When it comes to lip color, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking for bold lipstick, nourishing balm, long-lasting lip stain, asset enhancing plumper, or the best lip gloss with shine and sparkle, there is truly something for every skin tone, complexion, and style preference.
Now:
For those of us that just can’t seem to get on the bold lipstick or lip stain bandwagon, but are ready to experiment with a bit more than a sheer balm, there’s lip gloss. While you may think lip gloss is a trend better suited for the younger generation, there’s a wide variety of lip glosses currently available – many of which with the same benefits as both a lipstick and a balm combined – with just a titch less color for you to be afraid of.
What’s the bottom line?
If you’re on the market for the perfect lip gloss for either daily wear or a special occasion, we’ve got good news. We at Lovablepicks have researched products, read reviews, and tried every single lip gloss on our list with great results, to bring you the most comprehensive list of the best lip glosses currently available.
As you read on, keep in mind that most lip gloss is a bit more reasonably priced than lipstick, so you can probably afford to try a few of the options on our list if you can’t settle on just one (we promise, it’s not easy).
Now, if you’re ready to get that lip gloss poppin’, on to the list!
#1 Best Lip Gloss Overall
FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
- An ultimate “gotta-have-it” lip gloss
- Explosive shine feels as good on your lips as it looks
- Can be worn alone or as a top code for any lipstick or gloss
Pros
As a surprise to no one, Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer is our top lip gloss overall. Even if you’re not typically a fan of lip gloss, this luminizer is sure to win you over. Oh, and on top of that, Rihanna said she created this product because she “wanted the girls to get kissed more”—so if that’s what you’re looking for click that “Get It” link now!
Product Ratings
Formula
9.8/10
Created with shea butter, and free of parabens and phthalates, to condition and smooth. Perfectly formulated with a hint of color and shimmer to deliver that high-impact glossy look, without feeling gritty or sticky on the lips. Something else we love about this product is the size of the wand—the XXL design means your gloss will go on smooth and flawless without the need for multiple applications, meaning less wasted product.
Shade Variety
9.5/10
Really, this is the only area where we see any room for improvement. Right now this gloss only comes in three shades: clear, shimmering pink, and rose nude. The good news is, however, these colors are curated to perfectly complement the largest range of skin tones possible, so we’re confident you will be able to find a shade that looks great on your complexion.
Staying Power
9.5/10
Not the longest staying power compared to other products on our list but should last at least 3-4 hours—through eating, drinking, and talking—before it needs to be reapplied.
Value
9.5/10
At $18, this lip gloss is pricier than a number of Faves on our list, but that is a small price to pay for a versatile product that has been ranked as a best-selling gloss by top beauty authorities, including Allure and Glamour (and, of course, us).
Overall Editor Score
9.6/10
#2 Best Lip Plumping Gloss
BUXOM Full-On™ Plumping Lip Polish Gloss
- Provides definition and makes lips appear fuller
- Can be used under lipstick to smooth and prime, or over to as a sparkly finish
- Available in over 80 color options
Pros
This cult favorite by Buxom is a game change, but don’t just take our word for it—there are over 9,000 5-starr reviews on Sephora.com that echo our sentiments. Full-on Lip Polish delivers refreshing shine, along with a touch of tingle that will boost collagen to plump and enhance your natural lip.
Product Ratings
Formula
9/10
Free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, this lip gloss by Buxom features a unique complex of peptides and hyaluronic acid to create a voluminous lip look. Additionally, it’s enhanced with vitamins A and E that will not only make lips appear fuller but will hydrate and moisturize to leave lips looking and feeling healthier.
Shade Variety
9.5/10
Full-on Lip Polish by Buxom is available in a wide range of shades and finishes—over 80 in fact! From high-shine to metallic and shimmer, this lip gloss offers something for everyone. While our personal favorite is the strawberry pink shimmer of Kanani (don’t let the appearance of the bottle scare you, this is a subtle, summery shade that is perfect for any occasion), a few other best-sellers are Dolly’s mauve shimmer, Samantha for an irresistible nude, and Natalie if you’re looking for a sheer cherry red. Dominique is also a great option if you’re looking for metallic plumpers that look great as a topcoat over any lipstick or gloss.
Staying Power
9.5/10
While the plumping effect may not stay with you for very long, the color lasts must longer than a traditional gloss with little to no touch-up needed and also provides a pretty pigmented color.
Overall Editor Score
9.3/10
#3 Best Full-Coverage Lip Gloss
NYX Professional Makeup Butter Lip Gloss
- Comes in a variety of vibrant, long-lasting colors
- Softens and conditions lips while providing the perfect amount of color and gloss
- Paraben, aluminum, and cruelty-free
Pros
While this is also a drug store lip gloss, it is also one of the most pigmented, high coverage lip glosses we’ve come across—so we had to give it a bit more credit than that. Add to that the non-sticky formula, nourishing formula, and, of course, the unbeatable price, and this drug store gem landed itself a top spot on our list.
Product Ratings
Formula
9/10
Compared to other products on our list, the formula and ingredients of this lip gloss don’t necessarily stand out. However, it is paraben, aluminum, and cruelty-free, plus the rich formula is created to melt into your lips (like butter) to hydrate and nourish, without feeling heavy or sticky. It’s also super shiny and provides medium coverage, so overall it’s a great option no matter what you may be looking for in a lip gloss.
Shade Variety
9.5/10
The colors and shade range of this product are undoubtedly a stand out amongst other top lip glosses. Not only do the 26 color options provide something for everyone, but this product provides medium, allover coverage and is incredibly long-lasting for a lip gloss.
Staying Power
8.5/10
Some reviewers said this gloss was a bit streaky and didn’t have much to offer in the way of staying power. However, if you give yourself a good, even coat of gloss, we promise you will not be disappointed by how long this $3 drug store lip gloss stays in place.
Value
9.5/10
NYX Professional Make-up Butter Gloss is by far the cheapest on our list, but it doesn’t stop there. This product is nourishing, provides medium coverage, features great staying power, and comes in under $5—there is truly no reason not to try this product.
Overall Editor Score
9/10
#4 Best Hybrid Lip Gloss Balm Combo
TARTE Quench Lip Rescue Balm
- Vegan friendly and dermatologist tested
- Delivers intense moisture to smooth and softens lives
- Soothing, hydrating lip balm with a sheer tint
Pros
Okay, so this is another product that’s somewhat of a hybrid lip gloss-balm, but it gives off the appearance of a gloss—which is why we thought it earned a spot on our list. Tarte Quench Lip rescue is a moisturizing balm with a light sheen that comes in an area of beautiful sheer shades.
Product Ratings
Formula
9.5/10
Some reviewers describe this product as a drink of water for your lips (get it…lip quench?). This hybrid gloss-balm features a blend of essential extracts and oils to help restore softness, moisture, and elasticity to lips. Did we also mention that it’s rich in antioxidants and vitamins to deliver intense hydration and protect against the elements? The tinted formula is perfect for subtle, everyday color with a radiant, dewy finish.
Shade Variety
9/10
Available in 9 colors, with a limited edition being thrown into the mix from time to time. Do be aware that colors frequently sell out online, so when you see your favorite in stock you definitely want to order a few for backup. Rose is our personal go-to and a versatile option for just about any skin tone or complexion, but Berry is also very popular—as well as Clear if you’re looking for a base primer to be worn under any product.
Staying Power
8.5/10
Provides a very sheer color and sheen, without too much pigmentation or shine, but that also means you’ll need to reapply multiple times a day to maintain that tinted color. Really this is the perfect lip product for anyone that’s afraid of color but wants to spice up their day to day look with a little something extra.
Value
9/10
$19 isn’t cheap for a product that needs to be applied several times throughout the day, but if you’re not a fan of high pigmentation or shine this is a product definitely worth trying.
Overall Editor Score
9/10
#5 Best Drugstore Lip Gloss
Neutrogena Lip Gloss Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Shine
- Goes on smooth to condition and soothe lips
- Color of a lipstick, shine of a lip gloss, and conditioning of a lip balm
- Non-sticky and available in a great selection of colors
Pros
Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Shine by Neutrogena provides that plump without the tingle and keeps lips looking smooth, juicy, and more supple for a full 24 hours. The lip shine even goes a step further and actually improves the healthy look, softness, smoothness, and condition of your lips over time.
Product Ratings
Formula
8.5/10
While this formula is not the most nourishing out there, it is a non-stick and non-drying formula that will hydrate, condition, plump, and leave lips looking smoother and softer over time.
Shade Variety
9/10
Currently available in 14 different shades, but our personal favorite is Flushed Coral—which is versatile enough to be worn on its own or over another shade of pink for a more pigmented plump and shine. True Nude and Velvet Wine are great options as well, but unfortunately, there is no clear option if you’re looking for something to wear as a base or topcoat to another brand of lip color.
Staying Power
8.5/10
While this product will leave your lips looking and feeling hydrated for 24 hours, the color will not last nearly as long. However many reviewers said this lasted much longer than they would have expected for a drug store lip gloss, even through eating and drinking. That being said, this lip gloss is cheap enough that you don’t need to feel bad applying it every few hours in order to maintain a more pigmented look.
Value
9.5/10
Value is where this product really shines, for a pigmented lip gloss that hydrates, nourishes, and plumps, $9 is an excellent deal.
Overall Editor Score
8.7/10
#6 Best Nourishing Lip Gloss
BECCA Glow Lip Gloss
- Non-stinging peptide combination give lips a full, smooth appearance
- Vitamins C and E soften and condition lips
- Becca is a cruelty-free company and does not test their products on animals
Pros
This product is advertised as a glow gloss for a reason. The luxe conditioning lip formula is packed with the light-reflecting shine of a lip gloss, the pigment of a liquid lipstick, and the nourishing ingredients of a lip balm—which means with just one product you can give those lips the glow up they’ve been waiting for!
Product Ratings
Formula
9.5/10
While this is formulated like a gloss, it includes the benefits of a balm to bring you the best of both worlds. Ginger, peppermint oil, and nourishing peptides give your lips a little spa treatment each time you apply this gloss; and while this product is not known for its plumping capabilities, the peppermint oil, combined with shea, muru butter, and Vitamins E and C will create a plumping effect for full, smooth lips.
Shade Variety
9/10
Glow Lip Gloss comes in a range of 10 stunning shades, from pink to nude and everything in between.
Staying Power
8/10
This lip gloss gives lips a deep, rich color that lasts pretty much all day without building up in the corners of your lips. It settles quickly once applied and wears off nicely without needing to be reapplied too frequently throughout the day.
Value
8.5/10
$22 is pretty on par compared to the other products on our list, so if your lips are in need of a little loving you definitely need to give this highly pigmented gloss a try.
Overall Editor Score
8.8/10
#7 Best Moisturizing Lip Gloss
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm
- Lightweight, moisture-coating lip balm
- The perfect amount of hydration and tint for all-day kissable lips
- Comes in four deliciously subtle scents
Pros
While you may not be familiar with the brand Laneige, this is not a new product and has actually been extremely popular in Korea for years. The Lip Glowy Balm is the perfect nourishing and perfectly tinted daytime counterpart to the cult-favorite Lip Sleeping Mask (which we also recommend you look into if you haven’t already).
Product Ratings
Formula
9/10
Created without sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, and phthalates, this murumuru and shea butter formula is super hydrating and nourishing to lock in moisture for longer. Essentially, this gloss is equally as beneficial as the Lip Sleeping Mask by Laneige, but in a slightly thinner formula that can be worn all day long leaving lips shiny but not sticky.
Shade Variety
8.5/10
Available in four colors/flavors: peach, grapefruit, berry, and pear. Personally, we are a bit partial to the coral/grapefruit, but the pear goes on clear and will provide the perfect base primer or topcoat gloss for any color if you’re more so interested in the moisture and hydration than the tint of this gloss.
Staying Power
8.5/10
Does provide a nice tint upon application, but will fade through the day from eating, talking, drinking, etc. So just make sure you have several of these bad boys on hand at all times (one of each, may we suggest?) so that you always have one ready to reapply throughout the day as needed.
Additionally, if you’re looking for something with a bit more color and less shine, the Hanalei Lip Treatment in mauve pink is equally and nourishing and moisturizing but with a bit more coverage and a matte finish.
Value
8.5/10
$15 is pretty pricey for a lip gloss that you will likely need to apply several times throughout the day, which is why we recommend purchasing on Amazon. For less than $10 plus free shipping with Prime, you will have hydrated lips with the perfect amount of tint and shine – especially perfect for winter months or anyone who chronically suffers from dry or cracked lips.
Overall Editor Score
8.7/10
