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How do I Choose the Best Shine Lipstick?
Choosing the best shine lipstick depends on the type of gloss or sparkle you want as well as the best color for your skin tone. Also keep in mind when choosing shiny lipstick that it may be more suitable for causal days or evenings out rather than workdays. You could go to makeup counters and try the testers on the back of your hand to give you an idea of how sheer the color is and how shiny the lipstick is, as well as whether or not it suits your skin tone.
The type of lip product in a mascara-shaped container with a sponge-tipped applicator included is often the glossiest kind of shine lipstick. This ultra-glossy lipstick may not be best for conservative or traditional offices, as it may just be too slick, sparkly or bright in its shine. Again, it may be a good idea to try a tester version of the product on the back of your hand to give you an idea of how the lipstick is likely to look before you buy it. Unlike traditional tube-shaped lipsticks that are turned up to apply directly on the mouth, the glossy sponge-applied products may not be easy to blot to create a more subtle look.
Shine lipstick sold in traditional tubes may have a thicker, richer color to it if the product is matte with a moisturizer added, but an almost transparent frosty look if it's sheer. Matte moisturizing lipsticks usually only have a subtle shine to them. If you like the natural color of your lips, you may just want to use a sheer, tube-style lipstick to create a natural-looking shine. Sometimes, the names on the different shiny lipstick types are helpful. For instance, one labeled "shimmer" is likely to be subtler and frostier than one marked as "high gloss," which will be super-shiny.
If you're looking for a shiny look is a moisturizing lipstick, then you should read the ingredients of the products to look for added moisturizers. It's also a good idea to look for shine lipstick labels that say the color is long-lasting. Matching lip liner to any type of shiny lipstick is crucial; it can help keep the color within the lines. A small mirror kept with the lipstick is convenient and will help ensure that you can get a closeup view when you apply the product. Shiny lipsticks can be difficult to apply properly; if even a little goes past the lip liner to end up outside your mouth, it can catch the light and look unattractive.
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![A woman applies shine lipstick.]()
By: bst2012A woman applies shine lipstick. -
![Shine lipstick can be too flashy for most professional offices.]()
By: Nicola_Del_MutoloShine lipstick can be too flashy for most professional offices. -
![Shine lipstick sold in tubes tend to have a thick, rich color.]()
By: GreseiShine lipstick sold in tubes tend to have a thick, rich color. -
![When buying a shiny lipstick, choose a color or palette that flatters your complexion.]()
By: alex83chWhen buying a shiny lipstick, choose a color or palette that flatters your complexion.
Discussion Comments
@burcinc-- Those are some really good questions!
I would say that 90% of shiny lip colors are moisturizing. Of course, there are some that aren't but that's pretty rare. The reason is because in order for the product to have a shiny finish, it needs oils and moisturizers. So almost always, you won't have a problem.
There are many different kinds of emollients (moisturizers) used in cosmetics. Rather than trying to figure out the emollients in a lipstick, it's probably better to look out for ingredients that are drying like alcohol.
I personally like shiny and shimmery lip glosses with a brush applicator. It does require some practice but if you line your lips with the brush first and then fill it in, it'll be fine. Otherwise, the easiest to use applicator is probably a slanted foam type applicator. You can't go wrong with it. If all else fails, just use your finger!
I have really dry lips and I'm looking for a lipstick or lip gloss that's moisturizing and that also has a shiny (not shimmery) finish to it.
I'm not well versed when it comes to cosmetic ingredients so I have no idea which ingredients I should look for. Does anyone know? And is it safe to assume that the names of products really reflect what the product is like? For example, there is one called "butter shine lipstick" which implies it's moisturizing. But I'm not sure if that's true or just a trick to sell the product.
I also noticed that lip glosses come with so many different kinds of applicators know. When I was in school there was only one type, it looked like the tip of an eye shadow applicator. Now there are slanted applicators and brushes. And then there are those squeeze tubes which look like they would be so difficult to apply.
Which kind of product would be good for someone who is not very good with applying lipsticks and glosses?
I completely agree with the article that high shine lipsticks and glosses are not suitable for the office. It's much better to stick to matte, light colors in the office to avoid looking like you have too much makeup on.
I have half a dozen shiny lipsticks and glosses and I only wear them at night or on the weekend. The other thing to think about is that most men find glossy lips very attractive. So it's the perfect product for lips while going on a date or on a special occasion with your partner.
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