How To Get The Most Out Of Your Lip Gloss

Lip gloss is the beauty equivalent of a great pair of jeans. It offers so much bang for your buck, plus you can use it for every occasion, from glam to casual. Finding the perfect fit is pretty much the same for gloss–one that feels as good as it looks. And just like we said goodbye to those super tight jeggings and ultra-low waistlines because the fit wasn’t comfy, we’re doing the same with sticky gloss textures. After all, your lip gloss formula should attract stares, not strands (of hair). Here’s everything you need to know about maximizing your glossy lip potential and getting the most from your lip gloss.  

Choosing the Right Color of Lip Gloss 

Sure, lip gloss is generally more forgiving than lipstick, but choosing the right shade still matters when perfecting how to apply lip gloss. Just like you would for lipstick, start with your skin’s undertones to determine your best color of lip gloss for your undertones. Is your skin tone warm, cool or neutral? This gives you a great starting point to swatch a few shades and see which one looks best on your skin. Some real talk: lip gloss shouldn’t be taken too seriously so don’t be afraid to break out of your comfort zone.  

A cheat sheet on lip gloss textures 

When comparing textures of lip gloss, consider your gloss goals. If you want sheer texture with a hint of color, start with a glossy balm. These will nourish lips and keep them soft with hydrating ingredients like coconut oil. In keeping with intense hydration, this light-coverage gloss packs intense moisture, thanks to shea butter, coconut oil and mango seed butter, along with a light wash of color. Looking for something a little more slick? Go with a glossy lip oil. These give lips a gorgeous lacquered effect and even work with your skin’s natural pH to create an ultra-flattering custom color.  

Applying lip gloss like a pro 

Want to get the best lip gloss application ever? Follow these no-fail pro tips.  

Prep your lips 

Let’s face it, no lip gloss is going to look amazing on dry, cracked lips. Treat yours to an overnight lip mask so you wake up with super soft lips when your alarm goes off. Think of this mask as the beauty sleep your lips desperately need with help from vitamin E and shea butter.  

Make your lip gloss last 

The number one question about how to apply lip

gloss the right way is how to make it last. The move to make your lip gloss last longer is to pair it with a long-lasting lip liner. Simply fill in your lips using a neutral or matching long-wear lip liner and apply your preferred lip gloss overtop. Not only will this help your gloss go the extra mile but it will also enhance its color, too.  

How to get the best lipgloss application 

If you think you already know how to apply lip gloss, know that it’s about more than swiping it on, from side to side. Beauty pros know that you want to start your gloss application in the center of the lips and purse lips together to spread it over the lips evenly. The look is to make your lips look great, not overload them with too much product at once. Remember, you can always add more as needed!