Lip gloss is a popular beauty product that has been around for decades. Originally people wore it as a lipstick base, but now people wear it as a stand-alone product. Some women will apply lip gloss before putting on their lipstick because the shiny color and texture can bring out your natural features.
What Is in Lip Gloss?
Various companies use many different formulas, so it all depends on who you ask. But most lip glosses contain some combination of wax, oils, pigments, and preservatives. Read this post for more information on what is in lip gloss.
Benefits of Using Lip Gloss
Below are some of the benefits of using lip gloss:
1. Shiny Appearance
The shiny and vibrant color adds a pop to your makeup look. It is helpful if you go out at night because it will bring out your features in dim lighting. Moisturizing properties since some types of lips glosses contain oil. They can moisturize your lips which can make them look healthier.
2. Conditioning Properties
Other lip glosses contain ingredients like beeswax, castor oil, lanolin, etc., that can condition the skin because they have emollient-like properties.
Some people will put on a thin layer of lip gloss before going to bed because it can help moisturize and condition your lips overnight.
3. Lubricating Properties
Some lip glosses contain ingredients like petrolatum, mineral oil, lanolin alcohols, etc. that are lubricants or emollients. These ingredients make the lipstick glide smoothly onto the lips without tugging or pulling.
It is helpful to apply your lipstick in a rush because it will help the product smoothly without looking blotchy.
4. Sweet Scent
When applying lip gloss, most people can smell it immediately. That mainly comes from ingredients like castor oil, octyl palmitate, etc., to give your lips a sweet scent.
In addition, many types of lip glosses also contain ingredients like peppermint oil and other essential oils known for their cooling properties on the skin. These can help create a refreshing sensation when you apply them onto your lips which is helpful if you feel sluggish.
5. Forms a Protective Layer
The ingredients in lip gloss form a barrier that can protect your lips from the sun and other environmental factors.
For example, some types of lip gloss contain ingredients like beeswax or hydrogenated cottonseed oil, which form barriers against water loss. They also may contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which are ingredients that can create a protective layer against the sun.
Some types of lip gloss also contain SPF protection which makes them an excellent option for wearing underneath your lipstick if you plan on being outside for extended periods.
6. Adds Volume to Your Lips
Some types of lip gloss contain ingredients like beeswax, castor oil, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, etc. that add volume and fullness to the lips. These ingredients will not only plump up thin or flat-looking lips, but they can also protect them from becoming dry.
How To Apply Lip Gloss
1. Choose the Right Lip Gloss for You
Before applying a lip gloss, choose one that fits your needs. For example, if you want a product with moisturizing properties, find a formula containing jojoba oil or shea butter. If you are looking for SPF protection, find a lip gloss with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
2. Apply a Thin Layer of Lip Gloss Onto Your Lips
After choosing the suitable lip gloss for you, it’s time to apply it. Use a lip brush for more precise application, and use an angled head on the brush. It will enable you to swipe in between your lips without leaving any excess product on the skin surrounding them.
3. Let Your Fingers Do the Work
When applying lip gloss, some people like to use their fingertips instead of a brush because it can help warm up the product, making it go on more smoothly onto the lips.
If you apply that way, wash your hands before applying lip gloss to prevent any oil from transferring your skin onto the product itself.
4. Add Some Color to Your Lips
After applying a thin layer of lip gloss, it might be a good idea to add some lipstick or lip stain on top so that your lips have even more color. If you want a lighter color, you can always use a tinted lip balm instead.
As for the lipstick or lip stain type, choose a moisturizing formula so that your lips don’t become dry after application.
5. Reapply if Necessary
If you want to shimmer and shine to your lips more, add another layer of lip gloss over the top. Keep in mind that you will need to reapply the product if you plan on eating or drinking anything because it will wear off quickly.
Types of Lip Glosses
1. Non-Sticky Lip Gloss
Non-sticky lip glosses are shiny and contain ingredients like petroleum jelly or mineral oil, creating a smooth texture on the skin. They also have organic oils like coconut oil, grapeseed oil, etc., that help nourish the lips and prevent them from becoming dry. They are thin and non-sticky, making them great for wearing underneath other lip products.
2. Ultra-Glossy Lip Gloss
The lip gloss is sticky than the non-sticky formulas and can contain ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, etc., that create a moisturizing layer on the skin. They also contain organic oils like coconut oil, grapeseed oil, etc., that help nourish the lips and prevent them from becoming dry.
3. Staining Lip Gloss
The lip gloss has a pigmented formula that makes the color last longer than other products like lip balm and lipstick. Also, many staining lip glosses contain ingredients like beeswax and castor oil that help nourish the lips so they don’t become dry after application.
4. Plumping Lip Gloss
The lip gloss contains ingredients like cinnamon extract, licorice root extract, etc., which create a tingling sensation when applied to the lips. You should be careful when using it because it can irritate the skin around your mouth if you are allergic to any ingredients in these products.
Who should Use Lip Gloss?
Lip gloss is a great option for when you have a simple outfit on and when you need to add a touch of glamour to it. Also, if your lips look pale next to lipsticks, then go for lip gloss. It will make them stand out more and give you that beautiful pout that many women desire.
Who Should Not Use Lip Gloss?
Lip gloss is not a good idea if you have applied your makeup and have to go out into the hot sun for a few minutes. It is better to opt for a lip balm instead because it will moisturize your lips without making them look greasy or shiny at all.
Also, if you have dry lips, go for matte lipsticks instead of gloss because it is easier to apply and looks natural on the skin.
Tips for Choosing the Best Lipstick Color for You
1. Have a Professional Help You Choose
If you are having trouble choosing between two or more lipstick shades, ask someone working at the makeup counter to help you find one that suits your style. Let them know the color you want (nude, pink, red, etc.), and if possible, be ready to show them pictures of celebrities that you like to look their best.
2. Pick a Color That Matches Your Skin Tone
When choosing between various lipstick shades, remember that the important part is finding one that closely matches your coloring. If you have fair skin, choose a lighter shade, and if you have dark skin, go for a darker shade to make the lips pop out more.
Also, if you are in doubt, go with a natural shade of lipstick. It will make the lips look better without creating contrast between your skin tone and the color of your lips.
3. Find a Color That Matches Your Outfit
If you are having trouble choosing which lipstick to wear, consider the color of your outfit first.
For example, if you are wearing a black dress, find a shade of lipstick that will complement the color of your dress instead of contrasting with it much. If possible, choose a neutral shade that is not dark or shiny because it will provide the right balance for the outfit.
4. Choose a Color According to Your Personality
If you are having trouble choosing between two or more lipstick shades, think about the type of person you are and choose accordingly. For example, if you consider yourself a vibrant and outgoing woman, go for a bright shade of red lipstick. If you consider yourself someone who is easy-going and laid back, choose a soft nude lipstick instead.
5. Choose a Color That You Will Be Comfortable Wearing
If you are the type of lady who prefers to wear lip gloss, ensure to find one in your desired shade before buying it. For example, if you usually go for nude colors, choose a nude lip gloss instead of lipstick because it is easier to apply and looks natural on the lips because it does not make them stand out.
6. Find a Color That Suits Your Eye Color
Many women think that brown lipstick will make blue eyes pop, while pink lipstick will make green eyes shine, but that is wrong because many other factors determine how your eye color looks next to specific lip colors. For example, if you have dark brown eyes, a soft pink lipstick will be the best choice for bringing out your eye color.
7. Pick a Color That Does Not Bleed Outside Your Lip Line
If you want to avoid retouching your lipstick every few minutes, ensure that its color is not bright or dark. Also, avoid buying lipstick with a creamy texture because it will create a ring around your lips after applying it. Instead, go for a matte color because it is easier to control and looks better on the face.
8. Find a Color That Matches Your Mood
If you have had many bad experiences with lip gloss in the past, do not wear it. Instead, try nude lipstick because it is less likely to create a mess and look much better in most situations. Also, if you feel that your lips are dry, go for a satin lipstick instead of a matte one because it will moisturize them simultaneously as you apply it.
9. Remember That Bold Colors Look Better on Younger Women
If you are older than 35 years of age, do not wear bright lipstick colors. Pick a soft and subtle shade instead because it is more flattering for most face shapes and is easier to pull off. If your skin looks pale next to the lipstick color, you can always go for a darker shade to make your skin look brighter instead.
10. Find Out What Season You Are
If you wear many dark colors in the summer, you will feel tired and uncomfortable because it is too hot outside. Opt for light pink or nude shades if possible because they are much easier on the eyes and will not make you feel like your face is melting off. If you go for dark colors, you must remember that they will look better on cool skin tones, but only if the lipstick is matte instead of shiny.
Takeaway
When it comes to lip gloss, there are different options. Some brands will have no color or fragrance, while others can come in hot pink and orange candy apple red. Whatever your preference may be, the main ingredients in most lip glosses include waxes (like beeswax), oils (such as castor oil), and emulsifiers (like lecithin). The other common ingredient is water which is used primarily for its moisturizing properties. You’ll also find some added flavors, including peppermint. Applying it correctly is vital than anything else because it will determine how long your makeup will stay on and how bright your lips look after you apply the color.
