Current analytical methodologies used for examination of lipsticks and its traces for forensic purposes

Lipsticks traces are one of the traces which can be found at a crime scene. They are easily transferable and, like other forms of evidence, can provide a link between a suspect and a victim. Although even the unambiguous results of the lipstick examination do not constitute conclusive evidence of a crime, the information obtained may be useful as an aid to an investigation or as corroborative evidence. The main purpose of this review is to present methods of lipstick examination for forensic purposes. The literature research was divided into two parts concerning non-destructive and destructive methods of lipsticks analyses. Since lipsticks are found at a crime scene as a trace left on various surfaces, the topic of direct analysis of lipstick traces is also discussed. The effects of different surfaces and exposure to a variety of common environmental storages as well as other factors (e.g. human variation, smoking, drinking) on changes in the chemical composition of lipsticks are also mentioned. Ultimately, it can be concluded that the methodologies already developed and presented in the review have the potential to the application in a comparative analysis of lipstick traces for forensic purpose.

Automated summary

This review presents methods of lipstick examination for forensic purposes, discussing non-destructive and destructive methods of lipstick analyses. It also covers the direct analysis of lipstick traces left on various surfaces at a crime scene, and explores the effects of different surfaces and factors like smoking and drinking on the chemical composition of lipsticks. Ultimately, the methodologies presented have the potential for application in a comparative analysis of lipstick traces for forensic purposes.