Liquid Lipstick

The main difference between liquid and solid lipsticks is their texture. Liquid lipsticks, such as our Soft Matte Lip Cream, are more fluid, while solid lipsticks (the kind that typically twist up in a tube) are more reminiscent of balms. Application also tends to differ. Liquid lipsticks are applied with a brush or doe-foot applicator (usually included in the tube), while lipsticks can be swiped directly onto the lips. Outside of these differences, both liquid and solid lipsticks can come in a wide range of finishes and may provide different levels of durability. It all comes down to the specific formula you choose.

Both liquid lipsticks and solid lipsticks are great options for giving your lips a wash of color—neither is inherently better than the other. It’s all a matter of personal preference, so pick whichever formula, finish, and color suits your needs best.

Applying liquid lipstick is pretty simple (even for beginners!). First, you’ll want to make sure your lips are adequately prepped—keeping them moisturized is a must. Use a lip balm or a lip oil, such as Bare With Me Cannabis Lip Conditioner, to help hydrate when you’re not wearing lipstick. If you’re prone to dry lips, exfoliating with a lip scrub like #ThisIsEverything Lip Scrub before putting on your lipstick can help ensure a smoother application, too. When you’re ready to apply your liquid lipstick, remove the applicator wand from the tube and carefully fill in your pout with your chosen color. Clean up any mistakes with a cotton swab, if needed, and you’re good to go.

We don’t recommend applying balm over your liquid lipstick, as doing so could interfere with the color or staying power. If you want to help keep your lips feeling moisturized, though, consider Shine Loud High Shine Lip Color. The pigmented base coat is infused with a slew of lip-loving oils, including macadamia seed oil, coriander fruit oil, jojoba seed oil, apricot kernel oil, and passion fruit seed oil. As for the high-shine glossy top coat, it contains a vitamin E derivative and leaves your lips looking ultra-reflective, without a sticky feel.

You don’t need to use lip liner with liquid lipstick, but it doesn’t hurt, either. Lining your lips before applying your liquid lipstick can help add definition. It also allows you to create different looks. In some cases, lip liner may help prevent your liquid lip from bleeding or fading, too. Try pairing your liquid lipstick with a lip liner in a slightly darker shade to enhance the natural shape of your pout.

One of the biggest selling points of liquid lipsticks is that they tend to be long-wearing—at least, more so than other lip makeup, like lip gloss. When it comes time to take your lipstick off, we suggest reaching for an oil-based makeup remover—they’ll easily wipe away even the most long-lasting liquid lipstick. Just remember to replenish your lips with a balm or hydrating lip oil afterward.