Important: This article is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer for more details.
In our quest for those luscious lips, nailing how to apply lip gloss makes all the difference. With the right prep and technique, turning heads with our lip game can be a breeze.
How to Prep Your Lips
To get gloss going smoothly, prep work is where it’s at. Think of exfoliating as brushing off the cobwebs—our lips need their own little scrub down to ditch the dead skin, making them look all soft and plump. Grab a gentle lip scrub, like those gems from Tuesday in Love Lip Scrubs (they work wonders!) to give our lips the VIP treatment they deserve (1).
Here’s how to get it done right:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Exfoliate using a lip scrub |
| 2 | Swipe on some hydrating lip balm (it’s optional but fab) |
| 3 | Give it a sec to soak in |
Applying Lip Gloss Over Lipstick
When we’re layering gloss over lipstick, think “a little goes a long way.” Janeena Rumsey hits the nail on the head with that advice—start off with a smidge of gloss, building up if needed without drowning out the color we’ve picked (2).
Different looks call for different tools. Want precision? Use a brush. Feeling chill? Just swipe from the tube. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Start with a thin coat of lip gloss |
| 2 | Blend it in with a finger or brush for a fab finish |
| 3 | Dab on more if you want that extra bling |
Get these tricks down, and our lips will do all the talking, whether we’re going for that everyday sparkle or dialing it up for special shindigs. For more juicy tips on leveling up our gloss skills, pop over to our how to apply lip gloss guide.
Choosing the Right Lip Gloss Shade
Picking the right lip gloss shade can really level up our look and let our features shine. We gotta consider our skin tone to nail this decision. Generally, skin tones are grouped into light, medium, and dark. Each has a palette of shades that makes magic happen.
Lip Gloss Selection Based on Skin Tone
| Skin Tone | Recommended Shades | Shades to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Nude shades, pinks, peaches, light corals | Dark or bold shades |
| Medium | Warm peachy-pinks, berries, bright colors | Too light or too dark shades |
| Dark | Deep berry shades, bright oranges, reds | Pastels or overly light colors |
Light Skin Tones: If we’re rocking lighter skin, reaching for nude shades keeps things looking natural, while pinks and peaches give a subtle pop. We might wanna skip the dark or loud shades as they can feel overpowering. A bit of shimmer in the gloss can add some sparkle, making lips appear lush while keeping them hydrated. For even more shade ideas, swing by our piece on what color lip gloss should I wear.
Medium Skin Tones: Medium-toned folks have the freedom to play with a range of shades. Warm peachy-pinks and berry tones can add a lovely glow. But, beware of extremes—super light or dark hues might wash us out. Glosses with a high-shine or a metallic zing can add depth, while a velvety finish works if we’re craving that classic matte vibe.
Dark Skin Tones: Bold is beautiful for darker skin. Deep berry shades, lively oranges, and timeless reds are all fair game. Light colors, like pastels, can make lips look too light and are best left aside. Glosses with some shine or metallic flair make lips pop and highlight our natural beauty.
Understanding our undertones can also guide us to the perfect match. Warm undertones love reds and oranges, while cool ones play nicely with blues and purples. By choosing wisely based on our skin tone, we’re not just picking a color but boosting our self-expression, enjoying all the fab benefits lip gloss has to offer. And if you’re keen on perfecting that glossy finish over your fave lipstick, check out our advice on how to apply lip gloss over lipstick.
Spicing Up Your Lip Gloss Game
Getting the best out of lip gloss means stepping up how we slap it on. By getting the hang of layering, snagging some inside tips from the pros, and tweaking our game a bit, we can score a fab, long-lasting pout.
Mixing and Matching for a Glossy Finish
Layering different lip glosses lets us cook up our own shades and switch up our style on the fly. Picking the right color for the situation is key; like, a poppin’ bright shade for hitting the club, or a low-key tone for that meeting with the boss. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for layering:
| Occasion | Suggested Lip Gloss Shade |
|---|---|
| Night Out | Go wild with bold colors |
| Work Meeting | Keep it cool with soft tones |
| Casual Day | Chill with sheer shades |
| Special Event | Shine with glittery gloss |
For those custom shades, just get creative. Kickoff with a base color, then spice it up with another gloss to add depth and dimension.
Make-Up Artist Secrets for Lip Gloss
Top makeup artists spill the beans on how to nail lip gloss in style:
- Outline First: Expert Janeena Rumsey advises lining our lips with our fave lip liner. This trick stops feathering and jazzes up the color. Dust a bit of setting powder to help seal it in place (2).
- Less is More: Rumsey echoes the golden rule: “less is definitely more” with gloss. Start with a tiny amount and build from there to nail the color intensity you crave (2).
- Mix Up Your Approach: Change how you swipe depending on the look you’re after. More exact? Go for a neat line. Casual? Keep it relaxed and subtle (2).
By layering our lip gloss and tuning into these pro hints, we can flaunt a polished look that vibes with our style. Want more how-to guidance? Check out our read on how to apply lip gloss and explore what suits your grin with lip gloss for sensitive lips.
Lip Gloss vs. Lipstick
Picking between lip gloss and lipstick really boils down to the vibe you’re aiming for. Each has its own flair and can match different moods or moments.
The Look & Feel: Lip Gloss and Lipstick
Going for lip gloss gives you shinier-than-the-sun lips, perfect for catching compliments. Lipsticks, meanwhile, bring variety to the party, offering multiple finishes. Here’s the scoop:
| Product | Finish | What It Brings |
|---|---|---|
| Lip Gloss | Glossy | Shine galore, plus a touch of plump. |
| Lipstick | Matte | Smooth and stylish, all day long. |
| Lipstick | Satin | Gentle sheen, is not too loud. |
| Lipstick | Metallic | Bold, big, and ready to reflect. |
Whether you’re after that fresh-glow vibe with gloss or a statement with lipstick, the choice is in your hands.
Teaming Lip Liner with Lipstick
Lipstick paired with a liner? That’s like PB&J — they just work well together. It makes lips pop by keeping everything neat and tidy.
Here’s how to work it:
- Pick the Right Shade: Go for a liner that’s either a twin or a tad darker than your lipstick. This adds some interesting dimensions.
- Trace Those Lips: Start by drawing an outline of your lips. No skipping this step!
- Smooth It Out: Get that liner all blended into the lip for a smooth finish.
- Lips Painted: Time to swipe on the lipstick over that liner. The result: your lip color stays in place longer.
Using a liner with lipstick gives lips a polished look that’s super structured. Curious about lip gloss? Check our how to whip on lip gloss guide.
Choosing between lip gloss and lipstick comes down to what you’re feeling that day. Both have special places in our beauty world and can double up for a wow effect.
