Lip gloss explained... no matter your age, skin type or skin color, you can wear it...
The options are endless.
The brands, the colors, the textures, the tubes, the swirls, the flavors.... AH!! Pure bliss!
I love it!!!
Just about everybody can benefit from a good slick of gloss on their lips.
They are so EASY, too, because usually they are quite sheer and so choosing your perfect color is as easy as pie!
NATURAL:
I recommend using only all natural formulas. Ones with synthetic chemicals in them might appear delightful, but in truth, you end up eating all those chemicals. (Where do you think the lip gloss actually GOES?)
So choose ingredients that you understand. Opt for rich, good oils, like jojoba, castor, coconut, etc.... there might be a few waxes in there, some butters (like shea butter) and perhaps colorants (like titanium dioxide, iron oxides), and essential oils for flavor (orange and peppermint are the most popular).
TEXTURES:
I prefer a medium-thickness gloss.
Some are REALLY thick, and I try to avoid those, as they feel like glue on my lips.
I also don't like really thin formulas as they just run and disappear quickly.
So choose a medium-thickness formula. You want it to stay on a while, but still be sheer and glossy.
PACKAGING:
You can get gloss in pots or tubes. I like both, but tubes are easier if you don't want to get your fingers yucky or if you have long fingernails.
A tube with either a sponge or a brush applicator will work.
COLORS:
Since gloss is more sheer than say, lipstick, you can get away with using a variety of colors.
Stay in the general color family that you normally look good in, though.
For example, if you know you are warm-toned, go with a peachy, orange, brown, warm pink or other such color.
If you know you have cool coloring, then stick with shades like wine, cold pink, plum, lavender, etc.
If you are neutral or simply don't know your coloring, just choose a shade that is neutral, like a medium pink or nude pinky peach.
As a last resort, get clear.
Clear gloss is also great for applying over lipstick or lip stain.
SECRETS:
I do have a few tricks up my sleeve when it comes to gloss application.
These tips can only be learned from being in the industry, and boy, howdy are they GREAT!
-Use lip gloss as an anti wrinkle cream. WHAT? Yes. It's so true! Good, natural lip gloss is chock full of incredible ingredients that your wrinkles will love.
The wrinkles on your lips will love it, as well as in other areas.
Apply clear gloss to the eye area at night, where crow's feet form. Apply it to the parentheses that form around your mouth.
-Use lip gloss as a wrinkle filler. NO WAY, you say? Yes, way! After you have cleansed your face and applied your favorite moisturizer, apply some clear gloss to desired area (crow's feet, for example). Then apply loose powder mineral foundation (or whatever type you prefer). Make sure to set with a good finishing powder. This creates the coolest look. You will notice throughout the day that your skin appears... plumper. Fuller. Younger. Great tip!
-Apply lip gloss UNDER your lipstick for a creamy, sheer, exotic look.
-Apply to any dry or rough area of your body, including cuticles, heels, elbows, knees, for a quick fix. ( use clear gloss, of course).
-Use metallic colored glosses in your hair for instant streaks!
-Apply clear gloss to your eyebrows or lashes for instant brow-fix / mascara.
The options are endless.
The brands, the colors, the textures, the tubes, the swirls, the flavors.... AH!! Pure bliss!
I love it!!!
Just about everybody can benefit from a good slick of gloss on their lips.
They are so EASY, too, because usually they are quite sheer and so choosing your perfect color is as easy as pie!
NATURAL:
I recommend using only all natural formulas. Ones with synthetic chemicals in them might appear delightful, but in truth, you end up eating all those chemicals. (Where do you think the lip gloss actually GOES?)
So choose ingredients that you understand. Opt for rich, good oils, like jojoba, castor, coconut, etc.... there might be a few waxes in there, some butters (like shea butter) and perhaps colorants (like titanium dioxide, iron oxides), and essential oils for flavor (orange and peppermint are the most popular).
TEXTURES:
I prefer a medium-thickness gloss.
Some are REALLY thick, and I try to avoid those, as they feel like glue on my lips.
I also don't like really thin formulas as they just run and disappear quickly.
So choose a medium-thickness formula. You want it to stay on a while, but still be sheer and glossy.
PACKAGING:
You can get gloss in pots or tubes. I like both, but tubes are easier if you don't want to get your fingers yucky or if you have long fingernails.
A tube with either a sponge or a brush applicator will work.
COLORS:
Since gloss is more sheer than say, lipstick, you can get away with using a variety of colors.
Stay in the general color family that you normally look good in, though.
For example, if you know you are warm-toned, go with a peachy, orange, brown, warm pink or other such color.
If you know you have cool coloring, then stick with shades like wine, cold pink, plum, lavender, etc.
If you are neutral or simply don't know your coloring, just choose a shade that is neutral, like a medium pink or nude pinky peach.
As a last resort, get clear.
Clear gloss is also great for applying over lipstick or lip stain.
SECRETS:
I do have a few tricks up my sleeve when it comes to gloss application.
These tips can only be learned from being in the industry, and boy, howdy are they GREAT!
-Use lip gloss as an anti wrinkle cream. WHAT? Yes. It's so true! Good, natural lip gloss is chock full of incredible ingredients that your wrinkles will love.
The wrinkles on your lips will love it, as well as in other areas.
Apply clear gloss to the eye area at night, where crow's feet form. Apply it to the parentheses that form around your mouth.
-Use lip gloss as a wrinkle filler. NO WAY, you say? Yes, way! After you have cleansed your face and applied your favorite moisturizer, apply some clear gloss to desired area (crow's feet, for example). Then apply loose powder mineral foundation (or whatever type you prefer). Make sure to set with a good finishing powder. This creates the coolest look. You will notice throughout the day that your skin appears... plumper. Fuller. Younger. Great tip!
-Apply lip gloss UNDER your lipstick for a creamy, sheer, exotic look.
-Apply to any dry or rough area of your body, including cuticles, heels, elbows, knees, for a quick fix. ( use clear gloss, of course).
-Use metallic colored glosses in your hair for instant streaks!
-Apply clear gloss to your eyebrows or lashes for instant brow-fix / mascara.