How to Get Glass-Like, Glossy Lips in 4 Easy Steps

Glossy makeup has been having a moment these past few years with numerous beauty trends centered around the slick look. K-Beauty’s buzzy glass skin and glazed donut skin are only two of the many popular beauty looks that put pristine and dewy complexions at the forefront of makeup trends. Shiny (non-oily) skin is just a toe dip into the glossy makeup look with glass hair, vinyl oil-slick eyeshadow, and glass-like lips embracing the trend. 

When it comes to the latter, glossy lips that resemble clear glass are a welcoming trend during the cold winter months where some shine is appreciated. Or even during the summer when a dewy look is expected with rising temperatures. Regardless of the time of year, glass-like glossy lips are a makeup trend that anyone can easily recreate and get stunning results. 

Keep reading to learn more about glass lips, how to get gorgeous, glossy lips in just four simple steps and the best drugstore lip products you’ll want to stock up on. 

What Are Glass Lips?

This makeup look is an aesthetic trend that gives a wet look that often mimics the appearance of clean glass. When done right, glass lips make your pout look as though you coated them with a magic non-dripping oil for soft-looking lips. 

Glass lips are like the ultimate glossy lips that relies on neutral colors to match your natural lip color and a non-sticky long-lasting gloss that won’t disappear through the day. With the right lip product, you can achieve the look without the need to re-apply for effortless glossy lips.

How to Get Glossy Lips in 4 Easy Steps

While glass skin and glass hair require a bit more work to achieve, glass lips are the simplest take on the trend. This means it doesn’t require a 10-step routine or an arsenal of different products to get the look. Check out our quick step-by-step tutorial for nailing glossy lips. 

1. Use a Damp Towel to Exfoliate Your Lips 

The glass skin trend, including any variations of it, is known for its glossy, smooth and pristine finish. This means before you even reach for gloss, you’ll need to use a damp towel or lip scrub to lightly exfoliate your lips. Keep lips free of dead skin and flakes especially during winter months when the drop in temperature can bring chapped lips — before wearing any type of lipstick or gloss for a smooth application. 

Editor’s tip: If you want to overline your lips, do so after exfoliating and before applying sheer lipstick. To best complement the look, stick to a neutral pink or brown shade using a creamy lip pencil like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner which stays sharp, for precise application. 

2. Apply a Sheer, Luminous Lipstick

Since your freshly exfoliated lips are likely begging for moisture, coat your lips with hydration and color (at the same time) using L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract. This lightweight lipstick is infused with pomegranate extract to hydrate and nurture the lips for a noticeably softer, pillowy pout. It gives a your-lips-but-better look and the buildable, shiny finish serves as the perfect base for your glass lips. 

Any of the 10 buildable shades will work for glossy lips, but reach for colors that offer a natural look to imitate that glass appearance, as though your lips are naturally like that. For darker lips, opt for the Luminous Coral shade so it blends with your natural shade. For light to medium lips, try the subtle pink color of Peach Charm or Beige Eden for a cool-toned pout. 

3. Layer On Gloss

Once your lipstick is on, it’s time to layer on the glossiest lip gloss you own. Try L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss Pomegranate Extract in any of the 12 buildable shades. This gloss is formulated with pomegranate extract and hyaluronic acid to keep your lips moisturized long after the product is removed. The non-sticky formula (read: it won’t attach itself to your hair) lasts up to eight hours for glass-like, glossy lips that barely need touch-ups. 

Alternatively, you can use a clear high-shine lip gloss like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Gloss Plump in Mirror. This gloss plumps lips and delivers long-lasting formula infused with hyaluronic acid to keep your lips moisturized, comfortable and smooth all day long. If you prefer your glass lip with a little bit of shimmer, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 8 Hour Pro Lip Gloss, Hydrating Finish in Frosted. 

4. Finish With Lipstick

Glass lips have a sheer finish that resembles a glossy wash of color rather than the pigmented and velvety finish of lipstick. If you’re hoping to rock a pink or vampy red glass lip, the trick is to apply the lipstick after your gloss. While this method feels a bit out of order, dabbing lipstick over your gloss is going to help you maintain the diffused glass finish rather than just looking like you’re wearing lip gloss layered over lipstick.

Make sure you use lipstick with a luminous finish like L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Satin Lipstick with Precious Oils, or L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Reds Of Worth Satin Lipstick With Saturated Color if you want a red lip. With your shade of choice, lightly dab the lipstick over the gloss and use a finger to gently blend it in. The goal is to create a wash of color that resembles a lip stain rather than an all-over pigment. 

Once you’ve applied your lipstick you can add another layer of gloss if you feel it’s needed. Just remember to clean the wand of any lipstick before sealing it back in the tube. 

Next: This Lip Gloss and Balm Hybrid Deserves a Permanent Spot In Your Makeup Bag

Photographer: Stephanie Price, Photo Assistant: Evan Mann, Digi Tech: Sergio Colon, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Creative Producers: Becca Solovay and Hannah Lee, Content Director: Shalwah Evans, Visual Designer: Sarah Duvivier, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Daniel Lutz, Wardrobe Stylist: Rika Watanabe, Wardrobe Assistant: Serena Orlando, Model: Dara Woo