Matte had its moment. It gave us powdered T-zones, transfer-proof lips, and filters IRL… but that moment? It’s officially over. From red carpets to runways, the new beauty memo is clear: get glossy, or get gone.
Shiny skin, dewy cheekbones, and mirror-like lips are everywhere. And we’re not talking about that greasy-midday-shine you blot away in a bathroom stall — we’re talking intentional, editorial, high-shine glamour. That “I drink green juice, mind my business and moisturise” glow? Yeah, that.
Celebs like Lori Harvey, Ayra Starr, and Zoe Kravitz have been spotted with skin that reflects like glass and lips that look dipped in honey. On the SS25 runways, models walked with glossed lids, gleaming clavicles and zero signs of mattifying powder. Even the clean girl aesthetic is evolving — less minimalist, more luminous.
So Why the Sudden Shift?
It’s part nostalgia (hi, Y2K), part rebellion, and a whole lot of post-pandemic softness. Gloss feels alive. It moves with your face, catches the light, and whispers confidence in a way matte never could. It’s sensual. Unapologetic. Undeniably fresh.
Matte told us to shrink and smooth. Gloss says shine through.
Ready to Glow? Here’s Your Glossy Arsenal:
Rhode Glazing Milk
This is what Hailey Bieber was talking about when she said “glazed donut skin.” Layer it under or over your skincare for that fresh-out-the-facial look. R650 from RhodeSkin.com (ships internationally).
Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum
A skincare-makeup hybrid that gives you glass-skin realness before you’ve even picked up a brush. R750 at Sephora.
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blur + Smooth Tint (paired with Gloss Bomb Heat)
The combo of soft tint and gloss gives you breathable, believable dew. Trust Rihanna.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Shimmer Oil
For limbs that glow like you’ve just stepped off a yacht in the South of France. Apply to legs, shoulders, or collarbones. R445 at Woolworths.
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer – Fenty Glow
The gloss that started the renaissance. Non-sticky, deeply hydrating, and that rose-nude shade? Chef’s kiss. R500 at ARC or Sephora.
Essence Extreme Shine Volume Lip Gloss – 101 Milky Way
An affordable gem that delivers serious glassy shine. Plus, it smells like vanilla and layers like a dream. Under R100 at Dis-Chem.
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer – 012 Rosewood
The OG luxury lip plumper. Elegant, minty, and subtly volumising. If you’re feeling like a soft-life babe, this is the one. R785 at Edgars or Woolworths Beauty.
MAC Squirt Plumping Gloss Stick – Like Squirt
Don’t let the lime tint scare you—this shade adapts on your lips and gives a high-shine wash that feels very editorial. R495 at MAC counters.
Application Tips:
- Layer glow: Start with a juicy base (serum + moisturiser), go in with dewy foundation or skin tint, and top it all off with cream highlighter or balm.
- Gloss isn’t just for lips: Tap it on lids, cheekbones, or your nose bridge for a fresh, editorial feel.
- Avoid heavy powders: Or only use them strategically (T-zone, under eyes), so the rest of your face can breathe and beam.
So go ahead and retire the chalky finishes. Whether you’re fresh-faced or full face, the beauty world is officially entering its gloss era — and you? You’re right on time.