Summer calls for lighter makeup, radiant skin, and lips with that juicy finish that flatters instantly. That’s why lip gloss has once again become one of the essential products in the makeup bag because it’s easy to apply, refreshes any look and makes the lips look fuller, cared for and luminous without needing to resort to a highly pigmented lipstick.
Moreover, today’s glosses have little in common with the dense, sticky formulas of years past. Now we find textures that are more comfortable, moisturizing and sophisticated, with finishes ranging from transparent shine to nude tones, pink, peach or cherry that are very flattering. The goal is clear: to achieve lips with a volume effect, but without losing naturalness.
Why Lip Gloss Is So Flattering in Summer
Gloss has an immediate optical effect. By reflecting light, it makes the lips look smoother, fresher and with greater visual volume. That’s why it works so well when we are looking for quick, luminous and rejuvenating makeup. Just one layer of gloss is enough for the face to look more rested.
In summer, furthermore, we crave switching matte lipsticks for lighter and more comfortable formulas. Gloss not only provides shine, it also helps visually soften small lip lines and leaves a more hydrated sensation, something especially important when sun, heat or air conditioning dry the skin.
When we talk about gloss with a volume effect, not all of them work the same. Some include stimulating ingredients that trigger a slight cooling or tingling sensation to provide a fuller look. Others, instead, achieve that result purely thanks to shine, texture and color.
For a natural finish, transparent, pink and nude tones are the easiest to wear. If you’re after a more flattering effect, glosses in soft raspberry, coral or peach tones help to brighten the complexion without hardening the features. And if the goal is for the lip to look more defined, the ideal is to lightly outline beforehand with a pencil in a shade close to the natural lip color.
How to Apply Lip Gloss to Look More Beautiful
The trick is not to apply too much. A thin layer in the center of the upper and lower lip is usually enough to create that juicy and voluminous effect. Then, it can be smoothly extended toward the edges without overload.
To make it last longer, it is advisable to hydrate the lips first, remove the excess balm and, if desired, apply a nude lip liner. You can also apply the gloss only in the center of the lips over a creamy lipstick or a lip tint. This yields a more polished, luminous and flattering finish.
Lip Glosses Worth Checking Out
Kosas Love Potion Lip Gloss.
Love Potion Lip Gloss by Kosas
It is one of the Kosas brand’s new releases. It is a lip plumper that offers a warm-cool sensation for plumper lips and a glossy effect. It nourishes and does not leave a sticky finish. It provides a very natural and shiny look to the lips. This is the Love Potion shade; a very subtle nude color.
Nars Afterglow Lipshine Lip Gloss.
Afterglow Lipshine Lip Gloss by Nars
This is a mirror-like lip gloss that glides on effortlessly and provides up to eight hours of hydration. Its tailored applicator fits the curves of your lips for easily adjustable application. Instantly improves the hydration of the lips. This is the Orgasm shade.
Nars Afterglow Lipshine Lip Gloss.
Sisley Le Phyto-Gloss Lip Gloss
This is a Sisley lip gloss composed of hyaluronic acid, which fills and smooths the lips. Its enveloping texture leaves neither a matte nor a sticky effect. It blends with the lips, enveloping them with a thin, silky film for a pleasant addictive sensation.
Masqmai Perfect Lipgloss Lip Gloss.
Masqmai Perfect Lipgloss Lip Gloss
This is a lip gloss ideal for summer in a nude shade. It features a silky texture that provides hydration, freshness, shine and instant volume without leaving residue or a sticky sensation on the lips. It has a light fruity scent.
