Glossier Generation G is an ultra-sheer matte lipstick that wears like a stain, giving you a soft wash of color.
Although Glossier's Generation G is officially marketed as a lipstick, it behaves more like a stain in my experience and the subtle color stays put forever.
The color is buildable, low-maintenance, and long-lasting. There's no smudging and the fade-down is elegant — no patchy color, no weird ring around your lips. And the formula is so comfortable you'll forget you're wearing anything. This ultra-sheer, ultra-matte formula has no trace of gloss or shimmer.
Available in six shades, the range is paired-down to the essentials, including a red and a '90s-inspired brown. I personally love Cake, a terracotta peach, and Crush, a raspberry pink that gives you the perfect popsicle lip stain. All the shades are subtle but buildable, and they allow your natural lip color to show through.
This is my go-to everyday lip product. I find that I can comfortably wear and reapply these without drying out my lips, thanks to oils like sunflower, beeswax, and safflower. I do recommend applying lip balm first if your lips are easily chapped. The color has such great staying power that if I only apply once in the morning, I'll still see the color when I go to remove my makeup at night.
The product has been recommended by editors at Elle, Allure, and Byrdie, among other publications. WhoWhatWear's Mica Ricketts calls Gen G "one lip product I recommend above all others to my friends who don't do lipstick."
Pros: Very sheer and natural, easy to layer, colors fade nicely over time, long-wearing color
Cons: Can emphasize dry flakes if lips aren't moisturized