By What’s Fueling the Lip Gloss Revival—And How It Compares to Lipstick in the Modern Beauty World
Posted on April 26, 2025 Written by: 100% PURE®
It’s been said that people are often drawn to shiny things, which may play a big part in the resurgence of lip gloss. Whether it’s the gleam or the sheen certain things exude, glossy lips emit a mystique and shine that tends to catch the eye. But that’s not the only portion of lip gloss’s comeback on everyone’s lips.
As consumers are more aware of products’ potentially harmful ingredients, many look for natural, healthy alternatives. Since shiny lips are hydrated lips are healthy lips, it explains why lipgloss is on a major comeback, signaling a shift in consumer values, cultural aesthetics, and cosmetic technology.
With this surge, does that mean lipgloss is getting a makeover from the goopy textures of the past, to a modern formula? This guide explores why gloss has reclaimed its space and how it compares to lipstick. Plus, our lips are not sealed on which 100% PURE products lead the way in the clean beauty gloss movement.
The Gloss Comeback: From 90s Nostalgia to Modern Innovation
Over the decades, lip gloss and lipstick have been beauty chameleons, each constantly adapting to the ever-changing tastes and trends. From the 90s of bold lipsticks and frosted lips, through each decade’s ‘popular’ style in makeup, to modern, more inclusive, and sustainable beauty practices, lipgloss and lipstick have thrived through historical cycles!
Here’s a trip down memory lane, highlighting each era’s most iconic lip looks and the historical cycles of lipstick and lip gloss dominance that made a lasting impression.
1990s:
Lipsticks: Neutral browns, brick reds, and muted shades were the go-to colors. Dark lip liner over lighter lipstick became a signature look.
Lip Gloss: Frosted, glittery, and sheer lip glosses were popular, often layered over lipstick for a glossy finish.
2000s:
Lipsticks: Nude lipsticks with dark liner remained popular.
Lip Gloss: Glossy, glittery lips in sheer pale hues and bright colors continued to be a trend.
Innovation: New technologies and innovations in the beauty industry are focused on long-lasting, comfortable, and vibrant lip products.
2010s:
Lipsticks: Matte lipsticks, including liquid formulas, became increasingly popular.
Lip Gloss: Lip gloss saw a decline in popularity as matte lipsticks took center stage.
2020s:
Lipsticks: Matte lipsticks continue to be popular, but there’s a growing trend towards nourishing and hydrating lip products.
Lip Gloss: Lip gloss makes a comeback, with a focus on hydration, plumping effects, and a variety of finishes.
Innovation:
Skincare-infused lip products, lip oils, and new innovative formulas are gaining traction.
Spurring from the 90s, a decade that turned up the volume on glossy lips, lip gloss has experienced a resurgence in popularity due to its ease of use, moisturizing benefits, and association with trends like the “no-makeup” makeup look and the Y2K revival.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the movements that contributed to lip gloss’s rise.
“No Makeup” Makeup & Y2K Revival:
The current trend towards a natural, dewy “no-makeup” makeup look perfectly complements the shine and subtle color of lip gloss. Additionally, lip gloss has seen a resurgence as part of the wider Y2K fashion and beauty revival.
Post-Pandemic Related Shift:
The move away from mask-wearing has also contributed to the lip gloss trend. People are seeking to express themselves and focus on their lips after covering them up during that time.
“Fresh Face” Makeup:
Modern lip gloss formulas often incorporate skincare ingredients like peptides and hyaluronic acid, which offer hydration and subtle plumping effects.
Social Media Influence:
Lip gloss has become a popular trend and shareable product on social media platforms like TikTok, where it is often featured in content creation and beauty tutorials.
Generation Z Rediscovery:
Gen Z and millennials alike are rediscovering the glossy finish. Lip gloss allows for a subtle, fresh appearance, which aligns with Gen Z’s preference for less intense makeup looks. But there are higher standards for texture, comfort, and ingredients.
Lip Gloss vs Lipstick: What’s the Real Difference?
Lipgloss and lipstick are fantastic for enhancing lips, but each has unique magic. Lip gloss adds a glossy, radiant shine, often with a pop of color or shimmer. Lipstick, on the other hand, offers a more intense color and a variety of finishes, including matte, satin, and creamy.
Let’s explore the key differences between lip gloss and lipstick so you can find your perfect pout!
Lip Gloss:
High-shine finish:
Lip gloss offers a high-shine, bold finish, perfect for creating statement lips. It reflects light, making your lips appear fuller and more voluminous. Some formulas contain glitter or shimmer for an extra dazzling effect, making lip gloss a go-to choice for glamorous looks.
Hydrating and lightweight feel:
Lipgloss is typically moisturizing and lighter in texture. Some formulas have a thicker consistency, creating a more noticeable layer on the lips. It tends to be slightly sticky, which helps it last longer but can sometimes feel tacky. Some modern formulas are designed to be non-sticky, can be worn alone or over lipstick to enhance shine.
Sheer to buildable coverage:
Lip gloss is designed to enhance shine and color, making lips look fuller and more polished. Many glosses come in tinted or shimmering formulas, adding dimension to your lips. While some contain moisturizing ingredients, their primary function is to deliver a glossy, eye-catching finish rather than deep hydration.
Often easier to apply and reapply throughout the day:
Lip gloss lasts longer because it forms a protective film over the lips. The thicker texture helps it stay put for extended wear, though you may need to reapply after eating or drinking. Since lipgloss is often thinner and more hydrating, it allows for quick and effortless application and reapplication without much fuss.
Lipstick:
Rich pigmentation:
Lipstick is generally more richly pigmented than lip gloss because it is formulated with a higher concentration of color pigments, resulting in a more vibrant, full-coverage finish. At 100% PURE, we use natural fruit pigments in our lipsticks to create a rainbow of soft pinks, bold reds, deep purples, and more.
Often matte or satin finish:
Lipsticks often come in a matte or satin finish because of their formulation and desired effect. Matte lipsticks have a flat, non-shiny finish and offer long-lasting, intense color. Satin finish lipsticks, while still offering good coverage, provide a subtle shine and a more hydrating feel compared to matte lipsticks.
Longer wear and defined color payoff:
Lipstick is typically more pigmented and formulated with a more durable wax-based base, which helps it grip the lips and provides a more durable, long-lasting finish. Lipstick, especially matte finishes, contains higher concentrations of pigment, resulting in richer, more intense color payoff.
Requires more precision during application:
Lipstick application demands precision because it’s applied to a small, sensitive area that is in constant motion, and any imperfections are more easily noticeable due to the nature of the lip skin and the frequent movement of the mouth.
Why Gloss Is Winning Hearts Again
It’s unbe-lip-able that lip gloss has been in existence for 90 years. Though it has been in and out of the beauty industry for decades, the ‘90s revival has enabled heavily lacquered, glossy lips to knock matte lipstick off its pedestal.
From the problematic, goopy, and sticky formulas of the 90s to the revival of the biggest improvements on the original lip gloss formulas, lip gloss is back BIGGER and better! Let’s check out why lip glosses are gaining popularity and (re)winning hearts.
#1. Modern Formulas Aren’t Sticky:
Today’s glosses glide smoothly on without the hair-sticking tackiness of the early 2000s. Through careful formulation and using hydrating and skin-smoothing ingredients, modern lip gloss formulas are more lip-friendly.
100% PURE Fruit Pigmented® Lip Gloss – A non-sticky, lightweight gloss infused with antioxidant-rich fruit pigments for a natural, healthy color. Unlike traditional glosses that use synthetic dyes, this formula provides a beautiful shine while nourishing the lips with vitamin E and plant-based emollients. It’s perfect for a silky, hydrating finish without the sticky feel.
#2. It’s Hydrating and Multi-Functional:
Thanks to advancements in technology and consumer demand for healthier products, new glosses act more like lip treatments than just color. Lip formulas frequently include moisturizing ingredients that penetrate the skin and help to lock in moisture, and multi-functional benefits like color-enhancing properties and versatility.
100% PURE Cherry Lip Balm – A naturally flavored lip balm that seals in moisture while delivering essential hydration. Formulated with nourishing plant-based ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, it soothes dry lips and keeps them soft and supple throughout the day.
100% Fruit Pigmented® Lip & Cheek Tint – A multitasking makeup star designed for double duty as a cream blush and lip tint. It’s made with vibrant natural fruit pigments in a base of moisturizing shea and cocoa butters, for ultimate skin nourishment and lip-softening.
#3. Better for All Ages:
Thanks to their formula and finish, lip gloss doesn’t settle into fine lines like matte lipstick can. Lipgloss, often containing moisturizing ingredients, offers a smoother, more flexible application that can help prevent it from clinging to or accentuating fine lines. Matte lipsticks, on the other hand, tend to be more pigmented and can highlight lip imperfections.
That’s why lip gloss goes hand-in-lip for mature lips and is often recommended as the best makeup for older women seeking hydration and youthful sheen.
#4. Customizable Color + Shine
Layering lip gloss on top of lipstick is a great way to give you full color and high shine. Gloss adds a glossy sheen, makes lips appear fuller, and helps moisturize the lips while protecting them from drying out. You can customize looks by adjusting the shine level by layering different glosses over lipstick or liner for various finishes or using a tinted gloss over a base of color or balm.
100% PURE Lip Caramel – A rich, buildable color with a glossy finish, bridging the gap between gloss and lipstick. This nourishing formula is made with pomegranate and cocoa butter for hydration and long-lasting pigment. This gloss-like formula offers a dramatic look while keeping lips soft and moisturized.
The Rise of Lip Hybrids: Not Just One or the Other
What happens when the shine of a gloss meets the hydration of a balm? We get hybrid products! – and none compare to the multi-functional benefits of gloss balms and lip glazes! These lip hybrids blend the benefits of hydration, shine, and pigment without sacrificing one for the other.
Let’s touch on the key benefits of lip hybrid products and how they offer a “makeup and skincare in one” experience.
Multi-functional benefits:
Hybrid formats allow consumers to enjoy the shine of a gloss and the hydration of a balm in a single product, simplifying their routine and potentially reducing the need for multiple products.
Versatility:
They can be used on their own or layered over other lip products, offering a range of looks and customization options.
Skincare benefits:
Some hybrid formulas incorporate lip color-enhancing ingredients with hydrating skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, or shea butter, offering a “makeup and skincare in one” experience.
Non-sticky texture:
Many hybrid balms/glazes are formulated to be less sticky than traditional glosses, providing a more comfortable and enjoyable application.
100% PURE’s Fruit Pigmented® Lip Glaze offers a semi-sheer color pigment with a natural glossy finish —perfect for an everyday glow. This deeply moisturizing lip glaze boasts hydrating ingredients for softer lips and anti-aging antioxidants from fruit pigments. This is some of the best makeup for older women!
Lip Gloss in a Clean Beauty Era
In the Clean Beauty Era, lip gloss is evolving towards more natural and sustainable formulations, prioritizing moisturizing and nourishing ingredients over sticky, potentially harsh ingredients. There has also been a shift in packaging towards clean lines and a more elevated look.
Formulation Upgrades:
#1. Modern lipgloss got formulation upgrades, including not being made with harmful ingredients or chemicals, such as parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes and fragrances, and petrochemicals.
#2. Clean and natural lip gloss typically uses organic ingredients, plant-based oils, natural waxes, and mineral pigments, which are safer for your skin and overall health
#3. Lip gloss, gentle enough for sensitive lips, vegan, and cruelty-free, is often formulated with natural ingredients, reducing the risk of irritation and allergic reactions on sensitive lips.
Sustainability and Ethics:
#1. Consumers are increasingly demanding ethical production and recyclable packaging for lip gloss due to growing environmental awareness and concerns about plastic pollution. They want to align their purchasing decisions with their values, choosing brands that prioritize sustainability and reduce waste. This demand is driving the beauty industry to innovate and adopt eco-friendly practices.
#2. Brands like 100% PURE lead by offering clean formulas in eco-conscious formats. We prioritize sustainability in our products and packaging, using materials like recycled glass, bamboo, and post-consumer recycled plastic. Our formulas are designed to be biodegradable and free from toxic ingredients, making them environmentally friendly.
How to Wear Lip Gloss in 2025
Another thing we love about this super conditioning lip product is how no-fuss it is. Creating looks from our go-to Zoom-appropriate glow to a sparkly holiday face is a piece of cake. Here are a few ways we wear lip gloss:
#1. As a Primer Makeup Base
Lip gloss and balm can prep the lips as a primer makeup before applying pigmented products by hydrating, smoothing, improving texture, and creating a base for better application and longevity.
Lipgloss and balm work especially well when paired with a primer makeup base on the skin for a fresh look. This allows the lip products to adhere better, resulting in longer-lasting wear.
#2. With Finishing Products
Pair gloss with lightweight coverage and finishing powder vs setting powder to control shine elsewhere while letting the lips glow. The powder helps create a more stable base for the gloss, leading to better longevity and a smoother, more even application. The finishing powder vs setting powder can also help to absorb excess oil on the lips, preventing the gloss from sliding off or looking greasy.
#3. On Its Own for Minimal Makeup Days
The sheer tint and moisture from Lip Glaze or Cherry Lip Balm make gloss the ultimate no-makeup makeup hero. They offer a natural, low-maintenance way to enhance your lips with a hint of shine and subtle color. It’s hydrating, easy to apply, and can be worn solo for a fresh, natural look or layered over lip balm for added shine and moisture.
Conclusion
Lip gloss has made a powerful return—not as a nostalgic trend, but as a smarter, cleaner, more comfortable version of itself. It’s a resurgence in popularity, and a makeup trend towards a balance of natural skin, “clean girl” aesthetics, and a push for more inclusive and sustainable beauty practices – something we pride ourselves in!
Our lips are not sealed that we happen to create the world’s healthiest lip products! From sheer balms to gloss-lipstick hybrids, there’s a glossy option for every style, age, and need. It’s not by luck or by a kiss of fate – it lies in our process and sourced natural ingredients. That’s right! Berry and fruit pigments are naturally made with all the pigment you’d ever need for gorgeous shades.
We know the hard work and scrupulous ingredient sourcing are worth the results. We feel passionate about giving you safe, beautiful lip glosses and lipsticks – you can rest easy. Nobody should ever have to choose between beauty and safety. With nourishing, fruit-pigmented options from 100% PURE, gloss isn’t just back—it’s better and ‘shinier’ than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
#1. Does lip gloss dry out lips over time?
Some traditional lip glosses with synthetic ingredients or alcohol-based formulas can cause dryness. However, natural and nourishing glosses—like 100% PURE Fruit Pigmented® Lip Gloss—contain hydrating ingredients that keep lips soft and moisturized.
#2. Can I wear lip gloss over lipstick?
Yes, you can apply lip gloss over lipstick. Layering lip gloss on top of lipstick can create a combination of full color and high shine. The lipstick provides the opaque color, while the lip gloss adds a glossy, shimmering finish.
#3. What makes a clean lip gloss formula different?
A clean lip gloss formula differs from traditional ones by excluding harmful ingredients and utilizing natural, plant-based alternatives, often focusing on non-toxic and gentle formulas. This means avoiding chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes, while incorporating ingredients like plant-based oils, beeswax, and essential oils.
#4. Which lip gloss lasts the longest without reapplying?
Some hybrid formulas like lip glaze and gloss balms incorporate lip color-enhancing ingredients with super-hydrating skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, or shea butter, offering a “makeup and skincare in one” experience that’s long-lasting.
#5. Is gloss a good choice for mature lips?
Yes, lip gloss can be a good choice for mature lips, particularly for creating a plumper, more youthful look. Glosses can help reflect light, making lips appear fuller and more vibrant. However, it’s important to choose a gloss that is not overly shiny or runny, as these can accentuate lip lines and make them appear more prominent.
