We are all used to wearing traditional lipstick colors, so why not switch it up? With so many different lipstick trends out there, it can be difficult to find one that isn’t too daunting. While white lipstick seems like the most terrifying one, there are actually a ton of different ways to pull it off flawlessly.
Of course you can apply white lipstick by itself for a bold look that’ll catch everyone’s eye. But there are tons of other amazing ways to incorporate white lipstick into your makeup look! Here are our favorite ways to wear white lipstick as well as our top picks for the best white lipsticks on the market right now!
All The Different Ways To Wear White Lipstick
Sure, you can simply apply a layer of white lipstick to your lips and leave it at that. But did you know there are tons of different ways to wear white lipstick? Back in the 1950’s, people started to blend white lipsticks into their colored lipsticks to create their own shades. This created a larger variety of looks you can create, and all you needed was one product to do so! So, let’s dive into our favorite ways to wear white lipstick!
Blend It Over Lipstick
Let’s talk about how to blend white lipstick into one of your colored lipsticks. Say you have a lipstick in a shade you feel is too dark. For an easy fix, first apply a layer of your colored lip stick. Make sure it is only a light layer, so your lips don’t feel too heavy. Then, swipe a light layer of your white lipstick on top. Rub your lips together to blend the two shades, and you’re good to go! This is going to create a lighter shade that will suit your preferences much better.
Use It To Ombre Your Lip Color
There are so many different lip trends out there. If you keep up with them, you most likely have seen the ombre lips trend. This is when your lip color ombres into another shade of that same color or another color altogether. With white lipstick, you can easily ombre your lips flawlessly into a lighter shade of that same color. To do this, first apply a full layer of your desired lip color all over your lips. Then, put a small amount of the white lipsticks on the inner center part of your bottom and top lips. Rub your lips together and you’ve got yourself an ombre lip!
Use It As A Face Highlighter
Face highlighter usually has a sparkly or glowy tint to it. But, white lipstick can also give your face a lighter highlighted effect. Make sure the white lipstick you are using is super creamy and blendable. Apply it to the desired area, like the cheekbones or browbone. Then, blend it out with your fingertips. This is mostly only suitable for those with very fair skin tones. Otherwise, it is going to appear way too light. This technique is also great for applying under your favorite highlighter for a more vibrant glow!
Use White Lipstick As Your Main Lip Color
Lastly, you can use white lipstick as your main lip color. We recommend choosing a white lipstick with a creamy formula so it doesn’t separate on the lips. This look can be very bold for a big event. Or it can be a helpful tool for halloween makeup!
Things To Avoid When Wearing White Lipstick
When choosing a white lipstick, there are a few things you want to avoid.
- Don’t go for something that doesn’t have a creamy formula. For most application methods and techniques, it is imperative that your white lipstick is super blendable. This goes for blending it into other shade, using it as a highlighter, and even just using it by itself.
- Don’t get something that’s not pigmented. Pigmentation is very important for all shades of lipsticks, but with white lipsticks especially. Since white lipstick is lighter than your natural lip color, you need to make sure it is going to show up.
- Don’t apply white lipstick straight to your lips. To get a better blend, apply a lip moisturizer or balm beforehand. This will not only make the white lipstick blend and apply better, but it will also prevent your lips from drying out.
Our Favorite White Lipsticks
KVD Vegan Beauty Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick in White Out Mixer
This lipstick features high-chroma content for pure, vivid color in a revolutionary base formula that’s crystal clear, super soft, and virtually weightless.
Kat Von D’s beauty line has gotten a lot of criticism these past years. However, now that it owned by someone else, everyone has hopped back on the KVD Beauty train and everyone’s loving it. The Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick in White Out Mixer is one of the best white lipsticks out there. It has a creamy formula that makes it super easy to blend. It is very pigmented, so it doesn’t fade away right when you apply it. It is very long-lasting, so you won’t need to reapply it throughout the day. Hence the name of the brand, it is vegan and also cruelty-free.
One of the only big downfalls about this lipstick is that it is a bit on the pricier side. It could be out of some people’s budgets.
Pros:
- Creamy formula
- Easy to blend
- Highly pigmented
- Long-lasting
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons:
- Out of some people’s budgets
Where to buy it: Sephora
CoverGirl Exhibitionist Metallic Lipstick in Razzle Dazzle 500
This lippie is infused with shea butter for lasting color and comes in multiple shades you can’t help but crave.
CoverGirl creates some of the best makeup at the drugstore. Their lipsticks have gotten a ton of love from the makeup community, so it’s no question that we have to include them on this list. The Exhibitionist Metallic Lipstick in the shade Razzle Dazzle 500 is an off-white lipstick. But, it still does all of the things a pure white lipstick would do. Since it is highly pigmented, it still has that pale look that is bold and vibrant. It has a velvety and smooth formula that is easily blendable. It is formulated with shea butter so it is very moisturizing on the lips. Also, CoverGirl is cruelty-free and affordable!
Unfortunately, it only comes in a metallic finish. There are no matte or satin finishes available in a white shade from CoverGirl. Also, some reviewers say it has an unpleasant scent.
Pros:
- Highly pigmented
- Velvety and smooth formula
- Easily blendable
- Very moisturizing
- Cruelty-free
- Affordable
Cons:
- Only comes in a metallic finish
- Unpleasant scent
Where to buy it: Amazon
Dior Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge Lipstick in 0 Ultra Light – Pure White
An ultra-pigmented lipstick with up to 12-hour* wear, a luminous, semi-matte finish, and hydrating, comfortable formula with intense, saturated color.
Although Dior is more of a bougee, higher-priced makeup brand, they are definitely worth the buy if you have a penny to spend. This lipstick is so highly pigmented like you wouldn’t believe. It is super long-lasting, so you won’t need to reapply it throughout the day. It feels super comfortable and lightweight on the lips. It is hydrating and won’t dry out your lips or create a tight sensation.
One of the obvious downfalls of this product is the price. A lot of people just cannot justify spending too much money on a single lipstick. However, something else that people dislike about this product is that it is not cruelty-free.
Pros:
- Highly pigmented
- Long-lasting
- Feels comfortable and lightweight on the lips
- Hydrating
- Doesn’t dry out the lips or have a tight sensation
Cons:
- Highly priced
- Not cruelty-free
Where to buy it: Sephora
Final Thoughts
You might’ve never even thought to incorporate white lipstick into your makeup looks. And if you have, I bet you haven’t thought of all the different ways you can do so. Hopefully this post shed light onto the versatility of white lipstick. If you’re sold on it, check out our top picks for the best white lipsticks on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does white lipstick stain your lips?
Generally, white lipstick does not stain your lips. It is usually easier to remove from your lips compared to darker lip colors. Most of the time, darker lip colors are the ones that stain your lips.
When did white lipstick become popular?
White lipstick started to become popular in the 1950s-1960s. When worn on its own, people took inspiration from popular rock artists and groups like the Ronettes. It also became popular to blend white lipstick with other shades to create other new shades.
Should I get white lipstick even if I don’t want a bold lip color?
Yes! The great thing about white lipsticks is that you can blend them with other shades to create lighter shades. This is perfect for people who don’t love a bold lip because you can create the shades you want that aren’t bold or vibrant.