Sourcing Lipstick from China

Lipstick is a cosmetic product applied to the lips to enhance their appearance, add color, and sometimes provide hydration or protection. It typically consists of waxes, oils, pigments, and emollients, formulated to create various finishes such as matte, satin, or glossy. Lipstick has been a staple in makeup routines for centuries, with a wide range of shades and formulations available to suit different preferences and occasions.

Types of Lipstick

Matte Lipstick

Overview: Matte lipstick offers a velvety, non-shiny finish and intense color payoff. It is formulated with a higher concentration of pigments and less emollients, resulting in a long-lasting and transfer-resistant formula. Matte lipsticks are popular for their bold and sophisticated look, suitable for both daytime and evening wear.

Targeted Audience: The audience for matte lipstick includes makeup enthusiasts, professionals, and individuals seeking a long-wearing and highly pigmented lip color. Matte lipsticks are favored by those who prefer a matte finish that stays put without constant touch-ups, making them ideal for special events or occasions where lasting power is essential.

Brands:

1. MAC Cosmetics (1984, USA)
2. NARS Cosmetics (1994, France)
3. Kat Von D Beauty (2008, USA)
4. NYX Professional Makeup (1999, USA)
5. Maybelline New York (1915, USA)
6. ColourPop Cosmetics (2014, USA)
7. Anastasia Beverly Hills (1997, USA)
8. Huda Beauty (2013, UAE)
9. Fenty Beauty by Rihanna (2017, USA)
10. Kylie Cosmetics (2015, USA)

Retail Prices:

• Walmart: $5 – $15
• Amazon: $6 – $20

Wholesale Prices in China:

• Matte lipstick: $0.50 – $2.50

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):

• Matte lipstick: 500 units

Shipping Cost (MOQ from China to US via Sea Freight): Approximately $500 – $1000 depending on volume and destination port.

Glossy Lipstick

Overview: Glossy lipstick provides a shiny, reflective finish and sheer to medium coverage. It contains more emollients and gloss-enhancing ingredients like oils and polymers, giving the lips a luscious and moisturized appearance. Glossy lipsticks are versatile and can be worn alone for a natural look or layered over other lip products for added dimension and shine.

Targeted Audience: The audience for glossy lipstick includes individuals of all ages and skin tones who desire a hydrated and glossy lip look. Glossy lipsticks are particularly popular among younger consumers and those seeking a fresh and dewy makeup finish. They are suitable for everyday wear and can complement various makeup looks, from minimal to glam.

Brands:

1. Dior Beauty (1946, France)
2. Chanel Beauty (1909, France)
3. Yves Saint Laurent Beauty (1964, France)
4. Lancôme (1935, France)
5. L’Oréal Paris (1909, France)
6. Revlon (1932, USA)
7. Estée Lauder (1946, USA)
8. Clinique (1968, USA)
9. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics (1991, USA)
10. Tarte Cosmetics (1999, USA)

Retail Prices:

• Walmart: $8 – $25
• Amazon: $10 – $30

Wholesale Prices in China:

• Glossy lipstick: $1 – $5

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):

• Glossy lipstick: 300 units

Shipping Cost (MOQ from China to US via Sea Freight): Approximately $300 – $800 depending on volume and destination port.

Liquid Lipstick

Overview: Liquid lipstick comes in a liquid formula that dries down to a matte or satin finish, offering long-lasting color and precision application. It typically contains volatile silicones and film-forming agents that create a weightless and transfer-resistant texture. Liquid lipsticks are known for their intense pigmentation and stay-put formula, making them a favorite for all-day wear.

Targeted Audience: The audience for liquid lipstick includes makeup enthusiasts, professionals, and individuals seeking a long-wearing and high-impact lip color. Liquid lipsticks are favored for their lightweight feel and smudge-proof finish, making them ideal for busy days or events where touch-ups are limited.

Brands:

1. Kylie Cosmetics (2015, USA)
2. Anastasia Beverly Hills (1997, USA)
3. ColourPop Cosmetics (2014, USA)
4. Huda Beauty (2013, UAE)
5. NYX Professional Makeup (1999, USA)
6. Kat Von D Beauty (2008, USA)
7. Maybelline New York (1915, USA)
8. Lime Crime (2008, USA)
9. Jeffree Star Cosmetics (2014, USA)
10. Too Faced Cosmetics (1998, USA)

Retail Prices:

• Walmart: $6 – $20
• Amazon: $8 – $25

Wholesale Prices in China:

• Liquid lipstick: $1.50 – $6

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):

• Liquid lipstick: 400 units

Shipping Cost (MOQ from China to US via Sea Freight): Approximately $400 – $900 depending on volume and destination port.

Sheer Lipstick

Overview: Sheer lipstick offers a translucent or semi-transparent finish and light to medium coverage. It contains less pigment and more emollients, giving the lips a subtle wash of color and a moisturizing feel. Sheer lipsticks are perfect for everyday wear, providing a natural and effortless look that enhances the lips’ natural beauty.

Targeted Audience: The audience for sheer lipstick includes individuals seeking a low-maintenance lip color that adds a hint of tint and hydration. Sheer lipsticks are popular among those who prefer a soft and understated lip look, suitable for casual outings, work, or occasions where a more natural makeup look is desired.

Brands:

1. Clinique (1968, USA)
2. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics (1991, USA)
3. Glossier (2014, USA)
4. Yves Saint Laurent Beauty (1964, France)
5. MAC Cosmetics (1984, USA)
6. Revlon (1932, USA)
7. Lancôme (1935, France)
8. Maybelline New York (1915, USA)
9. Tom Ford Beauty (2006, USA)
10. Chanel Beauty (1909, France)

Retail Prices:

• Walmart: $8 – $20
• Amazon: $10 – $25

Wholesale Prices in China:

• Sheer lipstick: $1 – $4

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):

• Sheer lipstick: 300 units

Shipping Cost (MOQ from China to US via Sea Freight): Approximately $300 – $800 depending on volume and destination port.

Cream Lipstick

Overview: Cream lipstick offers a creamy and moisturizing texture with medium to full coverage and a satin or glossy finish. It contains a blend of oils, waxes, and pigments that glide smoothly onto the lips, providing rich color payoff and hydration. Cream lipsticks are versatile and suitable for various occasions, offering comfort and long-lasting wear.

Targeted Audience: The audience for cream lipstick includes individuals seeking a comfortable and hydrating lip color with vibrant pigmentation. Cream lipsticks are popular among those who prefer a smooth and creamy texture that feels luxurious on the lips. They are suitable for everyday wear or events where a polished and sophisticated lip look is desired.

Brands:

1. MAC Cosmetics (1984, USA)
2. Maybelline New York (1915, USA)
3. L’Oréal Paris (1909, France)
4. Revlon (1932, USA)
5. NARS Cosmetics (1994, France)
6. NYX Professional Makeup (1999, USA)
7. CoverGirl (1961, USA)
8. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics (1991, USA)
9. Milani Cosmetics (2001, USA)
10. Tom Ford Beauty (2006, USA)

Retail Prices:

• Walmart: $6 – $15
• Amazon: $8 – $20

Wholesale Prices in China:

• Cream lipstick: $1.50 – $5

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):

• Cream lipstick: 400 units

Shipping Cost (MOQ from China to US via Sea Freight): Approximately $400 – $900 depending on volume and destination port.

Lip Stain

Overview: Lip stain offers a lightweight and long-lasting formula that delivers sheer to intense color with a natural finish. It typically contains water-based pigments that penetrate the lips for a stain-like effect, providing buildable coverage and lasting color payoff. Lip stains are popular for their weightless feel and transfer-resistant formula, perfect for all-day wear.

Targeted Audience: The audience for lip stain includes individuals seeking a low-maintenance lip color with long-lasting wear and a natural-looking finish. Lip stains are favored by those who prefer a fuss-free makeup routine or desire a lip product that stays put through eating, drinking, and daily activities.

Brands:

1. Benefit Cosmetics (1976, USA)
2. Yves Saint Laurent Beauty (1964, France)
3. Revlon (1932, USA)
4. Maybelline New York (1915, USA)
5. CoverGirl (1961, USA)
6. Tarte Cosmetics (1999, USA)
7. Stila Cosmetics (1994, USA)
8. Clinique (1968, USA)
9. L’Oréal Paris (1909, France)
10. Lancôme (1935, France)

Retail Prices:

• Walmart: $6 – $20
• Amazon: $8 – $25

Wholesale Prices in China:

• Lip stain: $1 – $4

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):

• Lip stain: 300 units

Shipping Cost (MOQ from China to US via Sea Freight): Approximately $300 – $800 depending on volume and destination port.

Why Choose Lipstick to Import and Resell

The lipstick market presents a lucrative opportunity for importers and resellers due to its global popularity and steady demand. Lipstick is a staple in makeup routines worldwide, with a wide range of colors, finishes, and formulations available to suit diverse preferences and trends. According to industry reports, the global lipstick market size was valued at over $10 billion in 2020 and is projected to continue growing, driven by factors such as increasing disposable income, urbanization, and social media influence.

Amazon, one of the largest online marketplaces, generates significant annual sales from lipstick categories alone. With the rise of e-commerce and social media marketing, sellers have access to a vast customer base and can leverage digital platforms to reach consumers worldwide. Lipstick’s compact size, lightweight packaging, and timeless appeal make it an ideal product for online retailing, offering convenience and accessibility to consumers of all ages and demographics.

Moreover, the diversity of lipstick types, shades, and price points allows for targeting different customer segments and niche markets. From budget-friendly options to luxury brands, there is a wide range of opportunities for sellers to cater to various preferences and budgets. Additionally, the beauty industry’s constant innovation and product launches ensure a steady stream of new and exciting lipstick offerings, keeping consumers engaged and eager to try new products.

In addition to retail opportunities, the wholesale lipstick market offers competitive pricing and profit margins for importers and distributors. By sourcing directly from manufacturers in countries like China, sellers can benefit from cost-effective production and economies of scale, maximizing their profitability. Overall, the lipstick industry presents a dynamic and profitable landscape for importers and resellers seeking to capitalize on the growing demand for quality lip products in both domestic and international markets.

Popular Ways to Source Lipstick in China

Sourcing lipstick from China offers several advantages, including cost-effectiveness, a wide selection of suppliers, and flexible manufacturing capabilities. Here are some popular ways to source lipstick in China:

1. Trade Shows and Exhibitions: Attending trade shows and exhibitions such as Cosmoprof Asia or China Beauty Expo allows buyers to connect with a wide range of lipstick manufacturers and suppliers in one location. These events provide opportunities to explore new products, negotiate deals, and build relationships with potential suppliers.
2. Online Marketplaces: Online platforms like Alibaba, Global Sources, and Made-in-China provide access to a vast network of lipstick suppliers and manufacturers in China. Buyers can browse product catalogs, compare prices, and communicate directly with suppliers to negotiate terms and place orders.
3. Factory Visits: Visiting lipstick factories in person enables buyers to assess the quality of products, production processes, and manufacturing capabilities firsthand. Building a rapport with suppliers and conducting on-site inspections can help ensure product quality, compliance with regulations, and timely delivery.
4. Sourcing Agents and Trading Companies: Sourcing agents and trading companies in China, such as Zheng Sourcing can assist buyers with supplier identification, product sourcing, negotiation, quality control, and logistics. These intermediaries provide valuable expertise and local knowledge to streamline the sourcing process and mitigate risks.
5. Supplier Directories and B2B Platforms: Utilizing supplier directories and B2B platforms like ThomasNet, GlobalSpec, and HKTDC (Hong Kong Trade Development Council) facilitates supplier discovery and verification. Buyers can access detailed supplier profiles, product information, and customer reviews to make informed sourcing decisions.
6. Custom Manufacturing and OEM/ODM Services: Many lipstick manufacturers in China offer custom manufacturing and OEM/ODM (Original Equipment Manufacturer/Original Design Manufacturer) services to accommodate specific design requirements and branding preferences. Collaborating with manufacturers on custom projects allows buyers to create unique products tailored to their target market.