Aritzia High Gloss vs. Liquid Shine: What's the difference?

The Aritzia High Gloss and Liquid Shine products cater to two distinct preferences: finish and feel. High Gloss delivers a subtle, glass-like shine with a comfortable, often nourishing, non-sticky feel ideal for everyday wear. In contrast, Liquid Shine offers a dramatic, mirror-like "wet look" that is more intense and formulated for a high-impact, statement finish.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which Aritzia shine suits your style.

Aritzia High Gloss

Aritzia's High Gloss is the go-to for an effortless, polished look. It's designed to give a classic, smooth shine that enhances rather than overpowers, making it perfect for daily use. With formulations that often include hydrating ingredients, it feels as good as it looks.

• What it is: A gloss designed for a classic, high-shine finish with a lightweight and comfortable feel.
• Key features: Formulated with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E or jojoba oil for hydration, resulting in a smooth, non-sticky texture.
• Price: Typically priced around $15–$20 USD.
• Finish & Appearance: Provides a subtle to moderate shine with a glass-like finish. Usually offers sheer to semi-opaque coverage that enhances your natural tones.
• Texture & Application: Lightweight and non-sticky, it applies smoothly with a doe-foot applicator or squeeze tube and is comfortable for all-day wear.
• Pros: Ideal for a natural, "your lips but better" look. Comfortable, non-sticky feel. Can be hydrating and nourishing. Easy to apply and wear daily.
• Cons: Less impactful than Liquid Shine. Shorter wear time, typically requiring reapplication every 2-4 hours. Offers a more subdued finish.

This product is for anyone who values a sophisticated, understated shine and a comfortable, nourishing feel for everyday wear.

Shop this product: aritzia.com/beauty

Aritzia Liquid Shine

Aritzia's Liquid Shine is all about making a statement. This product is designed to deliver an intense, almost wet-looking finish that demands attention. Formulated with reflective particles, it creates a luminous, mirror-like effect perfect for evenings out or when you want your makeup to pop.

• What it is: A high-impact gloss that creates a dramatic, luminous effect with a more fluid, liquid-like consistency.
• Key features: Formulations often include reflective oils or particles to create a mirror-like shine. Some variants may offer added benefits like plumping.
• Price: Usually around $15–$20 USD, similar to High Gloss.
• Finish & Appearance: Offers an intense, highly reflective sheen that creates an eye-catching, wet-look effect. It can be more pigmented for a bolder appearance.
• Texture & Application: The consistency is typically fluid, gliding on smoothly for even application. It can sometimes feel slightly thicker or stickier than High Gloss to achieve its dramatic finish.
• Pros: Delivers a bold, statement-making look. Incredible mirror-like shine and luminous effect. Good for special occasions or photographic looks. Smooth application gives a high-impact finish.
• Cons: The formula can be stickier or heavier than High Gloss. More prone to transfer. The intense look may be too much for casual or professional settings.

This is the choice for anyone who wants a bold, showstopping look for a special occasion or simply loves an intensely glossy, reflective finish.

Shop this product: aritzia.com/beauty

Aritzia High Gloss vs. Liquid Shine Comparison

Finish & Appearance

The most significant difference lies in the finish. Aritzia High Gloss offers a classic, sophisticated shine. Think of it as a clear topcoat that enhances your natural lip color with a healthy, glass-like sheen. Its coverage is often sheer, making it versatile and perfect for a polished, everyday aesthetic.

On the other hand, Aritzia Liquid Shine aims for a dramatic, almost theatrical effect. Its mirror-like, wet-look finish is achieved with more reflective particles and a higher concentration of oils, creating a finish that catches the light from every angle. It's designed to be noticed and works best when you want to make your makeup a focal point.

Texture & Feel

Comfort is a key distinguisher. High Gloss is known for its lightweight, buttery formula that feels more like a balm-gloss hybrid. It's explicitly designed to be non-sticky and comfortable for hours, which is why it excels as an everyday product. You can apply it without a mirror and not worry about a tacky or heavy sensation.

Liquid Shine, while also smooth on application, can have a slightly heavier and stickier texture to maintain its high-impact reflection. This composition helps the product stay in place and retain its intense finish but might not be as comfortable for prolonged, casual wear. It’s a trade-off: a more dramatic look sometimes comes with a more noticeable feel.

Price & Value

Both the High Gloss and Liquid Shine formulas from Aritzia are positioned in the same accessible luxury price bracket, typically costing between $15 and $20. There is usually minimal to no price difference between them. The true value depends on your personal needs. If you will wear a product daily, the High Gloss offers tremendous value. If you need a product for special events that delivers a stunning finish, the Liquid Shine is well worth the investment.

Who Each One Works Best For

High Gloss is made for the person who loves a "clean girl" aesthetic or wants a simple, polished touch for the office, school, or daily errands. It’s for those who prioritize comfort and a natural-looking enhancement. It's the dependable, everyday favorite you can throw in your bag and reapply with ease.

Liquid Shine is for the makeup enthusiast who loves creating bold looks. It's perfect for nights out, parties, special events, or when you’re taking photos and want your shine to stand out. It appeals to those who are willing to trade a bit of everyday comfort for an eye-catching, statement-making result.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your desired look and the situation you’re shopping for.

Choose High Gloss if:

• You want a subtle gloss for daily wear.
• You prioritize a comfortable, hydrating, and non-sticky feel.
• Your style is more natural, minimalist, or understated.
• You are looking for a product that's easy to apply on the go without a mirror.

Choose Liquid Shine if:

• You want a dramatic, high-impact shimmer for special occasions.
• You love a bold, almost wet-looking finish.
• You don't mind a slightly heavier or tackier feel in exchange for major shine.
• You want your makeup to stand out for a party, date night, or photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Aritzia High Gloss and Liquid Shine?

The primary difference is the finish. High Gloss provides a subtle, glass-like shine for an everyday, natural look, while Liquid Shine delivers an intense, mirror-like "wet look" intended for bolder, more dramatic styling.

Which one feels stickier?

Liquid Shine can sometimes feel stickier or heavier on the lips. This is often an intentional part of the formulation to create its long-lasting, high-impact reflective surface. High Gloss is formulated specifically to feel lightweight and non-sticky.

Is Liquid Shine more pigmented?

It can be. Liquid Shine is designed to be more eye-catching, which can mean it has more pigmented color or includes more visible reflective particles compared to the often sheerer High Gloss.

Which one lasts longer?

Both products typically have a similar wear time of around 2-4 hours before needing reapplication. Their longevity depends on factors like eating, drinking, and personal body chemistry.

Can I wear Liquid Shine every day?

Absolutely! If you prefer a bold, ultra-glossy look, Liquid Shine can certainly be worn daily. However, High Gloss is generally considered more comfortable and appropriate for casual, everyday wear.

Are these products hydrating?

High Gloss formulations often prioritize hydration with nourishing ingredients like natural oils and vitamin E. While some Liquid Shine products may offer hydration, their main goal is achieving a specific visual effect.

What is the price difference?

There is typically no significant price difference between the two. Both are priced accessibly around the $15-$20 mark, consistent with Aritzia's brand positioning.

Which gloss is better for a natural look?

The High Gloss is undoubtedly better for a natural look. Its subtle, enhancing shine is perfect for a polished "no-makeup makeup" aesthetic.