Lipsticks and Lip Balms

Finish and form: matte, satin, velvet or gloss

The aisle splits into color products, such as lipsticks, liquid lip colors and glosses, and care products, such as balms, treatments and sun protection. Within color, finish decides how a product looks and feels. Matte is flat and tends to last, but can feel drying. Satin has a soft sheen, velvet sits between matte and satin, and gloss adds shine with less pigment. A solid stick is easy to control, while a liquid lipstick applies with a wand and often wears longer.

Shade numbers, sizes in grams or milliliters, and SPF

Shade numbers belong to one maker's range, so the same number in two lines means nothing. Look at swatches, not codes. Sizes are given in grams for sticks, such as 3.5 g, and in milliliters for liquids, such as 6.5 ml, so you cannot compare them directly. Sun-protection balms list SPF; the number shows UVB protection and the balm needs reapplying after eating or drinking. Flavors such as peppermint can tingle, which suits some lips and not others.

Questions about Lipsticks and Lip Balms

Are lipstick shade numbers the same between brands?

No. Shade codes belong to each maker's own range, so the same number in two lines means different colors. Judge by swatches or photos on real skin tones, and by the finish name, not by the number.

What does SPF on a lip balm do?

It shows the level of UVB protection, so a balm with SPF 15 helps shield lips outdoors but needs reapplying after eating or drinking. Look for broad spectrum wording if you want UVA coverage as well.

How can I tell if a lipstick has gone off?

Changes in smell, texture or color mean it has deteriorated. The open-jar symbol with a number such as 12M gives the months it should be used after opening. Keep it out of heat, and do not share it.