There are vast differences among lipsticks. As you probably already know from experience, lipstick colors and textures can vary even within the same cosmetics line. Some are creamy; others are dry, greasy, shiny, or flat. Some melt easily; others go on stickily, evenly, thickly, thinly, and all combinations thereof. I recommend lipsticks that go on creamily, in an even layer that doesn’t smear or look thick or greasy. Whether or not to go with a matte or creamy finish is your own personal preference. True matte-finish lipsticks do last noticeably longer than creamy (and especially sheer) lipsticks. The only way to find out which ones you prefer is to be patient and try on various formulas in the colors you like and see how they feel and look. But whatever you do, avoid wearing overly shiny or glittery lipsticks, particularly if you are an adult with a serious career. Glaring iridescence is best reserved for evening, not for daytime. A lipstick with a soft shimmer is perfect for daytime wear.
Note: If your lipstick has a tendency to cake or to dry out as the day goes by, avoid reapplying more lipstick over semi-worn-off lipstick. Wipe off all your lipstick first and then reapply. You may also want to apply a bit of lip balm under your lipstick if the problem of caking persists.
What about lipsticks with sunscreen? When it comes to sun protection, ignoring the lips is problematic. Not only is the skin on the lips very thin, it does not contain any mela – nin—which essentially provides the rest of the skin’s built-in defense against UV radiation. Although conventional, opaque lipsticks do provide a barrier (which is one of the reasons skin cancer on the lips is markedly higher in men than in women), for true sun protection a lip balm with sunscreen applied underneath lipstick, or better yet a lipstick with built-in sunscreen is a must. A few cosmetics companies offer wonderful lipsticks with effective UVA/UVB sunscreens. My favorites are Chanel Aqualumiere Sheer Color Lipshine SPF 15, Clinique High Impact Lipstick SPF 15, Neutrogena Moisture Shine Lipstick with SPF 20, and Paula’s Choice Sheer Cream Lipstick SPF 15. You can read reviews of these lipsticks and others I rate highly on my Web site, www. Beautypedia. com.
Note: When checking an SPF-labeled lipstick, make sure the UVA-protecting elements of avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide are listed as one of the active ingredients. If they don’t appear, or if they are listed anyplace other than in the active ingredient list, you can’t count on getting reliable sun protection.