Lip Gloss Buying Guide

A great lip gloss  that provides just the right amount of tint and moisture is equivalent to gold for just about any woman.  For those of us who don't want to play with lipstick  early in the morning, or even for those of us that do, lip gloss is a great way to add some shine and possibly provide a yummy flavor and smell in the process. With so many choices and flavors, how do you know what is best for you? As it is with a lot of beauty products, picking a stellar lip gloss is all about trial and error. Most lip glosses are cheap enough that you can buy a few tubes and test out what you like best. See some more helpful shopping tips below!

Getting Glossy

Check out the different lip gloss varieties. Also note that lip gloss can be similar to lip balm,  but may not be exactly the same--balm is intended to heal and may not necessarily be aesthetically pleasing.

SPF Lip Gloss  A little sun protection  in your lip gloss is a great thing, especially if you wear it every day. Lips can age and be affected by the sun's rays just like every other part of your body, so don't forget to take care of them!	Plumping Lip Gloss  Like the look of inflated lips but don't want to get a collagen injection? Many lip glosses are designed to plump up lips as you apply. However, the effects may not last as long as a cosmetic procedure.	Intensive Healing Lip Gloss  Lips can seriously suffer if they get too much sun or if they experience a serious amount of cold. Cracked and dry lips aren't fun for anyone, so some lip glosses and balms are designed to condition  and heal lips.	Colored Lip Gloss  Most lip gloss is designed to add a little or a lot of tint to your lips while keeping them looking shiny and feeling moisturized. Keep in mind that the effects of gloss aren't as dramatic as lipstick, so a dark color may not necessarily produce a dark tint.	Flavored Lip Gloss  Some lip gloss has no flavor at all while others can produce a strong scent and taste--some even freshen your breath!  If you're going to have something on your lips all day, why not make it yummy?

Application

Lip gloss can be applied in a number of ways, depending on what's easiest for you.

• Lip Brush  / Wand : These can make applying lip gloss easier and smoother so that you can have a perfect look every time.
• Squeeze Tube : This comes in a tube similar to lipstick and you control how much you use. Application is easy with a contoured tube that can spread over your lips.
• Plastic Tubes : Usually the simple, no-frills lip gloss comes in a tube that can be rolled up from the bottom when you get low.
• Pot : Gloss or shine  that comes in a pot needs to be applied with your fingers. This could be inconvenient if you don't like the lingering sticky feeling on your hand.

Get Colorful

How to know which tints work best with your skin tone?

Pale Skin: Better stay away from that bright red. Light colors like berry or pink will help to complement your skin tone and the color won't overpower your face. Medium/Olive Skin: Neutral colors will help to compliment your face. Think nude, peach, and apricot as your go to shades. Dark Skin: You need a dark color that will really highlight your lips, so think about mauve, red or deep brown shades. Cool or Warm? Some products are designed specifically for cool or warm skin tones, and will say so on the package.  Remember, the most important part of choosing your beauty products is how they make you feel. If you want to choose a bold shade and you feel good in it, go for it! And you can always mix and match a few shades  to customize your very own lip gloss, so be creative! Also, make sure that your gloss matches up with the rest of your make-up--dark blue eyeshadow  might not work so well with a bold red shade. Most importantly, have fun with your style!

Related Guides

Health and Beauty	Lipsticks	Cosmetics and Beauty Tools	Lip Liners	Mineral Cosmetics

External Links

• Ehow.com: How to match your makeup with your skin tone.