Lip Gloss

Makeup is about expressing yourself and letting your personality shine through, something both lipstick and lip gloss are great for. Which you should use all comes down to your preferences—and, of course, what sort of look you’re after. For example, if your ideal lip is dark, dramatic, vampy, or matte, a lipstick (particularly a liquid lipstick) may provide the results you’re looking for. Those that prefer more of a soft girl aesthetic—think sheer washes of color, full brows, and a lit-from-within glow—may find that lip gloss is better suited for them. Of course, vampy and barely-there are two opposite sides of the spectrum, and there are a whole lot of options between the two. Experiment with different lipsticks and glosses to find the formula (or formulas) that best suit your needs.

One of the reasons we love lip gloss is that it’s super easy to apply (it typically takes about two seconds). If you want to pair your gloss with lip liner or lipstick, apply that first. Then, using the applicator included with your lip gloss, swipe your gloss over your top and bottom lips, taking care to ensure that it’s evenly distributed. And voila: gorgeous, glossy lips. (If your hand was a little unsteady, go ahead and clean up the edges of your lips with a cotton swab).

Lip gloss can be (and often is) worn over lipstick, but it’s not necessary—plenty of people wear lip gloss on its own. If color is what you’re after, reach for a pigmented lip gloss, like Butter Gloss, which provides high-intensity color and shine. Or, give your pout a hint of color with This Is Milky Gloss—it’s subtly tinted for a sheerer lip look. If you’d rather shine but no color, that’s totally fine too. Add sheen by swiping the clear Butter Gloss onto bare lips for a no-makeup makeup vibe. Another great option is to pair your gloss with lip liner: It can take your glossy lip to a full ombré moment, if desired.

Pro Tip: Dry lips can make your gloss application less-than-even, which may be especially noticeable if you’re using a pigmented formula. The solution? Proper lip care. Keep your pout nourished with a moisturizing lip balm.

Generally speaking, no, standard lip glosses won’t make your lips bigger. Plumping glosses, however, are specifically designed to help make your lips look, well, plumper.

That said, the reflectivity of standard glosses can also make lips appear a bit fuller. If you want to amplify the look of your natural lips, try This Is Juice Gloss. It offers vegan, electrolyte-infused color in eight juicy flavors. The formula is packed with five electrolytes (magnesium PCA, zinc PCA, manganese PCA, sodium PCA, potassium sorbate) and five lip-loving oils (rosa canina oil, grape seed oil, jojoba seed oil, avocado oil, squalane).

How long your lip gloss will last depends on the formula—some are longer-wear than others. If you’re looking for something that doesn’t require many touch-ups, try Shine Loud High Shine Lip Color. It provides up to 16 hours of smudge-proof color with a lightweight, non-sticky feel. Reapply the super-shiny, clear top coat as needed to keep your lips looking glassy and kissable.

Generally speaking, lip gloss isn’t made for durability—it’s meant to give your lips a pop of shine (and, depending on the formula, color). If you want the glossy finish to last all day, your best bet is to reapply your gloss throughout the day, especially after eating or drinking.