How to Apply Lip Gloss

Co-authored by Daniel Vann

Last Updated: March 16, 2023

Even regular tasks, like applying lip gloss, can sometimes be improved with minor tweaks. If you're someone who has difficulty getting lip gloss applied in a way that is flattering, there are some techniques that, if done in the right order, can help your lips look super fantastic! All you need to do is make sure your lips are ready for the gloss, have a few touch up tools on hand, make use of liner or some other lip colorant, and then apply your gloss.

Things You Should Know

Finish all of your other makeup before you apply lip gloss to make sure you don’t overdo it.
You can add a clear moisturizer to your lips before applying the lip gloss to make it last longer.
Use the applicator that comes with the lip gloss to put it on your lips.
Spread the gloss gently and lightly from the middle of each lip to the edges in a thin, even layer.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Ensuring the Best Application

1
Gather your lip gloss application tools. Everyone makes mistakes. The problem with this is that lip gloss is intended to bring out the features of your lips, making them look vibrant and plump.^{[1]
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Research source} Mistakes you make with your lip gloss application can be fairly obvious, so including your gloss, you should make sure you have:
- Facial tissue
- Lip gloss
- Lip liner (for greater contrast/pop)
- Lip moisturizer (petroleum jelly, lip balm, etc.)
- Lip pencil
- Lipstick (optional)
- Mirror or compact
- Q-tips/cotton swabs
2
Exfoliate your lips, if necessary. Exfoliation is a process where the outer, dead layer of your skin is removed to give it a fresh look. Rough, cracked, or chapped lips can look less than appealing when you apply your lip gloss. To do this simply you can:
- Buy a lip scrub from a local cosmetics store or the cosmetics section of your local drug store.
- Make your own lip scrub.
- Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to your lips and then gently scrub with a soft bristle toothbrush.
EXPERT TIP

Daniel Vann
Licensed Aesthetician
Daniel Vann is the Creative Director for Daredevil Cosmetics, a makeup studio in the Seattle Area. He has been working in the cosmetics industry for over 15 years and is currently a licensed aesthetician and makeup educator.

Daniel Vann
Licensed Aesthetician

You can exfoliate your lips when you brush your teeth. Makeup artist Daniel Vann says: "To keep your lips exfoliated, brush your lips at least 2-3 times a week with your toothbrush while it's still clean. However, don't get whitening toothpaste on your lips, because it can dry them out."

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3
Moisturize your lips. Exfoliation can leave your lips feeling irritated. You should apply a moisturizer, like petroleum jelly or lip balm, to soothe any discomfort you feel. Applying lip gloss to dry, un-moisturized lips can cause the color to cling to dry patches, making your lip gloss look uneven.
4
Determine your best possible shades of gloss. You'll want something that matches your skin tone, but you should also consider about other makeup you will be wearing.^{[2]
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Research source} If you have several shades available, you should pick a best option and one or two backup colors.
- This way, when you apply your lip gloss, if it doesn't work with the rest of your makeup, you can wipe it off before it's too late and use a different shade.
- Generally, the following skin tones match with the following shades of gloss:
  Fair-skinned - light shades, pink, and beige
  Medium-toned - rose, mauve, and berry
  Dark-skinned - plum, chocolate, and red^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
5
Match your gloss with the occasion. If you're trying to add some edge to your look, you might try using darker, sensual colors, like deep reds. A more innocent look might be achieved with lighter, gentler shades, like pinks and skin tones. Playful color, like oranges, blues, and metallic tones, might be perfect for a fun day out with friends.
6
Figure out what kind of lip gloss you'll be using. There are three main ways of applying lip gloss, and you can determine the application with a quick look at the lip gloss you plan on using. Take off the cap, and:
- If you notice there's a dip-stick with a wand-type applicator on the end, you are using liquid lip gloss. This type can be applied best by dipping the stick in and drag/rubbing it along your lips.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
- If there is a solid stick-type applicator, it's a roll-on variety of lip gloss. For best application, rub on the lip gloss gently in circular motions.
- Tube lip gloss should be squeezed out a little bit at a time onto your finger, lip brush, or sponge applicator, then spread gently onto your lips.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Applying Your Lip Gloss

1
Finish all other makeup before applying your lip gloss. Lip gloss can be a difficult customer, and the last thing you want is for a sticky, clumpy application of gloss to overpower your look. By finishing all of your other makeup beforehand, you'll be able to clearly see if less is more, or if a heavier application is better after all.
2
Add a clear moisturizer to make your lip gloss last longer. By applying a small amount of petroleum jelly or lip balm to your lips evenly, you can extend the life of your lip gloss. Simply take your finger or an applicator and rub a small amount on your lips, removing any unnecessarily thick or clumpy parts with tissue or Q-tips.
3
Use a lip pencil to really bring out your lips. Trace the edges of your lips with your lip pencil. To make this look appear natural, you'll have to gently blend in the lip pencil when applying your lip gloss.
- To bring out your mouth shape with a lip pencil, trace your pencil from the middle part of your top lip and follow its border until you reach the corner. Repeat this for both sides for both top and bottom lip.
4
Apply lipstick before your gloss, if you desire. Lipstick can be given extra pop with a clear lip gloss. This kind of application has the added benefit of protecting your lipstick from coming off. If you are afraid of your lipstick smearing or rubbing off, lip gloss is a great option!
- You can also blend different colors of lipstick and gloss. You'll likely want to stick with similar shades, but you never know the effect you might end up with.
5
Put on your lip gloss. Likely you'll have some kind of applicator, be it a wand, roll-on tube, or sponge. Administer your lip gloss onto its applicator, and then, while looking in a wall mirror or compact, put the gloss on the part of your lip that protrudes the most from your face. For most this is the middle of the bottom lip. Then:
- Spread your lip gloss lightly toward the edges of the same lip.
- Press your bottom and top lips together to spread the gloss from one lip to the other.
- Observe the cleanness of your application and use Q-tips and tissues to correct any mistakes.
6
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

Can you just lick your lips to moisturize them if you don't have lip balm or anything to moisturize your lips?

Community Answer

No, licking your lips only wets them for a moment and doesn't provide any lasting moisture - it actually dries out your lips more in the long run. If you don't have lip balm, most oils will work. Coconut oil or olive oil are good ones.
Question

Can I wear lipstick and lip gloss at the same time?

Bananagal

Community Answer

Yes, you can, however you should apply the lipstick first and then apply lip gloss over top.
Question

How do you put on lip gloss with a brush?

Community Answer

Put the lip gloss on the back of your hand (like you would foundation) and then apply it like you would lipstick.

Warnings

Do not pucker up, otherwise you will get lip-gloss in your mouth.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 28 Not Helpful 9
Try not to blot your gloss after it has been applied, you will kill the shine and the purpose of your gloss!

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 28 Not Helpful 10
Do not mistake lipstick or liquid lipstick for lip-gloss. Remember, lip-gloss has shine and sheer, while most lipsticks are relatively matte and have a more opaque color.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0