My love affair with lip gloss commenced in middle school, and it's still going strong. I'd smear the watermelon-flavored Lip Smacker Lip Gloss on every day. Though the goopy, drippy texture transformed my lips into a glue trap, I was mesmerized by the reflective, mirrorlike shine it left behind.
The start of my relationship with lip liner started off a bit more rocky; in fact, there wasn't really a relationship at all. Not only did I have trouble finding a shade that suited the natural tint of my lips, but I assumed that liner served two purposes: to plump your pout and extend the wear on a matte lipstick.
I'll be the first to admit that I was very, very wrong. Lip liners do it all, especially when they're paired with a translucent lip gloss. Yes, it's 2021, but lip liner and lip gloss—two mainstays of the late '90s/early-aughts era—are back. And while they'll stir up nostalgic memories, the formulas this time around are way better.
I'm always singing the praises of this dynamic makeup duo to anyone who will listen. "Defining your lips with lip liner not only accentuates shape and size, but it's also long-wearing," says L.A.-based makeup artist Tami El-Sombati. "Blending it out with a gloss adds dimension and the illusion of fuller lips."
The makeup pairing is also set to be a mainstay during this upcoming summer season. "I think, because one of the trends for this summer is going back to a fresh, natural look, pairing a lip liner with a lip gloss makes perfect sense," says Sabrina Bedrani, celebrity makeup artist and brand ambassador for Dior Makeup. "It gives you a nice shine with a hint of color, which brightens your whole face without looking too made up and where you can still control (or cheat) your lip shape."
I opt for a nude-colored lip liner when I'm wearing it under gloss for a more low-key look. (If you decide to go this route, you want to seek out a pencil that's as close to your natural lip color as possible.) However, according to El-Sombati, you can play around with shades. "It can be either really understated or really bold, depending on how much the shade varies from your natural lip color," she says.
There are four key steps that you need to follow in order to nail this look: de-flake your lips, tap on a balm to trap in hydration, outline your lips, then top it off with a gloss of your choosing.
Prepping your lips is a step that you definitely shouldn't skip over. Dry patches will derail any makeup look, so be sure to rub on a gentle lip scrub in a circular motion to buff away flakes. You'll be left with smooth, crack-free lips.
Next, you want to pat on a quick-absorbing balm to create a pillow-soft canvas for your lip liner to glide over without skipping or settling into any fine lines.
I typically trace the pencil slightly above the perimeter of my lip line for a nice plump and an understated ombré effect. If you're a bit heavy-handed with your liner application, El-Sombati recommends using your fingers to soften any harsh edges.
You also have another option: filling in your lips completely. "The way I like to do it is to apply my lip liner all over the lips. For that, you need to make sure the lip liner has the right formula—not too dry," says Bedrani.
There's no right or wrong way to do this—it all depends on what look you're aiming to achieve.
Once you're done lining your lips, swipe on a clear, non-sticky gloss that you won't be able to feel (or see) while you're wearing a face mask.
The end result? Cushiony, glassy lips that'll finish off any makeup look. Plus, who doesn't love a fun and modern makeup combo that allows you to reminisce on your earliest beauty memories?
Most of the time the basics are taken for granted, assuming obvious methods are the only way on how to apply lip gloss and lip liner. Lip gloss, lip liner and lipstick are flattering when applied properly and the right way. For lips with a vibrant glow, you'll learn important and easy tips on how to enhance the beauty of your lips in this article.
You'll want to start by finding a lip gloss or lipstick that matches your skin tone. Of course you also should consider the mood of night glamour or day time natural and other makeup shades you are wearing. It's a good idea to have a few shades available in case one doesn't match, you'll have other options. The following guide will help you pick the best options for your skin tone:
Your lips should be the last makeup you apply. Once you apply all your makeup, use lip liner pencil to outline and shape your lips. It will also help your lip gloss or lipstick stay on longer:
Start by applying your lip gloss on the middle of the bottom lip with the applicator.
Permanent options can be more expensive and may require cosmetic surgery or treatment by a professional. For natural lipstick application:
Regardless of the foundation you choose, removing it thoroughly at the end of the day is crucial for the health of your skin. Use a gentle, oil or lotion cleanser to remove your makeup, and follow with another deeper cleanser if clogged pores are a concern for you.