If you’ve looked at your IG or TikTok for even a minute over the last few months, you’ve undoubtedly seen the newest face trend: ultra-dewy, super-glowy skin. Like, skin that looks like it was just freshly washed, moisturized, and plumped TF up. And the key to the look? Face glosses–i.e., the thing you need in your beauty arsenal ASAP. If you’re new to the trend, lemme catch you up: Face glosses are basically lip glosses that come in easy-to-blend textures (like gels, jellies, liquids, creams, and even balms) and are designed to be used on your face (and in some cases even your body) to leave your skin with serious shine and a near-reflective glow.
When it comes to application, you’ve got a few options. Personally, I like to use my face gloss in place of traditional highlighter and just tap a little on the high points of my face (so cheekbones, brow bones, down the bridge of the nose, and over my Cupid’s bow). You can also use a face gloss on your lids and/or lips to give your favorite eyeshadows and lipsticks a high-shine finish. And if you’re really trying to amp up the dew factor, you can even mix a little face gloss with your foundation or tinted moisturizer for an allover glow.
Now that you know what exactly a face gloss is and how to use one, go ahead and try one of my nine favorite face glosses, below.
It’s everything you could ever want in a face gloss (and a Cosmo beauty award winner too!). The gel-like formula is easy to apply, gives eyes, lips, and cheeks an instant glow, and never feels sticky or heavy on skin either.
The makeup artist (hi, Mario) who made Kim K a glam icon is also the creator of this face gloss, so you know it’s good. Just swirl your clean fingers in the pan and then tap the translucent gloss on the high points of your face. The long-lasting formula won’t smudge or smear either, so you’re set this sweaty summer.
Think of this option from Kevyn Aucoin has a highlighter-gloss-bronzer hybrid. It gives skin that glass-like glow you’d expect from a highlighter or face gloss, but thanks to its bronze pigments, it also instantly warms up your skin tone too.
Not only does this face gloss have a sheer and shimmery pink tint that gives your skin a gorgeous rosy glow, but it’s also affordable and easy to find at pretty much any drugstore that sells makeup. A triple win if you ask me.
I love this face gloss because it makes my skin look glowy and hydrated in seconds. Each of the three shades (there’s a transparent, champagne, and bronze option) are infused with moisturizing jojoba oil to create a smoothing and plumping effect on skin.
If you crave a highlight that has an hint of iridescence, this is the face gloss for you. The jelly formula is infused with shimmery violet and silver pigments to reflect the light and give your skin an otherworldly glow.
For days (or nights) when you want a subtle glow without all the extra sparkle and shine, reach for this shimmer-free face gloss. Simply swipe it on your eyes or lips or mix a little with your foundation to create a soft, dewy effect.
Give your face and body a next-level glow with this all over gloss. Use it to illuminate your cheekbones, collarbones, and even your arms and legs too. The ultra-soft balm texture blends in easily and moisturizes your body and face with shea butter and jojoba 0il.
If the idea of putting gloss on your face freaks you out, baby-step your way into the trend with this ultra-lightweight option from Becca. It’s non-sticky and zero percent heavy and be worn alone on bare skin or layered over eyeshadow, blush, or matte lipstick.