Only believe some of what you used to know about glosses for lips. Modern formulations have the goopy, sticky formulas of the past in a more hydrating, lightweight consistency. While they offer the same glossy look that was so popular at the beginning of 2000, the current glosses are relatively more straightforward. From transparent, glassy options to more intense formulas, There are many options, no matter your preference.
To help you pick the ideal lip gloss (or some), that’s right for you, we set various options for the test at our lab in NYC. We evaluated each by its formula, the feeling of the lip, how it helped to hydrate them, how long it lasted, and the shade selection. We were pleasantly surprised by several of them, from cheap drugstore products to higher-end choices. We’ll share the ones we think are most effective in the market.
Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss
The most effective lip glosses are hydrating and pleasant to use (in addition to naturally giving you the style you want). This one does both. It’s formulated with nourishing ingredients such as vitamin A, hyaluronic acid, and botanicals; it’s soft and moisturizing after application. And it keeps your lips feeling hydrated for hours. At the same time, it’s not exactly the most transparent gloss we’ve seen; it creates a shiny appearance and gives a layer of healthy, semi-pigmented color. We liked that it’s neither goopy nor runny and doesn’t feather or spill into lines on your lips. It’s soft, light, and non-sticky. It looks great over a lip liner or your preferred lipstick color. We strongly recommend this product if you’re searching for a hydrating lip gloss that adds a subtle shine.
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream
Original Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb quickly became a popular choice in the category of lip glosses, and it’s not surprising that this non-shimmery and pigmented version has matched the original. The creamy, light formula is non-sticky and feels comfortable and soft on the lips. We enjoyed that it kept our lips looking hydrated for the duration of our test. Certain shades within the minor range are more opaque than others. However, they are all able to be layered for pretty opaque coverage. When the glossy finish wore off slowly over a couple of hours, we observed that the color remained consistent and unaltered. We also love the light fragrance of fruity – it’s a nice break from vanilla scents often used in lipsticks. We were awestruck by the quality of this gloss and would recommend anyone searching for a single-use product that gives the necessary moisture, shine, and color.
Maybelline New York Lip Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid
The large doe-foot applicator reminds us of the one in the Fenty Lip Gloss bomb, although this one from the drugstore is only a tiny fraction of the cost. The applicator sifts out enough product to apply the lips without needing to dip the lips multiple times. Its formula feels smooth and has a soft texture like a semi-thick liquid. We were impressed that it didn’t feel greasy or goopy on the lips. When applied, it stays put without feathering or bleeding, and the texture is pleasant and moisturizing without being too oily. Although we would like to see that the gloss offered a little more shine and the hues were more uniform concerning their levels of pigmentation, the formula is fantastic, and at such a reasonable cost, this gloss is impossible to beat.
NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss
Another, more affordable alternative, this bestselling product from NYX, has been a standard in lip glosses for years. The buttery, creamy formula is exceptionally soft and smooth. It’s available in over 30 shades that range from dark and light nudes to vivid pinks and berry reds. All can be built-in pigmentation. Regarding durability and hydration, we believe there are more potent formulas. Still, with everything considered, this one is worth a try, especially for those looking for shine in a specific color.
Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss
With a gel-like, glossy formula, this ultra-comfortable gloss from Tower 28 might as well be a fan club member. The reviews are raving about the silky, non-sticky consistency, how soft it is to the lips, and most importantly, how stunningly glossy and smooth the finish is. It’s available in various creamy neutrals and jelly-like shades of color, and we were impressed with how it sat on the lips. It created a silky shade of color with an ethereal shimmer. It’s also made with a mix of oils that help prevent the lips from drying. While it might feel the tiniest bit sticky as it wears off after a few hours but generally, you won’t need to worry about it being too thick or sticky. If you love the look of a dazzling shine, it’s the perfect lip gloss for you.
Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Hydrating Lip Balm
If you’re one of those who love to indulge in little luxury items and indulge in a luxurious lip gloss, this one is the ideal choice for you. The elegant, weighted packaging appears and feels sophisticated, and the product is soft, smooth, and comfortable on the lips. With a mix of oil-based nourishing ingredients, we noticed that the formulation felt normal regarding hydration (it was not drying. However, it was not the most hydrating product); however, the smooth texture was incredibly soft and light in the mouth. The shades give a distinct but not overwhelming wash of color and an attractive, glossy finish. We think it’s the perfect choice for anyone who likes products that have more natural ingredients.
