Lip gloss is a beauty product that never goes out of style or loses its versatility. It enhances lips by adding sheen and shimmer to any lip color, transforming matte lipsticks, lip stains and balms into glamorous, glossy hues. Since some lip glosses can be sticky and goopy, choosing the right one can present a challenge.
Unless you love collecting lip glosses, you may find it more convenient and cost-saving to find that one “go-to” lip gloss which complements your lips and works for any occasion. Whether you want to plump your lips or just add a clear, flattering finish, there are many lip glosses available to suit your personal preferences.
Staying Power
The amount of time a lip gloss stays on your lips is an important factor when choosing one for yourself. A high-quality lip gloss should stay on your lips for at least four hours without smudging or fading. Lower-quality lip glosses typically have less staying power as they smudge and rub off easily, meaning you’ll have to reapply them on a regular basis. This is not only inconvenient, but a waste of money as well.
Texture
One of the biggest complaints about some lip glosses are their sticky, gooey texture. Not only is goopy lip gloss unattractive, it’s also messy and inconvenient. A quality lip gloss has a creamy consistency allowing for smooth, effortless application without smearing on your lips or causing them to stick together when you close your mouth. A lip gloss should feel light and sheer to allow for application over existing lipstick.
Appearance
How a lip gloss appears on your lips is another essential factor to consider. Many lip glosses are available in a variety of shades ranging from clear to pale pinks and bright coral hues. Some are just glossy with others containing a hint of shimmer. Regardless of their finishes or shades, the best lip glosses should flatter your lips and complement your natural skin tone.
Types of Lip Gloss
Drugstore Lip Gloss
Drugstore lip glosses are perfect for individuals who want the convenience of one-stop shopping and to save a few bucks at the same time. Most drugstores feature a large selection of lip glosses, many of which come in numerous shades. Brands such as L’Oreal, Neutrogena, and Revlon offer lines of drugstore lip gloss which offer great value for your money.
SPF Lip Gloss
You can have glossy lip color and protection from the sun at the same time with sun protection factor (SPF) lip glosses. These lip glosses typically feature SPF 15 or 20 to guard your delicate lips against the suns damaging ultraviolet rays. The best SPF lip glosses come in flattering shades to suit all skin tones while formulated nourish your lips.
Moisturizing Lip Gloss
Lip gloss can actually have a drying effect on lips when worn on a regular basis. Moisturizing lip glosses prevent you from having to apply additional lip balms to hydrate your lips. They contain moisturizing agents such as shea butter and vitamins to protect against chapping, cracking, and dryness. These lip glosses are especially beneficial in the winter months when dryness is more prevalent.
Flavored Lip Gloss
Flavored lip glosses feature tasty flavors such as citrus or vanilla and available in different shades. These lip glosses are fun to experiment with and can be given away as gifts to friends. However, some of the lower quality flavored lip glosses may have poor texture or lack staying power. The best flavored lip glosses taste pleasant while maintaining superior texture and staying power.
Clear Lip Gloss
Sometimes you may not want to add to color your lips, but simply flaunt a clear gloss with a light-catching dimension to it. A clear lip gloss is also ideal when you want to just put a clear, glossy finish over your existing lip color. The best clear lip glosses provide a brilliant, lasting shine which stays put on bare lips or over lipstick.
Natural Lip Gloss
Natural lip glosses are great organic alternatives to regular lip glosses which contain artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. They’re ideal for the earth-conscious individual as well as those with chemical sensitivities and allergies. Superior natural lip glosses will contain pure ingredients with nourishing properties and come in flattering shades which stay on throughout the day.
Plumping Lip Gloss
Lip can thin as you age, but plumping lip glosses can give the appearance of fuller lips. These lip glosses cost a little more than ordinary selections, but they typically contain plumping agents such as collagen and nourishing vitamins. Plumping lip glosses also come in various shades and should have staying power like other quality lip glosses.