A moisturizing lipstick should feel as comfortable as it looks. The key is in the formula: lipsticks made with emollient oils and butters tend to glide on smoothly and feel less drying than formulas that rely mostly on wax and pigment. Here's what to look for on the ingredient label, how to wear creamy color comfortably, and how to find your shade.
What Makes a Lipstick Moisturizing?
Every lipstick is a balance of three things: oils and butters (which give slip and comfort), waxes (which give structure so the color holds its shape in the bullet), and pigment. When the balance leans toward nourishing oils and butters, the lipstick feels creamy rather than stiff. Ingredients to look for on the label:
- Plant oils such as castor, coconut, jojoba, avocado, and grape seed oil, which soften and add glide.
- Butters such as cocoa, mango, and cupuaçu butter, which add richness and a cushiony feel.
- Glycerin, a humectant commonly used in lip products to attract moisture.
- Vitamin E (tocopherol), an antioxidant that also helps keep plant oils from going rancid.
- Plant-derived waxes such as carnauba and candelilla, which give the lipstick its shape.
Tips for Comfortable, Long-Wearing Color
- Start with comfortable lips. If your lips feel dry, apply a lip balm first and let it absorb before your lipstick.
- Apply from the bullet. Start at the cupid's bow and work outward. A lip brush gives a more precise edge.
- Build the color. Our formula is buildable, from a sheer wash of color to full, bold coverage.
- Blot and reapply. Blot with a tissue and apply again for longer wear.
- Layer for shine. For a high-shine finish, add our Anti-Oxidant Nourishing Lip Gloss on top, or wear the lipstick alone for a classic satin look.
Finding Your Shade
Here's a quick guide to our Nourishing Lipstick shades:
- Breathless: a soft, barely-there mix of warm peach and brown tones.
- Hibiscus: a soft pink with a gold shimmer.
- Precious Pink: a rich, soft pink.
- Radiant Rose: a richer pink.
- Sweet Pea: a lavender mauve with a frosty, shiny finish rather than a matte one.
- Coral Kisses: a rich burnt orange.
- Red Wine: a vibrant, creamy red.
- Purely Plum: a beautiful plum that works with many skin tones.
- Temptress: a deep eggplant you can wear as a stain or as full lip color.
- Black Cherry: a dark burgundy with a hint of brown, flattering on many skin shades.
What's in Our Nourishing Lipsticks
Mayuur Naturals Nourishing Lipsticks are vegan and gluten-free. The base is made of castor, coconut, jojoba, avocado, and grape seed oils with cocoa, mango, and cupuaçu butters, plus glycerin and vitamin E. Many ingredients are certified organic. Color comes from mineral pigments, and the formula may contain mica, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides.
The formula also includes botanical extracts such as thyme, rosemary, lavender, oregano, and cinnamon bark. If you're curious about thyme, read our guide to thyme in skincare and haircare. If you have sensitive lips or known allergies to botanicals, review the full ingredient list on the product page and patch test first.
Moisturizing Lipstick FAQ
Can a lipstick really be moisturizing?
A lipstick can feel moisturizing thanks to emollient oils and butters, but it isn't a substitute for caring for persistently dry lips. If your lips are chapped or cracked and don't improve, check with your doctor.
Is a moisturizing lipstick the same as a lip balm?
Not exactly. A moisturizing lipstick is made for color and comfort, while a balm is made mainly for care. Many people wear a balm underneath their lipstick.
How do I make my lipstick last longer?
Apply from the bullet, blot with a tissue, and reapply. A lip brush can also help you get a precise, even application.
How do I know if a lipstick is right for sensitive lips?
Read the full ingredient list and test the product on a small area first. Stop using it if you notice irritation.
Ready to find your shade? Shop Nourishing Lipsticks or browse all of our natural makeup.