Between the current '90s revival and the ever-increasing popularity of minimalistic, fresh-faced makeup, lip gloss is enjoying a wave of popularity that's not likely to ebb as we head into summer. Lip gloss emphasizes shine over color, and is a must-have for your makeup kit––but what is lip gloss made of exactly? Here's a quick intro to the composition of lip gloss, what to look for when shopping, and a few of our favorite lip gloss picks.
What Is Lip Gloss Made Of?
Like any makeup product, lip gloss can vary significantly when it comes to formula, but there are a few key components that tend to be found in nearly all iterations. The first of these ingredients is emollients. These are the oils that give lip gloss its slick, wet texture, and shine. Depending on the quality of the lip gloss, these oils may be synthetic or (as is the case with natural and organic lip glosses) ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E.
One of the features that sets lip gloss apart from lipstick is that the latter tends to rely more on wax than on oil, which creates a firmer, less slippery texture. However, one of the other key ingredients that lip gloss is made of is thickeners. These include waxes and clays, which can be either natural or synthetic, that help the lip gloss to stay put on your lips without dripping or smearing. While lipstick generally tends to have more staying power than lip gloss based on its composition, a well-made lip gloss will hold up over the course of a party or meeting thanks to its balance of oil and wax.
Beyond these basic ingredients, lip gloss often includes coloring agents. Tinted lip glosses can rely on either traditional dyes or natural elements like fruit extracts to achieve the desired shade. For glittery glosses, ingredients like iron oxide or mica are often included.
Iron oxide is a naturally occurring mineral deposit that can be used as pigment in cosmetic products. Depending on the type of iron oxides used, the color may range from red to orange, yellow, and even black.
Additional ingredients vary by product, and can range from sweeteners in flavored lip gloss to sunscreen in UV products. If you’re curious about a particular product, the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database is a great resource for researching toxic ingredients.
Lip gloss is a cosmetic used primarily to give lips a glossy luster, and sometimes to add a subtle color. It is distributed as a fluid or a soft solid (not to be confused with lip balm, which generally has medical or soothing purposes, or lipstick, which generally is a solid, cream-like substance that gives off a more pigmented color.) The product is available in ranges of opacity from translucent to solid and can have variously frosted, glittery, glossy, and metallic finishes.
Types
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Like lipstick, lip gloss comes in a variety of forms and may be applied in different ways. It can be contained in a small cylinder and applied with a rounded or sloped applicator wand (known as a doe foot applicator) or with a built in lip brush. It can come in a small, soft, squeezable plastic tube designed to be passed over the lips or applied with a fingertip or lip brush. Solid or semisolid glosses come in boxes or tubes and sometimes blur the distinction between lip gloss and lip balm.
Basic lip gloss simply adds shine to the lips without color. Colored lip gloss adds a combination of color and shine. Glittery lip gloss has a glitter base, with or without color.
New types of "plumping" lip gloss contain ingredients that make the lips appear softer and plumper. These are a cheap, easy, and usually harmless alternative if compared to collagen, Restylane, Juvederm, or fat injections. Such lip glosses are popularly known as lifter glosses. They are not as effective, however because the effects are temporary. Plumping lip gloss can also leave a burning sensation on the lips when first applied.
Lip gloss is often used when a person wants to have some color on their lips, but does not want an intense, solid lip color effect (i.e., a more "made-up" look), as a lipstick would create. Lip gloss is also often used as an introduction to makeup. You can find light shimmery lip glosses in many introduction to makeup kits. It is often used by preteen and young teenage girls who want to wear some makeup, but are too young to wear more intense lipstick colors. It is also common for young women who do not like to wear makeup but have to attend a formal occasion. It can be applied on top of lipstick to increase the gloss of a color, or to add depth as in the case of glitter gloss.
Ingredients
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Like lipstick, lip gloss is a mixture of waxes, oils, and pigments.[1] However, lip gloss contains fewer pigments, and those used are often pale in color or diluted (<3%). Furthermore, the free-flowing nature of the product requires less wax. The principal components are lanolin, which feels good on the lips due to its moisturizing qualities and imparts gloss, and polybutene.[2]
History
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Lip gloss was invented by [Max Factor] in 1930.[3] He wanted to create a lip product that would make lips shiny and glossy for films.[4][5] Factor created makeup for the movie industry. He developed makeup specifically for actresses starring in black and white films. Women were inspired by movie actresses to embrace this makeup trend. This led to the popularity of lip gloss. The first commercially available lip gloss was Max Factor's X-Rated, launched in 1932.[6] The original formula was sold until 2003, when Procter and Gamble retired the product.
In 1973, Bonne Bell introduced the first flavored lip gloss, Lip Smackers. Lip Smackers was, and still is, popular among young teenagers. Initially Lip Smackers came in two sizes: small and big. The small ones could be kept in the pocket and the big ones had a rope to hang around the neck. It was advertised that before a date, a teen girl should choose an appropriate flavor because that would be her date's first taste when his lips kissed hers.[7]
Benefits
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Moisturization: Lip gloss formulations often contain emollients and moisturizing agents like shea butter, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help keep the lips hydrated, preventing dryness and chapping, especially in dry or cold weather.
Protection: Some lip glosses are enriched with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to shield the lips from harmful UV rays. This sun protection helps prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of long-term sun damage, such as premature aging and skin cancer.
Nourishment: Certain lip glosses include ingredients like antioxidants and essential oils, such as jojoba oil or coconut oil. These elements provide nourishment to the lips, promoting their overall health and a softer texture.
Plumping: In addition to creating a fuller appearance, plumping lip glosses often contain ingredients like peptides and hyaluronic acid that can stimulate collagen production temporarily, giving the lips a more youthful look.
Ease of Application: Lip glosses are typically more forgiving and easier to apply than lipsticks, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a low-maintenance makeup routine. Their smooth, glide-on texture requires less precision and often doesn't require a mirror.
Versatility: Lip glosses can be used in various creative ways, such as a highlighter for the cupid's bow or as an eyeshadow to add shimmer and dimension to the eyelids. This versatility makes them a multi-purpose addition to your makeup collection.
Portable: Lip glosses are compact and portable, fitting easily into pockets, purses, or clutch bags. This makes them perfect for on-the-go touch-ups and quick enhancements throughout the day.
Anti-Aging Effects: Some lip glosses contain anti-aging ingredients like peptides and retinol. These ingredients can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the lips, making them appear smoother and more youthful.
Enhanced Lip Volume: Beyond plumping, lip gloss can create the illusion of larger lips by reflecting light and adding depth and dimension. This can help balance the facial features and create a more symmetrical appearance.
Variety of Formulations: Lip gloss comes in various formulations, including clear, tinted, and flavored options. This variety allows individuals to choose a lip gloss that aligns with their personal preferences and mood.
Long-Lasting Shine: Many lip glosses offer a long-lasting shine that can endure for several hours without the need for frequent reapplication, giving you a fresh and polished look throughout the day or evening.
See also
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References
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