Matte or Gloss? Pearly or Frost? Long-lasting or Transfer Resistant? These are all questions you may find yourself asking as you stand the pharmacy looking at countless types of lipsticks offered. Lipstick has been around for centuries. It has always been used by women as a means of beautifying themselves. I guess you could say that nothing has changed expect for variety. Today, there are numerous different types and shades of lipstick to choose from. First we need to understand the types of lipsticks that are available today and then we will move on to shades.

Matte/Gloss: Matte Lipstick is flat instead of shiny and is known for its good color. Matte lipstick is also dry on the lips so it’s important to use a moisturizer before applying. It is best for women who have smooth and plump lips. Gloss lipsticks leave a shiny finish on the lips. Gloss is not considered a lipstick rather a lip enhancer. It’s good for women who have small or thin lips. Gloss will enhance the lips making them appear fuller.

Pearly/Frost: Pearly lipstick is thick and stands out. If you are going out for the night and want to be “noticed”, this may be the right type for you. Frosty lipstick reflects light and therefore leaves a glowing/sparkling appearance. This type of lipstick is popular amongst younger women.

Long-lasting/Transfer Resistant: No matter what you choose, you want your lipstick to last a long time. Either of these options would work. Long lasting lipstick is supposed to last between 4 and 6 hours. This is perfect for going out on a date. Transfer Resistant lipstick as the name implies, is meant to stay on the lips and not transfer to other materials. This type of lipstick is known to last for 8 hours.  Both types are dry and therefore need a moisturizer as a base.

You must determine the type of lips you have thin, plump, cracked, and dry or moisturized. Then you can decide what type of lipstick is right for you.

Now that we have covered the types of lipsticks we can move on to choosing the proper color for your skin type. Here are some basic tips to follow;

• If you have fair or light skin, it is best to choose reds, browns or shiny pink colors.
• If your skin tone is medium, you have two options. Either choose deep colors with a blue undertone or warm colors with yellow undertones. Ask the sales representative to assist you in trying on various shades.
• If you have dark skin tone, stick with dark shades or sheer pinks.

Make sure when shopping for a lipstick that you try on an array of colors before choosing one. No two people have the same lips, so it is important that you see how it looks on you before you make your purchase. There are thousands of types and shades of lipsticks out there today; there may even be more than one shade and type that is perfect for you.