In Defense of Lip Gloss: Why It’s Time to Give Matte Lipstick a Rest

Lip gloss has gotten a bad rap. It happened around the time that Paris and Nicole’s The Simple Life faded into obscurity. It can be heavy, your hair gets caught in it, and you have to constantly reapply. TBH, it sometimes screams “try-hard.” Like tweezing your brows, one day, one day lip gloss just stopped seeming cool.

But I propose we bring gloss back. I find it hard to believe that you’re not all a little bored with matte lips. Now, we’ve accepted wet-looking hair achieved with a myriad of gels, oils and hairsprays. We’ve officially traded in matte skin in favour of a dewy finish (ICYMI, these highlighters and illuminators are our favourite ways to get that look). Why haven’t our lips gotten the shine treatment? So swipe on some gloss, even if only to complete the effortlessly dewy look you’re going for (that took two tinted moisturizers and a handful of highlighters to achieve). Also, it’s winter! Your lips are dry enough already without the addition of a drying matte.

Browse the looks below and make a promise to yourself to accept the nostalgic comfort of your favourite candy-flavoured tube (I’m wearing M.A.C’s Sheen Supreme Lipglass Tint in “Bubble Gum” as we speak I type). Lip gloss was, after all, your first foray into the beauty world. Doesn’t it deserve a little respect?