Some debates never die. Pineapple on pizza. Jollof wars. And in the beauty world? It’s the eternal battle between lip gloss and lipstick. Both have cult followings, both can completely change your vibe, and both have lived rent-free in our makeup bags for years. But which one really deserves the crown? Let’s break it down.
Team Lip Gloss: Shine Bright Like a Diamond
Lip gloss is like the fun friend who never takes life too seriously. It’s flirty, easy-going, and makes you look like you’ve been drinking two litres of water a day (even if you’ve been sipping coffee since 7 a.m.).
The perks? Instant plumpness. That juicy, light-catching shine that makes lips look fuller without a single needle. It’s also low-commitment—you don’t need a mirror or liner. Just swipe, smush, and go. Perfect for mid-date bathroom touch-ups or when you’re running late but still want to look like you tried.
The cons? Windy days are its mortal enemy. One breeze and suddenly your hair is glued to your mouth. And let’s be real—gloss isn’t built for endurance. One drink, one snack, and it’s gone. But maybe that’s the charm. Lip gloss was never about longevity; it’s about the moment.
Team Lipstick: Bold, Bossy, and Unapologetic
Lipstick, on the other hand, is the no-nonsense CEO of your beauty stash. It’s the product you reach for when you need to feel put together, even if you’re in sweatpants. One swipe and suddenly you’re that girl.
Red lipstick? Instant confidence booster. Nude lipstick? Chic, polished, “I woke up like this” energy. Dark plum or burgundy? Mystery, edge, don’t mess with me vibes. Lipstick has range—and it stays put. Modern matte formulas won’t abandon you halfway through a cocktail, and satin finishes can last you through an entire brunch gossip session.
The downside? It asks for effort. You need precision, sometimes liner, maybe even a little blotting. But here’s the thing: lipstick is worth the ritual. There’s something iconic about pulling a lipstick bullet from your bag and reapplying in public. It’s a power move.
Trend Tracker: How the Tables Turn
Gloss has had its moment (Y2K shimmer tubes, anyone?), lipstick has had its matte era (remember when liquid mattes basically ruled Instagram?), and now we’re in a stage where both are thriving.
Gen Z has revived gloss with non-sticky formulas, while millennials are still clutching their MAC Ruby Woo for dear life. And then there are the beauty rebels layering gloss over lipstick for the ultimate pout—shine and staying power.
The Real Tea: It’s Not Either/Or
Here’s the truth bomb: you don’t actually have to choose. Beauty isn’t about loyalty; it’s about options. Lip gloss is your casual bae—perfect for coffee runs, beach days, or when you want to look soft and approachable. Lipstick is your main character—bold, unapologetic, the kind of product that makes people take you seriously.
Together, they’re unstoppable. A nude lipstick with a dab of gloss in the centre? Instant fuller lips. A matte red for dinner, topped with clear gloss before the after-party? Game over.
