No matter what type of face glam you’re going for, you can always count on the best lip gloss to complete your look. Plus, because so many are formulated with hydrating ingredients (think shea butter and vitamin E), they work double duty as makeup and moisturizers (which is why we always have one on hand…or in our purses).
You can find a lip gloss in pretty much every shade and style. Whether you want a non-sticky drugstore gloss, an inexpensive plumping pick to help you rival Kylie Jenner's full pout, or a clear or neutral option with a long-lasting formula, our editors put dozens to the test to bring you the very best.
You’ll find highly reviewed glosses from Ulta, Sephora, Fenty, Glossier, and picks from tried-and-true brands you can snag for under $10 from NYX Professionals and e.l.f Cosmetics. We’ve also done our research to make sure every gloss has ingredients that will keep your lips feeling smooth and soft (no dry lips here!). And you know we couldn’t forget about TikTok.
We've included viral products that are worth spending coins on (hello, Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb).
So keep reading to find which lip glosses made our favorites list.
Glossier really hit the mark with their take on lip gloss. So much so that they've expanded their lip gloss line-up with various shades. This review is solely for its original, Clear Lip Gloss, though. It might appear millennial pink in the tube, but this gloss offers a clear and lacquered finish on the lips. It's formulated with plant-based ingredients like vitamin E and jojoba oil, to help keep the lips feeling moisturized and soft. Just like their acclaimed Balm Dotcom, this Lip Gloss is worthy of having in your go-to purses, because you never know when you'll need a little pop. The
Customer Review: “This lip gloss is AMAZING!! the applicator is perfect for the product, the color (red) is just enough color without being overpowering. I think it’s definitely worth the price. it seems to last pretty long, although I haven’t tried it in extreme conditions yet, wrote one reviewer.”
Pro: ✓ Mosuiturizes the lips ✓ Has a glass-like finish
To help you find the best lip gloss (or a few) for you, we put dozens of options to the test in our lab facility in NYC, evaluating each one based on its formula and feel on the lips, how well it hydrated them, how well it wore, and the shade range . More than a dozen thoroughly impressed us—ranging from drugstore buys to more high-end options —and ahead, we’re sharing the ones we believe are the best on the market.
Forget everything you once knew about lip glosses—modern formulas have traded the sticky, goopy textures of the past for more lightweight, hydrating consistencies. Though they provide the same juicy-looking finish that was popular in the early 2000s, today’s glosses are a heck of a lot more comfortable to wear . From clear, glassy picks to more saturated formulas, there’s a plethora of options regardless of your preferences.
Best Overall
Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss
Bobbi Brown
View On Sephora
$33
View On Ulta
$33
View On Walmart
$22
Our Ratings
What We Like
Comfortable, creamy formula
Semi-pigmented shades
Lightweight
Non-sticky
Wears well
Contains moisturizing ingredients
What We Don't Like
Nothing
The very best lip glosses are hydrating and comfortable to wear (in addition to providing the look you want, of course), and this one checks those boxes. Formulated with a blend of nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and botanicals, it feels soft and moisturizing when applied—and it keeps lips feeling quenched for hours on end. Though it’s not the most glassy-looking gloss on this list, it creates a shiny finish and provides a wash of semi-pigmented, healthy-looking color. We loved that this formula is neither goopy nor runny, so it doesn’t feather or bleed into lip lines. It’s lightweight, creamy, and non-sticky, and it layers beautifully over a lip liner or your favorite lip color. If you’re looking for a moisturizing lip gloss that adds an understated shine, we highly recommend this one.
Highlighted Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, botanical oils | Shades: 13 | Size: 6 ml
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream
Sephora
View On Sephora
$22
View On Ulta
$22
View On Fentybeauty.com
$22
Our Ratings
What We Like
Lightweight, creamy texture
Buildable pigmentation
Keeps lips feeling hydrated
Subtle fruity scent
Non-sticky
What We Don't Like
Could be a bit more long-wearing
The original Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb quickly became a fan-favorite in the lip gloss category, so it’s no surprise that this pigmented, non-shimmery version has followed suit. The lightweight, creamy formula is non-sticky and feels pillowy and soft on the lips, and we loved that it kept them feeling hydrated throughout the duration of the test. Some of the shades in the minimal range are more pigmented than others, though they can all be built up for fairly opaque coverage. As the glossy finish faded gradually after a couple of hours, we noticed that the color left behind remained even and intact. We also adore the subtle fruity scent—it’s a nice diversion from vanilla fragrances often featured in lip products. We were impressed with the performance of this gloss and recommend it to anyone looking for a one-and-done product that provides moisture, shine, and color.
Highlighted Ingredients: Shea butter | Shades: 5 | Size: 9 ml
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Editor's Favorite
Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Gloss Oil
Saie
View On Sephora
$22
View On Goop.com
$22
View On Saiehello.com
What We Like
Hydrating formulation
Non-sticky
Lightweight, semi-pigmented
What We Don't Like
Too light for those looking for high-pigmented gloss
“I was so ready to declare myself completely over lip gloss when this one showed up at my desk and sucked me right back in. My lips look so full and perfect thanks to this delicious, non-sticky formula," raves Bella Cacciatore, news editor at Byrdie. “Most lip oils claim to be hydrating but never actually replace my lip balm, but thanks to the hyaluronic acid in the formula, this one actually keeps my lips happy. I also love the range of unexpected but super wearable colors.”
Available in six glistening tones, this tinted gloss is the ideal complement for those who prefer a gloss with a balm-like consistency. While the shades aren't super buildable—meaning you won't be able to get a ton of color density with them—they each add a hint of color that looks beautiful on minimal makeup days or layered over lipstick.
Highlighted Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, shea butter | Shades: 6 | Size: 5 ml
Best Drugstore
Maybelline New York Lip Lifter Gloss
Maybelline
View On Amazon
$9
View On Ulta
$11
View On Target
$9
Our Ratings
What We Like
Creamy texture
Non-sticky
Large applicator
Doesn't feather or bleed
Budget-friendly
What We Don't Like
Some of the shades need building up
Could be more high-shine
The large doe-foot applicator reminds us of the one in the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb, though this drugstore pick is just a fraction of the cost. The applicator picks up enough product to coat the lips without needing to re-dip several times. The formula is creamy with a texture that feels akin to a semi-thick gel, and we appreciated that it didn’t feel sticky or overly goopy on the lips. Once applied, it lasts well without bleeding or feathering, and it feels nice and hydrating without being greasy. While we wish the finish delivered a bit more shine and the shades were more consistent in terms of their pigmentation levels, the formula is fantastic, and at such an affordable price, this gloss is hard to beat.
Highlighted Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Shades: 20 | Size: 5 ml
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Read Full Review: The Maybelline Lip Lifter Made Me a Lip Gloss Convert
Best Budget
NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss
NYX
View On Amazon
$6
View On Ulta
$6
View On Target
$6
Our Ratings
What We Like
Large shade range
Smooth, creamy consistency
Pigmented colors
Doesn't bleed or feather
What We Don't Like
Shine fades fairly quickly
Could be more hydrating
Another, even more budget-friendly option, this popular pick from NYX has been a staple in the lip gloss category for many years. The creamy, butter-like formula is incredibly smooth and soft. It comes in more than 30 shades, ranging from light and dark nudes to vibrant pinks and berry reds, all of which have buildable pigmentation. In terms of wear and hydration benefits, we think there are more impressive formulas, but all things considered, this affordable option is worth trying, especially if you’re looking for a shiny gloss in a particular color.
Highlighted Ingredients: None referenced | Shades: 31 | Size: 8 ml
Byrdie / Olivia Hancock
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Best High Shine
Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss
Tower 28
View On Amazon
$16
View On Sephora
$16
View On Credo Beauty
Our Ratings
What We Like
Wet-looking shine
Nice shade range
Non-sticky
Hydrating formula
Feels smooth and comfortable on the lips
What We Don't Like
Can get slightly tacky as it dries
With a glossy, gel-like formula, this super comfortable gloss from Tower 28 might as well have its own fan club. People rave about the smooth, non-sticky consistency, how soft it feels on the lips, and most of all, how wildly shiny and glassy the finish is. It comes in a range of milky neutrals and jelly-like pops of color, and we loved how it looked on the lips—it created a smooth wash of color with a wet-looking shine. We also appreciate that it’s formulated with a blend of oils which helps to keep the lips from feeling dry. Though it can feel just the slightest bit tacky as it fades after several hours, generally, you won’t have to think twice about it being thick or sticky. If you like the look of intense shine, this is undoubtedly the lip gloss for you.
Highlighted Ingredients: Apricot kerne, raspberry seed, and rosehip oils | Shades: 13 | Size: 4 ml
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Best Splurge
Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Lip Balm
Sephora
View On Amazon
$43
View On Sephora
$38
View On Walmart
$60
Our Ratings
What We Like
Lightweight, creamy texture
Wears nicely
Doesn't bleed or feather
What We Don't Like
Color fades relatively quickly
Could be more hydrating
If you’re someone who likes to splurge on little luxuries, this lavish lip gloss is perfect for you. The sleek, weighted packaging looks and feels elegant, and the formula feels plush and creamy while remaining comfortable on the lips. Infused with a blend of nourishing oils, like almond and jojoba oil, we found that the formula felt pretty average in terms of hydration (it wasn’t drying but it also wasn’t the most hydrating option), though the creamy consistency was ultra-soft and lightweight on the lips. The shades create a visible but not overpowering wash of color, and a nice shiny finish. We also think this is a great pick for anyone who prefers opting for products with more natural formulations.
Highlighted Ingredients: Jojoba, almond, and argan oils, shea butter | Shades: 6 | Size: 6.5 ml
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Best Non-Sticky
Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm
Sephora
View On Sephora
$20
View On Walmart
$48
View On Rarebeauty.com
Our Ratings
What We Like
Lightweight, creamy formula
Wears well
Not tacky or goopy
Colors are buildable
What We Don't Like
Could be more hydrating
Finish isn't super shiny
Sticky gloss haters, raise your hands! Heavy, sticky lip gloss is a makeup pet peeve for so many people; we’re glad formulas have improved over the years and there are now tons of non-sticky options on the market. Out of the ones we put to the test, this is the pick we recommend the most for those who are sensitive to tacky formulas. It feels like a hybrid between a lip gloss and a balm—it’s smooth, creamy, and lightweight.
Though it didn’t stand out for its hydrating ingredients, it didn’t feel drying to us. It felt creamy and comfortable to wear for hours at a time, and we loved how subtly the color and shine faded. Each shade provides a hint of rosy, wearable color, and we liked how an added layer or two could build up the pigmentation. If you’re looking for a great everyday gloss that you’ll barely even notice on your lips, this is the one for you.
Highlighted Ingredients: Botanical blend | Shades: 5 | Size: 3.8 ml
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Best Long-Wearing
Lancôme Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss
Lancôme
View On Amazon
$25
View On Ulta
$25
View On Lancome-usa.com
$24
Our Ratings
What We Like
High-shine finish
Wears well
Doesn't bleed or feather
A lot of product in the tube
What We Don't Like
Thick, pretty sticky formula
Incredibly popular in the early 2000s, this iconic pick from Lancôme remains a favorite—if you can get past the thick, fairly sticky consistency. Yes, it’s thick and definitely more tacky than the other options on this list, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing when you consider that usually, the thicker and more sticky the formula, the longer it lasts on the lips. We found that if you apply a light layer, it provides incredible shine and wears for several hours without needing to reapply it. If you can resist the urge to rub your lips together frequently, it feels smooth and pretty comfortable once applied. The plush texture also helps to blur the appearance of fine lines on the lips, which can lead to a more plump-looking pout. Plus, we appreciate that there’s a ton of product in the tube, so this gloss will last you quite some time.
Highlighted Ingredients: Vitamin E | Shades: 12 | Size: 15 ml
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Best Hydrating
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Sephora
View On Sephora
$24
View On Revolve
$24
View On Summerfridays.com
Our Ratings
What We Like
Smooth, creamy texture
Helps to lock in moisture
High-shine finish
What We Don't Like
Not the most long-lasting
If you keep up with popular products on BeautyTok, chances are you’re familiar with this hydrating lip balm that doubles as a gloss. Formulated with a blend of nourishing seed butters, the smooth and creamy texture feels soft and comfortable on the lips. While we didn’t necessarily feel like it added a ton of moisture to the lips, we did find that applying it over a thin lip balm or chapstick helped to lock in moisture and keep the lips feeling soft for an extended period of time.
It comes in six shades that range from a clear option to a deep berry, and each one coats the lips in a glossy finish. It’s not the most revolutionary glossy lip balm on the market, but we were quite pleased with the performance and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a hydrating gloss to pop in their bag.
Highlighted Ingredients: Shea and murumuru seed butter | Shades: 6 | Size: 15 ml
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Best Plumping
Patrick Ta Major Volume Lip Gloss
Sephora
View On Sephora
$26
View On Kohls.com
$26
View On Patrickta.com
Our Ratings
What We Like
Helps to plump the appearance of lip lines
Wet-looking finish
Long-wearing
Unique scent
What We Don't Like
Results could be a bit more dramatic
Earning our best overall pick in our test of the best lip plumpers of 2023, this popular gloss from Patrick Ta continues to impress us. The rich texture delivers dramatic shine and feels ultra-soft on the lips. Unlike a lot of plumping glosses that cause intense tingling or burning, this one feels cooling and a bit tingly for just a few minutes. It’s formulated with cinnamon and ginger to help subtly plump lips, as well as moisturizing peptides to support a healthy skin barrier.
The results aren’t as dramatic as some other lip plumpers on the market, but we did notice some visible improvement in the appearance of lines and lip plumpness when applied. We also appreciate that the shine lasts for several hours and it has a unique cinnamon scent that’s subtle and pleasant. If you’re looking for a painless plumping gloss with a wet-looking finish, we think you’ll be really pleased with this one.
Highlighted Ingredients: Peptides, cinnamon, ginger | Shades: 5 | Size: 9 ml
People / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best Shade Range
Pat McGrath Labs Lust Gloss
Sephora
View On Sephora
$29
View On Ulta
View On Bergdorfgoodman.com
Our Ratings
What We Like
Tons of colors to choose from
Feels soft and nourishing
Wears well
High-shine finish
Doesn't bleed or feather
What We Don't Like
Can feel a bit thick and heavy on the lips
If you’re looking for a specific lip gloss shade, chances are, you’ll meet your match in this extensive line from Pat McGrath. The range features tons of nude shades as well as rich reds, glittery golds, and pretty much everything in between. But aside from the gorgeous colors, we were also impressed with the formula. The texture is on the thicker side which might not be ideal for everyone, but we felt that it still remained comfortable on the lips and the thickness and subtle tackiness helped to increase the longevity. It didn’t bleed or feather, it felt soft and nourishing on the lips, and it provided a lustrous shine. Swiping on your favorite shade is the perfect final step in any makeup routine.
Highlighted Ingredients: None referenced | Shades: 32 | Size: 4.4 ml
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Best Color Payoff
Jones Road Beauty Cool Gloss
Jones Road Beauty
View On Jonesroadbeauty.com
$22
View On Libertylondon.com
Our Ratings
What We Like
Feels slightly cooling
Smooth, soft texture
Provides buildable color payoff
Lightweight
Line has shimmery and non-shimmery shades
What We Don't Like
Could be more hydrating
Lip glosses that deliver a nice dose of color can help you cut down on steps in your makeup routine, and this is one of them. One or two swipes of your favorite shade will give your lips a noticeable wash of color with a shiny finish. We enjoy that the range features nudes, pinks, and terracotta hues, and we really love that some shades have fine shimmer in them while others are shimmer-free.
The texture has a medium consistency and feels soft and nourishing on the lips, though we didn’t feel like it was the most hydrating compared to the others we tested. After applying the gloss and waiting for a minute, it creates a subtle cooling sensation (thanks to the peppermint oil in the formula), but it’s not overbearing or painful. The formula feels like a nice, standard lip gloss, but it’s the pigmented shades that make it really stand out.
Highlighted Ingredients: Shea butter | Shades: 10 | Size: 15 ml
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Best Lip Gloss Stick
Tarte Juicy Lip Balm
Ulta
View On Sephora
$26
View On Ulta
$24
View On Target
$24
Our Ratings
What We Like
Convenient, mess-free application
Smooth, lightweight texture
Wears well
Buildable pigmentation
Moisturizing formula
What We Don't Like
Could be a bit more long-wearing
Solid lip glosses have become incredibly popular recently, and this one from Tarte seriously impressed us. Housed in a clicky, pen-like tube, the gloss stick is compact and easy to use. Just a few clicks bring up enough product to evenly coat your lips in the creamy, moisturizing formula. It’s lightweight and comfortable, and we liked that the colors can be built up to provide medium coverage. It offers a juicy, high-shine finish that looks beautiful on bare lips or layered over lip liner. Though it isn’t the most long-wearing gloss on this list, the lightweight formula is easy to re-apply throughout the day and builds without gumming up. If you like the application experience of lipstick but the effect of a gloss, this pick is totally worth checking out.
Highlighted Ingredients: Maracuja and grapeseed oil, goji | Shades: 12 | Size: 2.7 ml
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Best Cooling
Mac Squirt Plumping Gloss Stick
MAC
View On Ulta
$24
View On Walmart
$46
View On Nordstrom
$24
Our Ratings
What We Like
Wet-looking finish
Refreshing, cooling sensation
Hydrating formula
Non-sticky
What We Don't Like
A bit messy to apply
Shades could offer a bit more pigmentation
Another gloss in stick form, this one is for people who crave a super glassy, wet-looking finish. It’s extremely emollient—which does make it a bit messy to apply from the stick—but it feels incredibly soft and moisturizing on the lips. Once you apply it, the gloss creates a subtle cooling sensation that lasts for about 20 to 30 minutes. It’s plush without feeling sticky or heavy, and it lasts nicely for a few hours before the shine slowly starts to dissipate. The range features neutral shades and unique pops of color like blue and gray, though they’re all pretty sheer. It’s great for popping on bare lips to add shine and a drop of color, but it also layers beautifully over lip liner or a lip tint.
Highlighted Ingredients: Ginger root oil | Shades: 10 | Size: 2.4 ml
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Best Treatment
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Gloss Balm
Sephora
View On Sephora
$22
View On Glowrecipe.com
View On Kohls.com
$22
Our Ratings
What We Like
Moisturizing hyaluronic acid formula
Provides long-lasting moisture
Glossy finish
Fragrance-free
What We Don't Like
Can feel a bit heavy and tacky
If you deal with dry lips, then you know that finding products that look nice and glossy while also truly helping to quench dryness isn’t easy. But perhaps your hunt can end here with this gloss-balm hybrid from Glow Recipe. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, plum-derived antioxidants, and raspberry extract, it helps to hydrate the lips and protect them from environmental aggressors. The texture is rich and a bit tacky, though this helps to keep the formula from slipping and sliding around and fading quickly. It’s free from synthetic fragrances which is ideal if you have sensitive skin, and we loved how comfortable and nourishing just a light layer felt. It created a high-shine finish with impressive wear time, and we think this pick is excellent for daytime use or as an overnight lip mask.
Highlighted Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Kakadu plum blend | Shades: 1 | Size: 15 ml
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida