Often described as lipsticks rendezvousing as a crayons, lip crayons are actually more like a 3-in-1 hybrid that combines the precision of a lip liner with the pigmentation and coverage of a lipstick and the nourishment of a lip balm. Easier to apply than your typically bullet shaped stick, crayon lipsticks are easily layered, don’t fade or smudge as easily, offer greater longevity, and are typically non-drying so don’t dehydrate your lips (something that can be a real issue with matte lipsticks).
Arguably one of the most versatile forms of lip makeup, lip crayons can be used to trace the outline of your lips, colour your lips in, or as a base upon which to add lipstick or gloss. They can even dual as cheek tint in the absence of a blusher palette. Generally sold in a compact, twist-up, self-sharpening format with a precise crayon-like tip, they are available in a range of colours, including various shades of red, pink, purple and white, and in finishes ranging from sheer to matte, and even high-shine.
What are lip crayons made from?
Derived from the same set of ingredients as lipsticks, but formulated to have a waxier consistency, lip crayons typically have a beeswax, ozokerite, carnauba, or candelilla wax base. They usually also contain natural moisturisers like jojoba oil, coconut oil, or kendi oil whilst many are enriched with vitamin E, and even high-level antioxidants like mango oil. Meanwhile, the highly pigmented lip crayon colours come from a variety of sources, including non-toxic iron oxides, lake dyes, carmine, and even fruit-derived pigments.
