13 Best Lip Glosses for a Luscious And Kissable Pout

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 08, 2024
 lip gloss
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

You can love them, or hate them, but can't ever ignore them—that's Y2K fashion for you, which, drawing from our experience, is once again topping the trends. But out of everything, the one thing that we have really been looking forward to is the comeback of the best lip gloss aesthetic. Use them on your own, pair them with a lip liner, or put them on top of your favorite lipstick, lips glosses have always been a fun, stylish, and versatile lip product. 

Glossy lips defined most of the 2000s, and so did the struggle of sticky and terribly dry lips. Don't even get us started on the combo of a windy day, open hair, and gloss on the lips! It was a mess! And the millennials remember! But thank the beauty Gods because no one has to go through that again. Our findings show that the modern formulas are totally non-sticky and non-goopy. They come packed with the goodness of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and plant oils. These are now your best bets for super hydrated, plump, and luscious-looking glossy lips.

Read ahead to find 13 of the best lip glosses that are loved by our beauty experts and editors as well as makeup lovers for their high shine and zero stickiness.

13 Best Lip Glosses

Summer or winter, this lip gloss by Jane Iredale is pure perfection. The sweet and soft color adds instant elan to your face. Whether you're a fan of dramatic makeup or enjoy a soft, dewy finish, this lip gloss is perfect. The pillowy texture smoothly glides over lips and doesn't damage chapped lips. It consists of hyaluronic acid that allows the lips to stay hydrated. Moreover, it is also infused with botanical oils that condition, and protect your overall lip health. It is further enriched with powerful peptides that improve fine lines, and lip volume. 

Pros
  • Vanilla scent
  • Easy applicator
  • Cruelty-free
Cons
  • None
  • Best Coverage

    NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss

    NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss
  • You can never go out of style with the NYX Butter Gloss, which is every bit true to its name and glides smooth like butter, like a criminal undercover. It offers sheer to medium coverage that you can use on its own or top of your favorite lipstick. Available in 32 vibrant shades, this is the best lip gloss if you are looking for vegan-friendly options. As indicated by our tests, its creamy texture will leave you with silky soft kissable lips.

    Pros
    • Goes on smoothly
    • Looks good on lips
    • Smells nice
    • Good pigmentation
    • Affordable
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • May not feel very moisturizing
  • Best Drugstore

    MAYBELLINE New York Lifter Gloss

    MAYBELLINE New York Lifter Gloss
  • Maybelline has revolutionized the lip game, and they are at it again with their very iconic lifter gloss. It is available in 20 gorgeous shades with sheer to medium coverage, perfect for those who want a hint of color without committing to a lip color. With coconut oil, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E as key ingredients, this is the best drugstore lip gloss that can make your lips look as deliciously sweet as candy. Our team discovered through using this product that it truly offers long-lasting hydration and gives a lifted plump look to the lips.

    Pros
    • Moisturizing
    • Pleasant scent
    • Tastes good
    • Lovely sheer formula
    • Affordable
    • Value for money
    Cons
    • Some may not like its slightly thicker consistency
  • Best Finish

    Rimmel London Stay Glossy Lip Gloss

    Rimmel London Stay Glossy Lip Gloss
  • Let your glossy lips do all the talking, thanks to this popular lip gloss, which not only looks good but also feels good on 'em lips. It comes with a super comfortable formula that is soft, non-sticky, and glides on smoothly. Use it on its own, or with lipstick, the choice is all yours. It promises high shine for up to 6 hours, which give or take does happen. After putting it to the test, we observed that its applicator lets you be precise with the application, a really good and helpful plus point.

    Pros
    • Easy to apply
    • Non-sticky formula
    • Moisturizing formula
    • Sheer finish
    • Makes lips look fuller
    Cons
    • Some may not like the glitter particles
  • Best Shade

    Revlon Super Lustrous The Gloss

    Revlon Super Lustrous The Gloss
  • Fuller lips with an oversized tip—that's the kind of experience you get with The Gloss from Revlon. Its bigger-than-others applicator offers a more even, smoother, and full-of-product application. There's no skimping here, just go big or go home energy. Available in 24 irresistible shades, this moisturizing lip gloss offers a bold and dramatic finish, perfect for night outs and events where when you walk in the room, you can make the whole place shimmer. Based on our firsthand experience, we found it to be quite lightweight despite its slightly thicker texture.

    Pros
    • Offers great shine
    • Non-sticky
    • Lasts decently long
    • Comfortable to wear
    • Fragrance-free
    • Good value for money
    Cons
    • Some may find the applicator tricky to use
  • Best Shine

    YX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Fat Oil Lip Drip

    YX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Fat Oil Lip Drip
  • The NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip doesn't disappoint when it comes to hydration, tint, texture, and formula, which is basically everything. You can now serve the glossiest lips ever with this light lip gloss that looks like an oil and moisturizes like an oil but is not an oil. It is one of the best lip glosses formulated with vegan squalane, raspberry extracts, and cloudberry extracts. When we trialed this product, we discovered that all of its 8 universally flattering shades can be used solo and with other lip products of your choice to create multiple makeup looks.

    Pros
    • Subtle scent
    • Good for daily use
    • True to color
    • Hydrating formula
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • May not last long
  • Most Vegan

    Physicians Formula Diamond Plumper Mineral Wear Lip Plumper

    Physicians Formula Diamond Plumper Mineral Wear Lip Plumper
  • A multi-purpose lip gloss is a perfect fit for your daily makeup routine when you just want to be out the door as soon as you can. It hydrates, adds shine, and plumps. Just one swipe of this lip gloss from Physicians Formula is all you need to get the glossiest lips that shine bright like a diamond, thanks to its diamond powder-infused formula. It is super nourishing and ensures that your lips stay softer and smoother for longer while also looking voluptuous. After conducting experiments with it, we can say that it is the best hydrating lip gloss you can get your hands on.

    Pros
    • Creamy texture
    • Sheer finish
    • Doesn’t burn
    • Feels comfortable on lips
    • Vegan
    Cons
    • May not plump lips a lot
  • Best for Daily Use

    Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Shine

    Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Shine
  • Talk about an all-in-one lip product and we have to bring your attention to this gorgeous gloss. It combines the effects of lip balm, lipstick, and lip gloss in just one very affordable tube. You will instantly fall in love with its luxurious formula that offers an instantly hydrating and conditioning finish. It has been labeled the best lip gloss for dry lips by many users as it helps keep dryness at bay and heals chapped lips to a certain degree. It is available in 14 rich shades that will elevate your whole look. Our investigation demonstrated that it stays in place better than other lip glosses.

    Pros
    • Flattering shades
    • Feels comfortable to wear
    • Non-drying formula
    • Makes lips look fuller
    • Doesn’t bleed
    • Good for everyday use
    Cons
    • May feel a little sticky
  • Most Long-lasting

    Lancôme Juicy Tubes

    Lancôme Juicy Tubes
  • This popular lip gloss from Lancôme is a must-have if you want to relive the authentic gloss experience of the 2000s. It has a perfectly glossy finish with just the right amount of color. Available in 10 sumptuous colors, this lip gloss can become your secret ticket to luscious lips. Thanks to its high-performance formula, wonderful fragrance, and delicious scent, you get to invigorate your senses like never before. We have found from using this product that it has a nice shimmery finish and is one long lasting lip gloss.

    Pros
    • Offers good coverage
    • Melts into lips on application
    • Comfortably thick texture
    • Keeps lips moisturized
    • Value for money
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Most Budget-friendly

    Carlos-CCC Lip Glow Oil

    Carlos-CCC Lip Glow Oil
  • Shiny lip glosses are in this season, and you can get unparalleled shine with this Lip Glow Oil. Get ready to say hello to the most luscious and luminous lips you have ever seen. Don’t get misled by its name though. It’s still a gloss but nourished like an oil. It smells delicious and offers a very natural-looking finish. Enriched with cherry oil, it not only provides deep nourishment to the lips but also protects them against environmental stressors because of its rich antioxidant content. Our research indicates that it gives the best results when paired with a tinted (or non-tinted) lip balm.

    Pros
    • Ideal for dry lips
    • Makes lips soft and smooth
    • Nourishing formula
    • Brings out natural lip color
    • Sheer, moist finish
    Cons
    • May feel sticky
  • Tower 28 ShineOn Milk Lip Jelly

    Tower 28 ShineOn Milk Lip Jelly
  • Great color, great shine, great nourishment, great everything—if that's your expectation from a lip gloss, then you are in for a treat. The Tower 28 ShineOn Milk Lip Jelly is the perfect lip gloss ever. It has an irresistible shine with a moist finish that doesn't feel sticky at all. If that was not enough, this brand vowed us with its super moisturizing formula enriched with castor oil, avocado oil, apricot kernel oil, rosehip oil, raspberry seed oil, and vitamin E. From nice nudes to spicy reds and pinks, there's a shade for everyone. After trying out this product, we can confidently say it is the best moisturizing lip gloss on the market.

    Pros
    • Gorgeous colors
    • Stays longer
    • Goes on smoothly
    • Protects lips from drying
    • Offers long-lasting shine
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • None
  • PATRICK TA Plumping Gloss

    PATRICK TA Plumping Gloss
  • Plump 'em lips up with the PATRICK TA Plumping Gloss. Just one swipe of this gloss and you will instantly feel the very satisfying tingle, ensuring you that it's working. It effectively improves the blood circulation to your lips within seconds and reveals a plumper pout. But that's not all. It has an emollient-rich formula that works really hard to make your lips soft, smooth and moisturized. It keeps dryness at bay and brings a healthy hint of color with it to get your lips looking their juicy best. Based on our observations, this is the best tinted lip gloss that will change your lip game.

    Pros
    • Makes lips look fuller
    • Luxe formula
    • Long-lasting plumping effects
    • Feels comfortable
    • Smoothes wrinkles
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Crème

    Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Crème
  • This lip gloss is a holy grail for those with dry and chapped lips. The brand describes it as a “cashmere sweater of juicy lips” and we cannot help but agree. Available in some of the most natural-looking colors, it adds a refreshing shine to the lips that lasts long. Its luxurious and cushiony formula is enriched with the goodness of maracuja oil, hyaluronic acid, grapeseed oil, goji and acai berries, pomegranate extracts, strawberry extracts, cranberry, and vitamin E. Thanks to this blend of ingredients, it feels so nourishing and moisturizing that you will forget for a moment it's a gloss. We determined through our tests that it is a trending lip gloss that will change your lip game for the better.

    Pros
    • Luxe formula
    • Feels soft and smooth on application
    • Lightweight
    • Super creamy texture
    • Offers long-lasting hydration
    • Transfer-proof
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Pricey

    How to Choose the Best Lip Gloss?

    Choosing the best lip gloss should be fun and exciting, not overwhelming and confusing. Thanks to our detailed buying guide, that's exactly how it will be. Here are a few factors that you must carefully consider before you go browsing through Sephora or Ulta's aisles for your new favorite lip gloss:

    Skin Tone and Undertone

    While some lip glosses are clear, most come in a variety of shades. That's why you must consider not just your skin tone, but also your skin undertone when buying lip gloss. It will narrow down your options and help you choose the shades that are the most flattering for your complexion. 

    Shade of Lips Gloss

    As we said before, lip glosses are available in various shades and you must pick one according to your skin tone and undertone, preferences, season, outfit, and occasion. 

    Formula

    Opt for a lightweight and non-sticky formula that offers smooth and even application. Such a formula is easy to apply and feels comfortable on lips, making it ideal to wear for long hours. You must look for hypoallergenic and allergy-tested formulas, especially if you have sensitive skin.

    Texture

    Lip glosses typically have liquid, oil-based, balmy, and sometimes even watery texture. Pick the one that suits your needs, comfort, and preferences. Water-based lip glosses, for instance, offer a refreshing and very natural finish whereas a balmy lip gloss offers the fun of a gloss with lip care benefits.

    Finish

    Determine whether you want a sheer, high-shine, shimmery, glittery, metallic, or opaque finish. Sheer lip glosses can be used as a standalone product and also over the top of other lip products. An opaque lip gloss, on the other hand, offers full coverage and works as a 2-in-1 product. Choose according to your preferences. 

    Ingredients

    Check the label carefully to ensure it doesn't contain any allergens or possible irritants. You must look for hydrating and nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, glycerin, shea butter, beeswax, coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, fatty acids, ceramides, aloe vera, peptides, vitamin C, and other such ingredients. These ingredients will ensure that you are not compromising on the health of your lips.

    Applicator

    Choose a good lip gloss with an equally good applicator. Some of the most common lip gloss applicators include doe-foot, brush, angled tip, and roller ball. Each one has its unique features and qualities. Pick the one that you feel the most comfortable with. 

    Longevity

    It is a good idea to buy a lip gloss that lasts long and doesn't require frequent reapplications. However, not all formulas are long-lasting so you may have to figure out how long of a wear you expect from your lip gloss and whether you are comfortable with a few reapplications throughout the day.

    Other Features

    Apart from looking for long-lasting and hydrating lip glosses, you can also look for some additional features like lip-plumping, sun protection, flavors, fragrance, smudge-proof, or color-changing, to name a few.

    Budget

    Set a budget based on your needs and how much you are willing to spend. Compare prices on various platforms and try to buy during sales to get the best discounts. You must also keep in mind that sometimes an expensive lip gloss that goes out of your budget may feel better and last longer than an affordable one. 

    Customer Reviews

    Don't forget to read customer reviews and feedback on various online platforms to gain a better understanding of the real-life performance of the lip gloss of your choice.

    How to Use a Lip Gloss?

    Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a lip gloss to get the most luscious lips ever:

    • Start with clean, exfoliated, and moisturized lips, especially if you have dry, flaky, and chapped lips. Go down with a lip scrub and gently exfoliate your way to smoother lips.
    • Apply a moisturizing lip balm after wiping your lips dry. Let it absorb for a few minutes. Blot away the excess with a tissue before moving on to other things.
    • Take a lip liner in the shade of your lips or in the shade of the lipstick/lip gloss you want to apply. Line the lips starting from the center to the corners.
    • Smudge the outline towards the inside using a lip brush so that there's no harsh line. You may also fill in the whole lip using the liner if that's what you like and prefer.
    • Take the lip gloss of your choice. Dip the applicator into the product but make sure there's not too much gloss on it. Start with a little and apply the lip gloss from the center to the sides. 
    • Try to spread the lip gloss evenly. You can also press your lips together to do the same. 
    • Add more gloss only if necessary.
    • You can use a clear gloss to recreate the 90s lip look or just go with any shade of your choice in a shimmery finish for the baddie vibes.
    • You can add more color to your lips by applying lipstick before going in with the lip gloss. It will provide a base color, making the lip gloss shine and shimmer even more.
    • Remove any excess product that may have spread around the lips as part of the final touch-ups.

    And that's all! Enjoy your glossy lips throughout the day!

    Glossy lips are back in fashion with a dazzling bang, which means you need to get your hands on the best lip glosses to be up to date with the latest trends. From clear, glassy, and bubblegum pinks to brick reds and burgundy hues, you will find a wide variety of shades. The lip gloss of today is vastly different from how it used to be. And we can't be thankful enough! You can now easily get a lip gloss with a non-sticky and non-drying formula. That's not all! There's a wide range of finishes and levels of coverage to choose from. Navigate this seemingly never-ending sea of lip glosses with our handpicked recommendations and comprehensive guide with ease and say hello to the glossiest and most luscious lips of your dreams!

    FAQ's

    Is lip gloss bad for your lips?
    If you use too much lip gloss, it can make your lips dry, irritated, and chapped.
    What lip gloss color goes with everything?
    Nude shades are versatile and go with everything. They also come in various colors including peaches, pinks, browns, and mauves, offering a wide variety to choose from for all skin tones and undertones.
    Which lip gloss is best for daily use?
    Lancôme Juicy Tubes is the best lip gloss for daily use.
    What’s a good lip gloss for dry lips?
    The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Shine is a good lip gloss for dry lips thanks to its 24-hour hydrating and nourishing formula.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani, the author, is a certified makeup expert and lipstick enthusiast. She has always loved glossy lips and was full of joy when they made a comeback. She curated this selection with her top picks of the best lip glosses after trying each product individually. Some of these can also be found in her makeup fit with the Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss being her current favorite lip gloss. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More