How to Choose + Apply Your Lip Gloss

Wondering how to wear lip gloss? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re looking to dip into the glassy lip trend or are just looking to add a little shine to your lips, our easy guide will take you through everything you need to know about how to use lip gloss. 

Forget the sticky, tacky, low weartime lip glosses of old. The new generation of lip glosses wear like a balm and are loaded with nourishing lip conditioners in rich, high-pigment tints ranging from sheer to opaque. To help you practice the perfect lip prep and find your perfect lip gloss shade, our Global Artistry Lead Janeena Rumsey has all the tips you’ll need to become a lip gloss pro. 

How To Choose a Lip Gloss Shade 

If you’re on the fence about what lip gloss color you should wear, there are a few color-matching tips that will help your decision making. “Choosing a lip color is fairly universal across lipsticks, lip liners, and lip glosses, so you can always take what you know suits you in a lipstick and find a similar shade of lip gloss,” explains Janeena. 

Think about Undertones

It can be helpful to think about your lip gloss based on your skin tone. Cool, neutral, or warm, working with your skin’s undertone can help you find a shade that complements your complexion the most. “Warm undertones tend to pair well with peachy or golden hues, while rosy or berry shades complement cool undertones. Neutral shades work well on every undertone, and it’s more of a personal choice in finding a neutral lip gloss hue that gives you just the right amount of color-payoff you’re looking for.”

Consider Your Wear

Another factor in deciding what lip gloss shade to go for is what you’re going to be wearing it for. Is it for everyday wear? You may want something more neutral and understated. Is it for evening events? Try a deeper hue or a shimmery shade. If it’s for work you may want something that’s a touch bolder than a neutral while still staying office-appropriate.

“The great thing about lip gloss is you can always mix-and-match to find your perfect look,” adds Janeena. “You can mix two lip glosses together, layered on the lips. You can line lips with your favorite lip pencil, then add gloss to deepen the hue. You can even layer lip gloss over your favorite lipstick or lip crayon for a glossed effect. They are just so versatile, you really can’t go wrong.”

How to Apply Lip Gloss

“With any lip color application, the most important part of the process is the lip prep. Ensuring your lips are smooth and conditioned will avoid your gloss clinging onto dry bits and accentuating them,” explains Janeena.

Prep Your Lips: Exfoliate your lips using a little face scrub—Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub  is great for this. “Add some Barrier Balm on lips and you’re good to go,” shares Janeena.

Set Your Base: “Because of its texture, lip gloss can have lower staying power than other lip products if you don’t have the right base in place. A pro makeup artist tip is to line the lips first—in your lip liner of choice to prevent feathering and to add multi-dimensional color, then add a little setting powder to lightly dust onto lips. This provides the perfect base for your lip gloss to grip to and stay in place.”

Apply Lip Gloss: “Depending on the look you’re going for, how you apply lip gloss can vary,” explains Janeena. “Less is definitely more with lip gloss, so it’s good to start off minimal and build it up.”

How to Apply Lip Gloss Evenly: Add a small amount to the center of the bottom lip, and then press lips together to evenly distribute the color. This adds that shine you want, without overloading lips with the gloss.

“If you want to amp up the lip gloss coverage, try more of a wider swipe of lip gloss along the bottom lip and then press lips together.”

Blot the Excess: Grab a makeup wipe or tissue and gently blot lips to remove any excess gloss. “Don’t wipe at this point though as that will compromise the coverage.”

Reapply as needed throughout the day to top off your look as needed, following the same technique.

How to Take Off Lip Gloss

Lip gloss is much easier to remove than lipstick and won’t leave a lot of color residue behind. “I love to remove my lip gloss using our Gentle Makeup Remover Wipes,” shares Janeena. “These hydrating wipes are infused with micellar water and cucumber extract so they're super soothing and gentle on the skin. They make makeup removal so easy.”

Follow your makeup removal with a cleanser to ensure you’re removing all traces of debris from the day too.

Once you’ve cleansed, perform your usual skincare routine, and don’t forget to add extra nourishment to the lips. “Barrier Balm is a must for adding back that much needed moisture to your lips,” adds Janeena.

Now you know how to wear lip gloss, the sky’s the limit on color combinations, glassy lip effects, mixing-and-matching with your favorite lip liners and lipsticks too. Just find what makes you feel good and wear your lip gloss with confidence. And, if you’re looking for more lip color ideas, check out our lip color guide, plus our how to wear neutral lips guide to really crush your lip color game. 

How to Pick the Right Color Lip Gloss for your Skin Tone

Lip gloss is a great way to add a pop of color to your makeup routine, but it can be difficult to choose the right shade for your skin tone. With so many colors and finishes to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this article, we'll share some tips and tricks for how to choose the right shade of lip gloss for your skin tone.

Choosing Colors for Light Skin Tones

If you have light skin, you'll want to choose lip gloss shades that complement your fair complexion. Nude shades are a great option for a natural look, but if you want to add some color, try shades of pink, peach, and light coral. Avoid dark or bold shades, which can be too harsh against your fair skin.

Another thing to keep in mind is the finish of your lip gloss. If you have dry lips, a gloss with a moisturizing formula can help keep them hydrated. Opt for a glossy or shimmer finish for a light-reflecting effect that can make your lips look fuller.

Choosing Colors for Medium Skin Tones

Medium skin tones have more flexibility when it comes to choosing lip gloss shades. You can go for bold and bright colors or stick to more natural shades. Warm, peachy-pink tones, and berry shades are a great option for medium skin tones. Avoid shades that are too light or too dark, as they can make your lips look ashy or washed out.

When it comes to finish, a high-shine gloss or metallic finish can add some dimension to your lips. If you prefer a more matte finish, look for a gloss with a velvety texture that won't dry out your lips.

Choosing Colors for Dark Skin Tones

If you have a dark skin tone, you can really play with bold and bright shades. Deep, rich berry shades, bright oranges, and reds can all look stunning on darker skin tones. However, avoid pastel or light colors, as they can make your lips look too pale.

When it comes to finish, a high-shine gloss or metallic finish can really make your lips pop. 

How to Pick the Right Color Lip Gloss for your Skin Tone

General Tips

How to Pick the Right Color Lip Gloss for your Skin Tone

Here are some general tips to keep in mind when choosing a lip gloss shade:

1. Consider the occasion: The shade of lip gloss you choose should be appropriate for the occasion. For example, a bold, bright shade might be great for a night out, but a more natural shade might be better for a work meeting.

2. Experiment with layering: You can create different shades by layering different lip glosses together. Try layering a bright shade over a nude shade to create a more subtle look.

3. Don't forget to exfoliate. To make your lip gloss application more even, use a gentle lip scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells off your lips. You can try our Tuesday in Love Lip Scrubs to get softer fuller lips!

Choosing the right shade of lip gloss for your skin tone is all about finding the right balance. Consider your skin tone, the occasion, and your personal style, and don't be afraid to experiment with different shades and finishes. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to find the perfect lip gloss shade to complement your complexion and complete your look.

How to Pick the Right Color Lip Gloss for your Skin Tone