Jane Iredale HydroPure Hyaluronic Lip Gloss

Lips dry out faster than the rest of the face. The lip surface has little oil gland activity of its own, so there is not much slowing that moisture loss down, which is part of why humectants like hyaluronic acid turn up in lip products at all. This gloss from Jane Iredale is built around hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. It wears as a soft, cushiony layer rather than a thick, tacky one, and the finish is non sticky. Colour runs from sheer to medium depending on how heavily you apply it.

How to wear it

One light pass of the applicator across the centre of the top and bottom lip is enough for a sheer wash. Press your lips together once to spread it out. For something closer to medium, go back over the middle of the lower lip a second time and let it move outward on its own. Thin passes give a better result than a loaded applicator, since a thick layer of any gloss tends to travel toward the corners of the mouth over a few hours.

It sits over a lip pencil if you want the shape held for longer, and over a matte lipstick if you want to soften a flat finish, though a heavier application will shift the shade underneath. On its own it is a quick option for daytime. Reapply after eating or drinking, as you would with any gloss.

Who it suits

• Anyone who dislikes sticky glosses. The finish here is a non sticky one.
• Anyone whose lips feel tight in winter, when indoor heating dries the air out.
• Anyone after a natural, wearable colour rather than full coverage.
• Makeup wearers who want cushion and shine in one step.

It suits you less if you want opaque, long wearing colour that lasts a full day without touch ups. A sheer to medium gloss is not that product, and layering will not turn it into one. It is also not the pick if you want a flat matte look.

A note on New Zealand conditions

UV levels here are high by international standards, and lips are easy to forget. This gloss is not a sunscreen and makes no sun protection claim, so for long days outside use a lip product with an SPF underneath, or keep your lips covered. Humid Auckland air is easier on lips than dry air, though any gloss can move more in real heat, so a light hand is better in summer. Through a Central Otago or Canterbury winter you may prefer a balm underneath for extra comfort.

The honest limitation

Gloss does not wear like lipstick. Expect to top it up through the day, particularly after meals or a coffee. If low maintenance matters to you above everything else, that will feel like effort. If you like the comfort and the finish, the reapplying is a fair trade.

Stocked at Verdo Cosmetics in Parnell, Auckland, an authorised Jane Iredale stockist. If you are not sure which shade to choose, ask us in store.