Lipstick is the beauty asset we all (or almost all) carry in our bag! How do you choose the perfect stick? We tell you all about it. 

The genesis of lipstick dates back to antiquity, when the use of bright colors on the lips was already a widespread practice. The evolution of this make-up icon over the course of history shows us the extent to which it has become ingrained in our daily lives as a make-up kit essential. 

From Antiquity through the Renaissance to the Middle Ages, lipstick has been invented and reinvented a multitude of times to suit the times and trends of each era. Sometimes considered vulgar, sometimes the king of beauty, there's no doubt that the lipstick has left its mark on our history. 

Today, lipstick is available in a variety of finishes (matte, satin, gloss) and textures (cream, liquid, balm). It has become a symbol of self-confidence and femininity, with an infinite palette of colors enabling everyone to express their personality and create different looks. It continues to play an important role in self-expression and in the modern cosmetics industry, where innovations are constantly coming up with new formulas and new trends to sublimate our lips...

Matte or glossy lipstick, liquid or creamy... which one to choose to enhance our smiles? 

Choosing between matte and gloss lipstick depends on your personal preferences, the look you want to achieve and the characteristics of your lips. Here are a few points to consider to help you decide.

Pourquoi un rouge à lèvres mat ? 

• Shine-free finish: Matte lipsticks offer a velvety, shine-free finish, which may be preferable if you like a sophisticated, chic look.
• Intense color: Matte lipsticks are often highly pigmented, offering vivid, rich color that can have a strong visual impact.
• Long-lasting hold: Matte lipsticks tend to have better hold and resist transfers more, making them ideal for occasions when you want color that lasts a long time without the need for frequent touch-ups.
• Ideal for naturally moisturized lips and fuller pouts: If you have naturally moisturized lips, a matte lipstick can be applied easily and offer a velvety, beautiful look. For fuller lips, it will slightly neutralize the fullness.

The matte finish is more suited to a night-time look. For going out in the evening and dancing the night away, it offers the added reliability of long-lasting, transfer-free hold. To avoid the dry lips that some matte sticks can cause, always remember to moisturize your lips with a lip balm.

Why a gloss finish? 

• Luminous finish: The glossy finish offers a luminous, glossy look that can make lips appear fresher and younger. 
• Moisturizing and comfortable: glossy lipstick formulas are often more moisturizing and comfortable to wear, which may be preferable if you have dry or sensitive lips...
• Volumizing effect: Glossy lipsticks can give the illusion of fuller lips thanks to their glossy, light-reflecting finish. Ideal for those with thin lips.
• Ease of application: glossy lipsticks generally have a more slippery texture and are easier to apply due to their creamier formula.

The glossy finish is a style we prefer during the day. For going to work or strolling around town, it's a casual yet chic look that brings a touch of good humor to the beauty look. Note that it's also possible to combine the two finishes by layering a matte lipstick with a gloss or sheer lip balm for a totally customized look.

Discover how to prepare a homemade lip scrub with our complete guide.

How do you choose the right shade for your skin tone?

When choosing the right lipstick shade for your skin tone, it's important to take your skin undertone into account. These general guidelines can help.

The warm undertone of the skin

If your skin has golden, copper or olive tones, you probably have a warm undertone. Shades that generally work well with warm undertones include warm-toned lipsticks, such as orange-reds, corals and warm reds. Peach and apricot shades can also be flattering.

The skin's cool undertone

If your skin has pinkish, bluish or porcelain tones, you probably have a cool undertone. Shades that generally work well with cool undertones are cool-toned lipsticks, such as bluish reds, raspberry pinks, burgundies and deep plums. Shades of pale pink and mauve can also be flattering.

The skin's neutral undertone

If your skin has a combination of warm and cool tones, or if you have trouble determining your undertone, you probably have a neutral undertone. People with neutral undertones are lucky enough to be able to wear a wide range of lipstick shades, from warm to cool tones. You can afford to explore different colors to suit your preferences and your look.

It's also important to note that the depth of your complexion also plays a role in your choice of lipstick shade. Fair skin can be enhanced by lighter, more delicate shades such as rosewood, peach lipstick or a rosy red, while darker skin can be highlighted by richer, bolder shades such as burgundy or mauve lipstick.

Should you match your lipstick to your hair color? 

Matching your lipstick to your hair color can be an interesting way of creating a harmonious look... However, it doesn't have to be a strict rule. When choosing your lipstick shade, it's more important to consider your skin tone and undertone than to focus on hair color.