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Is lip gloss still a good idea pushing 50? It is, after all, the make-up equivalent of a sweet cocktail in a sweaty nightclub – great fun, but possibly best left in the rear view mirror?
That said, come party season I always find myself digging out last year’s tube. A bit like switching the tree lights on, it isn’t Christmas until you add that final touch. So, with the festive season in full swing, which lip glosses will give you that extra sparkle?
First impressions weren’t great – it’s a clunky piece of kit and, well, it smelt of Malibu. I persevered, however, and Petal, a midweight pink, left me with a generous, pillowy pout which didn’t feel dry (that’ll be the hyaluronic acid). Definitely one to pop in your clutch bag for the office party (but don’t overdo the rum and pineapples with your boss).
Don’t know Refy? You should – but just be aware your daughter will probably try to pinch anything you buy from it.
The cool metallic applicator on this feels like a treat as you glide the gloss on. The shades are well-judged and the shine is the best I’ve found. I tried ‘Topaz’, which offered just a hint of colour, and ‘Red’, which I absolutely loved for its subtle sophistication. The perfect way to add party polish to your look. Oh, and I’m happy to report I tried it during Storm Claudia and despite the weather’s best efforts it didn’t stick to my long, wind-whipped hair.
Super-high shine and no gloop, this one’s a winner. I tried ‘Crystal Clear’ on top of my favourite lipstick (an ancient out-of-commission shade by Kiko Milano, which I only wheel out on special occasions as I’ll be distraught when it’s all gone). The combination was great – mirror-level shine which added oomph to my lipstick, and it lasted past my starter too.
Launched by celebrity make-up artist Monika Blunder when she was in her late 40s, this is a great under-the-radar brand from a woman who knows what works for grown-ups. I love Himbeere, -no, me neither, but I Googled and apparently it’s German for raspberry – grit-free and guaranteed to put a little pep into a tired face.
I bought this at an airport, and initially put it down to a moment of Duty Free madness (we’ve all had them). I went for the lightest shade, Nudegasm Diamonds, and when I put it on the result was, well, as subtle as the name. I soon realised however that I’d overloaded the applicator and, with the proper technique – ta-da! – the youthful, pillowy pout I’d been hoping for. It has an unusual tingly minty feeling, a bit like you’ve run a Strong Mint over your lips, which is down to what the brand calls Heat and Ice technology. Whatever the magic formula, it really does plump up your lips and the effect lasts for a pleasingly long time once the gloss has worn off.
This one really isn’t aimed at us – it’s Selina Gomez’s line and, well, it’s a bit of a disco ball when it comes to the shimmer. Your teen will love you if they find one in their stocking this year – go for Glimmer, which is relatively neutral, and you’ll be able to borrow it too.
I slicked Fussy on in the back of a taxi and was immediately transported back to Christmas’ past – it smells strongly of one of Spangles (or at least how the discontinued sweet is in my memories). As you’d expect from Fenty, it’s high quality, non-sticky and boasts serious shine.
Don’t be put off by the colour in the bottle. It looks super-bright, but I found Dragonfruit to be the Goldilocks of pink glosses. Neither too hot nor too cold – it’s just right for a quick swipe of colour, and the shine is extraordinary.
