Lipstick: Definition, Types, and Usage Tips

Meaning 1：cosmetic stick for lips (Lipstick)

Lipstick 🔊

/ˈlɪp.stɪk/

A cosmetic stick used to add color and sometimes shine to the lips.

Woman applying pink lipstick in front of a mirror

cosmetic stick for lips 🔊

➕

/kɒzˈmetɪk stɪk fɔːr lɪps/

A stick-shaped cosmetic product applied to the lips to add color, texture, and sometimes shine or moisture. It is a common makeup item used for enhancing appearance.

📁 Category：Fashion Trends 🔖 Level：Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Lip (body part) + stick (cylindrical object). Combined to describe a stick-shaped cosmetic for coloring lips.

💡 Mnemonic

Picture your lips sticking to a colorful wax cylinder — lip + stick = lipstick.

📖 Example

She applied a bright red lipstick before her friend's birthday party to look more cheerful. 🔊 She applied a bright red lipstick before her friend's birthday party to look more cheerful.

🔗 Collocations

apply lipstick – To put lipstick on the lips

wear lipstick – To have lipstick on as part of makeup

lipstick stain – A mark left by lipstick on a surface

🔄 Synonyms

lip color (n) – A generic term for any product that adds color to the lips

lip gloss (n) – A shiny, often non-sticky lip product, usually in a wand applicator

lip stain (n) – A long-lasting liquid lip product that dyes the lips

📖 Cultural Story

Ancient Egyptians used crushed carmine beetles and clay for lip color. The modern sliding tube was patented in 1915 by Maurice Levy, revolutionizing portability and hygiene.