4 ways to wear gloss and actually make it work in real life

Don’t let teenage mishaps put you off, gloss is back for SS18 and it’s more wearable than ever...

Raging against the Instagram craze for ultra matte, contoured makeup, glossy makeup was back in force on the SS18 runways. Making multiple appearances on the runway, from Molly Goddard, to Victoria Beckham, Roksanda and Shrimps, it's safe to say gloss is having it's moment now.

Yet for most of us, the mere mention of a gloss can induce makeup related shivers. If you've tried it and have been left shaken by the memory of gloopy product, tacky eyeshadow and creased lids, then you might be a little nervous about the thought of giving it another go. But you needn't be. The latest wave of products to hit the beauty halls have come a long way from their sticky 90's beginnings and now come in a variety of clever new formulas that make application easy and are surprisingly wearable. This is one trend that works just as well on the catwalk as it does IRL and it's worth snagging a tube or two from our edit of the best Black Friday makeup deals.

Here's our pick of the 4 best ways to rock a gloss as seen at the SS18 shows.

The smokey-eye glossy makeup

Park your mattes, and take your cue from Molly Goddard where a dark, smokey eye had a grunge-over with a wash of gloss buffed into a taupe shadow. Don't get us wrong, we still love a matte eyshadow look but if you want to mix it up a bit for your next night out, fast track your way to some serious style points by blending a gloss over dark shadow. It's seductive, sexy makeup and the finished result is effortlessly cool. If you want to try it at home, apply a ring of dark liner or shadow around the eye and buff in a gloss. Too much effort? Give yourself a helping hand with this tinted black gloss from Givenchy.

Shop now: Givenchy Noir Revelateur Gloss for £20.70 from DEBENHAMS

The contouring glossy makeup

Minimalist makeup was spruced up with a high shine mixing medium dotted on cheekbones at Roksanda. The mixing medium was combined with moisturiser and placed on the high points of the cheekbones to bounce light for a natural contouring effect. Think of it as the anti-Kardashian contour.

The nude lids glossy makeup

Transform your usual makeup look by adding a sheen to lids a la Prabal Gurung and Shrimps. Skin was raw and nearly nude at both shows with gloss used to add dimension to the eyes. Do it yourself by tapping MAC's lipglass (which you might be able to score from our list of the best MAC makeup deals) over bare lids with your fingertips, building in layers to tailor your look.

At Victoria Beckham, makeup maestro Pat McGrath used a slick of the Aura Gloss from the VB x Estee Lauder collection on the eyes for a wearable, everyday take on the trend. A nude lid topped with gloss is the perfect option for lazy girls, for an ethereal look that only takes a minute so if you're a makeup on the train girl - this one's for you.

Shop now: Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder Aura Gloss for £30 from SELFRIDGES

Shop now: MAC Lipglass for £13.10 from JOHN LEWIS

The lash gloss

At Teatum Jones lashes were worn bare with coat of Eylure Brow Gloss for a light, gleaming finish. Perfect if you don't fancy going the whole slog with mascara but do want to look like you've made an effort. Even though it's a brow gel it works just as well on lashes and leaves a transparent sheen that makes lashes look fuller and longer.

Shop now: Eylure Brow Control and Gel for £6 from SELFRIDGES

Still not convinced? We spoke to Benefit Cosmetics Head Make Up Artist & Brow Expert, Lisa Potter Dixon and picked her brains on the how to master the look...

Any tips for first time gloss-ers?

'Go for a tinted one with a natural tone and pat down with your fingers for a softer effect' Bobbi Brown's eye gloss has a handy, clickable pen for easy 1-swipe application. It comes in 3 office-appropriate shades of light brown, beige and pink. Try it instead of a regular cats eye for your next work meeting.

Shop now: Bobbi Brown Beach Nude Eye Gloss for £30.10 from Amazon

If you want to try a glossy smokey eye, how do you stop it looking smeary?

'Gloss over a powder shadow creates a cool, lived-in vibe but it's pretty much impossible to stop it smudging. Try layering over a cream shadow base if you want a cleaner finish as that won't move around as much.' We love Benefit Creaseless Cream shadow in Holy Smokes as a base for a slate coloured smokey. Then use a small buffing brush to dab a clear gloss like NARS Triple X Lip Gloss over the top.

Shop now: Benefit Cosmetics Creaseless Cream Shadow in Holy Smokes for £15.50 from BENEFIT COSTMETICS

Shop now: NARS Triple X Lip Gloss for £19.50 from FABLED

Any tips on how to stop hair sticking to your gloss?

'A high percentage of glosses aren't sticky these days but if your fave one is try apply a lip balm over the top. It takes away the stickiness but still keeps the full effect of the gloss.' Easy-peasy.

It's official. We're converted.