If you’ve been scrolling through makeup TikTok recently, you may have come across people posting a variety of lip color combos. Videos have shown people trying a dark liner with a clear gloss or even going for nude, mauve liners with a shinier gloss.

The brown lip started as a makeup trend in Black and Hispanic communities to help accentuate their lips and features according to this article by Vogue. It became popularized in the 90s and was a signature look for celebrities like Naomi Campbell and Janet Jackson. 

Now, social media influencers of all races are partaking in the trend, which has caused some backlash from Black and Brown communities who see it as cultural appropriation, erasing its cultural background as the lip liner trend becomes a chic look. 

Regardless, the trend seems to be sticking around. As a Hispanic olive-toned woman, I have struggled to find a lip color combination that suited me. Once I stumbled upon the popular makeup TikToker Paloma, I became eager to try the liner and gloss trend as she shared videos of her different dark lip liners that complimented her brown skin tone, which stayed on all day. Now, I’m hooked, just as many people were in the 90s and early 2000s.

In the early 2000s, popular glosses included Lip Smackers, Baby Lips and Lancome Juicy Tubes gloss. Now, viral lip glosses range from Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb to Glossier’s lip gloss.

Are the new, popular lip glosses worth trying? I tried a few so you don’t have to! 

1. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip

This gloss, in the shade “Fenty Glow,” has a stickier feel to it, but I like the way it shines on my lips. It’s a mauve, which goes well with any makeup look. I also like how it applies nicely and hydrates my lips. I’m not a big fan of the peachy-vanilla scent, but it’s not a deal breaker. Rating: 8/10. 

Available for $21 at Ulta and Sephora

(Fenty Beauty’s “Fenty Glow” pictured above, with flash)

2. Saie Glossybounce Lip Gloss Oil

The shade “Kiss” is a clear gloss, which works perfectly for any lip liner or base color for a dewy lip look. I like how it doesn’t have a strong scent and isn’t sticky. If you prefer a plump lip, this gloss gives a fuller lip effect without any stinging. Rating: 8.5/10

Available for $22 at Sephora

(Saie’s “Kiss” pictured above)

3. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Bomb

I love how this lip balm comes in a squeeze tube because you can simply squeeze and apply it over your lips and not worry about staining the applicator. I used the shade “Vanilla Beige,” which is a subtle, nude-beige color that works well with any lip liner. Another pro is that it’s not sticky, but still hydrating. This lip product does have a vanilla scent, but I don’t mind it. Rating: 9/10

Available for $24 at Sephora and Amazon

(Summer Fridays’ “Vanilla Beige” pictured above)

4. Clinique Pop Plush Lip Gloss

I chose to go for a darker shade for this one because the “Black Honey” gloss is viral for its color. It’s known to be “universally flattering” on all skin tones, according to this article by Harper’s Bazaar. You could also just think of it as a dark plum color, which I liked because I prefer darker shades. The downside is that it does wear out pretty quickly, so if you like it, make sure to keep it handy for retouches. Besides the flattering look, I like how it’s not sticky and scent-free. Rating: 8.5/10

Available for $24 at Ulta and Sephora

(Clinique’s “Black Honey” pictured above)

5. Tower28 ShineOn Lip Jelly Gloss

The shade “Pistachio” is a nude pink with a “milky,” thick feel according to Tower28’s description of the product. It’s the most hydrating one I tried overall, it feels super moist on my lips which lasts for a few hours. It’s also not sticky and the sweet scent isn’t overpowering. I don’t like the thin applicator since it’s harder to control where the product smears, so it takes a little longer to apply. However, it’s a cheaper, high-end alternative compared to the ones above. Rating: 7.5/10

Available for $16 at Sephora and Amazon

(Tower28’s “Pistachio” pictured above)

Final Thoughts

My favorite gloss turned out to be the Summer Fridays lip balm because I liked how I didn’t have to constantly clean the applicator or worry about staining anything. It was also easy to put on. 

These glosses are all under $30 and I think they’re worth buying, so they’re all a “slay” for me! Sorry if you were waiting for a plot twist. (But for some drama, you will never catch me buying the Dior Lip Glow Oil, because expensive products are overrated and you can always find a dupe for cheaper). 

My recent go-to’s are pairing the Summer Fridays Vanilla Beige balm with brown and dark berry lip liners. I use the One/Size Lip Snatcher lip pencils in shades “Prime Fish” and “Coin Collector” (which are $14). It leaves a red, burgundy color, which is nice to layer with the Clinique Black Honey gloss if it starts to fade away. 

(One/Size’s “Prime Fish” and “Coin Collector” paired with Summer Fridays’ “Vanilla Beige” pictured above)

To all of the makeup and lipstick enthusiasts, don’t be afraid to experiment with different liners to create a lip combo that feels right for you!