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Should lipstick and lipgloss be moisturizing?
Should lipstick and lipgloss be moisturizing? Or should you just use lip balm for moisture?
Oh, absolutely, they should. My expectations at present is that all lip products should be moderately hydrating, but not unsurprisingly, there is a compromise between length of wear, texture, and hydration. I think lip balm should do more and provide longer-lasting, more permanent results, but your lipstick and lipgloss should hydrate your lips enough that they never feel worse for the wear.
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Yes, I certainly think so. I only repurchase formulas that are moisturizing.
Having a moisturizing lip gloss and/or lipstick takes a step out of reapplication and saves me time..
Unless the formula *specifies* hydration or moisturizing poperties, I don’t expect it to perform in that respect. However, I expect *any* lip product to not cause dehydration or flakiness.
In a perfect world they all would be. Nothing sucks more than finding a beautiful shade of lipstick only to find out several hours later that it has turned your lips into a desert. -_-
My every-day lip products tend to be tinted lip balms because they’re moisturizing and I don’t have to worry about my lips drying out while I wear them. I can’t stand lipsticks or lip glosses that are drying and I won’t buy any that make my lips feel dry. Ideally none should, but…*sigh*
(On a related note, I think I’ve fallen in love with Chanel Glossimers. I bought my first one and it reallly is like wearing lip balm, so smooth and comfortable and mmm. I need moooore.)
of course. that is one of its purpose…
I always apply balm before lip color, so I don’t really need my lipstick or gloss to moisturize. It is important, though, that the product not dry my lips out. I can’t stand my lips feeling dry or flaky.
I don’t think a formula should be hydrating, but I think it SHOULDN’T be drying. If it has an ingredient in it that is drying/damaging (which most do), then it should also have enough hydrating and nourishing ingredients to make up for that. Nothing’s worse than a lovely shade that ends up destroying your lips by drying them out.
I’ve given this issue a LOT of thought after reading this site and your reviews. I think it depends on your definition of “moisturizing.” Specifically, how much moisturizing is entailed before you conclude that it’s “moisturizing”. Obviously, the scope and what is entailed differ from person to person. For me, speaking solely based on my experiences with things that you’ve rated and that I’ve tried or owned, the lipsticks that you adore and find to be “moisturizing” are lipsticks I know I should immediately stay away from. You require so MUCH more than I do. And the scope of your definitions or expectations differ than mine. I don’t require a lipstick to soften and moisturize my lips. It’s great if they do, but *never* at the expense of duration. I drink water, Diet Coke through a straw or coffee nonstop; I don’t want to waste all my expensive lipstick on the edge of my cup.
I also prefer matte lipsticks which are rarely formulated to be ultra-moisturizing with hydration, shine, and “creaminess.” I don’t *want* them to have that! Smooth, velvety silkiness, by all means, please! But not what you define as “creaminess” because, based on lipsticks I’ve tried, “creaminess” seems to be code for either slipperiness or an unctuous (? not perhaps the right word) thick feel that I really don’t like. So, any reviews that involve the lipstick being “creamy” means that lipstick is *instantly* verboten in my eyes. In fact, lipsticks that you’ve found to be “drying,” I haven’t had a problem with and have often loved. (MAC’s Red is just one that comes immediately to mind.) So, if you review something as “drying,” I’m actually going to take a second look. Our definitions and what we look for/prefer in a lipstick are just THAT different. So long as a lipstick doesn’t dry out my lips, make them crack or flake, I will rely on exfoliating and my balm to do the rest.
I’ve given this issue a LOT of thought after reading this site and your reviews. I think it depends on your definition of “moisturizing.” Specifically, how much moisturizing is entailed before you conclude that it’s “moisturizing”. Obviously, the scope and what is entailed differ from person to person. For me, speaking solely based on my experiences with things that you’ve rated and that I’ve tried or owned, the lipsticks that you adore and find to be “moisturizing” are lipsticks I know I should immediately stay away from. You require so MUCH more than I do. And the scope of your definitions or expectations differ than mine. I don’t require a lipstick to soften and moisturize my lips. It’s great if they do, but *never* at the expense of duration. I drink water, Diet Coke through a straw or coffee nonstop; I don’t want to waste all my expensive lipstick on the edge of my cup.
I also prefer matte lipsticks which are rarely formulated to be ultra-moisturizing with hydration, shine, and “creaminess.” I don’t *want* them to have that! Smooth, velvety silkiness, by all means, please! But not what you define as “creaminess” because, based on lipsticks I’ve tried, “creaminess” seems to be code for either slipperiness or an unctuous (? not perhaps the right word) thick feel that I really don’t like. (MUFE lipsticks, for example. Or Illamasqua.) So, any reviews that involve the lipstick being “creamy” means that lipstick is *instantly* verboten in my eyes. In fact, lipsticks that you’ve found to be “drying,” I haven’t had a problem with and have often loved. (MAC’s Red is just one that comes immediately to mind.) So, if you review something as “drying,” I’m actually going to take a second look. Our definitions and what we look for/prefer in a lipstick are just THAT different. So long as a lipstick doesn’t dry out my lips, make them crack or flake, I will rely on exfoliating and my balm to do the rest.
@Kafka I can definitely tell you when I say a lipstick is drying – it actually causes an adverse reaction to my lips – like it’s not just a dry texture, but it causes dry, cracked, chapped, OR worst case scenario: bleeding lips. I’m glad you’ve found a way to find the right products for you based on my reviews 🙂 Just wanted to clarify that I really do mean drying, so it’s awesome your lips are much better than mine!
@Christine (Temptalia) Crikey, that sounds terrible. You poor thing. I don’t think my lips are awesome but I do think they’re not sensitive as yours may possibly be. If I’m hydrated in general, balm will be sufficient to fix any minor dryness. And by “dryness,” I really do mean just mere dryness, not the extreme adverse reactions you’ve experienced. (I think only really cheap L’Oreal or Cover Girl stuff has ever done that.) I find it interesting how much definitions and their breadth vary from person to person. Or perhaps the more accurate word would be “interpretations.” Either way, please know that I always do find your reviews invaluable, even if we interpret things different and look for diff. things in a lipstick. We’re all different and that’s a good thing, right? 🙂
@Christine (Temptalia) Hey, Christine, I’ve been thinking — given your love of moisturising lipsticks, would you be interested in reviewing Lipstick Queen at all? I’m sure they would send you something for PR. Poppy King used to be a chemist and began her line not only to further her obsession with lipsticks but also to create a formula that would help women’s lips without giving up pigmentation. Given your lip sensitivity, I would *not* recommend her opaque/matte Sinner line as it’s something like 90% pigmentation but her Saint line is super creamy with all sorts of natural emollients. Other lines are even sheerer and more nourishing. And people rave about her formula — granted, a bit less for the matte line if they’ve got dry/sensitive lips because they have to use a balm underneath, but those people really love the other lines.
I really think you’d like her lipsticks and if you do end up giving a positive review, I think you will have introduced a great brand to your many followers. Her website’s “Press” section shows she’s occasionally cited on blogs but something from you, after how big she used to be….. it would be a big deal. So, I’m sure they’d love to send you something. If not, her line ranges from $18-$20 so it’s hardly a huge research investment as compared to something like Clé de Peau. Would you consider it at all? I have a bit of an ulterior motive to be honest: I have huge, huge fondness for the brand for old time’s sake and it saddens me that she disappeared from the business world for so long for some personal reason. For nostalgia’s sake and to help an underdog, I’d love to have her rediscovered, so to speak. Plus, I really *genuinely* think you’d like the super moisturising nature of her creamy or sheer lines.
@Kafka I have tried her line but there were other things that were better at the time to write about. I don’t remember being really blown away – good but not great! This was a couple years ago – I know there are some gloss reviews of Lipstick Queen on the blog already.
@Kafka By long time ago – I meant that I will certainly put it on my suggestion list of things to consider, since it has been awhile!
@Christine (Temptalia) Aww, too bad. Perhaps it was one of the matte ones as they would be too drying by your standards. Hopefully, it wasn’t the Saint line which I’d hope would be more your cup of tea. But thanks for considering it anyway! 🙂
No, they should not. I need for lipstick to impart color that lasts, stays consistent and wears evenly. Think of it this way: if they’re adding moisturizing or hydrating ingerdients, then they are not focusing on a pigmented lipstick. You can’t have both without sacrificing longevity. I can add a lip balm with hyaluronic acid if I need hydration.
@Kathy S I feel the exact same way! I wish I had your succinctness. LOL.
definitely! i hate lipsticks that dry lips. i only like creamy lipsticks with no shimmer.
I strongly prefer formulas that are moisturizing, but at the very least, they shouldn’t be drying.
As long as it’s not actively causing my lips to chap, I’m ok with lipsticks or glosses that aren’t super moisturizing. I always put on lip balm before any lip product so I don’t seem to run into that too often. I also seem to find most products that claim to moisturize only last a few hours. I’m willing to sacrifice moisture for longer wear, I guess!
Yes they really should! This is a compromise I can’t make, because my lips are rather sensitive and when I use the wrong thing they will take their revenge!
Lol, absolutely not!! If the formula specifies that it’s moisturizing and it turns out not to be, then there’s a reason to penalize the lipstick/lipgloss. Otherwise, I really really enjoy dry lipsticks and don’t find them uncomfortable at all. Dry lipsticks last soooo long and with the right ones, they don’t make your lips chapped. Lipglosses shouldn’t be moisturizing either. Lipgloss are jelly/sticky/goopy on purpose – it’s lipgloss!!!!
@Nikki. Ditto. I don’t find dry lipsticks uncomfortable either and a good quality one is like silky velvet or suede, softly encasing your lips like a glove, not gooey slipperiness — a texture I hate. A good matte lipstick, like one of NARS, can last 8-10 hrs on me without causing bleeding or cracking. The “moisturizing” lipsticks — maybe 3 hrs if I’m lucky.
I only buy lip products that don’t dry out my lips. If I’m putting something on my face or body, I expect that it won’t cause me to get flaky skin. Why should lip products be any different?
I don’t expect them to be moisturizing, but they must be non-drying..
I agree that lip products should be at least somewhat moisturizing. I am put off by reviews of drying lip products where the reviewer states that “you can use a lip balm underneath.” Whenever I use a lip balm underneath, the product does not work the same and often has no staying power, thus rendering it worthless to me. I understand that because of formulation that there is a trade-off between longevity and hydration, but a lip product should never be drying.
I need my lip products to be hydrating–I am fine with reapplying, and wear my moisturizing lipsticks and glosses 5X as much as the drier ones. I agree with Christine, no product should leave your lips worse for the wear! If I want color that lasts I just lipline my whole lip and then top it–Of course I apply lip balm regularly but if I wear good lipstick and lipgloss formulas I can go a day or two without lip balm. Who wants to apply lipliner, then lip balm, then lipstick then lipgloss for the perfect lip look? Too many steps, though I know it’s worth it…..
yes. as i wear lipstick or lipgloss my lips should stay plump not get gross as the day goes on. besides it being annoying for me it’s just bad advertising. everyone where your lipstick is advertising it and if the lips look gross then the lipstick looks gross and no one will ask who’s it by.
Sure, I like mosturizing lip products, but I usually prefer a more matte finish, something most moisturizing formulas won’t permit. I think of my Stila cream stains… (Stila Long Wear Liquid Lip Color) and realize I’m willing to sacrifice the mosturizing lip products for them. It all depends on the quality. Some products promise moisture but we end up with a lip color that will shift and simply will not stay, which is very annoying. Anyway, I exfoliate and use my trusty Jack Black lip balms every night so it’s okay to skip the “moisturizing” lip thingies.
I agree with Christine that lipgloss/lipstick should be hydrating enough; I definitely don’t want to have to apply lip balm as well every time I touch up.
I don’t think it matters whether they are moisturizing as much as they definitely should not be drying!
Yesssss ma’am
Yes!
I know they shouldn’t be drying!
Yes!
yes 🙂
i dont know if they should be but it would be nice lol.
I only know one moisturizing lipgloss and that is chantecaille
Yes!
Yes! 2 in 1 and having beautiful lips …what else can you ask for!!!!!
If there was a way that lipsticks can be matte and moisturizing then yes
Is that a trick question? Lol
Of course they should! And anti aging too! It would be awesome!!
I would love it if lipsticks could be. Most glosses are. So yes!
Absolutely! In fact, I made sure any lipstick or lipgloss I buy has moisturizing.
Yes!!!!
it would be nice, but i will settle for non drying in a lippstick. gloss should and can be moisturizing, zoya nakes a sticky but greatgloss, as does thebidy shop.
Definitely! Who wants to have dry, cracked lips?!
Yes it should be.
Absolutely, but not at the price of colour payoff and durability. I have a few MAC lipsticks which turn my lips into a crevasse ridden landscape, so I just make sure I apply a moisturizing base first.
Yes!! Matte should have a way to be moisturizing! Makes it hard to wear Apocalips.
I prefer a semi-matte / matte lipstick that will last than a lipstick with a moisturizing component in it. There are some good lipsticks and very bad ones… Some are not drying out the lips but last pretty long ( Rouge Coco ), others are matte and last very long ( M.A.C, Nars ), the most important is to moisturize after make-up is removed with a lip balm ( Miel Nourricier, Kiehl’s or other, I am a huge fan of the Coco Shine balm ), so definitely lipsticks have to stay semi-matte/ matte/normal , otherwise they don’t last and it shows.
Of course, I don’t think anyone likes dry lips.
No ..love the matte lips
I love matte lips but who in the world would want them dry
Yes
Yes! I’m constantly fighting with my poor lips to keep them moisturized (and since I have an awful habit of biting my bottom lip it’s a real challenge!). I put lip balm on at least twice a day, so it’s helpful if my lip color products have moisturizer in them.
It should not be drying if not moisturising. It’s a good place to express my grief over many Mac lipsticks. Maybelline can do it, Revlon can do it but Mac’s lipstick quality is not improving. They are all so dry. (I did not try the prolongwear series yet)
Lipgloss, yes; lipstick, no
When it comes to lipstick, I gave up on finding an extremely moisturizing one a while ago. I depend on my lipstick to give me color and creaminess only now. I don’t mind if it doesn’t add moisture, but it’s a definite turn off if it makes my lips feel parched. When it comes to lipgloss, I absolutely expect moisture. Lipglosses that dry out the lips are just wrong! lol