Dhrita DekaWhen I was a kid, I used to sneak into my cousins’ rooms to try on her sticky, fruity lip glosses. Well, guess what? Lip gloss is back, and it’s better than ever! I’ve watched this trend explode on my Instagram feeds & stories. It’s a whole new gloss game again!
Gen Z has taken this Y2K staple and transformed it into something that perfectly captures this vibe. It’s all about that effortless, dewy look. We’re not here for the high-maintenance, matte lip life of the 2010s because lip gloss has become the ultimate Gen Z beauty must-have.
Instant Glow, Minimal Effort
One of the biggest reasons lip gloss has stolen our hearts is its ability to give us that instant look with minimal effort. Between juggling classes, side hustles, and trying to save the planet, one might not have time for a 12-step makeup routine?
So, lip gloss is like a quick swipe, and boom! You’ve got that fresh, put-together look that works for everything from Zoom calls to coffee dates. It’s the perfect way to look polished without feeling like you’ve tried too hard.
Low Maintenance, High Impact
Unlike matte lipsticks that can leave our lips feeling dry, a good gloss keeps your lips hydrated and looking fresh for hours.
Plus, reapplication is a breeze. No mirror? No problem. You can swipe on most glosses without worrying about messy lines or uneven color. It’s the ultimate on-the-go beauty product for our fast-paced lives.
The Influence of Social Media
Social Media has revolutionized how we discover and share beauty trends, and lip gloss has been one of the biggest beneficiaries. From “clean girl aesthetic” tutorials to viral “strawberry girl makeup” product recommendations, it has put lip gloss front and center.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve fallen into an Instagram reel’s rabbit hole, watching beauty influencers transform their looks with just a swipe of gloss. It’s mesmerizing, and it makes you want to immediately add to cart.
Relatable & Accessible Beauty
Lip gloss fits into the ethos of fitting the bill perfectly. Whether it’s a drugstore find or a high-end splurge, there’s a gloss for every budget.
It’s inclusive, it’s fun, and it’s totally Gen Z. You don’t need to be a makeup artist to achieve a great look with lip gloss. This low barrier to entry means that makeup novices and experts alike can enjoy the trend equally.
Lip glosses often serve multiple purposes – they can add shine, provide hydration, and some even offer skincare benefits. This versatility appeals to Gen Z’s love for efficient, multitasking products.
A Y2K Throwback
The Y2K aesthetic has made a massive comeback, and lip gloss is riding that wave. Gen Z has taken the best parts of this beauty trend – the shine, the playfulness, the unapologetic femininity – and updated it for the 2020s. It’s less about the ultra-sticky, overly scented glosses of the past and more about sophisticated formulas that give us that nostalgic feel with a modern twist.
Improved Formulas
Speaking of modern twists, let’s talk about how far lip gloss formulas have come.
Modern lip glosses are often infused with nourishing ingredients like Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and even SPF. This appeals to generation Z’s love for efficiency and self-care.
Many brands have also introduced innovative applicators and packaging that make application smoother and more precise. It’s these little improvements that have helped elevate lip gloss from a teenage staple to a sophisticated beauty essential.
Glossy Lips for Every Mood
One of the things I love most about the lip gloss trend is how versatile it is. Unlike the bold, statement lips of previous generations, glossy lips can be whatever you want them to be. Feeling subtle? Go for a clear gloss. Want to make a statement? There are glitter options that can turn heads.
This versatility allows for incredible self-expression. Your lip gloss can reflect your mood, your outfit, or even the vibe of your Instagram feed for the day. It’s makeup that adapts to you, not the other way around.
Customization & Layering
Gen Z loves to put their own spin on trends, and lip gloss is the perfect for creativity. Mixing and layering different glosses has become an art form in itself. I’ve seen countless tutorials on how to create the perfect custom shade by combining different glosses or layering them over lipsticks and stains.
This trend towards customization reflects our generation’s desire for individuality. We’re not content with one-size-fits-all beauty solutions. We want products that we can adapt.
The Hottest Lip Gloss Launches
The lip gloss game is leveling up in ways we never imagined. Both global and Indian brands are bringing their A-game, the options are enough to make any beauty lover’s heart race.
Internationally, we’re seeing a huge shift towards what I like to call “smart glosses.” These aren’t your average shine-in-a-tube products. Brands like Dior, Rhode and Fenty Beauty are dropping glosses that do more than just look pretty. Like gloss that adapts to your lip’s pH.
The focus on lip health is stronger than ever. Many high-end brands are incorporating ingredients like Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and even collagen-boosting peptides into their formulas.
Fae Beauty, has launched a series of glosses that are all about juicy, vibrant colors. Think rich reds and warm nudes that complement a wide range of Indian skin tones. What I love most is how they’ve managed to create intense color payoff without compromising on that glass-like shine we all crave.
Renee Cosmetics, has taken a different approach with their new “See me shine” gloss line. These glosses are all about that subtle shine. They’ve focused on creating sheer tints that enhance your natural lip color – perfect for that no-makeup, high shine look that’s so in right now.
Conclusion
A generation that values authenticity, creativity, and self-expression, and lip gloss embodies all of these. It’s a product that allows us to play with our appearance without feeling like we’re hiding behind a mask. The revival of lip gloss also speaks to gen Z’s view – that’s inclusive, adaptable, and fun.