Lip gloss is a lip product primarily used to give lips a glossy luster, and sometimes to add a subtle color. It’s designed to make lips appear fuller and more luminous with a shiny, often non-sticky, finish. Many formulations include moisturizing ingredients like oils and emollients (such as our Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss with pomegranate extract and hyaluronic acid) to keep lips hydrated. Lip gloss may have plumping agents, glitter, or various tints, ranging from sheer to opaque for lip makeup looks ranging from natural to dramatic.

Lip gloss primarily enhances the appearance of the lips by providing a lustrous, often wet-looking finish, making lips appear fuller and more supple. This shine can range from subtle to high shine. Beyond aesthetics, many lip glosses offer hydration and moisturization due to ingredients like oils, waxes, and emollients. These hydrating lip gloss ingredients help to prevent dryness and chapping, keeping the lips soft and comfortable. Some formulations, like in our Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil, also include plumping agents to further enhance lip volume. Tinted lip gloss can be worn alone for a slightly colored, glossy lip look, or clear lip gloss can be layered over lipstick to add dimension and shine, transforming the finish of any lip color.

Yes, lip gloss is a form of makeup designed to enhance the lips. Lip gloss can significantly accentuate a makeup look by adding a touch of shine and dimension to your lips. Its glossy finish makes lips appear fuller and more luscious, drawing attention to them. Whether worn alone for a fresh, natural glow or layered over lipstick to transform its texture and intensify its color, choose a long-lasting lip gloss to provide a polished and youthful finish that can complete any desired aesthetic.

While both lip gloss and lip oil aim to enhance the lips, lip gloss is typically thicker, shinier, and more pigmented, while lip oil is typically lighter weight with subtler shine and pigment, typically including more lip care ingredients.

• Lip Gloss: The main function of lip gloss is to provide a high-shine, glossy finish to the lips. Some add color and create a plumping effect. Lip glosses typically have a thicker consistency that adheres well to the lips for long lasting lip gloss shine. Some lip glosses, like L’Oreal Paris lip glosses, are also hydrating lip glosses and offer lip care benefits.

• Lip Oil: Lip oils are primarily formulated for hydration, nourishment, and a more subtle, natural sheen. Lip oils are lighter in texture, feeling more like a skincare product due to their rich blend of nourishing oils. They offer a comfortable, non-sticky feel and a less intense, often more natural-looking shine. L’Oreal Paris lip oil also offers a plumping effect.

To apply lip gloss, follow this step-by-step guide for a smooth application:

For a Natural, Sheer Lip Gloss Look:

1. Prep Your Lips: Start with clean, dry lips. If your lips are chapped, you might want to gently exfoliate them first and then apply a thin layer of lip balm, allowing it to absorb for a few minutes.

2. Start in the Center: Using the applicator wand, dab a small amount of lip gloss onto the center of your bottom lip.

3. Spread Outward: Gently spread the gloss from the center towards the corners of your lips.

4. Repeat for Top Lip: Apply a small amount to the center of your upper lip and spread it towards the Cupid's bow and the outer corners.

5. Press Lips Together (Optional): Lightly press your lips together a few times to evenly distribute the product. Avoid rubbing them too vigorously.

For Layering Lip Gloss Over Lipstick:

1. Apply Lipstick First: First, apply your lipstick as you normally would.

2. Blot (Optional but Recommended): For a longer-lasting effect and to prevent the gloss from making your lipstick bleed, you can gently blot your lipstick with a tissue after applying it.

3. Apply Gloss to the Center: Using the lip gloss applicator, apply a small amount of gloss primarily to the center of your bottom and top lips. This adds dimension and a "pouty" effect without making the entire lip too slippery.

4. Lightly Blend: You can lightly press your lips together or use a clean finger to gently blend the gloss slightly outward, but avoid spreading it too close to the lip line, especially if your lipstick tends to feather.

Tips for Flawless Lip Gloss Application:

• Don't Overdo It: A little goes a long way with lip gloss.

• Use a Lip Liner: If you're concerned about feathering, especially with a darker or more pigmented gloss, outline your lips with a clear or color-matching lip liner first.

• Clean the Applicator: If you're applying gloss over lipstick, you might want to wipe the applicator on a tissue after each use to prevent color transfer from the lipstick back into the gloss tube.

Yes, many modern lip glosses offer significant benefits beyond just aesthetics, contributing to the health and hydration of your lips. L’Oreal Paris lip glosses offer hydrating and lip smoothing properties. Lip glosses also create a physical barrier on the lip surface, which helps to trap moisture and prevent dehydration caused by environmental factors like wind and dry air. This barrier also provides a degree of protection from external irritants.

Key ingredients often found in lip glosses that contribute to these hydrating and healing effects include:

• Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant that attracts and holds moisture. This ingredient is included in Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil and our Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss hyaluronic acid lip gloss.

• Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect and soothe the skin and is often found in skin and lip care. For example, this ingredient is found in our Infallible 8 Hour Pro Hydrating Lip Gloss.

• Natural Oils (e.g., Jojoba, Coconut, Argan, and Pomegranate Oil) are rich in fatty acids and provide deep moisturization and barrier support. Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss is a lightweight lip gloss that includes pomegranate oil for moisturizing properties.

• Butters (e.g., Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter) are excellent emollients that soften and condition the lips.

These ingredients work together to keep lips soft, supple, and healthy, making many lip glosses not just cosmetics, but also beneficial lip care products.

Lip plumping lip gloss uses spicy ingredients, hydrating ingredients, or both to help make the lips appear bigger. These hydrating formulas can help make the lips appear plumper and smoother. The glossy finish of plumping lip gloss can also help give the lips a fuller look. Our Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil features hyaluronic acid and tripeptides to help the lips appear plumper while providing up to 24 hours of non-sticky hydration for soft, smooth lips. Learn more about lip plumping gloss in our guide to lip plumper.

You can purchase L’Oréal Paris lip gloss and lip oil in-person at your local drugstore, at grocery chains, or online through retailers like Amazon, Target, and Ulta Beauty. Click the “Buy Online” button on the lip products’ individual product pages to see where to purchase your lip gloss or lip oil online, or use our Store Locator to find an in-store option to shop lip gloss near you.