Traditionally, or at least while I was growing up, lipsticks were less desired by girls my age and we seen as more fit for older women. I didn't agree at all. I loved a good lipstick. Starting out, I was crazy for the nude colours. Nude, beige, Mauve. Anything in the nude family, I was crazy for it. I rarely used lipglosses, I loved the texture of lipsticks and especially, I was a huge fan of Mac lipsticks. That's how my obsession got started. They smelled so good too, like vanilla. Yum!
Let's dive into the content of a lipstick. Lipstick formulations typically include waxes, oils and pigments. Waxes are required for structure, oils are required for glide and shine, and pigments are required for colour.
Now let's discuss the different textures that they come in: mainly glossy, satin, matte, etc...(disclaimer: these definitions are taken from google):
- Matte Lipstick: Offers intense pigmentation and a flat, non-shiny finish. It is highly long-lasting and transfer-proof, though it can sometimes feel dry on the lips.
- Liquid Lipstick: Applies as a liquid with a precise wand and dries down completely. Often found in matte finishes, it provides bold, budge-proof color that lasts all day.
- Satin Lipstick: Provides a balanced finish that sits right between matte and glossy. It is creamy, luminous, and moisturizing, making it highly versatile for everyday wear.
- Glossy Lipstick: Features a high-shine, dewy finish that makes lips look fuller and plumper. These tend to be hydrating but require more frequent reapplication.
- Sheer Lipstick: Delivers a light wash of color rather than full opacity. It is heavily moisturizing and gives a very natural "your lips but better" look.
- Tinted Lip Balm: A hybrid of lip care and light makeup. It hydrates chapped lips while providing a subtle, everyday tint.
- Metallic/Frosted Lipstick: Reflects light and adds a bit of shimmer or a foil-like effect, popularized for statement and special event looks.
My personal favourites are satin and glossy!
As for the brands, there are many brands notable for having good lipstick collections. Mac cosmetics of course being the leader in colour options and textures. Yves Saint Laurent also makes amazing lipsticks, so luxurious and wonderful colour, but not so easy on the wallet :p Other notables are Maybelline and Charlotte Tilbury.
The most interesting fact of all: did you know that lipsticks got started over 5000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia? The Sumerian Queen Puabi used a base of white lead and crushed red rocks. Later this practice was taken up by Cleopatra who favoured vibrant red hues. Lip paint denoted high social status and political standing. The practice traveled to ancient Greece and Rome, following that to Europe during the Middle Ages. The first commercial lipstick was created by the French brand Guerlain in the 1880s which was made from deer tallow, castor oil, and beeswax.
and there you have it!
A good lipstick would never go out of style!
#blog #writer #makeup #lipstick #beauty #sura #polymath
