Lips: Your Complete Guide to Lipstick Types, Finishes, Colours and Shapes

The One Product That Can Transform Your Entire Look

Whether you're reaching for a soft nude or a bold red, lipstick is one of the quickest and most powerful ways to pull a look together, boost your confidence, and feel utterly fabulous. But with so many types, finishes, and colours on the market, choosing the right lip product can feel genuinely overwhelming - and costly if you get it wrong.

As a professional makeup artist, I work with lips every single day, and I know first-hand how the right lipstick choice can make all the difference. It's not just about the colour - it's about understanding which type of product suits your needs, which finish complements your style, which shades flatter your skin tone and undertone, and how your natural lip shape plays into everything.

In this chapter, I'm covering it all. From cream lipsticks and lip stains to matte finishes and glossy sheens. From finding your perfect red and your most flattering nude to understanding which brushes give you the most precise application. And because every lip shape is different, I'll walk you through the eight most common lip shapes and share my professional tips for enhancing each one. Whether you're a lipstick beginner or you've been wearing the same shade for years and fancy a change, this guide will give you the confidence to experiment, have fun, and find what truly works for you.