Get The Gloss: Why We're Obsessed with Dewy, Glossy Lips

Lip gloss has undergone a rebrand. A long way from its humble beginnings that offered shine and sometimes not much more, the latest versions combine both style and substance.  

Thinking back to your first ever lip gloss, we all have our own nostalgic memories. First kisses, sugary sweet scents like bubble gum, the OG icons we had rolling around in the bottom of backpacks, the shimmery products slathered on before sleepovers, formals, and first dates. For those who remember the entry-level glosses of yesteryear, is anything different this time around? Definitely.  

Now – glitter is (somewhat) on the back-burner, replaced by rich, nourishing ingredients that include the benefits of sophisticated skincare. When it comes to options; more products mean there’s a formula for everything. On the hunt for your next fave? Keep reading to discover the best lip gloss to add to your ever-growing collection. 

Traditional lip gloss

The return of juicy, dewy, and glossy lips is here. Clear lip gloss may seem more on the traditional side, but if you’re into more of a simple ‘no makeup’ makeup look, you can layer gloss onto your lips without any lip liner or lipstick and still feel put together with minimal effort. Infused with moisture-boosting ingredients agave, morgana oil and capuacu butter, opt for the Revlon Super Lustrous The Gloss Crystal Clear Lip Gloss for instant hydration and a glassy finish. Looking for a product that offers a three-dimensional long-lasting shine? The Rimmel Oh My Gloss Crystal Clear is the one for you.

Can’t stand the heat? The Covergirl Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss Plumper Lip Gloss offers a cooling minty tingle while still delivering on plumping power. 

From tinted gloss to more pigmented options, you can wear these on their own, with lip liner (overdrawn for an exaggerated look), or with lipstick. Pain free and a fraction of the price of filler, what’s not to love.  

While not technically a ‘lip gloss’ lip oils are worth considering adding to your beauty rotation. A must-have to emulate the viral clean girl trend (thanks to Hailey Bieber), these products not only look aesthetic on your lips, thanks to the packaging they look just as cute when applying too perfect for a selfie. Designed to give your pout high-wattage shine, lip oils help to nourish the lips and work to soften and smooth them. Think, raspberry and cloudberry oils, as well as vegan squalene (shout out to NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip). 

Make sure you start with a smooth, healthy canvas. Begin with hydration, and not just through drinking water (although we recommend this too). An overnight lip mask like the MCoBeauty one works while you sleep offering a rich, butter-like texture that is deeply nourishing, acting as a protective barrier. Next, it's time to exfoliate. Whether you choose a specific lip scrub or opt for an exfoliator you already have, you’ll buff away dryness and flakiness ready for a seamless application. Best lip gloss tips for making the product last? The biggest makeup artists in the world swear by filling in your lips with lip liner first, then setting with powder. Add your gloss on top of this base, and it'll stick around longer.

Glossy eyelids, berry blush, ‘no makeup’ makeup. The current trends in the beauty industry all translate seamlessly to the lips. We’re starting to see a return to soft matte textures as well as hyper-shiny finishes. Just like fashion, the ‘90s are back in beauty too! Just like butterfly clips and skinny brows, chocolates and cool brown tones are taking over our social media feeds. For a look that is big right now, overline your lips with a brown liner (the Rimmel Lasting Finish Lip Liner in Cappuccino has gone viral on TikTok for a reason, IYKYK), tap a pink lipstick into the middle, and finish with a swipe of tinted lip gloss. One thing is for sure, lips remain a central focus in beauty. 

Lipstick tends to be higher in coverage and pigmentation, delivering vivid colour in just one coat. Therefore, it’s more suited to times where you need to look more dressed up – like professional settings or special occasions.

What does lip gloss do?

At its core lip gloss adds shine and provides hydration. It can be worn alone for a subtle look, layered with lipstick or lip liner to help build the intensity of complementary shades, or used as a wet look finishing touch.

Is lip gloss better than lipstick?

To figure out if lip gloss is better than lipstick, it depends on your desired outcome. Gloss is perfect for a natural, high-shine finish, while lipstick provides a richer, long-lasting colour and fuller coverage.

What is the difference between lip gloss and lip balm?

Lip gloss is typically used for its high-shine and touch of colour, while lip balm focuses on hydration and protecting chapped, dry lips. 

Can lip gloss be used for chapped lips?

Yes, glosses with hydrating ingredients can help soothe dry lips, especially when they are infused with natural ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil and Vitamin E.

“Where’s my lip gloss” is a phrase we find ourselves asking over and over. A non-negotiable when it comes to leaving the house – we wouldn’t blame you if you had one in your car, another next to your bed, as well as in every bag you own (something we are guilty of here at Chemist Warehouse HQ).  

Discover your next fave lip gloss, in-store or online at Chemist Warehouse today.