Lipstick Innovation
Caroll Alvarado
| 08-10-2023
· Fashion Team
Lip makeup has always been a driving force for innovation in the makeup industry, introducing a variety of products, from classic lipsticks to lip gloss, lip tints, and lip glazes.
A few years ago, a new category known as "lip mud" emerged unexpectedly, disrupting the saturated lip makeup market.
This new texture innovation offered a fresh take on traditional lip products like lipstick, lip gloss, and lip glaze, creating ample room for creativity.
Subsequently, in addition to the vast array of lipstick colors available, texture innovation became a new avenue for brands to explore. New categories such as Lip cream and Lip velvet emerged, each with its distinct characteristics.
Lip products like lip mud, lip cream, and lip velvet exhibit significant differences in texture, leading to distinct makeup experiences.
Some experts in the field explain that the fundamental formula remains relatively constant, with only subtle adjustments made to the water-to-oil ratio and the choice of raw materials.
For instance, Lip Velvet builds upon the lip mud formula by addressing issues related to dryness.
Lip Cream, reminiscent of a mousse texture, offers a lighter and more moisturizing alternative to traditional matte lipsticks.
Lip Velvet, on the other hand, boasts a moist and velvety lip glaze texture. It imparts a dense velvety sensation upon application and combines easy color application with a soft, blurred makeup effect, eliminating concerns about dry skin that may arise with traditional matte lip mud products.
In reality, the technological and formulation differences between various textures may not be extensive. Brands primarily introduce unique names for their products as a creative expression, aiming to leave a lasting impression on consumers.
The evolution of lip makeup primarily revolves around enhancing the overall product experience, thereby testing the brand's understanding of user preferences and commitment to innovation.
Each market-recognized beauty product possesses its distinctive qualities, with the choice of raw materials, formulations, and processes playing crucial roles in determining its success.
Safety, sustainability, natural ingredients, multifunctionality, and convenience are key considerations in the development of new beauty products and ingredients.
Diverse consumer trends influence not only the direction of brand innovations but also lead to the emergence of functional ingredients, such as:
1. Long-lasting and non-transferable makeup: This requires film-forming agents with rapid film formation, strong adhesion, and resistance to water and oil.
2. Matte finish: To achieve this effect, elastomers or microspheres with optical properties are necessary.
3. Ease of application and added moisture: Achieving this entails optimizing the compatibility of oils and waxes with varying volatilities and considering the inclusion of moisturizing and emollient components within a water-in-oil formulation.
4. High shine and glossiness: To meet this demand, raw materials with a high refractive index are essential.
While a single product and texture may not cater to all consumer needs, the ever-changing market demands continually drive brands to push the boundaries of innovation, ensuring they never cease to evolve.