Fashion

Lipstick for Every Occasion: Daytime, Nighttime, and Everything in Between

Photo of author

By Eva Adm

When it comes to makeup, lipstick is one of the most versatile and transformative products you can use. A simple swipe of the right lipstick can take your look from casual to formal, or from understated to bold. But with so many different colours, formulas, and finishes to choose from, it can be overwhelming to figure out what lipstick to wear for different occasions. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best lipstick choices for daytime, nighttime, and everything in between.

Daytime Lipstick

For daytime, you’ll want to choose a lipstick that’s subtle and natural-looking, but still enhances your features. Nude shades, soft pinks, and light coral colours are all great choices for the daytime. Matte and cream finishes are also ideal, as they tend to be more long-wearing than glossy formulas. Here are a few of our top picks for daytime lipstick:

  • Gongjinhyang Mi: Velvet Lip Rouge – This classic lipstick from the History Of Whoo is a beautiful warm-toned nude that looks great on a variety of skin tones.
  • NARS’ Orgasm – This cult-favourite lipstick from NARS is a sheer peachy pink that adds just a hint of colour to your lips. It also has a subtle shimmer that catches the light and gives your lips a healthy glow.
  • Bobbi Brown’s Crushed Lip Color in Babe – This creamy lipstick from Bobbi Brown is a gorgeous soft pink that’s perfect for daytime. It also has a nourishing formula that keeps your lips hydrated throughout the day.

Nighttime Lipstick

When it comes to nighttime, you can be a bit more daring with your lipstick choices. Deep berry shades, bright reds, and bold purples are all great options for a night out. You can also experiment with different finishes, such as metallic or high-gloss. Here are a few of our top picks for nighttime lipstick:

  • MAC Cosmetics Ruby Woo – This iconic red lipstick from MAC is a staple in any makeup collection. It has a matte finish that stays put for hours, making it perfect for a night out.
  • Pat McGrath Labs’ BlitzTrance Lipstick in Rebel Red – This metallic lipstick from Pat McGrath Labs is a showstopper. It’s a deep red with a gold shimmer that catches the light and gives your lips a mesmerizing glow.
  • Fenty Beauty’s Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick in Griselda – This deep berry shade from Fenty Beauty is a stunning choice for nighttime. The plush matte formula glides on smoothly and stays put all night long.

Everything In Between Lipstick

For those in-between moments, such as office meetings or casual outings with friends, you’ll want lipstick that’s somewhere in between a subtle daytime look and a bold nighttime look. Mauve shades, deep pinks, and muted reds are all great options for these occasions. Here are a few of our top picks for everything in between lipstick:

  • Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk – This cult-favourite lipstick from Charlotte Tilbury is a gorgeous muted pink that’s perfect for any occasion. It has a matte finish that’s long-wearing but still comfortable to wear.
  • Bite Beauty’s Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Chai – This mauve-brown shade from Bite Beauty is a great choice for a subtle yet sophisticated look. The creamy formula is also incredibly hydrating, so your lips will stay soft and smooth all day.
  • Glossier’s Generation G Lipstick in Zip – This sheer red from Glossier is perfect for those who want a pop of colour without going overboard. It has a sheer matte finish that’s buildable, so you can customize the intensity of the colour to your liking.

Choosing the Right Lipstick Formula

When choosing lipstick for any occasion, it’s important to consider not only the colour but also the formula. Different formulas can have different effects on the look and feel of your lips. Here are a few common lipstick formulas and their characteristics:

  • Matte – Matte lipsticks have a flat, non-shiny finish. They tend to be long-wearing and have more intense pigmentation than other formulas. However, they can also be drying, so it’s important to keep your lips moisturized.
  • Cream – Cream lipsticks have a soft, creamy texture that glides on smoothly. They have a slightly glossy finish and are more moisturizing than matte formulas. However, they may not be as long-wearing.
  • Sheer – Sheer lipsticks have a translucent finish that allows some of your natural lip colour to show through. They tend to be more moisturizing than other formulas and are great for a natural, effortless look.
  • Metallic – Metallic lipsticks have a shimmering, reflective finish that catches the light. They’re perfect for a bold, statement-making look but may not be suitable for everyday wear.

Tips for Applying Lipstick

No matter what occasion you’re wearing lipstick for, it’s important to apply it correctly for a polished, long-lasting look. Here are a few tips for applying lipstick:

  • Prep your lips – Before applying lipstick, make sure your lips are smooth and hydrated. Exfoliate any dry or flaky skin with a lip scrub, and apply a lip balm to moisturize.
  • Use a lip liner – To keep your lipstick from bleeding or feathering, use a lip liner to outline your lips before applying lipstick. Choose a liner that matches your natural lip colour or the shade of your lipstick.
  • Apply lipstick with a brush – For a precise and even application, use a lip brush to apply your lipstick. Start in the centre of your lips and work outward, filling in any gaps as you go.
  • Blot and reapply – For a more long-wearing look, blot your lips with a tissue after applying lipstick and then reapply another layer. This will help the colour stay put for longer.

Conclusion

No matter what occasion you’re dressing up for, there’s lipstick out there that can help you look and feel your best. Whether you prefer subtle nudes, bold reds, or anything in between, choosing the right lipstick colour and formula can transform your look and boost your confidence. By following these tips from Sensoo Skincare and trying out different shades and finishes, you’re sure to find the perfect lipstick for any occasion.

FAQs:

Q1: How do I choose the right lipstick colour for my skin tone?

A: When choosing a lipstick colour, it’s important to consider your skin tone. If you have fair skin, light pinks and nudes tend to look great. For medium skin tones, try corals, berries, and deeper pinks. Dark skin tones can pull off deep berries, rich browns, and bright reds. However, these are just general guidelines, and it’s always a good idea to experiment with different shades to find what works best for you.

Q2: How can I make my lipstick last longer?

A: To make your lipstick last longer, start by prepping your lips with a lip scrub and lip balm to keep them smooth and hydrated. Use a lip liner to outline your lips before applying lipstick, and choose a long-wearing formula such as matte or cream. After applying your lipstick, blot your lips with a tissue and then reapply another layer.