Lip tint, crayon or gloss: which one suits your day
Three textures, three very different finishes. A quick guide to wear time, comfort and how to keep your lips from drying out underneath.
Lip products are the easiest way to change a look, and the easiest to get wrong for the day you are actually having. The texture matters as much as the shade.
Tints: long wear, sheer colour
Water and gel tints stain the lips rather than sitting on top. They survive coffee, meals and masks better than anything else, and build from a wash of colour to something bolder. The trade-off: they can emphasise dryness, so prep matters.
Crayons: colour with control
Lip crayons sit between a pencil and a lipstick. The pointed tip makes them easy to apply without a mirror, and the finish is usually more opaque than a tint. Great for defined browns and nudes.
Gloss: shine and comfort
Gloss gives fullness and shine, and feels the most comfortable. It also wears off the fastest. Use it alone for an easy look, or over a tint or crayon for colour that lasts with a fresh finish.
The best long-wear trick is layering: tint for staying power, a dab of gloss in the centre for shine.
Reader notes