Get the gloss

Clarins Joli Rouge. Photo / Supplied

Lip gloss, with its tacky texture and annoying habit of snaring wayward strands of hair, has always struck me as something best left to teenagers. Sure, a little dab on the lower lip is good for shine, but I prefer the precision and depth of a lipstick, or if I'm un-made up, I'd rather use soothing lip balm, perhaps with a subtle tint.

Gloss though is changing, with some of the newer versions making me rethink my general indifference to an item many women love. So whether you're a fan or not, it's worth trying some of the new glosses which give greater coverage than before, being more highly coloured and much longer lasting. There's some new super high-shine varieties also, with Chanel's Rouge Allure Laque proving a goodybag favourite at the Paris fashion shows this year.

Go easy with gloss application, to deter bleeding. The idea is to emphasise the fullness of your lips by drawing attention to the plumper centre area, not to smear it all over. (Avoid gloss getting on your teeth, by inserting your little finger into your open mouth, closing your lips and drawing your pinky out, so removing any surplus gloss).

Today, we also feature some new release products that fall in-between lipstick and gloss and are often called "lip colours". They're like a slick of moist lipstick, and good if you're looking to lighten up but are not tempted by gloss. There are also "lip plumpers", with circulation prodding ingredients designed to make your lips flush and fill out.

1 L'Oreal Glam Shine in 6H Bronze $29.99

This super shiny formula, said to last six hours has been around for a while, but the Bronze Colour collection is new for winter. It does last well, but I'd say you'll be touching up before the allotted time. The glimmer finish won't be for everyone.

2 Yves Saint Laurent Pure Lip Gloss in No.1 $54

A great pale nude beige shade for those with warmer or darker toned skins who like a sophisticated look. It comes in YSL's elegant brush-on wand.

3 Lancome La Laque Fever $65

This has truly excellent staying power and strong colour. As well as this shiny orange-red, other appealing choices are a subtle pink, gold nude and a vivid fuchsia. Plus there's also a black gloss introduced by New Zealand artistic director Aaron De Mey. Marlene Dietrich and Deborah Harry were among his inspirations for the Pink Irreverence collection, explaining the bold edge.

4 Smashbox Muse Lip Paint in Virtuoso $44

A thick creamy gloss, offering brilliant shine, although the colour is a little softer than it appears in the tube.

5 Nars Lip Gloss in Sweet Revenge $66

This is the sort of warm nude pink shade that would suit fairer complexions. I found the little foam brush a bit spindly for easy use, when compared with other wider foam-tip applicators.

6 Chanel Aqualumiere Gloss High Shine Sheer Concentrate in Cherry Blossom $51

A pinky red, more sheer than the Lancome, but with great shine, though it tends to slide about over time.

7 Anna Sui Dolly Girl Lip Gloss No. 02 $45

The bottle is great and the gloss smells yummily like turkish delight. Appears bright, and is topped with clear glitter, but it goes on almost clear with a hint of orange tint, which I found an anti-climax. If you're after subtlety in standout packaging, check it out.

8 Revlon Gloss Creme in Patent Leather Pink $26

Revlon's range typifies the new style of gloss, each colour is richly pigmented with strong shine. I've been using a shade called Sassy Mauve regularly, but also like this more intense pink. The deeper the
shade the more you need to watch the application is smooth, meaning the old habit of glossing without a mirror should be left for lighter shades. The applicator is a twist-to-release brush on, and it can take a few turns for colour to flow, but it's worth the wait, though people
used to foam-tips may get a little impatient.

9 Dior Addict Lipcolour in Zen Pink $54

Well described as "high-impact weightless lipcolour", this warm pink sits lightly on the lips, yet manages to impart good soft colour coverage. A nice option for relaxed weekends or holidays. While you
might not need to touch up, you'll be tempted to, just to flash around the navy holder.

10 Estee Lauder Pure Colour Gloss Stick in Orange Poppy $45

Like the Dior, this is an option for women who like the look and application of a lipstick, but are wanting a lighter result. The range's colours are fun, but go on less bright than they look in the canister, so don't be afraid to pick something jaunty, it won't jar on.

11 Bobbi Brown Metallic Lip Colour in Ruffle $52

This is a seasonal fashion collection, and unlike some metallics it's not at all drying. There's bronzy shades too, but this pink is particularly flattering with subtle shimmer for evening.

12 Clarins Joli Rouge Brillant in Papaya $51

A sheer lipstick in a soft tropical shade that brings a soothing gleam to lips.


13 L'Oreal Color Riche Shine Gelee in Strawberry Juice $21.99

With moisturising royal jelly and shea butter, conditions while it adds shimmer-shine, in 12 colours.

14 Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips Plumping Lip Polish in Trixie $79

All of the following plumpers, contain menthol-type ingredients, bringing a tingling sensation to the lips which lasts quite a while.

Some people will find the feeling unnerving, others stimulating. Worth a try if you reckon your lips need licking into shape, but I can't say
plumpers do it for me. I do like Bare Escentuals though, because they have good colour, shine and stickability, so they pass the gloss test. This petal pink is pretty.

15 Smashbox O-Plump $45

This Intuitive Colour gloss (which comes in a non-plumping formula I prefer) adapts to suit the wearer. It goes on clear and ends up looking different on different people, based on natural lip shades. Try it on with a friend, to see who tends pink, mauve or reddest.

16 Du Wop Venom Plumping Stain $48

This 100 per cent natural, 90 per cent organic balm smells minty and flushes the lips a long-lasting red, plus the tin pops easily into a pocket.