Moisturizing lipstick is a type of cosmetic product that adds color to the lips while providing moisture at the same time. Lipstick is often very drying to the lips, which can cause them to become chapped and cracked; the only solution is to apply a moisturizing lip balm first, then apply a lipstick on top of that. This method does not always work well, however, because the lip balm tends to make the lipstick wear off much more quickly. Moisturizing lipstick solves that problem by combining lip conditioners and lipstick in one tube.
The benefit to using lipstick rather than lip gloss is that the color is very saturated and tends to last much longer. Moisturizing lipstick includes softening and moisturizing ingredients such as vitamin E, oils such as macadamia oil, or shea butter. Emollients added to the lipstick help the lips to retain moisture, while antioxidants help to repair damage to dry lips and offer anti-aging benefits.
Some types of moisturizing lipstick also contain suncreen as well, typically SPF 15 to SPF 20. Though many people don't think about applying sunblock to the lips, it is important to do so every day. Sun damage to the lips can cause permanent wrinkles as well as skin cancer, so choose a lipstick or lip balm that contains sunscreen, and apply it regularly.
Another one of the benefits to moisturizing lipstick is its ability to prevent feathering. Lipstick that causes the lips to dry out will often feather into the small wrinkles around the lips, but lipstick with moisturizing ingredients is less likely to do this. Moisturizing lipstick may be slightly more expensive than standard lipstick, but many people believe it is worth it for the extra benefits. It can be found in most drugstores or ordered online.
Long-wearing lipstick is typically not very moisturizing, because it acts like a lip stain instead of a true lipstick. Most long-wearing lipsticks come with a corresponding gloss, however, which is reapplied throughout the day to make the lips look more shiny. This gloss often contains moisturizing ingredients, and it is important to apply it when wearing long-wearing lipstick to prevent the lips from becoming extremely dry.
There are hundreds of different shades of lipstick available. Most women have different shades for day and evening. A day shade may be a lighter, more casual shade, whereas an evening color will likely be darker. Moisturizing lipstick is available in all different shades, and is manufactured by a number of different cosmetics companies.