How to Get Glassy Lips

If you tend to stay on top of what’s in vogue in terms of skin care, the latest makeup trend to hit the masses should come as no surprise. Recently, everyone and their mother has been fawning over dewy skin with a high-shine finish (achieved with the help of illuminating moisturizers and serums aplenty). This Korean beauty trend is known as glass skin. Now, we’re seeing the glass skin trend translate to what’s popular in makeup, too. Instead of sporting matte lipstick exclusively, glassy lips with a shiny, reflective quality are taking over.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your lips look glossy, this trend is for you! Ready to take lacquering your lips to the next level? Here’s how to achieve glossy lips in five easy steps. Plus, read ‘til the very end to find out how to match the rest of your makeup to your glassy lips.

HOW TO ACHIEVE GLASSY LIPS

Let’s get right into it! Follow these steps to give your pout a glass-like look.

STEP 1: HYDRATE YOUR LIPS

The drier your lips are, the more of a struggle it’ll be to turn them into glass. Before breaking out a lip color, slather on a hydrating lip balm.

STEP 2: APPLY LIPSTICK WITH A SHINY FINISH

We love lipsticks with satin or matte finishes, but now’s not the time! Opt for a lipstick with a super-shiny finish, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick, and swipe it on. As for which color to choose, it’s up to you! Have your pick from the 16 available shades—your glossy lips can be any color you like.

STEP 3: LAYER CLEAR LIP GLOSS ON TOP

Next time you question, “How can I make my lips look glossy?”, know there’s an obvious answer: lip gloss. To amp up the uber-glossy, glass-like effect you’re going for, add a layer of high-shine lip gloss over your lipstick. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 8 HR Le Gloss.

STEP 4: ADD SHIMMER AT THE CENTER

Don’t be afraid to add a little shimmer into the mix. Using a highlighter, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Shimmerista Highlighting Powder, dab a bit of shimmer onto the center of your lips. Not only will they look extra glassy, but this little trick can also make your lips appear bigger.

STEP 5: HIGHLIGHT YOUR CUPID’S BOW

To finish off your lips, use the same highlighter to add a touch of shimmer to your cupid’s bow.

HOW TO COMPLETE YOUR GLASSY MAKEUP LOOK

Round out your makeup look with radiant skin, glossy lids, and highlighted cheeks.

STEP 1: APPLY PRIMER

To make sure your makeup look lasts, start with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Lock Makeup Primer. Apply a thin layer of primer; then it’s on to your next step.

STEP 2: USE FOUNDATION WITH A RADIANT FINISH

Matte foundation is likely to clash with your glossy lip look. Instead, apply the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Foundation, which has a radiant finish.

STEP 3: CONCEAL UNDER YOUR EYES

Brighten your under-eye area with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Concealer. Dot the concealer on in the shape of an upside-down triangle, then blend out with a makeup sponge.

STEP 4: MAKE LIDS LOOK GLASSY, TOO

Glassy makeup isn’t reserved for your lips. Give your eyes the same effect by swiping a clear eye gloss across your lids for an ultra-glassy look.

STEP 5: COAT YOUR LASHES

A couple of coats of mascara may not contribute to the glass-like look of your makeup, but coating your lashes will help your look seem more complete. Try the L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Washable Mascara, Lasting Volume to pump up the volume on your lashes.

STEP 6: SWEEP ON A BRIGHTENING BLUSH

Don’t let your cheeks fall flat! Blend the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Blush onto the apples of your cheeks to add a dose of color to your complexion.

STEP 7: HIGHLIGHT KEY SPOTS

You’re almost done! For a natural-looking glow, dab the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer onto the highpoints of your face—i.e., above your cheekbones, under your arches, and down the bridge of your nose.

Next: Glitter Lips Are In, Here's How to Rock Glitter Lip Gloss

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