Explainer / Lip products 101: 8 make-up and skincare basics for your pout, from hydrating oils and masks with hyaluronic acid and vitamins, to exfoliating scrubs and classic balms, liners and lipsticks
- The lips are the canvas of a beautiful smile – and there are plenty of beauty products on the market to perfect it, but where to begin, and what’s the difference between plumps, stains and glosses?
- Aside from essential lip balms and lipsticks, Dior, Fenty Beauty, Estée Lauder and Rare Beauty offer myriad products that target dryness, achieve a watery, natural look, and much more
Keep reading to unlock the secrets to a perfect pout, and discover how lip balm – while essential – is just the beginning of your lip line-up.
1. Lip gloss
While not essential, lip gloss can be a fun addition to your collection for a touch of sheer elegance. Unlike traditional lipsticks, glosses offer a softer, more natural look, perfect for everyday wear or an easy glam-up for a night out. While finding a non-sticky formula can be a challenge, quality glosses ensure comfortable wear, making them a go-to option when you crave an effortless shimmer.
2. Lip liner
Consider lip liner your lipstick’s partner-in-crime, designed to define, trace and glide smoothly to outline your lips with precision. It prevents feathering and helps your lipstick stay put all day, creating a clean edge, and adding dimension and depth to your lips. It’s a game-changer if your goal is a polished look.
3. Lipstick
Probably the most popular lip product, lipstick is the ultimate statement-maker, offering a spectrum of colours and finishes to convey your style and mood. Unlike other lip products, lipsticks offer intense pigmentation in a single swipe. From classic mattes to creamy formulas, they cater to a variety of preferences. Beyond colour, they offer a velvety texture that seamlessly glides on, enhancing the natural contours of your lips.