Because EVERYONE needs a clear lip gloss

I’ve been feeling some major makeup nostalgia lately… From my new Surratt Beauty mascara (the closest thing to Helena Rubenstein’s original metal wand) to Clinique’s Black Honey, I just can’t escape it. Then Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Posh Gloss in “Ice” arrived on my doorstep and I really had to think about what year it was.

Clear gloss is one of the first items of makeup I remember, probably because my mom would always give me a swipe, starting from about the time I was five. The one I remember most was by Aziza (and the fact that I was able to recall the name of this now-defunct brand is pretty astonishing). The next milestone on my clear-gloss timeline was M.A.C.’s Lipglass (natch)—and no matter how many times my hair got stuck in it, I just loved it—followed by Juicy Tubes in the early ‘00s. In the years since I’ve generally opted for clear, plumping formulas but in addition to the myriad colored glosses you’ll find in my bag at any moment, there’s always a gloss that’s purely about shine in there, too.

Just as my Kosas Wet Lip Oil in “Jellyfish” was coming to an end, Victoria Beckham’s decidedly fancier version integrated into my routine seamlessly. Even more, I got a Facetime from a friend just a few minutes after trying it for the first time—and she said I looked all dolled-up. (She didn’t believe me that all had on my face was tinted sunscreen, mascara and Posh Gloss.) The next time I got up from my desk my lips were still shiny (and not the slightest bit sticky) and I’m happy to report my hair hasn’t gotten caught in it once.

Makeup artists may have opinions about shimmery eyeshadow and powder vs. cream formulas as women age, but clear gloss is a fun yet perfect finishing touch whether you’re in your teens, 20s, 30s or beyond. The best part about getting older: Treating yourself to a luxurious formula that delivers, smooth, plump, healthy-looking lips (with beautiful, sustainable packaging). I’ll admit I feel rather posh when I wear it, and not in the Spice Girl way.