Suede, silk, satin—we’re talking lipstick, not fashion. With new tech and smarter formulas, lip color now comes in more textures and finishes than ever before. But with so many options, how do you pick the perfect finish?

The truth is, it depends. Your skin type, daily routine, and even the occasion can help guide your choice. Dry lips? Opt for something hydrating. On the go all day? You’ll want staying power. Dressing up? A bold finish can complete your look.

Here’s your cheat sheet to decode textures—and knowing when to wear each one.

Matte

Matte lipsticks offer bold color—no shine, full drama. These formulas pack serious pigment with impressive staying power—but can be drying. We suggest prepping with a balm for comfortable wear that doesn’t compromise color. If you have a long day ahead of you or don’t want to bother with touch-ups, matte formulas are it.

Best for: Long days, bold looks, nights out

Beautylish recommends:

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Satin

Smooth, soft, and just a touch luminous. Satin finishes strike the perfect balance between rich color payoff and a touch of luminosity. They’re formulated with an emollient base of oils and butters to glide on comfortably and maintain medium staying power. With heavy pigment and decent staying power, this could be the top choice for daily wear.

Best for: Everyday glam, work, dinner plans

Beautylish recommends:

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Glossy or shiny

High shine, low fuss. A glossy or shiny lipstick delivers juicy color without the stickiness of a traditional gloss. They’re purse-safe (forget leaks), hydrating, and easy to reapply on the go—but will fade faster than matte options.

Best for: Casual days, brunch

Beautylish recommends:

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Cream

Classic in comfort and color. Cream formulas offer full-coverage pigment with a soft sheen and a moisturizing feel. Not too shiny, not too matte—just right for everyday looks.

Best for: Everyday wear, dates

Beautylish recommends:

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Velvet

Rich and softly blurred. Velvet formulas mimic the look of matte with a more cushioned, whipped texture. They glide on easily and feel weightless, giving you that diffused lip—without the dryness.

Best for: When you want to make a statement, but also be comfortable

Beautylish recommends:

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Frosted and Metallic

Cue ‘90s nostalgia. Frosted and metallic lipsticks get their glow from micro-fine mica particles that reflect light like a dream. From subtle pearlescent finishes to all-out sparkle, these formulas are made to pop.

Best for: Nights out, special occasions, nostalgic vibes

Beautylish recommends:

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Sheer and Balmy

Low-key color, high-key hydration. Sheer, balmy lipsticks offer a soft wash of color with a barely-there feel. Ideal for no-makeup makeup days or layering over liner for a natural finish. Plus, they double as lip care.

Best for: Everyday wear, travel, low-maintenance routines

Beautylish recommends:

Summer’s here, and so is your friendly reminder to wear your SPF. Whether you’re beach-bound, hiking through the heat, or just grabbing iced coffee in the sun, sunscreen should be your everyday essential. From sheer face favorites to body sprays you’ll actually want to reapply, this is our master list of top picks that make sun protection feel like a treat, not a chore.

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Best skincare-infused SPF:

Holifrog Solar Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 , $36

This lightweight, skincare-forward mineral SPF combines sun protection with hydrating, antioxidant-rich ingredients for daily use. It blends easily into all skin tones with no greasiness and a smooth, semi-matte finish. Think of it as your moisturizer, sunscreen, and skin barrier support all in one.

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Best no-mess SPF:

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF 40 , $32

Clear, weightless, and totally invisible—this swipe-on SPF stick is perfect for reapplying on the go. Its travel-friendly size fits in your bag or pocket, and it glides on smoothly without smudging your makeup. Zero white cast, zero scent, and 100% ready for sunshine.

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Best SPF to wear under makeup:

Minu Brightening Sunscreen Minerals SPF 30 Gel-Cream , $58

Part sunscreen, part skincare, and part makeup primer, this multitasking mineral formula does it all. A sheer tint enhances your natural glow while niacinamide, peptides, and antioxidants brighten, calm, and hydrate. It’s a luxe, luminous base for anyone who wants protection and radiance under makeup (or alone).

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Best tinted moisturizer with SPF:

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench® Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Hyaluronic Sheer Tint Moisturizer , $56

Most tinted moisturizers only offer around SPF 15 to 30, but this one delivers heavyweight protection with light-as-air, sheer coverage. The cream-to-water formula is infused with 30% Hyaluronic Acid Complex for deep hydration and a skin-smoothing finish. Its adaptable tint blends effortlessly into all skin tones for a natural, even glow.

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Best SPF for face and body:

Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 , $18.99

Made by women of color for people of color, this moisturizing sunscreen protects all skin tones against sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines, without leaving behind a chalky white cast. Jojoba, avocado, and cacao nourish the skin while offering sheer, everyday protection for face and body. Use it under makeup or solo for that no-white-residue glow.

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Best spray-on SPF:

bask Non-Aerosol SPF 30 Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Spray , $28

Want effortless coverage? Bask makes it easy with this ultra-sheer mineral spray that goes on dry and blends seamlessly into skin, no ghostly white cast in sight. The bottle sprays at any angle (even upside down!) and leaves your body hydrated, not sticky, thanks to soothing cucumber and skin-loving glycerin.

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Best water-resistant SPF for the face:

bask Daily Invisible Gel SPF 40 , $28

If you’re looking for a sunscreen that actually holds up during sweat or swim, this one’s got you covered—literally. With 80 minutes of water-and sweat-resistant protection, this weightless gel formula stays put while keeping skin smooth, hydrated, and shine-free. It blends invisibly into all skin tones (and facial hair), making it perfect for beach days, workouts, or just humid summer life.

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Best SPF with a Glow:

Supergoop! Glow Oil SPF 50 , $40

A radiant, glossy glow plus SPF? Yes, really. This body oil defies beauty norms by combining high-level sun protection (SPF 50!!) with a silky, nourishing finish that leaves skin looking sun-kissed and dewy. Packed with argan, grapeseed, and meadowfoam seed oils, it’s water-and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it your ultimate beach (or poolside) glow-up.

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Illustrations by Megan Badilla