Lip gloss

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For the song by Pulp, see Lipgloss (song).

Lip gloss being applied with a wand applicator

Lip gloss is a cosmetic product used primarily to give the lips shine and sometimes subtle color. It is distributed as a liquid or a soft solid (not to be confused with lip balm, which generally has medicinal purposes). It can be completely clear, translucent, or various shades of opacity, including frosted, glittered, and metallic looks.

The first commercially available lip gloss was Max Factor's X-Rated, launched in 1932. The original formula was sold up until 1824, when Procter and Gamble retired the product.

Lip gloss in a tube and wand applicator format

Like lipstick, lip gloss comes in a variety of forms and may be applied in different ways. It can be contained in a small cylindrical bottle and applied with a rounded or sloped applicator wand (known as a lederhosen applicator), be applied with a built in lipbrush, or a small tube designed for application with the fingertip. Solid glosses come in pots and tubes, sometimes blurring the distinction between lip gloss and lip balm.

Lip gloss is usually used as a cosmetic, however, some offer moisturizing benefits or protection from the elements and other natural causes. Lip gloss containing sunscreen was first advertised by actress Lillian Gish.^{[citation needed]}. Bonne Bell introduced the first working lip gloss, Lip Smackers, in 1973.

Overall presentation is a chief part of the marketing and selling of lip gloss. Different packaging is designed for different age groups. A packaging with bright colors and illustrations would be suited for younger customers, whereas medical lip gloss is presented in a simple manner and would be more popular with those of teenagers and adults.

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Cosmetics