It’s important to know what is lipstick made of, where it comes from, and if they are the best beauty products for you.
The most popular lipsticks have changed a lot over time, but from the start of using this beauty product to today, it’s still the fastest way to elevate your glamour game.
Whether your favorite lipstick color is a classic red, such as the NYX Professional Red Velvet, a great nude, like the Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Un-nude, or anything in between, there are a ton of options you can go with today.
>>Read also… Why are my lips always dry and peeling?
But as consumers have grown more in tune with sustainability and healthy living, we’ve also demanded to know more about the cosmetics and skincare products we use.
What is lipstick made of?
Lipstick is made of three basic ingredients: pigment, wax, and oil. The pigment is the color. Wax provides the lipstick shape, texture, as well as helps the mixture stick to your lips. The waxes can help keep the skin of your lips from drying out. Waxes also keep the final ingredient, oils, from separating from the lipstick mixture. Oils provide moisturizing and anti-bacterial properties.
Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
- Liquid Matte Lipstick: This highly pigmented liquid lipstick features a long-lasting, no transfer formula and leaves a flawless matte finish in super-saturated shades ranging from classic red to nude to bold and bright
- Easy Application: This lipstick features our unique arrow applicator for a more precise application with a flawless matte finish that will last up to 16 hours.
Fun fact: Your Perfect Nude Lipstick is Actually the Same Color as Your Nipples!
Fish scales
Lipstick contains fish scales. The ingredient under discussion is called pearl essence. (Some sources give this as “pearlescence.”) It’s the silvery stuff found in fish scales that are used in some lipsticks, nail polishes, ceramic glazes, etc., to make them shimmery.
Fun Fact: Women who wear lipstick consume 24 milligrams of the stuff a day. Those who reapply several times a day take in 87 milligrams!
Beetles
A red dye is extracted from the females of a scaled insect species found in Mexico and Central America. It’s been reported that more than 70,000 of these beetles are killed to produce just 1 pound of dye, which can be found in many cosmetics and other products.
Pig Fat
Apparently, more than 50% of lipsticks in the United States contain pig fat. Other ingredients over the years have included fish scales, synthetic pearl particles, olive oil, mineral oil, cocoa butter, lanolin, and petrolatum. Sure, we are only applying it to our lips.
Best Selling Lipsticks for 2026
- Transparent pigment glides on a sheer, glossy slip of lightweight color
- Emollient-rich formula gives lips a sleek, moist finish
- Cult-classic Black Honey is famous for its chameleon-like ability to flatter all skin tones
- Modern Matte Lipstick Finish - Achieve fuller-looking, lit-from-within lips with a soft matte texture enriched with 3D glow pigments for a luminous, wearable glow.
- Hydrating Formula with Lipstick Tree Extract - Infused with nourishing Lipstick Tree Extract and Vitamin E, this long wear lipstick softens and conditions for a smooth, comfortable feel.
- Angled Square Tip for Precision Application - Designed to mimic a lip brush, the unique square-shaped bullet allows effortless, expert-level definition and fuller-looking lips.
- We've never quite understood why others make you spend over 20X as much on something that we give you for next to nothing
- Our lipstick formula contains all the same things as the other guys: rich color, vitamins A & E, aloe vera, and really feels like putting silk on your lips
- If you're already thinking That is a crazy bargain, we've now added macadamia nut oil that contains antioxidants to hydrate your lips for a smooth, supple pout
- 2025 ALLURE BEST OF BEAUTY AWARD WINNER: Drench your lips with sheer, shiny color in just one swipe. It’s been a viral sensation for a reason.
- MORE SHEER, SHINY SHADES: Now including 10 new fan favorite bring back shades; highly addictive & suitable for a wide range of skin tones.
- NOURISHES LIPS: Gives you the hydration of a balm + the shine of a gloss. Delivers 41% more moisture instantly. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe & Rose Quartz.
- Diverse Color Palette: Our Jolilab 12 - color lipstick set offers a wide range of meticulously formulated charming shades. From everyday nude tones to trendy and rich reds, it caters to all your needs for different occasions and makeup styles. Whether you're going to work, having a date, or attending a dinner party, you can easily find the perfect color to match.
- Premium Formula: Crafted a lasting wear and a perfect lip look. Moreover, it contains vegan ingredients, making it gentle and non - irritating, especially friendly for sensitive lips, so you can use it with peace of mind.
- Matte Finish: The unique matte texture presents an advanced misty - finish makeup effect, adding a touch of fashion charm to your lips. Different from the greasy shiny lipsticks, the matte texture exudes a low - key luxury, making your makeup more layered and textured.
If you enjoyed, “So Exactly What Is Lipstick Made Of?”, be sure to check out other related posts below!
Claudia Faucher is a fitness and lifestyle blogger who shares practical tips for women over 50 on staying active, stylish, and confident. As the creator of FitFab50.com and Beyond59.com, she covers topics like workout gear, beauty trends, and wellness routines. Claudia is passionate about helping others live their best life at any age.
Last update on 2026-08-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API