The lowdown on using lip gloss with lipstick
For those just starting to get into lip color, you may be wondering what the difference is between lip gloss and lipstick. While these two products might be similar in the sense that they decorate your lips, they each serve different purposes when looked at more closely.
The Differences Between Lipstick and Lip Gloss
When it comes to lipstick, color is key. Lipsticks are usually deeply pigmented lip colors that provide full coverage. They can be either matte texture or creamy, and they come in a range of colors, including deep reds, hot pinks, and demure nudes. These days, you’ll even find them in bolder, less traditional colors, such as blues, greens, and purples. The final look of a lipstick is one of professionalism. You won’t often see young girls wearing lipstick, but will catch it quite often on successful business women and young adult women, as well as older women. Ideal for any time of day, the right shade of lipstick can make any outfit look put together and classy. Additionally, because of lipstick’s bold color and precise application, it works to better define the mouth and make for fuller-looking lips. In terms of durability, your average lipstick will stay in place for two hours, though there are some lipstick types that specialize in long-term staying power.
Lip gloss is quite different from lipstick in terms of its qualities. Most lip glosses are made in sheer shades that leave the lips with a slick sheen. Unlike lipsticks, lip glosses aren’t ideal for the professional environment, instead being better for weekends or nights out. Thanks to the shine lip gloss produces, lips often look fuller when it’s applied to them. However, despite the easy application, lip gloss is much less durable than lipstick and often needs quite a bit of reapplication throughout the day. Finally, when it comes to age groups, lip gloss is a favorite for teenagers and young women who are going for a fun, flirtatious look.
How to Use Lip Gloss with Lipstick
Perhaps you want the boldness of lipstick and the flirtiness of lip gloss all in one look? Not to worry! Lip gloss can be used in conjunction with lipstick to create a unique look that combines color, sheen, and fuller-looking lips.
To use lip gloss with lipstick, apply your lipstick first. If you apply your lip gloss first, your lipstick won’t be able to adhere to your lips. Conversely, lip gloss can easily stick to the top of lipstick.
Once your lipstick has been applied, give your lips a few minutes to completely dry before applying the lip gloss. Try to choose colors that fall in the same color palette, or better yet, choose a lip gloss that is less opaque to be sure your lipstick’s color comes through.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Lip Look
When it comes to applying lip products, a few small tips can go a long way. Here are some tricks for making sure your lips always look perfect, no matter what colorful look you’re going for.
1. Exfoliate your lips before applying lip products. Smooth lips keep lipstick and lip gloss looking good, and you don’t want dry or peeling skin to stop that. You can exfoliate your lips by rubbing them gently with a damp washcloth or giving them a light scrub with brown sugar.
2. When applying lip gloss to your lips (either solo or on top of lipstick), don’t swipe it from side to side. Instead, apply the gloss to the middle of your bottom lip and then rub your top and bottom lips together. This application technique will keep your lip gloss from appearing goopy and instead create a perfectly balanced sheen.
3. Apply lip liner to give your lips a fuller look. Adding lip liner to your lip’s edges helps expand their surface area and create the illusion of fuller lips. Lip liner should be applied before lipstick and lip gloss to ensure it blends well and maintains its staying power throughout the day.
4. While your outfit may be influencing your lip color choice, you should also take your eye color into consideration. Blue-toned lipsticks, such as deep reds and purples, compliment brown eyes. Alternatively, if you have blue or green eyes, you’ll want to apply coral and orange-based color to your lips to really get your iris color to pop.
Resources— Women’s Health, Byrdie, Allure
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