For those who desire the color payoff of a lipstick but the juicy finish of a gloss, pigmented tinted glosses offer the best of both worlds. This category has seen a massive surge in popularity because it simplifies the makeup routine by combining two steps into one. These glosses are packed with high concentrations of pigment, providing medium to full coverage that can hide discoloration and provide a uniform, vibrant hue. From deep, sultry burgundies to bright, cheerful corals, tinted glosses allow you to experiment with color while maintaining a fresh, youthful glow that traditional matte lipsticks often lack.
The formulation of a pigmented gloss requires a delicate balance. It must be thick enough to hold the color in place without bleeding into the fine lines around the mouth, yet thin enough to feel weightless and breathable. Many premium brands use “gel-matrix” technology, which allows the pigment to sit comfortably on the skin while providing a cushiony feel. This makes tinted glosses an excellent choice for individuals with dry or aging lips, as the glossy finish hides flakiness and provides a smoothing effect that makes the lips look rejuvenated. It provides a “blurred” finish that is very forgiving compared to the sharp lines of a traditional lip liner and lipstick combo.
Additionally, tinted glosses are the ultimate transition product. You can apply a light layer for a “stained” look that is perfect for the office, or layer it up for a bold, saturated look suitable for a night out. Because they are moisture-rich, they don’t settle into cracks or emphasize texture. In fact, many people find that their lips feel better after a day of wearing a pigmented gloss than they did before. With the inclusion of ingredients like hyaluronic acid and shea butter, these glosses act as a liquid lip balm that happens to come in every beautiful shade imaginable.
