The consistency and hardness of lipstick are typically evaluated using a penetrometer. A penetrometer measures the depth of penetration of a probe into the lipstick formulation under a specific load and time. This test provides a measure of the firmness or softness of the lipstick, which is crucial for its application properties and stability. Viscometers (cup & bob, cone & plate, Ostwald) are used to measure the viscosity of liquids, which is not the primary parameter for evaluating the consistency of a semi-solid product like lipstick.