Lip Gloss Can Be A Bonanza If You Know How To Use It

Make up is one of the fun parts of being a woman. With so many colors and variations on simple eyeshadow and lipstick, we are able to coordinate our make up with whatever outfit that we may be wearing that day. Many years ago, women had a very boring and plain make-up color palate from which to choose. Blue or brown for eyeshadow and basic red, pink and orange shades for lipstick. Today, you'll find large, drawing pad sized gift palettes with every eye shadow color you can imagine and aisles of lipsticks in hundreds of colors.

Lip gloss is one cosmetic that originated with the handy chapstick, which was more medicinal than cosmetic. Lip gloss today is something else entirely. You've got simple colorless gloss, lightly tinted lip gloss, with low and high shine, ones that shimmer and still others with glitter. Lip gloss can be a real bonanza in your make up kit, if only you know how to use them.

Any lip gloss may be worn all on its own to good effect, but did you know you can combine lipstick and gloss for some terrific effects?

Most women have a favorite shade or two of lipstick. Your favorite shade can be enhanced and updated with a layer of gloss on top of the lipstick. There are a few tricks you need to know to use lip gloss to best effect. You need to match the shade of lipstick with the correct gloss.

Lipstick shades can be roughly divided into two groups, one of the lighter, brighter colors and those of subdued and darker shades. The lighter and brighter group includes pinks and “nudes”. These colors are the easiest to work with when applying a coat of gloss. A sweet and innocent look can be achieved with these colors with a simple shade of sparkly lip gloss. The glitter in the gloss reflects light and draws more attention to the lips, while giving a luxurious, dressier look. They're also fun “accessories” to your outfit.

The second category of lipstick colors, the deep, dark and rich hues can be beautifully accented by lip gloss. When working with dark colors, it is best to be generous in your application of lip gloss, because the lip surface area looks smaller without it. Here, you can use a fancy gloss with tiny hearts, crescent moons, “diamonds” or stars embedded in the gloss. This creates an impressive, unique look, especially when seen up close.

With all these fabulous features of lip gloss, you're sure to want  to pick up a tube or two for yourself and experiment with some of these effects. Don't forget that with so many tinted glosses available, you will be able to make your very own shade of signature lip color. By the way, if you find a lipstick shade or gloss you love, you better stock up. Manufacturers often change shades seasonally, and you may find your favorite unavailable!