The best lip glosses have nourishing ingredients that keep your pout moisturized and looking absolutely scrumptious. They can make or break a look, adding the extra sparkle you need to stand out. Plus, many formulas today aren’t just for glitz and glamour. They hydrate your lips and smell delicious, too.
Often, a few lip glosses make up the arsenal of on-the-go makeup products in a woman’s purse. Once you have found your favorites, you won’t go anywhere without them. The best lip glosses effortlessly blend luscious colors with a lightweight, non-sticky formula that provides a natural, dewy finish. These glosses boast a versatile range of shades, from subtle nude tones to vibrant pops of color, catering to various preferences and occasions. With long-lasting hydration and a hint of shimmer, these standout lip glosses elevate any makeup look, leaving lips feeling nourished and beautifully enhanced.
In the world of beauty, it’s the little things that often make the biggest difference, and lip gloss is proof of that. It’s that final touch that takes your makeup from ordinary to extraordinary, giving you a runway-ready look without the runway-level effort.
StudyFinds wants you to embrace the magic of sparkling lips by choosing one of our expert recommendations for the best lip gloss. Whether you’re sipping lattes with friends or strutting your stuff on the red carpet of life, this little tube of glamour will be your trusty sidekick, ensuring that you’re always ready to shine. Join the conversation by sharing your favorite lip gloss in the comments below!
The List: Best Lip Gloss, According to Experts
1. Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss
Number one in the list of expert recommendations for the best lip gloss is Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss. “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,” writes Byrdie.
Picture lips so glossy, they could rival a crystal-clear lake on a sunny day. “The Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss is enriched with several different types of skin-nourishing oils — including apricot kernel, olive fruit, kukui seed, and avocado oil — to support hydrated, supple lips. It comes in nine different colors and features an easy-to-apply lip gloss applicator brush, too. While testing this formula, we were most impressed by its glossy finish, which never feels sticky on the lips and instead has a creamier consistency. We love that it is formulated with skin-benefiting oils, and despite the added oils, it still feels ultra-lightweight. Aside from when we wiped our mouth on a napkin after eating, we rarely felt the need to reapply this lip gloss throughout the day as it boasts impressive staying power. And when we did remove it, the added oils left our lips feeling more moisturized than before the initial application. We recommend this lip gloss as an everyday option because it feels lightweight, stays on for a long time, and has skincare ingredients that support softer, smoother, and more hydrated lips. On top of that, it has a more buildable formula so that you can achieve both a subtle and a bold look from the same product,” says People.com.
Are you curious about the diverse shades of lip gloss that can match your ever-changing moods? “The formula of this Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss has been a winner for years, and it never fails to impress us. Our favorite shade is ‘In the Buff,’ a universally flattering beige rose, but there are over 10 different options to choose from,” shares Pop Sugar.
2. Maybelline New York Lip Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid
Number two in the list of expert recommendations for the best lip gloss is Maybelline New York Lip Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid. “If you’re looking for the best lip gloss at a lower price point, we were also impressed by the Maybelline Lifter Gloss made with hyaluronic acid. While testing this formula, we found that it has a lightweight consistency that still adds ample nourishment to the pout thanks to its inclusion of the coconut oil and aforementioned hyaluronic acid. On top of that, it has a buildable consistency that makes it easier to achieve a more customized finish, so you can either keep it simple and subtle with one coat or go for a bolder finish with several layers. The applicator wand also played a major role in its buildable possibilities as it was easy to use and evenly distributed the formula onto the pout so you could get more even coats,” writes People.com.
Experience the joy of applying lip gloss, not just for the shine but for the sheer delight it brings. “If you’re looking for a gloss that’s both hydrating and plump, go for this Maybelline Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid. It’s a perfect lip topper and goes with everything, and it has a slight pearling effect, making it a gorgeous gloss,” adds Pop Sugar.
What’s the secret to achieving that perfect, Instagram-worthy pout with a swipe of lip gloss? “Available in over 10 gorgeous shades like Pearl, an iridescent clear gloss, and Crystal, a copper shimmer shade, this drugstore lip gloss by Maybelline New York gives lips a super-shiny finish that’s comfortable without ever being sticky. We especially love its large doe-foot applicator. Wear the Lifter Gloss alone or over lipstick — either way, you’re certain to love it (and its price tag). Plus, it’s packed with hyaluronic acid to hydrate the lips, giving you the benefits of a lip balm with the sheen of a gloss,” says Allure.
3. Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
Number three in the list of expert recommendations for the best lip gloss is Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer. “As soon you apply lip gloss you’re hit with the smell and taste of it and this pick is truly too hard not to lick off. Rihanna really captured the nostalgia of the lip glosses that we used to wear during our childhood (Lip smackers, anybody?) and elevated them with this product. We’ve tested out numerous shades like (Fenty glow, fu$$y, glass slipper, hot chocolate) and they’ve all proven themselves worthy. The OG hue, gloss bomb, was also crafted to look good on diverse skin tones,” says Teen Vogue.
Your world is your runway, and with the best lip gloss in hand, you’re always ready to strut your stuff and shine. “Everyone looks amazing in the Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer. Not only does the vanilla scent smell like literal heaven, but the rose-gold hue enhances your natural lip color,” adds Pop Sugar.
Can you picture your lips as a blank canvas waiting to be adorned with the perfect lip gloss color? “This show-stopping nude lip gloss has been a staple for Rihanna and her fans — collectively called the Navy — since its debut in 2016. But it’s not just for stans. Anyone looking for a deep rose nude lip gloss will enjoy the OG shade of Gloss Bomb. There are five other hues, like pink, clear, and brown, to purchase as well. Gloss Bomb is made with conditioning shea butter and has an ultra-sweet peach and vanilla scent. It also sports a large doe foot applicator, similar to the Lawless gloss, for quick and even application,” writes Best Products.com.
4. Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Jelly Lip Gloss
Number four in the list of expert recommendations for the best lip gloss is Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Jelly Lip Gloss. “Tower 28’s offering has it all: the hydrating properties of a lip balm, the lustrous shine of a lip gloss, and the stunning color of a lipstick all packed into one, sleek tube. Plus, it’s vegan and infused with good-for-lips oils, such as rosehip oil and apricot kernel oil,” notes Town and Country Mag.
Let this lip gloss work its enchanting magic. “The Tower28 Beauty Clean ShineOn Jelly Lip Gloss has a bit of a cult following. It comes in 12 stunning shades, including one shimmer formula,” writes Pop Sugar.
Are you ready to embrace the art of the “just-kissed” look and let lip gloss do the heavy lifting for you? “This Tower28 tube is the anomaly of lip glosses – it offers high shine, a sheer wash of color, and moisturizes lips without any stickiness. While all of the available shades are stunning, I’m partial to XOXO, a soft pink that delivers a my-lips-but-better look,” says The Zero Report.
5. Lancôme Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss
Number five in the list of expert recommendations for the best lip gloss is Lancôme Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss. “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,” writes Byrdie.
Step into the limelight like a red-carpet celebrity, thanks to the perfect lip gloss. “Add a vibrant, dynamic lip gloss to your makeup routine and let your personality shine. “After testing many options, we found that the Lancôme Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss has the best-staying power. While this gloss doesn’t really have a sticky texture, its creamy formula feels a little tacky, which helps it keep its long-lasting shine and keeps it in place even after eating. Enhanced with vitamin E, the formula provides the pout with nourishment and antioxidant protection, making it a two-in-one product. It might not be ideal for every preference, but we love that it has a more tinted finish that provides a subtle pop of color rather than a high-pigmented gloss, making it another contender for an everyday look,” shares People.com.
Is there anything more satisfying than lips so glossy, they practically double as a mirror? “Yes, I realize this is a throwback. In fact, the first time these glosses touched my lips was likely senior year of high school some 20 years ago — and I’ve been hooked ever since. In addition to the scrumptious smell, this gel formula plumps my lips perfectly, leaving them with a shimmering, bubble-like finish that makes me feel like a girl of 18 again,” says The Zero Report.
6. NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss
Number six in the list of expert recommendations for the best lip gloss is NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss. “NYX’s buttery formula is the stand-out of this lip gloss. It’s so easy to apply and never feels heavy on the lips. Another plus? When the color wears away (after eating your midday snacks), you won’t be left with a goopy line on the perimeter of your lips,” says Teen Vogue.
“With 29 different shades to choose from, this lip gloss is also at the top of our list for one of the best color ranges, as it not only features everyday nude tones but also comes in some more unique hues, such as blue and black. During testing, we thought its buildable coverage was one of the most noteworthy features, especially since it not only layers nicely with itself but also works well on top of lipstick for a glossy finish. While it has a slightly stickier consistency compared to other options on our list, we found that it still feels smooth on the lips and is thick enough for coverage but not so thick that it’s impossible to spread across the pout,” shares People.com.
Have you ever wondered how the best lip gloss can transform your lips from plain to utterly captivating? “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,” writes Byrdie.
7. Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm
Finally, number seven on the expert’s recommendation of best lip gloss is Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm. “When testing lip glosses, we were most impressed by Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm for its buildable coverage that feels smooth and creamy, making it easy to layer. The formula has a lightweight consistency that can give you either a subtle or bold finish, depending on how many layers you apply and, although it’s light, it still boasts plenty of shine,” writes People.com.
The magic of lip gloss lies in its ability to make your lips as luscious as a ripe, juicy berry. “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,” writes Byrdie.
“Rare Beauty lip products are quite literally a rare find in that they’re frequently sold out, so if you happen to see them in stock, grab Gold’s favorite non-sticky lip gloss stat. This glorious cross between a gloss and a balm nourishes lips like a mask using soothing ingredients like lotus, gardenia and white water lily, and comes in five neutral and bright hues,” adds CNN.
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Sources:
- Byrdie
- People.com
- Pop Sugar
- Teen Vogue
- Town and Country Mag
- CNN
- Glamour
- Best Products
- Seventeen
- Allure
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.