• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • PRICE LISTS
    • PRICE LIST: NAILS
    • PRICE LIST: MAKE-UP
  • CONTACT
  • SHOP
  • TESTIMONIALS
  • FAQ
    • Nails FAQ
    • Make-up FAQ
  • T&Cs
    • Refund and Returns Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  •  

Rambling Rose

  • Price Lists
    • Nails
    • Make-up
  • Shop
  • Blog
    • Articles
    • How to … & Tutorials
    • Make-up brushes & tools
    • Nails
    • Product Reviews
  • Contact
  • T&Cs
    • Refund and Returns Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
  • Press

Which lipstick consistency to use?

April 24, 2013 | Articles | Leave a Comment

brown lipstickLove the look of lipstick but not the feeling on your lips?  You are not alone.  Unfortunately, if you’re buying a lipstick, you have to test it first.  Looking for a different lipstick consistency may make all the difference.  Some make-up and beauty products you simply have to try out before you buy them, and these include:  foundation, lipstick and blush.  What you can get away with without testing: mascara, eye liner, most eye shadows and lip gloss.

The next question is which lipstick consistency is right for you?  Lipsticks come in a variety of consistencies and formulas:  tinted balm, matte, semi-matte, cream, gloss, lip stains, liquid lipstick and lip inks, and then you have the choice between sheer, frosted, metallic and opaque. Enough to make you spend hours deciding on which you’d prefer to use!  There’s nothing worse than purchasing a lipstick in a shade that you love, only to have it lying in your make-up bag because you don’t like the formula or consistency.

Gloss
Pros: Provides a clear or coloured shine to the lips, which also moisturises and protects the skin.  Gloss is easy to apply and can be layered over lipstick or worn on its own for natural daytime colour.
Cons: They can be sticky and often need frequent re-application.

Tinted Balm
Pros: Provides sheer colour and tint for an understated look.  Helps to keep lips in good condition and is available in pale, flattering colours.
Cons: Can appear too “washed out” for some skin tones.

Matte
Pros: Gives intense colour and a rich finish with no shine.  Provides solid, long-lasting colour. This bold colour is great for evening wear.
Cons: Can be drying to your lips and pale shades may look chalky and lifeless.

Semi-Matte
Pros: Delivers strong colour with a creamy-matte look.  Provides rich, long-lasting colour and are more velvety and comfortable to wear than matte colours.
Cons: Can be a little dehydrating on parched lips in winter.



Cream
Pros: Gives moist, opaque colour with a velvety-smooth feel.  Comfortable to wear and can be used with gloss.
Cons: Can travel into fine lines and wrinkles around mouth if lip liner is not used.

lipstick tubesStain
Pros: Long-lasting and easy to apply. Natural looking and does not rub off. Colour can be built up gradually.
Cons: Some formulas can be drying on the lips. Colours may be limited.

Liquid Lipstick
Pros: Very pigmented and very long-lasting.  Doesn’t transfer and is easier to apply than other bright lipsticks.
Cons: Can be very drying on the lips, tends to accentuate dry patches.  It won’t stick to the inner edge of your lip.  Not very comfortable to wear.

Ink Lipstick
Pros:  Claims to have a non-drying formula, so it feels more comfortable than regular liquid lipstick.  Long-lasting colour.
Cons: The formula can be stringy and can feel sticky on the lips.  The colour might crumble or go patchy.  May make lips feel dry.

Frost or Metallic
Pros: Light reflective particles give an iridescent shine and instant glamour for evening wear and special occasions.  Fun to experiment with and can make lips appear fuller.
Cons: Can appear too garish and bold for daytime wear, especially glittery formulas.

Sheer
Pros: A sheer, moist colour that looks like lipstick but contains less colour pigments.  Great for everyday wear when you want a hint of colour that is not too glossy.  It colours and softens lips without any stickiness.
Cons: Contains high levels of emollients which mean less staying power and more frequent re-application.

I hope that this may have helped a little.  Happy lipstick hunting, and don’t forget to read How to make your lipstick last.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Print

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Unicorn ombré with holographic glitter. If you'r Unicorn ombré with holographic glitter.

If you're wanting a set similar to this, book in a gel polish mani with nail art ($85)

📍 Mangawhai Heads
📖 By appointment only
🧴 Strict hygiene routine
🎓 Fully qualified nail tech with over 10 years experience 
🌹 Tranquil location 
👩‍💻 Book your next appointment online: https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

 #unicornnails #unicornnailart #ombrenails #ombrènails
I'm not just a nail tech, I'm qualified in beauty, I'm not just a nail tech, I'm qualified in beauty, fashion, media, and basic special effects make-up, too.

More before and after make-up pics can be seen in an album on my FB page Rambling Rose Nails & Make-up 

 #bridalmakeup #mangawhaimakeup #mangawhaimakeupartist
Turquoise and navy ombré with gold filigree. Gel Turquoise and navy ombré with gold filigree.

Gel polish manicure with nail art on all 10 fingers = $85

📍 Mangawhai Heads
📖 By appointment only
🧴 Strict hygiene routine
🎓 Fully qualified nail tech with over 10 years experience 
🌹 Tranquil location 
👩‍💻 Book your next appointment online: https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

 #nailsbyappointment #mangawhainailtech #ramblingrosenails #blueombrenails
This is why I do what I do ... Whether it's nails This is why I do what I do ... Whether it's nails or make-up, getting the chance to make someone look and feel more confident in themselves makes my day.

 #clientreview #whyidowhatido #itmakesmyday
Navy and silver - simple yet eye-catching. What's Navy and silver - simple yet eye-catching.

What's your favourite two-colour combo?

 #navyandsilver #NavyandSilver #navyandsilvernails #ColourCombos
Have a job interview coming up? Your make-up matte Have a job interview coming up? Your make-up matters more than you think.

Ensure your first impression is a positive one by sticking to neutral eyeshadow shades - like tans, browns and creams - and avoid shimmery, glittery ones. You don't want to look over-the-top, or even worse, appear sweaty from shimmery products under the harsh fluorescent office lighting.

For more tips, read the full article on the blog:  https://www.ramblingrose.co.nz/makeup-for-job-interviews/

 #jobinterviewmakeup #makingagoodimpression #keepitsimple
Going to a party? ... I love doing themed nail art Going to a party? ... I love doing themed nail art, so bring ideas with to your appointment.

Happy 4th of July to those celebrating today.

 #4thofJuly #4thofjulynails #StarsAndStripes #starsandstripes
Surmanti Cuticle, Hand and Nail Cream in Black Ras Surmanti Cuticle, Hand and Nail Cream in Black Raspberry and Vanilla - a bright, fruity gourmand scent with mouth-watering sherbet top notes of sun-ripened black raspberries and cherries, falling into an enticing vanilla absolute base.

Available in a handy 30ml travel tube to pop in a handbag, or a large 300ml pump bottle for at-home use.

Order yours from our online store:  https://www.ramblingrose.co.nz/product-category/body/

 #handandnailcream #blackraspberryandvanilla #pamperyourself
Hot pink, black and white gel polish manicure with Hot pink, black and white gel polish manicure with hibiscus flower and striped nail art (this set was $77, as there was art on the thumbs as well).

📍 Mangawhai Heads
📖 By appointment only
🧴 Strict hygiene routine
🎓 Fully qualified nail tech with over 10 years experience 
🌹 Tranquil location 
👩‍💻 Book your next appointment online: https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

 #hibiscusflowernailart #nailart #stripednailart #blackhotpinknails
Did you know you can book your appointments up to Did you know you can book your appointments up to three months in advance? 

Don't miss out, book your next appointment today, if you haven't already, and you're welcome to book more appointments in advance.  The online booking system gives you, the client, the flexibility to manage your own appointments. You can reschedule (or cancel) up to 24 hours before your appointment start time.

📍 Mangawhai Heads
📖 By appointment only
🧴 Strict hygiene routine
🎓 Fully qualified nail tech with over 10 years experience 
🌹 Tranquil location 
👩‍💻 Book your next appointment online: https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

 #nailsbyappointment #mangawhainailtech #ramblingrosenails

Copyright © 2025 · Rambling Rose