How To Get Glossy Lips, Plus 3 Looks To Try

Dewy makeup has been having a moment these past few years, with numerous beauty trends (looking at you, glass skin) centered around the luminous, natural look. Lip makeup, unsurprisingly, is no exception—right now, glossy lips are back in a major way. And while there are plenty of ways to rock a glossy lip look, there’s no better way to lean into the trend than with ultra-slick glass lips.

If you’re not sure how to achieve the mirror-like shine characteristic of glass lips, keep reading. Ahead, we’ll explain how to make your lips glossy and share a look at some of our favorite products for a lustrous and on-trend shiny lip look.

What Are Glass Lips?

The term “glass lips” refers to a makeup trend centered around ultra-shiny, almost wet-looking lips. Achieving the look typically involves the use of a high-shine lip gloss or lip oil. Depending on your desired look, you can also apply lip color—using lip liner and lipstick—before layering on your shiny topcoat.

Because this glossy lip look is so shiny, it’s usually paired with natural-looking skin and subtle eye makeup. With that being said, you can rock glossy lips with whatever makeup look you choose—at the end of the day, your preferences are what matter most.

How To Get Glossy Lips in 3 Easy Steps

Achieving flawless-looking glass lips doesn’t require much—just a little bit of prep work and the right lip products. Keep reading to learn how to make your lips shiny-looking and luscious with drugstore staples you (probably) already have on hand.

1. Prep your pout

In order to nail the smooth, glassy finish characteristic of this shiny lip look, you’ll need to prep your lips properly. Start by using a damp towel or lip scrub to lightly exfoliate your lips. Gently buffing away dry, flaky skin helps create a smooth surface, making it easier for lip products to apply evenly (and last longer).

After exfoliating, swipe on a nourishing lip mask, oil, or balm to help lock in moisture and keep your lips feeling hydrated and soft. Allow your chosen formula to sink in completely before continuing on with your glossy lip routine.

2. Line your lips 

Next, decide what color you want your lips to be. A glossy lip look pairs beautifully with both nude and saturated lip colors, so feel free to choose whichever suits your needs best. Once you’ve formed a plan, grab a creamy lip liner in a shade that corresponds with your chosen lip gloss. We love the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner, as it boasts a vitamin E-infused formula that glides on easily and won’t feather. Use the precise tip to outline your lips, then use your finger to blur the liner slightly for a soft, diffused effect. This will help ensure that there’s no harsh or obvious outline when you swipe on your gloss.

Editor’s tip: If you want to overline your lips, take care not to extend the line too far fast your natural lip line, as doing so can result in an unnatural look.

3. Apply a shiny lip oil or gloss

Once your lips are prepped and lined, you can go ahead and make your lips glossy. For a high-shine look that won’t leave your lips feeling heavy or tacky, we recommend using the L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil. The non-sticky formula is infused with hyaluronic acid and tripeptides and delivers up to 24 hours of hydration for smoother, plumper-looking lips. The lineup includes 10 lightweight, glassy shades to flatter an array of skin tones. For a subtle, pinky-nude lip, try Worth It. Or, for a high-shine take on the classic red lip, swipe on Wine O’Clock. And if you prefer a more pigmented lip look, swipe the untinted Cristal Clear gloss over your favorite bold lipstick for a high-shine finish. 

Tips for Long-Lasting Glossy Lips

A slick, shiny lip look is undeniably pretty, but generally speaking, lip gloss doesn’t have quite as much staying power as traditional lipstick. In order to maintain the glassy, glossy finish, you’ll need to reapply your gloss throughout the day. 

With that being said, there are some things that you can do to help extend the wear of your lipstick. Eating and drinking can make your gloss disappear quickly, so be careful when snacking. If you’re going to have a drink, you may want to use a straw to help protect your lip gloss from smudging. If your lip gloss has lost its luster and you need to reapply, do so—but with a thin layer of product. Applying layer upon layer of lip gloss can result in a thick, uneven application, and it’ll likely feel sticky rather than smooth. 

It can also be helpful to line your lips prior to applying your gloss, as lip liner can help prevent fading, feathering, and smudging. And if you want long-lasting color payoff and shine, layer your gloss over a smudge-proof lipstick, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick. If the shiny finish dissipates, you can reapply a thin layer of gloss without having to start your lip look from scratch.

Flattering Glossy Lip Looks for Every Occasion

Now that you know how to get shiny lips, you can put your skills to work. Ahead, discover three glossy lip ideas we love, plus a rundown of the products you can use to recreate the looks at home.

Everyday glossy lip look

For an effortless daytime look, pair natural makeup (think: flushed cheeks and groomed brows) with a neutral glossy lip. To achieve the latter, line your lips with a nude lip liner that closely matches your natural lip color, then top with a coat of the L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil in Milky Nu.

Night out glossy lip look

After-dark outings call for a bit more color—this is the time to go bold. Put an eye-catching spin on your usual lip look for swapping the neutral gloss for a bold red or berry hue. The L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil in Cherry Cherie and Berrie Jolie fit the bill.

Special occasion glossy lip look

If you really want to make a splash at your next big event, consider reaching for a shimmery (or even glittery) lip gloss. The shimmer will help amplify the gloss’ shiny finish, creating an ultra-flattering glassy effect. See for yourself with the L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil in La Nuit Sparkle—it’s infused with subtle gold shimer for a gorgeous glimmering finish.

Next Up: How To Fake The Appearance of Fuller, Plumper Lips

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris