I'm Calling It—This '90s Beauty Product Will Make a Huge Comeback This Summer

This makeup product was huge in the nineties, and now it's back and better than ever.

Junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay, testing the best lip glosses
(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

When it comes to makeup trends, we've seen a lot of '90s styles having a revival over the past few years. From blue eyeshadow to statement lip liner, '90s makeup is definitely having a comeback. Although I'm yet to pick up my frosted blue eyeshadow palette, one comeback trend I am totally on board with is lip gloss.

Don't worry, lip gloss has come a long way over the years. Forget those sticky, sparkly formulas we used to slather onto our lips as teenagers—these days, brands are bringing out lip glosses that are super lightweight and comfortable to wear. Not only that, but they are packed with nourishing ingredients and deliver a high-shine, glass-like finish that lasts for hours—think lip balm texture, glossy finish.

Intrigued to know more? I've been busy putting some of the most popular lip gloss formulas to the test, and I've even reached out to an expert to find out more about choosing the best lip gloss on the market. Keep on scrolling for all the info.

@mexicanbutjapanese wearing a glossy lip product

(Image credit: @mexicanbutjapanese)

What Should I Look for in a Lip Gloss?

First things first, what should you look for in a lip gloss? "A great lip gloss should feel hydrating, non-sticky and deliver that high-shine finish we all love for everyday wear," says Naima Bremer, Fenty Beauty global artistry ambassador. "But beyond texture, I always say choose your gloss like you choose your outfit. Your lip is an extension of your mood and style."

Which Lip Gloss Colours Are Best for Different Skin Tones?

When it comes to choosing a lip gloss shade, as mentioned above, it's all about your mood and style. Do you want something bright and bold, or do you want a more muted, everyday hue? The good news is that this product is incredibly versatile, so it will suit any skin tone. "Honestly, gloss is one of those products that looks good on everyone," says Bremer. "Because of the sheer finish and shine, any shade can work on any skin tone. It’s all about the lip liner combo and how you style it."

That being said, Bremer does have some great recommendations. For deeper skin tones, she recommends a rich chocolate brown gloss. For medium skin tones, why not try a peach nude? "[This shade] gives that timeless '90s nude effect I’ll never stop loving," she explains. Finally, for lighter skin tones, try a pinky hue. "A pink gloss instantly makes the lips stand out," she says.

@nnennaechem wearing a glossy lip product

(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

How Can I Make My Lip Gloss Last?

One thing that I always struggle with when it comes to lip gloss is making it last, so I made sure to ask Bremer for her top tips. "Here’s one of my favourite tricks if I’m wearing a full lip combo. I only apply gloss to the centre of the lips, not touching the lip edge. It gives that juicy, high-shine effect without getting messy at the corners, and it lasts way longer," she tells me.

"If I’m going for gloss on its own, I love to build up my gloss for that ultimate high-shine [finish]. Layering is key not only for a high-shine effect but also for staying power!"

So, now that we know all that, keep on scrolling for the best lip glosses on the market, tried and tested by yours truly.

The Best Lip Glosses, Tried & Tested by a Beauty Editor

1. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Oil Luminizing Lip Oil 'N Gloss

Junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay, testing the best lip glosses

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

2. Dior Addict Lip Maximizer

Junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay, testing the best lip glosses

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

3. Kiko Milano 3D Hydra Lipgloss

Junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay, testing the best lip glosses

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

4. Yves Saint Laurent Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss

Junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay, testing the best lip glosses

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

5. Vieve Lip Dew

Junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay, testing the best lip glosses

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

6. Makeup By Mario SuperShine™ Lip Gloss

Junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay, testing the best lip glosses

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

7. Kylie Cosmetics Plumping Gloss

Junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay, testing the best lip glosses

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

8. Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil

Junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay, testing the best lip glosses

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

9. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm

Junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay, testing the best lip glosses

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)
Grace Lindsay
Junior Beauty Editor

Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow.

As Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.