Types of Lipstick
Lipsticks typically come in five main types/formats, and there is some cross over, where some fit in two catagories.
Standard Lipsticks
It took me ages to try and figure out what I should classify these as! These are your most common type. A push or twist up stick of colour. You can get them in just about every colour and finish you could ever imagine. I tend to favour those that have good staying power, but are very moisturising (I have the driest lips ever). You can either apply this straight from the tube, or for more precision, use a lip brush.
Recommendations
Lipstick Pencils
Clinique were probably the first brand to make it big with these, and most brands have come out with a similar format product since then. These are far thicker than normal lip pencils, and there's no getting them confused. They range from sheer to opaque in opacity, and most boast moisturising balm like properties.
Recommendations
Liquid Lipsticks
Liquid lipsticks used to have a bit of a bad name. They were long lasting, but incredibly drying, and I wouldn't touch them with a barge pole! Fortunately, formulas have improved and now you have long wearing colour, without having all the moisture sucked out of your lips.
Recommendations
Lip Stains
Lip stains are great if you want a lip colour that's going to last a long time. These will get through drinks and a meal better than most other lip products. Sometimes I use a stain as a base, so that as lipstick wears away there's still some colour left. The only problem with stains is that they're not terribly hydrating. You can get round this by topping with a clear gloss or balm.
Recommendations
Tinted Lip Balm
If you're suffering from dry lips, you probably won't want to be putting a lipstick on them. But that doesn't mean you can't have colour. Tinted lip balms add a hint of colour, will all the moisturising benefits of a balm.