Lip gloss has come a long way since the crystal clear stuff that was likely your first foray into makeup. Glassy lips are undeniably sexy and trendy. Also, tinted and highly pigmented lip glosses have changed the game.
Here are some classic tips, plus everything you need to know about the new wave of lip gloss.
Prep Your Lips for the Smoothest Application
Whether you're using lipstick, gloss, or even just lip balm, it's always best to start with smooth lips. One easy way to exfoliate is to simply rub your lips with a damp washcloth.
You could also whip up a scrub with brown sugar, plus coconut, olive, or almond oil. Massage it into your lips with your finger for about a minute, then rinse off.
If you're not the DIY type, try Fresh Sugar Lip Polish ($34) or Sara Happ's The Lip Scrub ($24), which comes in several tasty flavors like Coconut and Red Velvet.
The Right Way to Apply Lip Gloss
Instead of putting lip gloss on like lipstick (swiping it on from one side to another on each lip), apply gloss on the middle of your bottom lip only, then rub your lips together. This adds the perfect amount of sheen while keeping the gloss from getting goopy.
If you're looking for high shine, apply a full sweep of gloss to the bottom lip and press lips together.
Gloss can elevate your lipstick or even your favorite drugstore lip stain, too, whether you opt for a neutral shade or a bold hue. After applying lipstick and lip liner, dab just a bit of gloss on the center of your bottom lip, then press your lips together.
How to Make Lip Gloss Last
Lip gloss notoriously has poor staying power. A couple of licks or windswept hair on your lips, and it's over. Here's a handy trick from legendary makeup artist François Nars (via "Vogue's Book of Beauty"): Fill in your lips with lip liner, then set with powder. Add your gloss on top of this base, and it'll stick around longer.
Lip Gloss for Mature Individuals
It's absolutely true that lip gloss is no longer just a beauty staple for teenagers. High-impact gloss works on people of all ages, whether you're 18 or 80.
As you age, you may lose a bit of fullness to your lips. This is normal and a result of a decrease in collagen production. If this is an issue for you, you can compensate with a lip gloss like the Maybelline Lip Lifter Gloss. For added fullness, line your lips just on the outside of your natural lip line, then swipe on the gloss. No fillers needed (unless you want them).
The Best Lip Glosses
Looking for your next favorite gloss? Check out these picks that'll make your kisser look gorgeously glassy.
I didn't start using tinted lip balm until my last year of college, but I wish I would've discovered the multipurpose beauty product sooner. Thanks to a loaded schedule that included multiple internships and classes, I had to find an easier and more efficient way of doing my makeup in the morning (because honestly, getting ready for an 8 a.m. class was quite the struggle). I was pretty much utilizing every lazy girl hack to make it throughout the day, but then, I discovered tinted lip balm and it became clear to me why it's the best multipurpose makeup product you could ever own. Why? It could be applied to almost every part of my face. I'm here to prove it.
Other makeup artists also agree and have used tinted lip balm in all kinds of different ways on the runway. Makeup artist Kristen Arnett explained in Mind Body Green that she, "slather[s] various parts of the face in lip balm" for a glowing, dewy look. She said, "We’ll often put it all over the eyelids, cheekbones, bridge of the nose and the top of the lips. Sometimes it goes on the lips, too, but not always."
Another makeup artist, Daniel Martin, also explained to Vogue how he likes using lip balm as well, saying, "It adds a nice glow to the lids, the formula isn’t sticky, and it stays put for hours."
I've always loved lip balm to keep my puckers hydrated and tinted, but once I found a lip balm that could be used for multiple purposes and had a little color in it, my makeup routine changed forever and became much less time consuming for busy days when I was on-the-go.
If you're in need of a quick fix, or a product you know you can use for almost everything, I'm here to show you how tinted lip balm might be the magic product you've been looking for your entire life.
Benefit Cosmetics Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm, $35, Amazon
This rosy-hued tinted lip balm not only goes on smooth with a hint of color, it's also super hydrating.
Benefit Cosmetics Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm, $35, Amazon
I never thought twice about applying tinted lip balm as eyeshadow until I realized that putting lip gloss on your eyes started to become a trend on the runway. However, I much prefer using tinted lip balm than lip gloss, since it's not as heavy and dense as using gloss.
Just apply a little bit in the center of your eyes and dab outwards.
Benefit Cosmetics Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm, $35, Amazon
This is one of my favorite things to do when it comes to tinted lip balm. Michelle Phan is even a fan, advising, "Skip the powder blush and swap in your favorite tinted lip balm instead. Simply use your finger to lightly pat the balm along your cheekbones, focusing on the apples of your cheeks." It gives you this lovely, dewy glow that looks so natural.
Benefit Cosmetics Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm, $35, Amazon
For a glowy, dewy contour, I've come to find that applying a tinted lip balm is the answer. It can help create that strong crease for you, but still keep it super subtle. Similarly like blush, contouring with tinted lip balm adds a little natural rosy color to your face.
However if you want it to appear a little more matte, just apply a little bit of bronzer on top, and you're good to go!
Benefit Cosmetics Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm, $35, Amazon
After learning that red lipstick was a great way to color correct your eyes, I tried to experiment with tinted lip balm. It definitely works for me and feels even better than lipstick. Because of it's texture, it's not so thick and doesn't feel bothersome throughout the day.
After moisturizing your skin, apply the lip balm to all areas that need to be corrected. Apply concealer after.
And of course, applying lip tint to your lips will help keep your lips hydrated all day while also adding a little bit of color. It's definitely a win-win.
Overall, the best thing about having tinted lip balm is that you can carry it anywhere and not have to worry about bringing your entire makeup bag with you. You can just take your lip balm and use it for almost anything. It's texture that is easy to manage and it'll definitely help your skin stay hydrated.
Images: Danelle Sandoval; Courtesy of Brands
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