NCJ Number
70485
Journal
Journal of the Forensic Science Society Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1980) Pages: 111-120
Date Published
1980
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper investigates the potential of high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the analysis of lipstick smears on two inert substrates and on two substrates containing extractable compounds.
Abstract
The inert substrates were a glass drinking cup and facial tissue, while the other substrates were cigarettes and a white shirt. Each of 12 lipsticks was smeared onto a cup and onto facial tissue, and then removed with the same type of facial tissue moistened with acetonitrile. The lipsticks were also hand-smeared on the filter tips of partially smoked cigarettes and on a used and laundered white shirt. The outer wrapping of the filters and the stained portions of the shirt were extracted and filtered. Blank samples were run on the tissue, white cloth, and filter wrapper. The chromatograms were sufficiently characteristic to be readily differentiated. Questions remain concerning the change in lipstick composition during the time it is on the lips and the possible resultant distortion of the morphology of the chromatogram. It was concluded that HPLC may be an effective tool in the characterization of lipstick smears from inert substrates and possibly from other substrates, if a convenient and practical method can be devised to strip the background peaks from the composite chromatogram. One table identifies the lipstick brands and shades. Seven figures reproduce the chromatograms. Six references are included.