking great for an extended period, it will be well worth it.

14. Lip Liner

A lip liner will not cover your entire lip.

With a liner, you will be able to make sure the edges of your lips are perfectly colored.

When using a lip liner, you will use another lipstick underneath.

Once your lipstick is applied, then you use the lip liner to finish off the look.

Although some people use a liner that is a different color than the lipstick, it is best to stick with something that is the same color.

Lip liners take a bit of getting used to when it comes to application.

15. Lip Plumper

A lip plumper is for a person who wants to make their lips look larger.

The way a lip plumper works is that it irritates your lips to make them look slightly fuller.

Essentially, your lips are going to swell up slightly.

If you have any allergies, you may not want to try lip plumper, as it is essentially trying to cause a reaction in your lips.

If you have dried or chap lips, do not apply lip plumper as it won’t work, and it will cause much more unnecessary irritation.

16. Lip Balm

Lip balm is often referred to as chapstick.

This is usually a clear moisturizer that is put on the lips.

When you apply lip balm, you have to reapply continually.

Lip balm is not a very long-lasting product, and although it can make your lips look shiny, it won’t be colored.

If you want a lip balm that has color, you will need to look for tinted lip balm.

Lip balm is something that is often worn by men, women, and children in colder climates or more dry areas as it is a great protector of lips.

17. Lip Gloss

Lip gloss is a bit different than glossy lipsticks.

With a lip gloss, you will usually need to apply more often if you want to keep your lips shiny and moisturized all day.

Lip gloss is offered in many different colors, just like lipstick.

You can put lip gloss directly on bare lips, and it does a great job of keeping your lips from drying out.

The product itself is quite a bit lighter than most lipsticks, and that is why it won’t hold up on the lips quite as long.

18. Tinted Lip Balm

If you struggle with dry or chapped lips at all, then you will seriously want to consider a tinted lip balm.

A lip balm will work just like a chapstick to keep your lips from drying out.

The fact that it is tinted will make it very much like a lipstick but more for moisturization than for fashion.

For some people who struggle in the winter with chapped lips, lipstick itself is not enough.

If you are worried about your lips having color, but worry more about dry or chapped lips, then the tinted lip balm is a perfect solution to consider.