The Viral Lip 'Bloss' Look Can Give Your Pout Extra Hydration

As society and the world evolve, so does lipstick. Like clothing and fashion, lipstick trends represent specific points in time. Take, for instance, the significance of red lipstick in World War II. It boosted morale and symbolically opposed fascism. With the rise of social media and YouTube in the 2010s, matte lipstick became all the rage. In the 2020s, the glossier the lip, the better. 

Lip gloss made a comeback due to the resurgence of nostalgic fads during the COVID-19 pandemic. Glossy lips beckon Y2K trends and the '90s. Jacqueline Kilikita, senior beauty editor at Refinery29, explained the surge of lip gloss to The Guardian, saying, "There's also a move towards more minimal makeup post-pandemic, and a slick of gloss is a quick and easy way to update any look." 

In 2021, Clinique's Black Honey Lipstick went viral on TikTok. This raisin-shade lip product is a hybrid of lipstick and lip balm. Experts note that it complements all skin tones and gives the lips an ultra-shiny look. With this in mind, the latest viral offshoot from lip gloss is lip "bloss." This innovation combines lip gloss and lip balm to create one product that experts and consumers can't stop raving about.

Lip "bloss" is versatile for its ability to effortlessly provide shine, color, and comfort to the lips. Certain products, like fan-favorite Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm, are made with ingredients that benefit lips. This includes grapeseed oil, goji, acai, and Vitamin E. The result is a nourishing lip product that is perfect for all ages. In a TikTok, user @kspader79 notes that the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm is perfect for what she referred to as "mature lips." In another TikTok, user @jmdimov shows off this product's various shades. 

An affordable alternative is Burt's Bees Glossy & Glow Balm. It contains coconut and olive oil to keep the lips moisturized. In her TikTok review, user @kkrystalmarie says she is "obsessed" with this product and described it as a dupe for the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm. Annie Lawless Jacobs, the founder and CEO of Lawless Beauty, explained to Byrdie the appeal of lip "bloss." She said, "For years, we wore ultra-matte liquid lips and now I see people opting for hydrating formulas that feel as beautiful as they look. [Gloss-balm hybrids] are cushiony, add the perfect amount of color, and anyone can apply them day or night." 

Best of all, you can choose to wear lip "bloss" with a full face of glam, or it can help you pull off the no-makeup-makeup look. 

Most lip "bloss" shades are universally flattering  and are simply to apply. Unlike your average lipstick, you don't need a lip blush or even a mirror. Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg told PopSugar, "It's an easy way to add convenience into your life, especially if you're on the go." Others, like Tarte makeup artist Lex Smith, told Byrdie that she likes that she only has to use one lip product to get the desired result. Annie Lawless Jacobs had a similar sentiment and explained to Byrdie why lip "bloss" continues to go viral on social media. She said, "They truly are the perfect everyday product—and Tik Tok is all about ease and instant gratification."

However, that doesn't mean you can't combine your lip "bloss" with other lip products to create a juicer, more wearable look. Smith noted, "You can also layer it on top of your favorite lipstick if you want to add more hydration to a bolder lip." This is what Instagram user @livinginthemakeup did. She used Rare Beauty's Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm, another TikTok favorite, with a pink Dior lipstick to create a fuller glossier lip. 

Alternatively, pair your lip "bloss" with only a lip liner. TikTok user @afnandano did this to create a stunning burgundy monochromatic look. Whatever you choose, lip "bloss" will have you looking effortless and ready to take on the day.