Lip gloss and stains are cosmetic products applied to the lips to give it a shiny luster, and with some varieties, a subtle tint. The pigmentation is generally lesser than that of a lipstick, which makes lip gloss and stains popular among people who wish to wear subtle makeup and teens who are not old enough for makeup. It has a soft texture that is comfortable to wear on both bare lips and on top of lipstick.

What are lip gloss and stains?
Lip gloss and stains are semi-solid or liquid substances that provide a glossy or glittery finish when applied to the lips. Lip gloss was invented by Max Factor in the 1930s to add luster and shine to the lips of actresses featured in black-and-white films. The product subsequently gained popularity among the general public and is widely used today.

Lip gloss and stains consist of oils, waxes, and pigments. Compared to lipstick, lip gloss and stains have less pigmentation and the color is less intense. The product has a free-flowing consistency as less wax is used. Glosses and stains come in a variety of opacities, from solid to translucent, and their finishes can range from frosted and metallic to glittery and shiny.

Types of lip gloss and stains
Lip gloss and stains can be divided according to two parameters — the application mechanism and the nature of the product. Based on application, lip gloss and stains are of the following types:

• Squeeze tube: Many lip glosses and stains come in tubes that are squeezed to put the product on the lips. The product can be spread using the tube itself or a finger.
• Cylinder with a wand: Many varieties of lip gloss and stains come in a cylindrical container that includes an applicator with a round or sloped tip, which is used to brush the product onto the lips.
• Boxes/pots/roll-on tubes: Many lip glosses and stains in a solid/semi-solid form come in boxes, pots, or roll-on tubes. These are similar to lip balms and can be applied directly to the lips using the tube or a finger.

Based on the nature of the product, lip gloss and stains come in the following types:

• Basic gloss: Basic lip gloss that has no color of its own and only adds shine to the lips.
• Colored: Coloured lip gloss and stains add both shine and color to the lips.
• Glitter/frosted: Glitter/frosted lip products add glitter or a metallic sheen to the lips, and may or may not have color.
• Plumping: New varieties of lip gloss and stains contain ingredients that give a plumper and softer appearance to the lips.

Benefits of using lip gloss and stains
Lip gloss and stains are ideal for those who want to add color and shine to their lips without the fully saturated color of a lipstick. They are also commonly used by teenagers who are not old enough for lipstick but still want to wear makeup. They can also be used on top of a lipstick to add extra gloss and glitter.