Types of Lipstick: Varieties, Formulations, and Which One Suits You

Morning mirror check. Lips feel dry, your favorite red looks patchy, and meetings won’t wait. This guide walks you through the types of lipstick, how each lipstick formulation behaves, the most wearable types of lipstick shades for common undertones, and the exact moments to pull out matte, cream, tint, or gloss. You’ll also find quick links to Type Beauty picks so you can move from reading to swatching without second-guessing.

What are the different types of lipstick and how do they wear?

This is your finish-first map. Skim for your day, then match to a product.

Matte lipstick—who is it for?

High payoff, low shine, clean edges. Great for statement shades and long office days. If your natural lip color is deep and pulls nudes warm or cool, matte helps the color stay true. It’s handy for lipstick variety lovers who rotate between brick, berry, and chocolate.

Type Beauty match:

• Light Up Lipstick — a creamy-matte bullet created for pigmented lips (Niacinamide + Vitamin C). Comfortable glide with a soft-matte dry-down; dermatologist-tested; 15 shades.

Cream/creamy-matte—when comfort matters

Cushy feel with polished pigment. Forgiving on lines and uneven texture, perfect for daily wear and quick touch-ups.

Type Beauty match:

• Soak It Lipstick — Squalane + Tripeptides to keep lips supple while delivering a creamy-matte look.
  

Liquid lipstick—when you need lock-in

Fluid application with intense color. Transfer resistance varies by brand; prepare well and apply in thin layers. Consider this when you want a precise, bold lip that won’t smudge through chai and calls.

Gloss and oil-to-gloss—shine that softens

Glass-like finish that blurs vertical lines and refreshes tired makeup.

Type Beauty match:

• Soak It Lip Lustre (SPF 35 PA+++) — oil-to-gloss that sets to a non-sticky shine with sun protection. Wears well alone or over bullets to shift undertone and add dimension.
  
  

Tint/stain—your-lips-but-brighter

Sheer, buildable, and low-maintenance. Ideal for no-mirror days and soft monochrome looks with matching cheeks.

Which lipstick formulation suits dry, textured, or pigmented lips?

Match the formula to the lip you’re dealing with today.

• Dry or chapped: Choose hydrating cream bullets or oil-to-gloss.
  Try: Soak It Lipstick for creamy color that cushions flaky spots, or Soak It Lip Lustre for plush shine and SPF.
  
  
• Texture and fine lines: creamy bullets blur more kindly than stiff mattes; a thin gloss veil softens edges without bleeding.
  Try layering: one coat of Soak It Lipstick, top with Soak It Lip Lustre just on the center for lift.
  
  
• Strong natural lip color (deep brown, mauve, or uneven tone): go for high-payoff shades that cover in one swipe.
  Try: Light Up Lipstick—made for pigmented lips with brightening actives.
  
  

How do I choose the types of lipstick colours for my undertone?

Undertone decides why one nude looks fresh and another looks grey. Use daylight and a hand mirror; match to your jaw and neck, not just your wrist.

Quick cues for types of lipstick shades

• Warm/golden/neutral-golden: caramel nudes, peach-coral, tomato red, brick.
• Cool/neutral-rose: blue-red, mauve-rose, raspberry, mulberry.
• Olive/deep olive: rust, terracotta, plum, chocolate, black-cherry.

Two easy tricks

• If your nude looks washed out, add a warm gloss layer: Soak It Lip Lustre nudges undertone and adds life.
• If your red keeps turning orange on deeper lips, switch to a more pigmented bullet like Light Up Lipstick in a blue-leaning red.

Matte vs creamy vs liquid vs gloss—what should I wear today?

Use this one-look comparison whenever you’re torn.

Building an everyday kit? Start with a creamy nude in Soak It Lipstick and a deeper evening option in Light Up Lipstick. 

Want one-step polish on bare-face days? Swipe Soak It Lip Lustre (SPF 35); it perks up any base and gives a soft, healthy sheen.
Planning a “power lip” stack? Matte bullet first (Light Up), then a dot of Soak It Lip Lustre just at the center for dimension.

How do I make lipstick last without cracking or feathering?

A few small habits change the whole day’s wear.

• Prep lightly. Use a thin balm 5 minutes earlier, then blot once so the color adheres.
• Apply in thin layers. One coat → blot → second coat. This works with both matte and creamy formulas.
• Edge control. For bold shades, trace the perimeter with a similar-toned pencil or the tiniest bit of foundation at the border.
• Refresh strategically. Press a little Soak It Lip Lustre at the center after lunch rather than repainting end-to-end.

Building a nude wardrobe? Start with a creamy base like Soak It Lipstick and keep a deeper Light Up Lipstick in your bag to dial depth for the evening.

Conclusion

Open your pouch tomorrow and let your lips set the plan. Do they need comfort? Reach for Soak It Lipstick. Want crisp edges and bold payoff? Choose Light Up Lipstick. Craving shine that lifts the whole face? Tap on Soak It Lip Lustre. One small swipe changes how you feel in the frame. Give your lips that moment!

FAQs

What are the main types of lipstick I should know?
Matte, creamy, liquid, gloss/oil-gloss, and tint/stain. Each lipstick variety solves a different day: statement, comfort, lock-in, shine, or low-maintenance.

Which finish suits dry lips?
Creamy bullets and oil-to-gloss textures. Soak It Lipstick cushions flakes; Soak It Lip Lustre adds moisture and glow.

I have uneven natural lip color—what stops my nude from turning ashy?
Pick a higher-payoff shade and nudge undertone with a warm gloss layer. Light Up Lipstick + Soak It Lip Lustre is a reliable combo.

Do liquid formulas always last longer?
They can, when applied in thin coats and left to set. If you dislike the feel, a matte bullet layered the same way gives durable color without the “locked” sensation.

What does high-pigmented lipstick actually do for me?
It covers natural lip tone quickly, so the shade you see in the tube is close to the shade on your lips—useful for deep nudes, bricks, and berries.