Credit: Courtesy of brands
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9 of the best sheer lip glosses for a subtle tint with no stickiness in sight
2 years ago
2 min read
Gloss is in its low-key era thanks to a wave of trending brands upping the nourishment and dialling down the colour. Here are the best sheer glosses to shop now.
How do you feel about the lip gloss revival? Once a 00s staple, even the very mention can strike fear into the hearts of some, thanks to their sticky reputation of yore. But there’s a new generation of lip products ready to turn gloss’s image around.
Characterised by oil-based, moisturising formulas rather than the plasticky stickiness of glosses back in the day, this new breed has taken the beauty world by storm. And if you struggle with high-impact lipstick, sheer glosses are the perfect way to impart a little colour while still feeling like yourself – plus, no parched lip moments at 4pm thanks to more nourishing formulas.
With a recent influx of sheer gloss launches from trending new-to-the-UK brands, we’ve rounded up the best formulas to try. Here are our top picks…
Merit Shade Slick Gelée
Available in peach, pink, red and brown, Merit’s much-hyped lip oil-slash-gloss had been given the sheer treatment with a new subtle formula. An almost undetectable wash of transparent colour combined with plumping moisture.
Glossier Lip Gloss
This sheer gloss is ideal for days when you want to wear a red lip but won’t have time to keep on top of the reapplication required to maintain a full-colour pout. Shiny and subtly tinted, wear alone or pair with a neutral lip liner for a more defined look.
Ilia Beauty Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil
The hyaluronic acid in this moisturising formula helps keep your lips feeling full and smooth, all while imparting a subtle wash of colour – choose between rosy tones and deeper neutrals.
Shop Ilia Beauty Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil at Naturisimo, £26
Dr Sam’s Flawless Lip Tint
Made by dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting, this terracotta red-tinted balm-gloss hybrid is packed with ceramides and lanolin to restore dry lips to a hydrated state.
Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss
Using a precise brush applicator (rather than a foam doe foot), slick this shiny gloss over the top of lipstick for a light-reflecting finish, or wear alone for a nourishing, low maintenance option.
Nyx Professional Makeup Fat Oil Lip Drip Gloss
Nyx’s latest lip launch has plenty of fans on TikTok, thanks to its pleasingly chunky packaging, surprisingly low-key pay-off and high-impact shine. With eight shades to choose from, it contains squalane oil for hydration – the lime green lid is just for fun.
Shop Nyx Professional Makeup Fat Oil Lip Drip Gloss at Superdrug, £7.49
Votary Tinted Lip Gloss
With added vitamin E (and the chicest gloss packaging around), Votary’s skincare-inspired formula will help bring parched lips back to life, all while giving them a peppy pink wash.
Images: courtesy of brands
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