THE REFERENCE SHELF
Finish files
Cream, matte, stain or gloss: choose the finish first
Start with the look and touch-up routine you want. Cream lipstick, matte liquid color, gloss and stain describe different experiences; none is automatically the best choice for every day.
Lip stain vs lipstick: what are you actually buying?
Choose a stain for its intended residual tint and a lipstick for its deposited color and finish. Product names overlap, so check the brand directions instead of assuming every tint behaves alike.
Gloss or gloss stain: choose the result you want after the shine
Choose an ordinary gloss if the reflective layer is your main goal. Consider a gloss stain when you also want a remaining tint, while checking the actual product directions and color description.