Lipstick for Flute Playes

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CEFR Level B2-C1

Can you wear lip color as a flute player? When I was in high school and college, I only wore lip balm (AKA chapstick). 

This was partly because I disliked the feel of lipstick and partly because I disliked getting color on the flute lip plate. When it comes to maintaining the condition of the flute’s finish, I’m not sure there is a functional difference between the waxes and oils from solid lip balm and colored lip stick. That’s a question for scientists to study. 

Now, I enjoy wearing lip color, even when playing the flute. I have read that some flutists don’t wear lip color because it changes how their lips function or how the air moves over their lips. These minor differences might be noticeable to a professional player, but for me, as a hobbyist, I haven’t noticed a difference in sound, response, or lip flexibility. 

What to Ask When Choosing Lipstick for Playing the Flute

There are three things I consider when selecting a lip treatment for a flute performance. Well, three things beyond liking how I look.

1. Is whatever I put on my lips comfortable? ​This includes: Can I comfortably adjust my embouchure just like if I were not wearing anything on my lips? 
2. Does the lip color transfer to the flute’s lip plate and my water bottle?
3. Can I easily touch up the color?

I tried four types of lip color. Here are how these lipsticks coordinate with playing the flute.

Four Lipsticks for Flutists

Product images are from vendor sites.

Fenti Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain

Transfers to the lip plate? No (or very minor)

Dries out lips? No (1st best)

Lips feel flexible? Yes (1st best)

Able to touch-up without removing the original application? Yes. (A touch-up darkens wherever the old color is, so you might end up with strongly lined lips.)

Lip balm increases transfer? No (I tried Burt’s Bees twist-up sticks and Aquaphor’s squeeze tube gel.)
​
Color tested: Fuchsia Wife

Maybelline Super Stay 24-Hour Liquid Lipstick

Transfers to the lip plate? No. (1st best. Gloss transfers the same as lip balm would.) 

Dries out lips? Yes, without use of gloss or other lip balm.

Lips feel flexible? Yes.

Able to touch-up without removing the original application? No. (Crumbles and flakes if you do.)

Lip balm increases transfer? No. (I tried Burt’s Bees twist-up sticks and Aquaphor’s squeeze tube gel.)
​
Color tested: Timeless Rose

Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipcolor

 Transfers to the lip plate? Yes

Dries out lips? Not for me.

Lips feel flexible? Yes.

Able to touch-up without removing the original application? No. (Crumbles and flakes if you do.)

Lip balm increases transfer? No. (I tried Burt’s Bees twist-up sticks and Aquaphor’s squeeze tube gel.)

Color Tested: Wicked (Cool Red/Deep Magenta)

Revlon ColorStay Matte Lite Crayon Lipstick

Transfers to the lip plate? Yes (2nd best)

Dries out lips? Not for me. (2nd best)

Lips feel flexible? Yes.

Able to touch-up without removing the original application? Yes. (A touch-up isn’t smooth and increases transfer rate. I recommend removing the original application with a strip of micellar water towelette and reapplying.)

Lip balm increases transfer? No. (I tried Burt’s Bees twist-up sticks and Aquaphor’s squeeze tube gel.)
​
Color Tested: Mile High (Bright pink)

Conclusion

1st Choice

My top pick is the Fenti Poutcicle Hydrating Lip Stain. It is comfortable, my lips feel flexible, it doesn’t transfer easily, and it is the most successful of the four options at touch-ups without causing problems with the initial application. The biggest downside is the limited color options. 

2nd Choice(s)

My budget pick is Revlon ColorStay Matte Lite Crayon Lipstick. It is comfortable and doesn’t transfer easily. It also has more color options than Fenti Poutcicle Hydrating Lip Stain.

If you prefer a satin finish, Maybelline Super Stay 24-Hour Liquid Lipstick is a solid choice with plenty of colors. I have worn this for a recital and all went well.

Worst Option

I love the color Wicked from Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipcolor. I really wanted to like this product because it is slightly more comfortable to me than the 24-Hour Liquid Lipstick, which is my default budget product for a satin-finish, long-wearing lipstick. Unfortunately, I never knew from application to application if the Vinyl Ink would end up on my teeth, even after drying. That combined with the fact that it smears on anything your lips touch make it a no-go for me.