The Underappreciated Magic Of Clear Lip Gloss

Top coat nail polish, clear mascara, and clear lip gloss are proving that the best things in life are free from pigmentation. While the product slogan could use some work, the quality of these items has been perfected. Clear lip gloss, in particular, has been a beloved makeup statement since the 1960s and 1970s. Lacome Paris reported that many disco fashionistas appreciated how the look would reflect the light.

In today’s time, clear lip gloss has become a must-have item for makeup enthusiasts. Whether you want to add a subtle shine to your favorite lipstick or complete a fresh, natural look, there’s no simpler way to enhance your everyday style. Even Kylie Jenner, known for her matte, overlined lips, has recently embraced the glossy trend, as seen on her Instagram feed.

As clear lip gloss makes its revival in modern looks, makeup artists are proving that it can also be used for far more than lip-centric shine. It’s time to discover why this beauty basic has everyone talking.

It’s ultra versatile

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Lip glosses and chapstick have a reputation: You’re always sure to lose the tube before using the product. Still, with the endless ways to make the most of your clear lip gloss, you might find yourself needing a refill. The most obvious uses for this makeup bag staple are precisely what the product’s name would imply. Apply a simple coat to the top of a lipstick or colored gloss to achieve a fresh shine. The emergence of the “clean girl aesthetic” on TikTok — described by the New York Post as “just got out of the shower, and I’m effortlessly gorgeous — has seen many gurus applying gloss to bare or nude-colored lips to achieve a fresh, dewy look.

Gen X might be known for reviving nineties trends, but they’re also not afraid to innovate, and the latest trend is glossy … eyelids! Makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran told Byrdie that gloss is bound to crease in this location so to ensure your high-shine look lasts as long as possible, she advises first priming your lids. “You just want to use the tip of your finger to blend [the primer] out,” she said.

This shiny look leaves your lids looking refreshed without appearing overly wet. After all, finding a great makeup hack can bring a tear to your eye, but you don’t want to look like you’re coming from a crying session.

It’s a must-have handbag accessory

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Do you need more reasons to indulge yourself? Clear lip glosses and their containers are small and easy to carry around. The best way to use this product is to always have one in your purse. Applying a quick layer can give you a fresh look without the heavy feeling of repeatedly reapplying lipstick. Moreover, this gloss doesn’t contain any harsh pigments or dyes, which means there will be no color explosion on your purse’s lining if the product leaks.

Of course, clear lip gloss can’t entirely replace the other beauty essentials in your bag. Although the product can appear to give your lips a dewy and refreshed look, ClassPass writes that gloss isn’t as effective as lip balm or chapstick when it comes to actually hydrating your lips. Your best bet is to use your favorite chapstick as a base layer for your gloss.