The 20 Best Lip Glosses for Every Look and Every Budget
Discover the ultimate guide to lip glosses—find your perfect match for shine, color, hydration, and more across every style and budget.
Lip gloss has had a makeover. Once a staple of teenage nostalgia and sticky finishes, today’s formulations offer everything from ultra-glossy shine and luxurious hydration to sophisticated shades and wallet-friendly options. This guide highlights the standout lip glosses that deliver on performance, comfort, and style—whether you crave high-wattage shine, natural tints, or plumper-looking lips, there’s something for everyone. Explore the best options, organized for every need, with expert advice and answers to your top lip gloss questions.
Why Lip Gloss Is a Must-Have
Lip gloss remains one of the easiest ways to instantly brighten your look, lending lips a healthy, hydrated appearance and a pop of color or shine. Modern formulations have come leaps and bounds, incorporating nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamin E to moisturize and smooth while adding dazzling finishes. Whether you love a sheer wash or a dramatic lacquer, lip glosses are versatile enough for day-to-night wear.
How We Chose the Best Lip Glosses
- Extensive product testing by beauty editors and makeup pros
- Analysis of user reviews for real-life performance and longevity
- Consideration of finish (e.g., high-shine, subtle shimmer, matte), feel (non-sticky vs. tacky), shade range, scent, and price
- Evaluation of additional benefits, such as plumping or nourishing ingredients
Our Top Picks for Every Category
From luxury splurges to drugstore favorites, clear to colorful, here are the best lip glosses, organized by need and budget:
| Lip Gloss Name | Best For | Finish | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer | Best Overall | High-Shine, Universal Tint | $$ |
| Maybelline Lifter Gloss | Best Drugstore | Glossy, Hydrating | $ |
| Dior Addict Lip Maximizer | Luxury Splurge | Plumping, Moisturizing | $$$ |
| NYX Butter Gloss | Most Shade Options | Sheer to Medium Coverage | $ |
| Glossier Lip Gloss | Best Clear Gloss | Crystal-Clear Shine | $$ |
| Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Cream | Best Plumper | Glossy, Slight Tingle | $$ |
| Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss | Best Nourishing | Nourishing Oil-Gloss | $$ |
| Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly | Best Non-Sticky | Shiny, Jellied Texture | $$ |
| Anastasia Beverly Hills Crystal Gloss | Ultra-Glossy Finish | Mirror-Like Shine | $$ |
| Pat McGrath Labs Lust Gloss | High-Impact Color | Pigmented Shine | $$$ |
Best Overall Lip Gloss: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
Why You’ll Love It: Frequently voted as the go-to gloss by beauty editors and users alike, Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb delivers high shine, non-sticky comfort, and flattering shades for all skin tones. Infused with shea butter for moisture, its universally appealing colors and addictive finish make it a consistent winner among gloss aficionados.
- Universal suit-all shade range
- Cushiony, non-tacky feel
- Delicate vanilla scent
- Multi-award winning, including Readers’ Choice Beauty Awards
Best Drugstore Lip Gloss: Maybelline Lifter Gloss
Proving you don’t have to spend big for results, Maybelline’s Lifter Gloss brings hydration, shine, and a trendy tint to your lips. Its hyaluronic acid infusion keeps lips plump and soft while the smooth formula glides easily—providing impressive shine with zero stickiness.
- Affordable price point
- Plumps and hydrates with hyaluronic acid
- Available in wearable nude and pink shades
Luxury Pick: Dior Addict Lip Maximizer
Dior’s Addict Lip Maximizer is the epitome of luxury lip care, blending a lightweight plumping formula with nourishing oils. A cult favorite, it delivers a subtle yet noticeable boost alongside luminous shine and long-lasting comfort.
What others are reading
- Visible plumping effect
- Elegant packaging
- Long-wear guarantee
Most Shade Options: NYX Butter Gloss
NYX Butter Gloss has remained a staple thanks to an impressive array of shades, from classic neutrals to playful brights. Loved for its buildable coverage and buttery texture, it suits any mood or look and layers easily over lipstick.
- Extensive shade selection
- Sheer to medium coverage
- Budget-friendly
Best Clear Gloss: Glossier Lip Gloss
For those who want pure shine and minimalist chic, Glossier Lip Gloss offers an uncomplicated, glass-like finish that flatters bare lips or layers over color. Neither sticky nor streaky, it’s the answer to all your glossy cravings.
- Crystal-clear, mirror-like shine
- Vitamin E and jojoba oil for softness
- Classic packaging
Best Plumping Gloss: Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Cream
Buxom’s bestselling gloss provides plumper lips by creating a pleasant tingle and delivering long-term moisture. The formula contains hyaluronic acid for hydration and offers a range of flattering shades that complement various skin tones.
- Visible plumping effect
- Glossy, comfortable finish
- Long-lasting hydration
Most Nourishing Gloss: Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss
Kosas has bridged the gap between skincare and makeup with their Wet Lip Oil Gloss. Bursting with clean, hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and fatty acids, this gloss smooths, softens, and enhances lips while imparting a glassy shine.
- Nourishing oil-based formula
- Clean and vegan-friendly
- Hydrates and plumps lips
Best Non-Sticky Gloss: Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly
Tower 28’s ShineOn Lip Jelly challenges the notion that all glosses are sticky. This innovative formula feels featherlight and cushiony while producing a bold shine. The vegan, cruelty-free formula is ideal for sensitive skin and glove-on-the-go usage.
- Non-sticky, comfortable texture
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Vibrant color selection
Ultra-Glossy Finish: Anastasia Beverly Hills Crystal Gloss
Anastasia’s Crystal Gloss is celebrated for its super-shiny effect, perfect for those who want maximum impact. The formula glides on for a smooth, mirror-like shine and works well on its own or layered over lip color for a glamorous finish.
- Extra high-shine effect
- Breathable and lightweight
- Universal shade
High-Impact Color: Pat McGrath Labs Lust Gloss
Pat McGrath’s Lust Gloss is renowned for delivering pigment-rich color and dazzling shine. Its luxurious texture delivers vibrant hues in a single swipe, while the formula keeps lips feeling moisturized all day long.
- Pigment-packed formula
- Sheer, shimmer, and opaque options
- Luxury packaging
Expert Tips for Applying Lip Gloss
- Prep your lips: Exfoliate gently and apply a light layer of balm for a smooth canvas.
- Use a lip liner: Create definition and help gloss stay in place.
- Layer strategically: For fuller-looking lips, apply gloss at the center and blend outward.
- Mix and match textures: Combine gloss with matte or satin lipstick for custom finishes.
Lip Filler Alternatives: Ingredients to Know
Glosses have evolved beyond basic shine. Ingredients like Maxi-Lip—a blend of peptides designed to stimulate collagen and hydration—are increasingly popular in plumping glosses. Maxi-Lip typically includes palmitoyl tripeptide-1, which encourages cell turnover to firm and volumize lips over time without irritation.
- Peptides: Support collagen production for fuller, smoother lips
- Hyaluronic acid: Deeply hydrates and creates a plumper look
- Plant oils (jojoba, sunflower, coconut): Nourish and soften lips
- Menthol, chili, bee venom: Provided instant plump in older formulas, but may cause irritation
How to Choose the Right Lip Gloss for You
Consider these factors when selecting your ideal lip gloss:
- Finish: Do you prefer glossy, shimmery, or matte?
- Shade: Find tones that complement your skin—universals like rose or peach suit most people.
- Ingredients: Seek out nourishing elements if you have dry lips, or choose plumping glosses for fuller volume.
- Longevity: Opt for formulas with better staying power if reapplying frequently isn’t feasible.
- Scent: Select glosses with subtle or no fragrance if sensitive to strong scents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes a lip gloss non-sticky?
Modern lip glosses use lightweight emollients and oil blends instead of heavy waxes or gums. These ingredients allow the gloss to glide smoothly without creating the tacky feeling associated with older formulas.
How do plumping glosses work?
Plumping glosses may use ingredients that draw in hydration (like hyaluronic acid) or stimulate collagen production (like peptides). Some formulas create a tingling sensation with menthol or capsicum, but newer treatments plump over time without irritation.
Can lip glosses be hydrating?
Yes, many glosses contain hydrating blends of oils, butters, and humectants to moisturize lips. Look for formulas with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, or plant oils for added benefits.
How long does lip gloss last?
Gloss longevity depends on the formulation—lighter and oilier glosses fade faster, while thicker, long-wear options may last several hours. Reapplication is usually needed after eating or drinking.
Should I use lip gloss every day?
Daily use is safe for most people, especially with gentle, nourishing formulas. If you have sensitive skin, choose glosses free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, or irritants.
Glossary of Key Ingredients
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and plumps lips.
- Peptides: Support firmness and volume.
- Shea Butter: Moisturizes and softens.
- Maxi-Lip: Patented peptide blend for collagen stimulation.
- Menthol/Capsaicin: Tingling agents used in some plumpers.
Lip Gloss Trends for 2025
- High-shine and dewy finishes: Glassy lips continue to dominate runways and social feeds.
- Clean beauty glosses: More brands are launching vegan formulas with safe, skin-loving ingredients.
- Customizable effects: Layering different products (gloss, stain, liner) for personalized shine and shade.
- Skincare-infused colors: Glosses with SPF, antioxidants, and anti-aging benefits are gaining popularity.
Step-by-Step Guide: Achieving the Perfect Glossy Lip
- Exfoliate: Gently buff lips with a lip scrub or soft toothbrush.
- Hydrate: Apply a light layer of hydrating balm and let it absorb.
- Line: Outline lips with a matching or slightly darker liner to define shape.
- Apply Gloss: Start at the center and blend outward for volume. Add a second layer for extra shine.
- Touch Up: Keep gloss on hand for easy reapplication as needed.
Editor’s Picks: Personal Favorites
Our beauty editors regularly rotate glosses in their kits, but some standout choices for 2025 include Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb (for universally flattering shine), Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss (for nourishment), and Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly (for non-sticky comfort). These match every mood, from polished nude to bold berry.
Final Thoughts
The perfect lip gloss exists for every person and every moment, whether you want clear shine, playful color, or plumped perfection. With new technologies and ingredients, even the most basic gloss offers more comfort and care than ever. Explore these top picks to find your new beauty staple—and don’t forget to have fun experimenting with finishes, shades, and textures until you find your perfect match.
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