A woman applying lipstick over foundation.
The term “lipstick base” can be used to describe two different products. The first type of foundation is also known as lip primer and is a neutral colored cosmetic that is applied to the lips before lipstick, lip liner or lip gloss. The other type of lipstick base is a substance used to make lipsticks, balms, or glosses. Manufacturers or people who want to make their own lip cosmetics can add various pigments to the base and then pack them in a tube, bottle, or other container for later use.
Lip liner should be applied over the foundation and under the lipstick.
Both makeup artists and people who use color cosmetics for their lips use lipstick base for a variety of purposes. The first is to provide a matte surface for a gloss or lipstick to adhere to, as this can make your lip color last longer, resulting in less need to reapply during the day or night. It can also prevent lipstick from running or fuzzing into the small lines around the mouth, which can greatly detract from the wearer’s appearance.
Makeup artists use lipstick base for a variety of purposes.
It is also possible to use a lipstick base to change the appearance of a person’s lips. The wearer or a makeup artist can select a foundation that matches the wearer’s skin tone to darken the natural lip line. The makeup artist or wearer may use a lipstick to modify the line of the lips before filling in with lipstick or gloss. In some cases, a lipstick base can be formulated as a lip filler that encourages temporary swelling of the lips, creating a fuller mouth. However, this technique is not usually suitable for daytime wear, as it can give the wearer a heavily made-up look.
Some people use lipstick base as a base.
Lipstick bases are used by cosmetic companies and DIY makeup enthusiasts in the production of lip cosmetics. The formulation of a lipstick base varies by manufacturer, but can include thickeners and waxes that add texture to lip cosmetics. The base can also include oils as moisturizers along with vitamins and antioxidants that act as preservatives and provide additional protection for the lips. Some producers may sell lipstick only to commercial manufacturers, while others sell lipstick to anyone interested in making their own cosmetics. Lipstick base can be sold alone or as part of a lipstick making kit, along with pigments that can be mixed with the base to create custom lipstick colors.