Honestly, the beauty world has a short memory. We move from one "holy grail" to the next so fast it’ll give you whiplash, but some things just refuse to stay in the past. If you were anywhere near a Sephora between 2013 and 2021, you know the heavy, chic weight of a Marc Jacobs tube. Specifically, the Marc Jacobs hi shine lip gloss—officially known as the Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer. It wasn't just another product; it was a status symbol that actually worked.
Then it vanished. One day you’re swiping on Sugar Sugar, and the next, the brand is quietly being cleared out of the "Sale" section and disappearing into the ether of discontinued legends. People panicked. Resale prices on eBay hit triple digits. But here is the thing: as we navigate 2026, the landscape of Marc Jacobs Beauty is shifting again.
The Gloss That Refused to Be Forgotten
Why did this specific formula stick in our brains? Most glosses are either a sticky mess that acts like a magnet for your hair or a glorified oil that disappears in twenty minutes. Marc Jacobs did something different. They marketed it as having the shine of "30 coats of lacquer," which sounds like a total exaggeration until you actually see it under direct light.
It used what the brand called a Triple Shine Complex. Basically, it was a blend of high-performance ingredients designed to give that "wet" look without the gloopiness. You've probably tried dozens of dupes by now. Fenty, Tower 28, maybe some high-end Chanel? They're great. But they aren't this.
The scent was another polarizing masterpiece. A very specific, cool mint. Not the "burn your skin off" plumping mint, but a refreshing, expensive-smelling peppermint that made your breath feel fresher just by proximity. It felt luxurious. It felt like Marc.
Breaking Down the Formula Drama
Let’s get technical for a second, but not too boring. The ingredient list was actually pretty clean for its time.
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- Polybutene: This is the heavy lifter for that cushiony feel.
- Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil: The source of that signature zing.
- Triple Shine Complex: A proprietary mix that mimicked the finish of high-end furniture lacquer.
Some people hated the applicator. It was this flat, flexible paddle that felt a bit flimsy to some. If you were used to a chunky doe-foot, the Marc Jacobs one felt like it might snap if you pressed too hard. But that flexibility was intentional. It allowed the product to hug the curves of the lip, laying down a perfectly even sheet of color instead of a blob.
The 2026 Relaunch: What Is Actually Happening?
If you’ve been scouring Reddit or TikTok lately, you’ve seen the rumors. Is Marc Jacobs hi shine lip gloss coming back?
The short answer: Yes.
After the brand’s original partner, Kendo, and Marc Jacobs parted ways in 2021, the line went into a coma. But in late 2023, a massive deal was inked with Coty. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because they handle the Marc Jacobs fragrances—think Daisy, which has been a top-ten global scent for decades. The plan was always a 2025/2026 rollout.
But here is what most people get wrong about the return. It isn't just going to be a carbon copy of the old line. Coty is repositioning the brand to be even more "prestige." While we expect the core favorites like the Enamored Lip Lacquer to return, the formulas are being updated for 2026 standards. This means more skincare-first ingredients. Think hyaluronic acid and maybe some vegan alternatives to the original waxes.
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Will "Sugar Sugar" Survive?
If they don't bring back Sugar Sugar, there might be a literal riot. It was the perfect champagne-gold nude that somehow worked on every skin tone. Then you had Taboo, that sheer mauve that made everyone look like they just bit their lip in a cool, effortless way.
The beauty industry in 2026 is obsessed with "treatonomics." We want small, attainable luxuries. A $30+ lip gloss fits that perfectly. Coty knows this. They are betting on the nostalgia of the original fans while trying to capture a Gen Alpha audience that only knows the brand through their mom’s old vanity drawers.
The Reality of Buying It Right Now
You might be tempted to hit up a reseller right now. Don't.
Seriously. Most of the "New In Box" (NIB) Marc Jacobs hi shine lip glosses you find on secondary markets are at least four or five years old. Lip products have a shelf life. The oils go rancid. The preservatives break down. Unless you just want the bottle for a flat-lay photo, it’s a gamble that usually ends in a funky-smelling tube.
Wait for the official Coty-led relaunch. The new versions are expected to hit flagship boutiques and high-end retailers (think Neiman Marcus or specialized Sephora "elevated" boutiques) by the second half of 2026.
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How to Spot a "Fake" or Expired Tube
If you absolutely can't wait and find a "vintage" tube, check these things:
- The Smell: If that crisp peppermint smells like old crayons or play-dough, throw it away.
- The Separation: A little separation is normal, but if there’s a thick yellow oil at the top that won't mix back in, it's done.
- The Batch Code: Check the bottom of the tube. If it was made before 2021, you're putting 5-year-old chemicals on your mouth. Not the vibe.
Actionable Steps for the Marc Jacobs Obsessed
Since the full relaunch is still rolling out, you have to be strategic. The era of walking into any mall and grabbing a tube is still a few months away for most of us.
- Sign up for Coty’s investor alerts or the Marc Jacobs Fragrance newsletter. That’s where the first "early access" drops for the makeup line will be announced.
- Don't overpay on eBay. Prices will crash the moment the new version hits the shelves.
- Look for "Lust for Lacquer" variations. Sometimes these older, less popular sub-lines are still floating around in better condition than the Enamored line, though they're more of a vinyl finish than a pure gloss.
The return of Marc Jacobs hi shine lip gloss marks a shift back to "glamour" makeup. We’ve spent years in the "clean girl" aesthetic with boring clear balms. We’re ready for pigment. We’re ready for that 30-coat shine again. Just make sure you’re getting the 2026 version, not a relic from 2019.
Check your local high-end beauty counters starting this autumn; the "blockbuster" launches Coty has been teasing are finally about to land.