Lip gloss is one of the few makeup products you can find with a great formula at a drugstore. Shine has become a massive hit in the last few years. Blame Euphoria or Bella Hadid for their popularity.
Even better, they aren’t like the greasy glosses from our youth. Today’s masks are hydrating, light, and creamy. They also give a quick boost to any makeup look.
We’ve rounded up the best lip glosses at drugstores to celebrate this fun makeup item. This list was curated by combining extensive research, expert insight, and our editor’s experience. Each mask was evaluated on its shade range, formula wear time, feeling on the lips, and overall appearance. We’ll tell you which facades have been approved by Byrdie.
Maybelline New York Hyaluronic Acid Lip Lifter GlossWalmart
Maybelline’s viral gloss is a great buy. The gloss is formulated with hyaluronic acids for a plump look on the lips. It also has a large doe’s foot applicator to make it easy to swipe. The gloss comes in clear, pink, brown, and golden shades. Brown rates Lifter Gloss as one of the best drugstore formulas.
NYX Professional Makeup Gloss
Michael Brown, a celebrity makeup artist, tells us this is his favorite budget lip formula. It’s hydrating and creamy with a gorgeous glossy finish. The color range is fantastic! The formula glides on the lips, leaving them plump, shiny, and soft. The shade range makes this formula stand out from its competition in the drugstore. It comes in a variety of browns, pinks, and reds.
Crystal Clear Lipgloss by Essence Extreme Shine Volume
This gloss formula is a great value and delivers a moisturizing finish. It comes in 14 beautiful shades, but we prefer the clear one. It has a glistening shine that is hard to match with even high-end products. A clear gloss can be worn alone to create a luscious look or layered on top of a lip stain or liner for a fuller-looking pout.
Revlon Colourstay Overtime Lip Color
Revlon Colorstay Overtime lip color is the best option if you’re looking for a lip gloss that won’t move. The tinted lip color is applied first, then the topcoat is painted on. The tint adheres to the lips, so there is no feathering or smudging. You can top up the gloss throughout the day to prevent cracking. This is an excellent choice if you want a glossy finish that will last through a busy workday or special event.
This is Juice Gloss Hydrating lip gloss by NYX Professional Makeup
This is a favorite lip gloss that creates the appearance of hydrated and helps hydrate your lips. This pillowy formula is infused with nourishing oils like jojoba and avocado to nourish lips, adding color. Each shade has its fruity scent. We love that they are all semi-sheer, so everyone can wear them.
ColourPop So Juicy Plumbing Gloss
ColourPop’s plumping lip gloss is an excellent option for those seeking a glossy finish at a reasonable price. The gloss comes in a retro 90s squeeze tube and is available in many fun colors. It gives lips a plumper, more juicier look. It has a minty, cooling, refreshing feeling when applied. While it is sticky, the gloss lasts longer than most.
BLK/OPL Colorsplurge Lip Gloss with High Shine
This gloss is perfect for those who want a glossy lip finish with an opaque color. This formula is non-sticky and moisturizing, coating lips with color in just one swipe. The shades are also a nice touch with subtle shimmer that catches the sunlight and gives the lips a glossy and fuller appearance.
L’Oreal Paris Glow-in-Paradise Lip Balm
Some people prefer a matte finish to their lip gloss. This formula is perfect if you choose a mask with a slight shine and added hydration. It’s a lightweight lip balm that feels like a cross between a front and a lip balm. The formula contains hyaluronic and pomegranate acid to hydrate lips. It is not long-lasting but can be layered and touched up throughout the day. It comes in various colors, including some vibrant and muted ones.
Final Verdict
Michael Brown has been one of Australia’s most renowned celebrity makeup artists for over 20 years. He has worked on numerous photoshoots, campaigns, magazine covers, and red-carpet looks. Michael Brown has held Australian ambassador positions for brands such as St Tropez and Marc Jacobs. He also worked with Ardell Lashes and Olay.
Texture
Geoffrey Rodriguez, celebrity makeup artist, says that a good lip gloss will glide smoothly over your lips, leaving them feeling hydrated and luxurious without being sticky. The creamier the front, the less tacky it is. However, you will lose shine. Finding the perfect balance is critical to achieving a look and feel you love. If you’re looking for a super creamy option that’s not sticky, we recommend the Best lip glosses, now infused with ingredients that can do anything from plumping to hydrating. Some masks also offer antioxidants and UV protection. Make sure to choose the best cover for your needs.
Does lip gloss damage lips?
Some lip glosses can cause damage to the skin by drying it and causing cracks. Some plumping ingredients can cause irritation and chapped lips. Some components, such as menthol and salicylic acids, can cause chapped lips, especially when you don’t stay hydrated.
What is the best thick lip gloss to use?
The thicker lip glosses are slightly sticky but last longer. Alyssa Caplan has been a writer and product tester in the beauty sector for many years. She specializes in cosmetics. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied cosmetics marketing, product development, and fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a Byrdie commerce writer since 2022. She covers everything beauty.
