Lips, from balm to bold color
How to prep lips, choose between lipstick, gloss, tint and liquid formulas, find shades for your undertone and make color last, plus lip care that actually helps.
Lip color is the fastest way to change a look. A sheer balm reads relaxed and fresh; a precise red reads polished and intentional. Good results start with comfortable, smooth lips and the right formula for the occasion.
Prep and care
- Hydrate first. Apply a balm a few minutes before color, then blot the excess.
- Exfoliate gently only if lips are flaky, using a soft washcloth. Harsh scrubs can irritate.
- Protect from sun. Lips burn too. Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher outdoors, as the American Academy of Dermatology recommends. See sunscreen.
- Avoid licking lips, which dries them further.
- Watch for irritants. Some flavorings, fragrances and plumping ingredients sting or cause dryness in sensitive people.
Formulas compared
| Formula | Finish | Wear | Comfort | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tinted balm | Sheer, glossy | Short | Very comfortable | Everyday, dry lips |
| Satin or cream lipstick | Soft sheen | Medium | Comfortable | Most occasions |
| Matte lipstick | Flat | Medium to long | Can feel dry | Bold color, photos |
| Liquid lipstick | Matte or satin | Long | Can be drying | Events, eating and drinking |
| Lip gloss | High shine | Short | Comfortable, can be sticky | Fullness, layering |
| Lip stain or tint | Natural flush | Long | Light | Low maintenance |
| Lip oil | Glossy | Short | Very comfortable | Shine with care |
Finding your shades
Your skin's undertone (cool, warm or neutral) helps narrow down flattering shades; see foundation shade matching for how to find it.
| Undertone | Shades that often flatter |
|---|---|
| Cool (pink, red or blue tones) | Blue-based reds, berry, fuchsia, cool pinks, mauve |
| Warm (yellow, golden or olive tones) | Orange-reds, coral, terracotta, warm nudes, brick |
| Neutral | Most shades, especially true reds, rose and soft plum |
For a nude that suits you, look for a shade one or two steps deeper than your natural lip color, with an undertone similar to your skin. Very pale nudes can wash out deeper skin tones, while very deep browns may look heavy on fair skin; test in daylight.
Applying lipstick precisely
- Line the lips with a liner that matches your lipstick or your natural lip color. Start at the center of the upper lip (the cupid's bow) and work outward in short strokes.
- Fill in lightly with the liner for longer wear.
- Apply lipstick from the center outward, straight from the bullet or with a lip brush for precision.
- Blot with a tissue, apply a second thin layer and blot again for staying power.
- Clean edges with a little concealer on a flat brush.
Making it last
- Use liner as a base.
- Choose stains or liquid formulas for long events.
- Layer gloss only on the center of the bottom lip; it wears faster.
- Carry the lipstick to touch up after meals.
Lip hygiene
Do not share lip products during cold sores or illness, as viruses such as the one that causes cold sores spread through shared items. Throw away lip products that smell off. Clean lip brushes regularly, as covered in the brush guide.
A balm with SPF in your bag and a sheer tint for quick color will cover most days. Save bold matte shades for when you want a statement.
