What it is and what it is for?
The first reported use of lipstick dates back to 3500 BC, when the queen of ancient Sumeria used white lead and crushed red stones to color her lips.
In Ancient Egypt, red pigments extracted from algae were used. Lipsticks with shiny effects were initially made using the substance that causes the iridescence found in fish scales.
Currently, lipstick is the most used cosmetic in the world, with Elizabeth Arden and Estée Lauder being the first brands to market the product in their salons.
The lipstick is used to color the lips, with or without shine, enhances the mouth and is available in various colors and brands, adapting to different tastes.
What are the most used ingredients and their function?
Lipsticks have several ingredients, but most contain these main ingredients: wax, oil, pigment, preservatives and antioxidants, and fragrance.
The wax allows the lipstick to be shaped like a tube. The types of wax used are beeswax, candelilla wax or camauba wax.
The oils change the intensity of the lipstick formula, that is, more oil means a more transparent application, less oil results in a richer pigment. The types of oil used are mineral oil, lanolin, castor oil and vegetable oil.
Preservatives and antioxidants are what keep lipstick fresh, safe and preserved.
Pigments are what provide lipstick with different colors.
The fragrance is only present in small quantities to promote a pleasant lipstick smell.
Which various types exist and what are their differences?
The lipsticks have some diversity: matte, creamy, satin, sparkling, vinyl and varnished.
Currently, matte lipsticks are a favorite. These lipsticks have a drier texture and an opaque finish. They contain a very high concentration of pigmentation, providing a long duration, such as for example Power Bullet Matte Lipstick by Huda Beauty.
Creamy lipsticks are very moisturizing, with good coverage and hold. These lipsticks have a light shine and a very creamy texture, which offers an excellent glide to be applied, just like Unlimited Stylo by KIKO.
Satin lipstick is the intermediate between matte and creamy, as it is more moisturizing than matte and drier compared to creamy. Its coverage is a little more transparent, promoting a more natural finish. It is of little shine, but with a long durability, just like Poutsicle Juicy Satin Lipstick by Fenty Beauty.
The sparkling lipstick offers a pearly or metallic finish and effect with little coverage. Its intensity is low and promotes a medium duration, for example Dior Addict Stellar Shine by Christian Dior.
What is the most used packaging format and what are the most frequent sizes?
Lipsticks come in their most common stick format. However, they also exist in pencil, jar and gloss.
Its most frequent amounts are 1.5gr to 5gr.
What to take into account when choosing a lipstick?
When choosing lipstick, you should take into account what suits your personal taste but also the needs of your lips. You should see what are the ingredients to prevent allergies on the lips and skin.
In blond people, lighter lipsticks fit well, for a more natural look, such as soft pink, coral or beige. But if you want to choose a little more color, try colors that contrast with the skin, such as dark bordeux and bright reds.
In brunette people, the shades of coral give lightness, but colors like old pink, peach, raspberry or more vivid red lipsticks also look good.
In black skins, the ideal varies between bordeux, plum, metallic brown, bright red or orange; for nudes, shades of dark pink or brick tone.
What are the recommendations for use and tips?
Before applying the lipstick, it is important to moisturize, exfoliate and care for the lips, as the lips dry easily, which makes the lipstick not so uniform.
You should also make the lip contour with a pencil in the same shade as the lipstick. This way, it prevents the lipstick from rubbing when it is applied, besides correcting flaws and making the lips more symmetrical.
At the time of application, make a movement that starts at the center of the lips and goes to the extremities. This type of movement ensures more firmness in the application.
Finally, if you want a longer lasting lipstick, after applying the lipstick, fill your lips with a thin layer of translucent powder, and then reapply the chosen lipstick. This will help in fixing, making the product last for much longer.
What are the pros and cons of using a lipstick?
Lipsticks promote greater beauty to the lips, but we must bear in mind that there are also disadvantages.
Allergic reactions can be triggered, causing irritation to the lips and surrounding skin. Therefore, it is important to check the composition of the product. If the lipstick is not chosen well, it can dry and damage the lips.
Lipsticks can provide the following advantages: hydration and lip protection; improve self-esteem, as the use of lipstick increases confidence; promote the best appearance of the lips, because it beautifies and provides a healthier appearance to the lips.
