How to Choose the Right Lip Gloss

Sometimes lip gloss is a nice alternative to the heavier, denser color of an actual lipstick. And it's also a great way to enhance the color of your favorite tube, or to dress it up for evening or special occasions.

When choosing a lip gloss, you have to keep two things in mind: the color of your lipstick, and the color of your lips. A gloss that looks to be a nice, light rose in the pot, can turn several shades darker when applied to your lips. And when put over top of a certain shade of lipstick, can change the color of both, dramatically.

They key to getting what you want out of lip gloss use, is experimentation. Sometimes it helps to do this with a few products from "dollar stores", where you won't be laying out a lot of money to try mixing and matching shades.

Remember that gloss adds shine to the lips, which literally draws more light and attention. Therefore, it may not be the ideal accessory if your lips are quite wide. It can also be quite sticky and heavy, so you may want to sample various brands to find the texture that is right or comfortable for you.

Evening lip gloss often has sparkles in it, which of necessity is created with microscopic particles in the gloss. This can be very uncomfortable, if the particles are too big or sharp. A quality, well-made gloss should be returned if this is the case, but cheaper discount brands are likely not going to be any different if you get another pot.