How to wear lip gloss the grown-up way
This Nineties favourite is back in fashion and it’s all about attaining a glamorous shine, says PRUDENCE WADE
LIP gloss is one of those items that can take you straight back to the Nineties – a time when all the make-up knowhow you needed was the ability to apply a slick of sticky, glittery, berry-flavoured gloss to your mouth. And now it’s back – and luckily, it’s had an adult update.
One of the best things about lip gloss is just how easy it is to use. Unlike some of the more
GLASS LIPS
ONCE you’ve mastered paler shades, you’ll be ready to graduate to a glass finish; a lip gloss with an extra-shiny, almost mirror-like look to it.
“This is a slightly wet look all over, which gives a healthy and youthful appearance,” explains make-up artist Stacey Whittaker.
“This particular look is popular on catwalks and creates an editorial feel. My top tip for applying gloss is that a little goes complicated beauty trends of the moment – looking at you contouring – all you have to do is swish it on your lips in a vaguely neat way. So here are some of the lip gloss trends ruling the high street and the catwalks at the moment. And don’t worry, formulas have moved on since the 1990s – you shouldn’t have your hair sticking to your lips quite so often... a long way,” she adds. “Apply a small amount to the centre of your lips and use your finger to carefully blend this towards the outer corners.”
With an ultra-glossy lip, it can be hard to know what to do with the rest of your make-up. “I like to team this with a glossy or creamy finish on the cheeks, but then a matte or suede eye,” notes Sascha Jackson of Stila UK.
“The difference in textures really complement each other.”
PALE AND INTERESTING
TWO decades ago, the idea of lip gloss giving you a ‘no make-up make-up’ look would have been practically inconceivable. Now, it’s very much on trend. Instead of going for a crazy colour or sticky finish, opt for a shade that suits your lip colour and gives it a softer, natural look.
Depending on your skintone, gentle rosy pinks and peach colours work well, making your lips look polished and dewy – like you’ve just rolled out of bed, in a good way.
The key to this look – and when applying any lip gloss – is preparation. “Ensure your lips are well prepped by using an exfoliator first to get rid of any dryness,” explains Sascha Jackson, lead make-up artist at Stila UK.
“If you are using a nude or semi-transparent gloss, I recommend using a lip liner close to your natural lip colour just to create shape.”
LADY IN RED
PLUMP IT UP
Huda Beauty lip strobe in angelic, £17, Harvey Nichols
IF you’re not keen on injectables or other enhancements, there are plenty of products on the market that offer a non-surgical plump-up – all you have to do is swipe on some lippy. In fact, the phrase ‘plumping lip gloss’ has seen a 45% increase in searches on Pinterest from October 2018 to October 2019.
These kinds of lip glosses tend to include tingleinducing hyaluronic acid, a beloved skincare ingredient often used to help with hydration – and better hydrated lips can mean a bouncier, fuller pout. Sascha says: “It’s enriched with hyaluronic filling spheres which naturally smooth and give a more plump appearance. The pigments are incredible, which means you don’t have to layer lipstick underneath to get a good colour.”
A BOLD red lip is a classic look, and one most of us apply with lipstick. But what about trying that red lip with gloss? You might find it’s easier to apply and lasts longer. Either opt for an already shiny red lip gloss, or use any red you have and layer a clear product on top.
“For the festive season, adding a soft sheen gloss over a pop of coloured lipstick is bang on trend for Christmas 2019,” says Stacey. “Opting for a soft sheen will add dimension to your lips and create a plump and full effect.”
Dior Addict lip plumping lacquered ink lipstick in lovely-D, £30, John Lewis
Maybelline Baby lip gloss number 25 in life’s a peach, £3.99, Amazon