Liquid Lipstick vs. Regular Lipstick: Choosing the Perfect Shade for Your Look

When you talk about makeup, your pouty lips can take all the attention with the right shade of color. But with so many finishes and color options, it can be confusing to decide which lipstick to buy. A simple dash of color helps enhance your makeup and offers dimension to your face. Liquid lipstick is a simple and unique makeup product with a powerful and delicate formulation that gives you soft and supple lips. The liquid lipstick shades add to the beauty with the perfect color payoff. But why are liquid lipstick shades better than your regular lipstick? Here is all you need to know before grabbing the best liquid lipstick shades for your regular makeup routine. 

What is Liquid Lipstick? 

Liquid lipstick is a popular lip product that combines the intense color of traditional lipstick with the smooth application of a gloss. Liquid lipsticks are packaged in long tubes with brush applicators and offer easy and précised application. These are known for their vibrant pigmentation and long-lasting wear, often containing ingredients like oils and waxes to help the color stay put for hours without smudging or fading. Many liquid lipstick shades dry to a matte finish, offering a trendy look that is less likely to transfer compared to creamy or glossy lipsticks.  

One of the standout features of liquid matte lipsticks is their versatility. Available in a wide range of colors, from reds and pinks to blues and purples, it helps create both subtle and dramatic looks.  

How are Liquid Lipstick Shades Different from Other Regular Lipstick Shades? 

The secret difference between regular lipstick and liquid lipstick shades lies in their formulation and finish. Regular lipsticks are solid and creamy, offering finishes like matte, satin, or glossy, and provide good coverage but may need frequent touch-ups. Liquid lipstick shades are known for their intense pigmentation and long-lasting formula, offering a matte finish that stays for hours without reapplication. With the ease of application, liquid lipstick shades give you précised application with a bold and transfer resistant look. Additionally, liquid lipstick shades like blues and purples are perfect if you want to make a statement. 

How to Choose Liquid Lipstick Shade to Enhance Your Personality? 

Look You Want 

• Bold: For a striking, attention-grabbing appearance, opt for vibrant long lasting liquid lipstick shades like deep reds, purples, or bright oranges. These shades exude confidence and make a powerful statement, perfect if you want to stand out and leave a lasting impression. 

• Subtle: If you prefer a more understated look, soft pinks, mauves, or nude shades are ideal. These shades provide a natural, elegant touch that enhances your features without overwhelming them, making them perfect for everyday wear or professional settings. 

• Glam: To achieve a glamorous look, choose rich, luxurious liquid matte lipstick shades like burgundy, deep plum, or classic red. Adding a bit of shimmer or gloss can elevate these shades, making them perfect for special occasions or evening events. 

• Nude: Nude liquid lipstick shades are perfect for a sophisticated and timeless look. Choose a nude lipstick shade that complements your skin tone to create a polished and refined appearance. Nude lipsticks are versatile to be paired with any outfit, making them a must-have in your makeup collection. 

Color Theory 

Before you select a liquid lipstick shade, learning how to know your undertone and skin tone is vital. There are three basic undertones based on which you can select the perfect long lasting liquid lipstick for your skin. A simple vein test can help find your undertone. 

• Warm Undertones: If the skin has a warm undertones, shades with warm hues like oranges, reds, and browns will look flattering. Coral and brick red are excellent choices as they enhance your skin's natural warmth.  

• Cool Undertones: For cool undertones, select shades with blue or purple bases, such as berry, mauve, or classic red with a blue undertone. These shades complement the coolness in your skin and provide a balanced look.  

• Neutral Undertones: You can wear different colors if you have neutral undertones. Nude, peach, pink, and even bold reds can work well, allowing you to experiment with different looks and styles. 

Based on Your Outfit 

• Matching: Coordinate your lipstick with your outfit for a cohesive look. For example, a red dress paired with matching red lipstick creates a classic and harmonious style that is both elegant and striking.  

• Contrasting: Use your liquid lipstick as a statement piece to contrast with your outfit. A bright liquid matte lipstick can add a pop of color to a monochromatic or neutral outfit, drawing attention to your lips and adding interest to your look. 

• Complementing: Select a liquid lipstick shade that complements the color of your outfit without exactly matching it. For instance, peach lip tone can beautifully complement a navy blue dress, creating a balanced and sophisticated appearance that is pleasing to the eye. 

Liquid Lipstick Shade Finish  

• Matte: liquid matte lipstick provides a sophisticated, chic appearance and a long-lasting finish. These are perfect for bold, dramatic looks and are less likely to transfer, making them ideal for long events or days when you need your lipstick to stay put. 

• Gloss: Gloss finished liquid lipstick shades add shine and make your lips appear fuller. These are ideal for a youthful, fresh look and work well for subtle or glam styles. Lip gloss lipsticks can also be layered over matte shades to add dimension and a touch of sparkle. 

• Metallic: Metallic finishes offer a bold, futuristic look with a shimmering effect. These are great for creative and glam looks, adding an extra dimension to your makeup. Metallic lipsticks can transform your appearance and are perfect for parties, festivals, or any event where you want to shine. 

How to Perfectly Apply Liquid Lipstick Shade for Long Lasting Results? 

Step 1: Exfoliate Your Lips 

As a first step, start by exfoliating your lips to remove any dead skin cells. Use a lip scrub or make your own with a mixture of sugar and honey. Gently rub the scrub in circular motions, then rinse off. This step ensures a smooth surface for the liquid lipstick to adhere to, preventing any flakiness. 

Step 2: Moisturize 

Apply a lip balm to hydrate and soothe your lips after scrub. Let it sit for a few minutes to fully absorb. If your lips are too slippery, gently blot off the excess balm with a tissue. This step keeps your lips soft and prevents the lipstick from settling into fine lines. 

Step 3: Prime Your Lips 

Apply a lip primer layered with a small amount of concealer to your lips. This creates a base that helps the liquid lipstick adhere better and last longer. It also neutralizes your natural lip color, allowing the liquid lipstick shade to appear more vibrant. 

Step 4: Outline Your Lips with a Lip Liner 

Choose a lip liner of a shade that is same as your liquid lipstic. Carefully outline your lips to define their shape and prevent the lipstick from bleeding. Start at the cupid’s bow and trace the natural line of your lips. For a fuller look, slightly overline just the center of your upper and lower lips. 

Step 5: Apply the Liquid Lipstick 

Using the applicator wand, apply the liquid lipstick starting from the center of your lips and working your way outwards. Use smooth, even strokes to cover your lips with color. For precision, use the tip of the applicator to define the outline of your lips. Avoid applying too much product at once and build up the color gradually.   

Step 6: Blot and Layer 

After the first coat, gently blot your lips using a tissue to remove any excess product. Apply a second thin layer of liquid lipstick for a more intense color and longer-lasting finish. Blotting between layers helps set the lipstick and prevents it from feeling too heavy. 

Step 7: Clean Up the Edges 

For a clean, polished look, use a makeup brush and a bit of concealer to tidy up the edges of your lips. This step sharpens the lip line and corrects any mistakes. 

Step 8: Set with Translucent Powder 

For extra longevity, lightly dust a small amount of translucent setting powder over your lips. You can place a tissue over your lips and apply the powder through it for a more natural finish. This step helps to set the lipstick and reduces shine for a matte look. 

Step 9: Touch Up as Needed 

Carry your liquid lipstick throughout the day for touch-ups. Apply a thin layer to refresh the color if you notice any fading or wear. Blotting and reapplying in thin layers ensures the lipstick remains even and doesn’t become cakey.