Lipstick for Flute Playes
This is not a sponsored post.
CEFR Level A2-B1
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.
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?
Does the lip color transfer to the flute’s lip plate and my water bottle?
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
Fenty 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
Top Choice
My top pick is the Fenty 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.
Budget Choice
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 Choice
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.
For advanced beginner to intermediate flute students or adult hobby flutists.
PDF includes one piece each in:
A, B, C, D, E, F, G Major
A, B, C, D, E, F, G Natural Minor
A, B, C, D, E, F, G Harmonic Minor
A, B, C, D, E, F, G Melodic Minor
This collection of thematic pieces will take you through the entire year, from the flowers of spring to the delights of a summer hike to the beauty of autumn to the coziness of a fire.
Use the collection to teach the musical keys, to develop musical expression, or to practice music analysis.
Each title page highlights a few skills the piece helps the player develop, so you can easily select which score best suits your current needs.
Each title page also has a brief description, explaining the title and aiding in musical interpretation and expression.
Each piece can be played in under three minutes, making them perfect for:
Student or showcase recitals
Hobby flutists who don't have a lot of time to devote to learning new music
Students who get frustrated or bored with longer pieces
Most pieces are less than two minutes long.
This is a digital product, so I can't issue a refund. If you experience a problem, please let me know and I'll do my best to make it right.
This title is also available at JW Pepper and SheetMusicPlus.