Skip to main content
Bill Gates arriving at the 12th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony.
Stylish pillbox organizer for vitamins and supplements.
Doctor discussing GLP-1 treatments in a clinical setting.

Beauty

Why Is This Lip Gloss In So Many Nail Selfies On Instagram?

May 11, 2016 by Justine Schwartz
shefinds | Beauty
Featured image
house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!

Smith & Cult‘s nail lacquer has been featured in Vogue–but why is it their lip gloss that all the nail artists, MUAs and beauty bloggers are freaking out about?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEzGzHNFi0C/

I kept seeing their Smith & Cult The Shining Lip Lacquer ($22) on countless nail selfies, aka #naiflies, on Instagram from manicurists like Sarah Bland and Jessica Tong in NYC. Were they using it for their nails somehow?? Why is this lip gloss a go-to for the nail obsessed?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BERoyY0Fi6q/

Upon digging a little deeper (and picking myself up one of said glosses at Birchbox in Her Name Bubbles), I realized that nail artists found the brand through their cult nail lacquer (it is seriously so good), and then became obsessed with the lip stuff after.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDoNl0Rliwl/

Why does everybody care about it? Well, the colors are punchy but still incredibly neutral and great for anytime of day. They are not sticky AT ALL–it’s the smoothest lip gloss I have ever tried (I usually prefer lip balm, that’s how anti-sticky lip gloss I am).

https://www.instagram.com/p/BA5WULvli7C/

What’s more is that Smith & Cult was started by the same chick (Dineh Mohajer) who started Hard Candy, so you know it’s good. No wonder hardcore beauty junkies not to mention Vogue editors) love the stuff:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFAV6ihli53/?taken-by=smithandcult

Smith & Cult The Shining Lip Lacquer in vibrant shade.

Smith & Cult The Shining Lip Lacquer ($22)

Author:

Editorial Director

Justine Schwartz is a veteran women's lifestyle editor; she's written extensively about style & beauty tips, health advice and wedding planning. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Huffington Post and New York Weddings. Justine has been with SheFinds since 2010; you can reach her via email at Justine@shefinds.com.

Woman experiencing fatigue after a sleepless night.
Summer superfoods for boosting collagen and glowing skin.
Best beauty deals on Amazon during Prime Day.
Woman applying sunscreen for sun protection outdoors.
The viral Italian bob hair trend for summer 2026.
Nina Ubhi demonstrating concealer application on YouTube.
Six beauty habits causing skin inflammation unknowingly.
Older woman performing her skincare routine.
Sipping spearmint tea for relaxation and digestion.
Hair mistakes that may age you, according to stylists.
Anti-aging skincare advice from Arielle Lorre and Dr. Anthony Youn.
Best foundation types for mature skin to minimize wrinkles.
Butterfly haircut inspiration from Instagram by The Studio.
Fresh haircut styles for a polished look in 2026.
Pouring shampoo into hand for hair washing.
Everyday habits that could accelerate collagen breakdown.
Vibrant assortment of groceries from Shutterstock image.
Top summer fragrances and scents for 2026, recommended by editors.
Makeup tips from Nikol Johnson featured on YouTube.
Common skincare mistakes women over 40 make regarding fine lines (duplicate).
Inspiring beauty tips and secrets revealed by experts.