Lip gloss is having a moment right now. As a matter of fact, lip gloss 2.0 comes packed with more benefits than its predecessors from the 2000s and there’s a formula for every need. With ‘glazed everything’ makeup trending these days, these babies are shining more than ever. Considering the options are galore, here’s your refresher course on the different types of lip glosses and what makes them all different.
The formula
Lip glosses leave your pout with a high-shine, vinyl-esque finish, making your lips appear fuller and plumper. The formula of most lip glosses often contains wax or petroleum jelly, one of the main ingredients that result in that slippery-looking glaze. Unlike regular lipsticks, however, lip glosses aren’t super pigmented—in fact, their main goal is to provide that shine and shimmer with a hint of colour.
The finish
While all lip glosses share a common goal—to gloss up your pout—they each do it in a different manner. From clear to shimmery, here are the different types of lip glosses you can dive into pout first.
Clear lip gloss
Clear lip glosses come without any pigment and offer a high shine. They’re reminiscent of the classic lip glosses from the 2000s—without the stickiness, of course. Apart from being used solo, these lip glosses work well as toppers, used on top of your favourite lip colour for that extra glaze.
Tira recommends: M.A.C Squirt Plumping Lip Gloss Stick - Like Squirt
Sheer lip gloss
Sheer lip glosses come packed with shine and minimal pigment. Their formula has a wash of colour that is transparent and sheer, making them a great topper for your lipstick, too.
Tira recommends: Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss - Deep Taupe
Shimmer lip gloss
This is your typical lip gloss that offers a high shine along with a hint of shimmer. The shimmer in the formula is finely milled and therefore doesn’t look chunky.
Tira recommends: Makeup Revolution Shimmer Bomb Lip Gloss - Daydream
Glitter lip gloss
As the name suggests, these lip glosses come with glitter particles and leave you with a super sparkly pout. They make for a great choice for those glam occasions.
Tira recommends: Rom&nd Glasting Water Lip Gloss - 01 Sanho Crush
Pigmented lip gloss
These offer high shine as well as an intense colour payoff, leaving you with a pout that cannot go unnoticed.
Tira recommends: Huda Beauty Faux Filler Extra Shine Lip Gloss - Posh
Plumping lip gloss
Plumping lip glosses come in all kinds of finishes but contain ingredients that make your pout look plumper and fuller.
Tira recommends: Too Faced Lip Injection Plumping Lip Gloss - Bubblegum Yum
The hacks you need to know
Your lip gloss can be used in more ways than one, making it a go-to for many makeup looks. Here are a few lip gloss hacks you can incorporate into your routine:
1. Use your lip gloss as an eyeshadow for a glossy effect. You can opt for a sheer lip gloss as a topper on your regular eyeshadow or use a pigmented lip gloss for some colour.
2. Pair your plumping gloss with your favourite lipstick for a fuller pout. Apply a hint of lip gloss on the centre of your lips on top of a lipstick.
3. If you’re looking to add a pop of shimmer or colour to your cheeks, we recommend doubling up your lip gloss as a highlighter or blush. If you want some shine, opt for a clear or shimmer lip gloss. If you want to add a pop of colour, we recommend using a sheer lip gloss with tones of red or pink.
4. You can use your lip gloss as the base of your eyeshadow or lipstick, as well. Blend some lip gloss on the area and top it off with a powder pigment—matte or glitter, take your pick depending on the vibe you’re going for.
