buuk.top / Reese Herrington
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.
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 itsformula 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 fromdrugstore buys to more high-end options—and ahead, we’re sharing the ones we believe are the best on the market.
Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss at Sephora
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream at Sephora
Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Gloss Oil at Sephora
Maybelline New York Lip Lifter Gloss at Amazon
NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss at Amazon
Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss
Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Lip Balm
Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm
Lancôme Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss at Amazon
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
In This Article
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Best Overall
Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss
Bobbi Brown
View On Ulta
View On Walmart
Comfortable, creamy formula
Semi-pigmented shades
Lightweight
Non-sticky
Wears well
Contains moisturizing ingredients
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 ofnourishing 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 neithergoopy nor runny, so it doesn’t feather or bleed into lip lines. It’slightweight, 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.
Price at time of publish: $33
Highlighted Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, botanical oils| Shades: 13 | Size:
6 ml
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream
Sephora
View On Ulta
View On Fentybeauty.com
Lightweight, creamy texture
Buildable pigmentation
Keeps lips feeling hydrated
Subtle fruity scent
Non-sticky
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. Thelightweight, 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 theycan 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 aone-and-done product that provides moisture, shine, and color.
Price at time of publish: $22
Highlighted Ingredients: Shea butter| Shades: 5 | Size: 9 ml
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
Editors Favorite
Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Gloss Oil
Saie
View On Goop.com
View On Saiehello.com
Hydrating formulation
Non-sticky
Lightweight, semi-pigmented
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 buuk.top. “Most lip oils claim to be hydrating but never actually replace mylip 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 arent super buildable—meaning you wont be able to get a ton of color density with them—they eachadd a hint of color that looks beautiful on minimal makeup days or layered over lipstick.
Price at time of publish: $22
Highlighted Ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, shea butter| Shades: 6| Size: 5 ml
Best Drugstore
Maybelline New York Lip Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid
Maybelline
View On Ulta
View On Target
Creamy texture
Non-sticky
Large applicator
Doesnt feather or bleed
Budget-friendly
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. Theformula is creamy with a texture that feels akin to a semi-thick gel, and we appreciated that itdidn’t feel sticky or overly goopy on the lips. Once applied, it lasts well without bleeding or feathering, and itfeels 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.
Price at time of publish: $11
Highlighted Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid| Shades: 20 | Size:
5 ml
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
Best Budget
NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss
NYX
View On Ulta
View On Target
Large shade range
Smooth, creamy consistency
Pigmented colors
Doesnt bleed or feather
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. Thecreamy, 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.
Price at time of publish: $6
Highlighted Ingredients: None referenced| Shades: 31 |Size:
8 ml
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
Best High Shine
Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss
Tower 28
View On Amazon
View On Credo Beauty
Wet-looking shine
Nice shade range
Non-sticky
Hydrating formula
Feels smooth and comfortable on the lips
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 arange of milky neutrals and jelly-like pops of color, and we loved how it looked on the lips—it created asmooth 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.
Price at time of publish: $16
Highlighted Ingredients:Apricot kerne, raspberry seed, and rosehip oils| Shades: 13 | Size:
4 ml
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
Best Splurge
Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Hydrating Lip Balm
Sephora
View On Amazon
View On Walmart
Lightweight, creamy texture
Wears nicely
Doesnt bleed or feather
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. Thesleek, weighted packaging looks and feels elegant, and the formula feels plush and creamywhile 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. Theshades 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.
Price at time of publish: $38
Highlighted Ingredients:Jojoba, almond, and argan oils, shea butter| Shades: 6 | Size:
6.5 ml
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
Best Non-Sticky
Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm
Sephora
View On Rarebeauty.com
View On Kohls.com
Lightweight, creamy formula
Wears well
Not tacky or goopy
Colors are buildable
Could be more hydrating
Finish isnt 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, andwe 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.
Price at time of publish: $20
Highlighted Ingredients: Botanical blend| Shades: 5 | Size: 3.8 ml
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
Best Long-Wearing
Lancôme Juicy Tubes Original Lip Gloss
Lancôme
View On Ulta
View On Lancome-usa.com
High-shine finish
Wears well
Doesnt bleed or feather
A lot of product in the tube
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 thatif 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. Theplush 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.
Price at time of publish: $24
Highlighted Ingredients:Vitamin E| Shades: 12 | Size:
15 ml
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
Best Hydrating
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Sephora
View On Sephora
View On Revolve
Smooth, creamy texture
Helps to lock in moisture
High-shine finish
Not the most long-lasting
If you keep up with popular products on BeautyTok, chances are you’re familiar with thishydrating 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.
Price at time of publish: $24
Highlighted Ingredients: Shea and murumuru seed butter| Shades: 6 | Size: 15 ml
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Best Plumping
Patrick Ta Major Volume Plumping Lip Gloss
Sephora
View On Amazon
View On Sephora
Helps to plump the appearance of lip lines
Wet-looking finish
Long-wearing
Unique scent
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. Therich 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 plumpnesswhen 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.
Price at time of publish: $26
Highlighted Ingredients:Peptides, cinnamon, ginger| Shades: 5 | Size: 9 ml
People / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
Best Shade Range
Pat McGrath Labs Lust Gloss
Sephora
View On Ulta
View On Patmcgrath.com
Tons of colors to choose from
Feels soft and nourishing
Wears well
High-shine finish
Doesnt bleed or feather
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. Therange 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 thethickness 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.
Price at time of publish: $29
Highlighted Ingredients: None referenced| Shades: 32 | Size:
4.4 ml
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
Best Color Payoff
Jones Road Beauty Cool Gloss
Jones Road Beauty
View On Libertylondon.com
Feels slightly cooling
Smooth, soft texture
Provides buildable color payoff
Lightweight
Line has shimmery and non-shimmery shades
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 thatsome 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 asubtle 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.
Price at time of publish: $22
Highlighted Ingredients: Shea butter| Shades: 10 | Size: 15 ml
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
Best Lip Gloss Stick
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm
Ulta
View On Amazon
View On Ulta
Convenient, mess-free application
Smooth, lightweight texture
Wears well
Buildable pigmentation
Moisturizing formula
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 aclicky, 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’slightweight 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.
Price at time of publish: $24
Highlighted Ingredients: Maracuja and grapeseed oil, goji| Shades: 12 | Size: 2.7 ml
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
Best Cooling
Mac Squirt Plumping Gloss Stick
MAC
View On Nordstrom
View On Macys
Wet-looking finish
Refreshing, cooling sensation
Hydrating formula
Non-sticky
A bit messy to apply
Shades could offer a bit more pigmentation
Another gloss in stick form, this one is for people who crave asuper 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 asubtle cooling sensationthat lasts for about 20 to 30 minutes. It’splush 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.
Price at time of publish: $24
Highlighted Ingredients: Ginger root oil| Shades: 10 | Size: 2.4 ml
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
Best Treatment
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Lip Gloss Balm
Sephora
View On Amazon
View On Glowrecipe.com
Moisturizing hyaluronic acid formula
Provides long-lasting moisture
Glossy finish
Fragrance-free
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 thisgloss-balm hybridfrom Glow Recipe. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, plum-derived antioxidants, and raspberry extract, ithelps 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’sfree 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.
Price at time of publish: $22
Highlighted Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Kakadu plum blend|Shades:1 | Size: 15 ml
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
buuk.top / Leticia Almeida
Where We Stand
Our best overall pick is theBobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss. It’s creamy and lightweight, the formula is moisturizing and non-sticky, and the shades are buildable. It’s beautiful on bare lips or applied on top of lip liner or your favorite lip color. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that comes in a large shade range, we recommend the NYX Butter Gloss. And if you like the convenience of lipstick but want a hydrating formula with a shiny finish, go for the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm.
How We Tested
In order to find the best lip glosses on the market, 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. Those that impressed us the most across the categories appear on this list.
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
What to Look for When Buying a Lip Gloss
Hydrating Ingredients:
Lip glosses with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and shea butter will work double duty to give your lips some shine while also providing moisture—this is especially important if you have dry lips. Our best overall pick, the Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss, contains hyaluronic acid as well as vitamin E for nourishment. If you have super dry lips, we recommend trying the Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Lip Gloss Balm which is an emollient formula that contains hyaluronic acid and protective ingredients. And if you’re looking for an everyday option that adds color and moisture in one step, go for the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm.
Shade Range:
Clear lip glosses are makeup collection must-haves considering that they layer beautifully over any and all lip colors, but if you want to knock out your color and shine step in one, pick a tinted gloss. The Pat McGrath Labs LUST: Lip Gloss comes in a wide variety of neutrals, rosy tones, and vibrant pops of color. And if you like everyday shades but want some bold color payoff, we suggest trying the Jones Road Cool Gloss.
Finish:Lip glosses are, for the most part, glossy—we know you know that. However, there are levels to this; some offer a more muted shine while others provide a wet-looking finish that can be seen from far away. Ultimately, the finish you choose is nothing more than a matter of preference. If you like something with a subtle shine, we recommend the Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm. If you prefer a more dramatic shiny finish, try the Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly or the Patrick Ta Major Volume Plumping Lip Gloss.
Chances are, you’ll want your everyday gloss to be hydrating and non-sticky—comfort is key, after all. The Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss is a great option for day-to-day use because it’s lightweight and adds a nice hint of color to the lips without being too bold or sticky. We also recommend keeping the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in your bag to re-apply throughout the day—it gives your lips a healthy dose of color, shine, and most importantly, hydration.
As we mentioned, people with dry lips should seek out lip glosses chocked full of hydrating ingredients. Our top hydrating picks are the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm and the Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Lip Gloss Balm.
Why Trust buuk.top
Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has tons of experience using lip gloss and has many of the options on this list in her personal collection. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at buuk.top since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.
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