The Best Lip Gloss Tips and Tricks

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Updated on 12/19/21 10:25AM

Reviewed by

Makeup Artist

Close-up of glossy, shimmery lips — SPL IMAGES/Getty Images

Lip gloss has come a long way since the crystal clear stuff that was likely your first foray into makeup. Glassy lips are undeniably sexy and trendy. Also, tinted and highly pigmented lip glosses have changed the game.

Here are some classic tips, plus everything you need to know about the new wave of lip gloss.

Prep Your Lips for the Smoothest Application

Whether you're using lipstick, gloss, or even just lip balm, it's always best to start with smooth lips. One easy way to exfoliate is to simply rub your lips with a damp washcloth.

You could also whip up a scrub with brown sugar, plus coconut, olive, or almond oil. Massage it into your lips with your finger for about a minute, then rinse off.

If you're not the DIY type, try Fresh Sugar Lip Polish ($34) or Sara Happ's The Lip Scrub ($24), which comes in several tasty flavors like Coconut and Red Velvet.

The Right Way to Apply Lip Gloss

Instead of putting lip gloss on like lipstick (swiping it on from one side to another on each lip), apply gloss on the middle of your bottom lip only, then rub your lips together. This adds the perfect amount of sheen while keeping the gloss from getting goopy.

If you're looking for high shine, apply a full sweep of gloss to the bottom lip and press lips together.

Gloss can elevate your lipstick or even your favorite drugstore lip stain, too, whether you opt for a neutral shade or a bold hue. After applying lipstick and lip liner, dab just a bit of gloss on the center of your bottom lip, then press your lips together.

How to Make Lip Gloss Last

Lip gloss notoriously has poor staying power. A couple of licks or windswept hair on your lips, and it's over. Here's a handy trick from legendary makeup artist François Nars (via "Vogue's Book of Beauty"): Fill in your lips with lip liner, then set with powder. Add your gloss on top of this base, and it'll stick around longer.

Lip Gloss for Mature Individuals

It's absolutely true that lip gloss is no longer just a beauty staple for teenagers. High-impact gloss works on people of all ages, whether you're 18 or 80.

As you age, you may lose a bit of fullness to your lips. This is normal and a result of a decrease in collagen production. If this is an issue for you, you can compensate with a lip gloss like the Maybelline Lip Lifter Gloss. For added fullness, line your lips just on the outside of your natural lip line, then swipe on the gloss. No fillers needed (unless you want them).