Surprising right? Especially since all signs point to lip gloss being the quintessential warm weather staple. I, too, was influenced by the shiny lips of 90s R&B groups as they crooned about some mediocre boy against a warm and sunny backdrop. Not to mention there’s the ongoing Twitter discourse of lip gloss being a crucial part of the summer dress code. And of course, there’s just...J.Lo, who has embodied a Sunlit, Glossy, and Well-Moisturized Trinity her entire life. It’s genuinely her nature, just like dewy lips by way of lip gloss are mine, unrestrictive of season. I’ve deduced why in two parts: For one, it’s instantly moisturizing and the right ones keep my lips feeling more nourished than (dare I say it) lip balm. And two, the sheeeen. Find a gloss that’s not super sticky and has the right amount of glassiness, and you’ll get a shine that refreshes your entire face. It’s the best way to keep summer with me, all year long.

Let’s get into the gloss :) right now:

For the Pigment

Marc Jacobs Lip Lacquer Lip Gloss + Kevyn Aucoin The Lip Gloss
The thing that sets these apart from liquid lipsticks is that they’re satisfyingly creamy, and stay satisfyingly creamy. They’re thin enough to sheer out to be a more neutral lip, but you can add layers to really see the pigment. Subtle or dialed up in just a few layers, love a gloss that does it all.

For a Natural Look

Pat McGrath Lust Lip Gloss + Revlon’s Super Lustrous The Gloss
Pat McGrath’s Lip Gloss in Flesh 004 was the gloss that brought my world to a standstill. My own lip color still peeks through the shade, but the gloss’ rosy brown tint truly enhances it. Whenever I swipe some on, my lips become their best selves, which seems to be the goal for Pat’s whole line of semi-sheer glosses anyway. Revlon’s Super Lustrous Indulge In It is a close dupe, and follows a similar not-too-opaque direction. That being said, what I adore most from their line is Blissed Out, which looks like Nars Orgasm blush, but for your lips.

For Extra Shiny Shine

Glossier Lip Gloss in Holographic
Seriously, it’s the best. Like a gel manicure for your lips, minus the whole UV thing and, um, nails. Lips are left bouncy, cushioned, and the look? We’re talking HIGH-shine, refractive—a true lip ganache for the people. With enough layers, it gives a gleam you can see from outer space. Which means it’s not for the faint of heart, and not for those who like to shy away from compliments.

For the Dew

Kiehl’s Love Oil
Good news my shiny-shine averse readers: no light-bending, crystalline lips here. Instead, the lip oil’s finish is moisturized and healthy—a glow that’s a step below glassy, and a step above balmy. Go for the darkest shade, Midnight Orchid, for a cute hint-of-color moment, or apply it on damp lips for a full, lip-conditioning experiences.

What’s a gloss you’ve been loving lately? Let me know!

—Utibe Mbagwu

Photo via ITG.