Different Types of Lipstick Makeup

Types of lipsticks



Lipstick makeup has been around for centuries – from using crushed gemstones to extracting colour from flowers and vegetables, men and women have indulged in makeup and decorating their lips since ancient civilizations. Over the years, lipstick makeup evolved and now we have the option of choosing from hundreds and thousands of lipstick shades, formulas, and textures. With so many different types of lipsticks out there, there is a lipstick out there for everybody. All the lipsticks are broadly categorized into these 8 types of lipsticks –

1. Sheer or Satin

Sheer or satin lipsticks give your lips a soft and hydrated appearance and are perfect for your no-makeup makeup days. Incredibly soft and hydrating, sheer and satin lipsticks add a light wash of colour to your lips that you can build up by layering. These lipsticks are enriched with moisturizing ingredients to keep your lips supple and hydrated throughout. The downside of this type of lipstick makeup is that it is not long-lasting and usually requires frequent touchups all through the day.

2. Creamy

Somewhere between satin and matte lies the creamy lipstick makeup. Creamy lipsticks have the hydration of a satin lipstick and the look of a matte lipstick. These lipsticks glide onto your lips with ease and have more coverage than the sheer or satin lipsticks. Perfect for when you want the colour and the nourishment, try the Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick. This lipstick makeup delivers a vibrant lip colour while the shea-butter infused formula keeps your lips moisturized all day long.

3. Matte

If you are on the lookout for a lipstick that has intense pigmentation and staying power, you need to get yourself a matte lipstick. These lipsticks are super saturated and leave your lips with a flat matte finish. This type of lipstick usually has very little oil so it can dry out your lips if you do not prep them the right way. (Read The Dos and Don’ts of Matte Lipstick to make sure you are not left with dry lips at the end of a long day!) Or you can try the Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick or Lip Crayon. These lipsticks have an intense colour payoff and are extremely long-lasting but are also super lightweight and do not dry out your lips.

4. Lip Stains or Tints

Lip stains or tints are great for when you want to add a flush of colour to your lips without adding any sensation of wearing a lipstick. Lip tints are usually super long-wearing and can come in a variety of pigmentation levels, from almost sheer and natural-looking to vibrant and bold. Lip stains and tints are very low maintenance as they do not require any touchups throughout the day, but remember that this type of lipstick makeup can sometimes make your lips very dry. Bonus hack, some lip tints can also double up as cheek tints!

5. Glossy

If you are immediately drawn to the thick and sticky lip gloss you wore in middle school, you would be happy to note that lip glosses have come a long way. If you want your lips to have a wet or glass-like finish, this is the lipstick makeup for you. Lip glosses have light to medium opacity and also have a low staying power. But the good part is that they keep your lips well hydrated all day long. You can even layer lip glosses on top of other types of lipstick to add some dimension and shine to your lipstick makeup.

6. Frosted or metallic

Frosted lipsticks were all the rage in the 90s, on and off the red carpet and runways. Frosted or metallic lipsticks reflect light and make your lips glisten and sparkle which in turn also makes them look plumper and fuller. Some of these lipsticks also contain tiny flecks of shimmer or glitter that add extra shine to your lips and make them look like molten metal, If you are interested in flaunting this lipstick makeup, remember to moisturize your lips before since these lipsticks can also get dry and crack your lips.

7. Tinted Lip Balm

Lip balms are a must-have lipstick makeup product, especially if you are prone to having dry and chapped lips. If you find yourself reaching for your lip balm very often, why not get one that also adds a beautiful colour to your lips, for a shade that makes them look like your lips but better. The Maybelline Baby Lips Loves Color Lip Balms are infused with colour pigments to add a subtle flush of colour to your lips along with the moisturization. These lip balms are like lip tints or stains with hydration!

8. Lip Liner

Whether you often find your lipstick bleeding outside the edges or want to define the outline of your lips and make them sharper, lip liners are the solution to many of your lipstick woes. Lip liners increase the longevity of your lipstick makeup, prevent your lipstick from bleeding or feathering, fill in any cracks you might have in your lips, help you define or create the cupid’s bow, and can also be used to overline your lips to make them look bigger and fuller. So the next time you reach for your favourite type of lipstick, remember to first outline and fill in your lips with a lip liner. The next time you want to add some volume to your lips or compensate for small differences in shape, use the Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner to accentuate, outline, and colour your lips. This creamy lip liner is a great starting point for your lipstick makeup and will help your lipstick stay put for a long-lasting impact.


Whether you are looking for something soft and subtle for everyday wear or want to create a statement with dramatic lips, lipstick makeup is a simple and quick way to elevate your makeup and tie the whole look together. With so many different types of lipsticks available today, it is easy to face the paradox of choice and get overwhelmed with decision making. What if the purple does not look good on me? Is this red too bright to wear to work? Will this nude lipstick make me look pale and washed out? If you want the answers to these questions without spending your money on a bunch of lipstick makeup products, you need to check out the new Maybelline Virtual-Try-On tool. With the Virtual Try On, you can play with all the different types of lipsticks on the Maybelline website and experiment with fun colours, all from the comfort of your own home. Stick to your favourite pink shades or step out of your comfort zone with dark brown, the Virtual Try On is a great commitment-free way to try before you buy. If you are looking for a perfect foundation shade, use the Maybelline Foundation Finder tool to find a perfect shade of foundation and concealer that fits you.