Glossy lips are back, shinier than ever

By Daphne ClaranceAs lip gloss fanatics, we’re glad to say that gloss is back… and stronger than ever. The new and improved version is perfect as you can dabble in a variety of shades.

The texture isn’t just glittery anymore – it’s smooth with a kissable shine – the clear ones have a velvety oil finish and the tinted ones are to die for.

If you weren’t a gloss person, now is the time to drool over this versatile and uplifting makeup product.

Most ’90s kids might understand the fascination of flaunting silver eyeshadow, thin-lined eyebrows and glittering lips. You know the ones that you can roll on your lips to get the feeling as if a whole mug of water was poured onto it.

THE RISE OF MATTE

It’s strange how makeup’s obsession with anything that oozes glow often fuels trends. And, gloss did just that back in the day.
The downside, however, started when this shiny tool was overthrown by matte lipsticks as they provided ease, and non-messy sophistication to the lips.

The vibrancy of shades brightened up a natural canvas and flaunting bold red lips just became a thing. Taking cues from celebrities, who donned the classic bold red lip, now matte, had translated into a mass movement of acing red, hot pink and maroon tones.

THE RETURN OF GLOSS

It wasn’t until the mid-2000s that the Gen-Z brought the gloss back with the re-entrance of the ‘90s fashion. It coincided with revamped trends like wide-legged jeans, cropped tops, boot cuts, strips, tank tops, and broad belts.

Experts believe that it was because of excessive dryness that the matte was seamlessly replaced.

“The days when we layered our lips with matte lipstick that dried them out, making them chapped are long gone. We know the hassle of scrubbing away the stubborn matte lipstick that leaves our lips bruised and irritated. Today, hydrated, natural-looking, supple lips are the rage,” Plabita Sharma, National Training Head, The Body Shop India told indiatoday.in.

Besides, being low-maintenance is not only more convenient but also efficient. “Glossy lips have garnered attention from makeup artists, influencers, and celebrities worldwide. You can opt for a pale, nude pink shade or go the vivid route by choosing bright reds or purples. Glossy lipsticks will also give your lips a fuller, uber-cool, and glamorous look, so your pout will be iconic,” she added.

According to Hitesh Dewett, Training and Artistry Manager, Swiss Beauty, gloss, this time isn’t like the vintage one, it’s formulated to be even more enticing.

There is a post-pandemic comeback of natural makeup, with a focus on a glossy look on the lips that complements the overall beauty, he shared.

“From glossy lids to glossy lips, everyone is drooling over this much-loved makeup trend. Unlike the old and vintage formulas of the 90s, the lip glosses available nowadays are specifically formulated to be non-sticky without compromising on that glass-like sheen,” said Hitesh Dewett.

Moreover, with the introduction of K-beauty and J-beauty stepping into the global map, terms like glass skin, porcelain skin and glazed makeup buoyed the spread of gloss.

“Glow now has skin-friendly ingredients to nourish the lips in the same way a lip mask or lip balm does. Being a low-maintenance product, lip glosses are easy to apply and don’t require any precise application or the need to see a mirror,” said Hitesh Dewett on the convenience of the new and improved gloss.

With gloss returning to the picture, this doesn’t mean that matte has lost its charm. Brands are reinventing the shades and textures with a mousse-like application, and moisturised lips but a matte finish. Still, with searches and sales of lip gloss increasing and the pandemic lending a hand in giving us lip balmy feelings, no product seems to quash the power of gloss.

So, tell us, are you a team gloss or matte?