My Favorite Lip Glosses

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The Best Lip Glosses by Type (from Plumping to SPF to Non-Toxic)

I wear lip gloss more than any other type of lip product. I do love a good lipstick from time to time—Ravie Beauty’s Effortless Lip is my favorite—and I’m always reaching for sheer lipsticks like Merit’s Signature Lip, both of which give just the right wash of color. But gloss? That’s what I keep everywhere. One in the diaper bag, one in the car, one in every purse.

And when I want something more like a balm than a gloss or lipstick, I rotate between two favorites: the Oliveda lip balm (which feels like skincare for your lips) and the Beauty Pie Tinted Lip Balm, which adds a subtle tint while keeping my lips soft and nourished.

So all that to say, I own and use a lot of different lip glosses and I’m sharing my favorites today, which I rotate among depending on my mood and the look I’m going for.

What to Look for When Buying Lip Gloss

With so many lip gloss formulas on the market, finding your perfect match comes down to a few key factors. Think about the texture you prefer (smooth vs. sticky), the finish you want (high-shine, sheer, or tinted), and your primary goal (hydration, color payoff, or plumping effect).

Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and shea butter add moisture, while formulas with peptides or vegan collagen can give lips a fuller appearance. Clean beauty lovers will want to avoid parabens and artificial fragrances, while those with sensitive skin may prefer a gloss with coconut oil or camellia extract. Whether you want a glossy balm hybrid or a high-impact topper, there’s something for every lip type, tone, and texture.

Best Overall: Tower 28

If I had to pick just ONE gloss to keep in my bag at all times, it would be the Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly. It’s that perfect mix of juicy shine and sheer color, without the stickiness — and it wears more like a nourishing balm than a gloss. I love that it’s clean, gentle, and packed with skin-loving ingredients, but honestly, it’s the way it makes your lips look healthy that keeps me coming back.

Best Plumping: Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump

Tarte’s Juicy Lip Plump is a favorite for good reason. It’s infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and a gentle tingle that boosts volume without irritation. The color payoff is strong enough to wear alone but sheer enough to layer, making it the perfect hybrid product for gloss lovers who want fuller-looking lips. (I’ve also heard amazing things about the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil from my friend who is a model and makeup snob, but I haven’t tried it.)

Best Smoothing: LINES Lip Serum

The LINES Lip Serum is the gloss that makes it look like I have filler—without actually getting filler. It gives my lips a smoother, fuller look almost instantly, but without that weird tingling feeling most plumping formulas have. The texture is rich and cushiony, and it makes my lips feel hydrated and soft all day. I also love that it comes in really flattering, wearable shades that enhance your natural color. It’s become one of my go-tos for everyday shine with a little extra something.

Best Long-Wearing: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Heat

When it comes to long-lasting gloss, Fenty’s Gloss Bomb Heat stands out. This gloss not only stays put for hours but also gives a smoothing, plumping effect. The thicker texture provides major shine with just a single swipe, and the universally flattering shades make it a makeup bag staple.

Best Moisturizing: Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment

When my lips need major moisture but I still want that glossy, put-together look, the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment is what I reach for. It’s thick and cushiony in the best way, like a glossy balm that actually does something — packed with peptides and shea butter to smooth, hydrate, and give your lips that healthy, pillowy look. It feels like skincare, looks like gloss, and somehow makes your whole face feel fresher.

Best Non-Toxic: Crunchi Lip Gloss

Crunchi delivers on performance and clean ingredients. Their hydrogloss lip oil is non-toxic, cruelty-free, and made without harmful chemicals like parabens or synthetic fragrance. It has a beautiful glossy finish and feels more like a conditioning treatment than a traditional gloss. The color range is soft, wearable, and universally flattering. I reach for this gloss a lot.

Best Drugstore: NYX Butter Gloss

NYX Butter Gloss has long been a drugstore favorite, and for good reason. It delivers buttery-smooth texture, a non-sticky finish, and comes in dozens of shades—from soft pinks to bold berries. The color payoff is impressive for the price point, and the formula works well on its own or layered over other lip products.

Best SPF: Supergoop Glow Gloss

Supergoop’s Glow Gloss combines SPF 40 protection with a dewy, high-shine finish. It’s ideal for beach days, poolside lounging, or just adding an extra layer of protection to your lips in everyday life. It comes in sheer, flattering tints and uses clean ingredients that are safe for sensitive skin.

Best Clear: OSEA Hyaluronic Lip Booster

OSEA’s Hyaluronic Lip Booster is a skincare-forward gloss alternative that delivers hydration and shine without the stickiness. It’s made with hyaluronic acid and seaweed to plump and smooth the lips while locking in moisture. The formula feels more like a nourishing serum than a traditional gloss, making it ideal for anyone who wants a polished, hydrated look with clean ingredients. It goes on clear with a natural sheen and works beautifully over lip liner or on its own.

Best Lip Oil: GUERLAIN Kiss Kiss Bee Glow Lip Oil

GUERLAIN’s Kiss Kiss Bee Glow is more than just a lip oil—it gives lips a glossy, healthy tint while locking in moisture. Made with honey and plant oils, it feels ultra-luxurious and provides a natural-looking plumpness. It’s a splurge-worthy product that doubles as skincare for your lips. (If it’s helpful, I don’t like Ilia’s Lip Oil since it bleeds like crazy.)

Best Glossy: The Outset Lip Oasis Glossy Treatment 

This high-shine formula delivers a mirror-like finish without the heavy or sticky feel of traditional gloss. The Outset Lip Oasis Glossy Treatment in “Sun Kiss” also includes plant-based hydrators and antioxidants, so you’re getting both shine and skincare benefits. It’s perfect for topping off your favorite lip color or wearing alone for that ultra-glossy look.

Final Thoughts

From clean beauty picks to pharmacy favorites, today’s glosses go way beyond sticky tubes from the early 2000s. If you have a favorite I need to try, tell me because I obviously don’t have enough. 😉 

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