As a little girl, discovering the perfect lip gloss in the pages of Girl Talk magazine was a coveted win, almost a rite of passage. Rollerballs, squeezy tips, and doe-foot applicators had us all in a chokehold. Fast forward to today, where Y2K makeup looks continue to reign supreme, and lip gloss remains a makeup bag essential —a trusty companion that effortlessly adds a touch of glam to any look. Whether layered with a liner or applied on top of a lipstick, you can never go wrong with a glossy finish. However, with the millions of options flooding the market—new formulas, a rainbow of colours, and cool packaging—it can be overwhelming to find the perfect gloss that ticks all the boxes. If there's one thing our Grazia team can't go without in our makeup bag it's a gloss. That's our team of beauty editors, experts and obsessives have created a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the maze of lip glosses. Our promise? That you'll find the one that perfectly suits your style and preference. If you struggle with dry lips, we’ve uncovered the best hydrating formulas. Seeking an affordable gloss? We’ve sorted through many brilliant budget options available to find the best for you. Planning a night out? We’ve got gorgeous shimmers and full voltage glosses to keep you covered on that front too. From tinted glosses that add a hint of colour to your lips to long-lasting options that keep your pout looking pristine all day, our roundup features top contenders that cater to every need. Get ready to discover your new go-to lip gloss. Best Overall: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer Best New Comer: Refy Lip Gloss Best Colour Pay-off: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil Best for Dry Lips: Dior Lip Oil Best Affordable Lip Gloss: Elf Glow Reviver Lip Oil Formula: We considered how the product felt on our lips, noting whether it was lightweight, caused product build up, or felt uncomfortable overtime. Hydration: Moisture is so important and was at the top of our list. Shine and shimmer is all well and good but if the gloss completely dried out or lips it had to go. Longevity: We tested the lip glosses staying power by how long it stayed on our lips amidst talking, eating, and drinking throughout the day. Appearance: So this is essentially the finish of the gloss. Is it sheer, glossy, or shimmery? How well does it work with our complexions and natural lip colours? Side effects: We were vigilant for any irritations that may have occurred after using the lip gloss, especially if we had dry, or sensitive skin. We always do a patch test before wearing. Please consult a doctor or dermatologist if you're worried about any ingredients listed on a lip gloss.Editor's Choice: The Best Lip Glosses 2024 At A Glance
How We Tested Them:
When choosing a lip gloss, look out for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and vitamin E which all provide hydration and nourishment. If you're someone who suffers from dry lips, dermatologists recommend plumping for emollient rich glosses which help to lock moisture. Go for glosses that include castor oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil. Or choose something with humectants such as glycerin and honey which help to maintain hydration levels. Antioxidants like green tea extract, grape seed oil, and vitamin C also protect your lips from environmental stressors. Finding a gloss that’s able to last can be a difficult task. However, glosses with thicker or more viscous textures tend to last a lot better throughout the day. Additionally, you can consider lip glosses with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or oils, as they can help lock in moisture and prolong wear. The lip glosses we selected stand out as the best choices due to their stellar performance across all categories we tested. From texture and longevity to appearance and moisturising properties, these lip glosses consistently ticked all the boxes. Not only do they look good but they still feel comfortable throughout the day. Moreover, their user-friendly applicators and moisturising formulas keep our lips hydrated and make them convenient companions for our on-the-go schedules. If theres one thing you carry in your bag let it be one of these lip glosses. See all our favourites down below.The Best Lip Gloss Ingredients To Soothe Dry Lips
How Do I Find A Lip gloss That Is Long Lasting?
Are These Really The Best Lip Glosses?
Shop: Grazia's Favourite Lip Glosses Of All Time
Best Does It All Lip Gloss
Viral
Price: £18
www.boots.com
Verity Clark Acting Beauty Director: 'This is everything a lip gloss should be; dewy, juicy and a little bit shimmery. I whip this out and swipe it on when I'm feeling a little bit extra. The addition of shea butter helps to soften lips and the subtle shimmer gives the illusion of plumper lips. Great worn alone or slicked over a nude lipstick. An all time favourite!'
Pros
- Subtle Shimmer
- Can be worn alone or over lipstick
- Varied shade range
- Plumping effect
Cons
- Can feel sticky
Lasting power
4.5
Appearance
5.0
Moisture
4.8
Formula
5.0
Price: £18
www.boots.com
Best Oil-Rich Lip Gloss
Price: £16.25 (was £25)
www.sephora.co.uk
Rachael Martin Beauty Editor: 'I was never a lip gloss girl until I tried the Nars Afterglow Lip Shine at a press event - and now this one is an every day favourite. It’s nourishing without ever being sticky thanks to the moisturising blend of jojoba oil and pomegranate exact. The shade Orgasm is my go to - it’s the perfect blend of shimmery pink and it really flatters my skin tone. It’s always in my make-up bag.'
Pros
- Nourishing oils are good for dry lips
- Doesn't have a sticky finish
Cons
- Colour fades quite quickly
Lasting power
3.6
Appearance
4.0
Moisture
4.8
Formula
5.0
Price: £16.25 (was £25)
www.sephora.co.uk
Best Hydrating Lip Gloss
Soft applicator
Alternative retailers
Saks Fifth Avenue$24.00View offer
Nordstrom$25.00View offer
Ulta$40.00View offer
Sephora$40.00View offer
Sameeha Shaik Beauty Writer: 'My every day glossy lip comes courtesy of Dior's iconic, and viral, Addict Lip Glow Oil. It's my favourite example of how the glosses of our teen days have evolved into much more sophisticated, comfortable, non-sticky versions of their former selves. I've taken to 001 Pink, but it's available in eight suit-all shades that adapt to your pH levels to provide a custom hue, thanks to Dior's colour reviver technology.'
Pros
- Colour adapting technology
- Comfortable applicator
- Nourishing ingredients
Cons
- Heavy formula
Lasting power
4.7
Appearance
5.0
Moisture
4.4
Forumla
5.0
Price: £32
Walmart
Best Everyday Lip Gloss
Cool applicator
Price: £16
refybeauty.com
Renee Washington Digital Fashion and Beauty Assistant: 'I'm a lip combo type of girl, but this is one gloss I love to wear alone - it nourishes and instantly softens. I will never stop raving about the applicator, because swiping this on feels like butter on the skin. It's good for lips long term too. Hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil encourage the natural production of collagen so lips are left looking healthier long after the gloss has worn off.My go-to shade is Fawn, a universally flattering nude!'
Pros
- Cooling applicator
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
- Fills in fine lines
Cons
- Can leak at the lid
Lasting power
4.0
Appearance
5.0
Moisture
4.8
Formula
4.8
Price: £16
refybeauty.com
Best Tinted Lip Gloss
Gavrielle Weiss Fashion Assistant: 'When I'm rushing from shoots to press events after work I need one lip product that will work for me all day. This lip oil ticks all my boxes giving, colour, shine, moisture and a subtle plumping effect. When the gloss wears off it leaves a tint on my lips which is perfect for busy days where you can't always retouch. I usually wear in the shade Serenity which feels like a deeper shade of my natural colour.'
Pros
- Natural looking
- Long lasting colour
- Matte finish
Cons
- The tingly sensation isn't for everyone
Lasting power
4.8
Moisture
3.9
Appearance
5.0
Formula
4.2
Price: £20
Walmart
Best Luxury Lip Gloss
A classic
Jess Evans Fashion Bookings and Production Coordinator: 'Chanel's Rouge Coco Gloss in icing is my absolute go-to, I used to steal my mum’s gloss from her makeup bag whenever she wasn’t looking, until she finally bought me my own for my 21st birthday. These glosses come in a huge range of colours and the glossy finish gives lips a glamorous sheen. Fast forward 9 years later and I don’t go anywhere without a Chanel lippy - I’m obsessed.'
Pros
- Ultra hydrating
- Good colour pay off
- High-shine
Cons
- Often out of stock
Lasting power
4.0
Moisture
4.2
Appearance
4.5
Formula
4.5
Price: £34
www.harveynichols.com
Best pigmented lip gloss
Price: £23
www.boots.com
Shopping Editor Julia Harvey: 'I love a red lip if i'm going out and whilst lipsticks are great, I prefer the easy application of a gloss. Lancôme's L'absolu gloss is my go-to as the colour is really strong after just one quick very easy application (easily done sans mirror) plus it won't dry out your lips like lipsticks can. The finish is pearlescent which I think looks very glam '
Pros
- Balm like base
- Hydrating
Cons
- Can feel sticky after multiple applications
Lasting power
5.0
Moisture
4.3
Appearance
4.5
Formula
3.7
Price: £23
www.boots.com
Best Creamy Lip Gloss
Price: £26
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Dayna Head of Social Media: 'This is is my top two and reader it's not number two. When I was first introduced to this product I was so shocked by the pigment - it's bold and lasts for a really long time. Blush dreams is my fave colourway and it can be best described as a soft pink. It not only looks good, it feels good too which is all down to the hefty dose of antioxidant rich vitamin E. Mwah no notes.'
Pros
- Colour pay-off
- Hydrating
Cons
- Needs frequent re-application
Lasting power
3.8
Appearance
5.0
Moisture
4.6
Formula
4.7
Price: £26
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Best Buildable Lip Gloss
Chrome applicator
Price: £60
www.harrods.com
Whitney Jones Editorial Assistant: 'I managed to snap these glosses up during a sale and haven't let go of them since. I'm fully stocked for a few months. Cassis is my favourite at the moment it's a rich plum colour, that is subtle, but you can easily build for a stronger look! The best part about it is that it's not sticky, very smooth and hydrating and coming from someone who suffers with dry lips that is a big plus. Theres's tonnes of skin-loving ingredients including peptides, ceramides and shea butter to keep lips healthy and hydrated. I always get compliments on it.'
Pros
- Buildable
- Packed with hydrating ingredients
- Wide colour range
Cons
- Price point
Lasting power
5.0
Moisture
4.5
Formula
4.3
Appearance
4.7
Price: £60
www.harrods.com
Best lip gloss for sheer coverage
Price: £16
uk.glossier.com
Natalie Hammond Senior Fashion News Editor: 'Glossier’s is the gold-standard of lip gloss because of it's perfectly balanced formula that somehow manages to be shiny but not remotely sticky. It’s also a brilliant choice if your lips, like mine, tend to dry out during the day because it’s formulated with jojoba oil and Vitamin E. Glossier describes the finish as ‘glassy’, which it absolutely delivers, creating perfectly smooth coverage whether you opt for an everyday clear, night-time shimmer or va-va-voom red.'
Pros
- Long lasting
- Antioxidant rich
- Versatile
Cons
- Quite thick
Long lasting
5.0
Formula
4.6
Moisture
4.0
Appearance
4.0
Price: £16
uk.glossier.com
Best wet look lip gloss
Over 30 shades available
Price: £10.99
www.sephora.co.uk
Jada Langola-Walters Social Media Assistant: 'I LOVE a gloss which gives a shiny, wet lip look and this Kiko 3D Hydra Lip gloss always comes up top for me. Coming in under £12 and leaves my lips feeling soft and plumped. I usually use the shade 01 clear over a brown lipliner to achieve a 90s brown lip look.'
Pros
- Plump effect
- A lip combo hero
- 30 shades available
Cons
- Often out of stock
Lasting power
4.1
Moisture
4.0
Formula
4.5
Appearance
5.0
Price: £10.99
www.sephora.co.uk
Best affordable lip gloss
Great Dupe
Price: £8
www.elfcosmetics.co.uk
This Elf gloss is stocked up in our beauty cupboard and is one we always make a play for when its time to film some video content. It's cute, compact and instantly moisturising. Plus it delivers a silky sheen without breaking the bank. Our favourites are Crystal Clear, Coral Fixation, Pink Quartz and Honey Talks.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Moisturising
- Plush applicator
Cons
- Tingles - some may find this uncomfortable
Lasting Power
4.0
Moisture
3.8
Formula
4.0
Appearance
3.9
Long Lasting | |
Moisture | |
Shine | |
Colour |
Best hyaluronic acid infused lip gloss
Price: £8.99
www.lookfantastic.com
Roisin Savage Associate Art Director : 'I love Maybelline's Lifter Gloss in Topaz. It's a great dupe for the Fenty Gloss Bomb, except I actually prefer the scent of this one. The hyaluronic acid boost is a welcome relief for parched lips. Unlike a lot of high street glosses this doesn't have a sticky consistency and applies really smoothly. The subtle shimmer is one of my favourite things about this gloss!'
Pros
- Plumping effect
- Hydrating
Cons
- Wears off quickly
Lasting power
4.0
Formula
4.0
Moisture
4.0
Appearance
4.0
Price: £8.99
www.lookfantastic.com
Best rollerball lip gloss
Rollerball
Price: £28
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Beauty klaxon alert, rollerball lip glosses are back in vogue and we're pretty happy about it. This one from Charlotte Tilbury allows for easy application and seamlessly spreading the product over your lips. It leaves the lips plump and blurs our lip lines, it's also great as an overnight lip treatment.
Pros
- Easy Applicaton
- Hydrating
- Blurring
Cons
- The scent is divisive
Lasting power
4.5
Moisture
4.8
Appearance
4.0
Formula
4.6
Price: £28
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Best over a lipstick lip gloss
Price: £7.49
www.lookfantastic.com
Renee Washington Digital Fashion and Beauty Assistant: 'This sheer - medium lip gloss is always in my bag on a night out, Praline paired with MAC Chestnut and a clear gloss is a hero combo. I'm never without.'
Pros
- Pairs well with a lipstick
- Pigmented
Cons
- Doesn't last that long
Lasting power
3.6
Formula
4.0
Moisture
4.0
Appearance
5.0
Price: £7.49
www.lookfantastic.com
Best overnight lip oil
Alternative retailers
Target$30.00View offer
Ulta$30.00View offer
Kohl's$30.00View offer
Sephora$30.00View offer
If you suffer from dry lips the best thing about this lip oil is that it can be used as an overnight treatment. It is infused with hazelnut oil and jojoba oil to care for lips, we really love this brown shade.
One trusted review said: 'Like most girls I've tried my fair share of lip products and over those many years I've determined I don't like a tacky or sticky finish to a gloss. This wasn't. At all. It was silky, gorgeous and glossy. I highly recommend this! While the colour may not have been the one that I was supposed to get, I liked it anyways. It's light and doesn't fade into nothing after a few minutes of wear.'
Pros
- Hydrating
- Colour pay-off
Cons
- Lightweight formula
Lasting power
4.0
Appearance
4.7
Moisture
4.0
Formula
4.8
Price: £21.25
Nordstrom
Best lip jelly
Price: £18
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
'Never sticky, always shiny lips', is Tower 28's slogan. This formula delivers on that promise thanks to a unique blend of five nourishing oils - including apricot, avocado and raspberry. The colour is subtle but lips are soothed and smoothed.
One trusted review said: 'Really nice lip gloss, the shine is amazing, it's like what you see on social media. Feels good on the lips, does not fall into the lines. Simply the best gloss. And it also has some treatment ingredients, which is also great.'
Pros
- Very conditioning
Cons
- Colour payoff is minimal
Lasting power
4.0
Appearance
4.0
Moisture
4.0
Formula
4.0
Price: £18
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Best glossy balm
This may be a balm but we had to include it because it's just as glossy. Laneige's unique 2-in-1 formula has been cleverly blended with shea and murumuru butters that help nourish dry lips and seal in moisture.
One trusted review said: 'Gorgeous texture with a very slight “your lips but better” tint. Smells beautiful too (not overpowering). I’ll definitely be trying some of the other flavours.'
Pros
- Moisturising
- Use as a overnight treatment
- Hybrid balm and gloss
Cons
- Barely there tint
Lasting power
4.0
Moisture
4.5
Formula
4.0
Appearance
4.0
Price: £14.40(was £16)
Walmart
Best plumping lip gloss
Price: £23
www.lookfantastic.com
The tingling sensation is real but doesn't burn too much. The irritation causes a slight swelling to the lips hence the plumping promise.It's a clear gloss with a hint of pink and is infused with vitamin E and avocado oil to soften.
One trusted review said: 'This lasts for a good while on the lips. It's not sticky but you can definitely feel something kind of thick on your lips. The shade, 'Stars Align' is a gorgeous clear gloss with teeny sparkly flecks. (no horrible clumps of gritty glitter that you can feel thank goodness!) And the tingle is minty and not too severe. Kind of refreshing! Love it. Great on its own or as a topper.'
Pros
- Plumping
- Not sticky
Cons
- Applicator could be wider
Lasting power
4.0
Moisture
4.0
Appearance
4.7
Formula
5.0
Price: £23
www.lookfantastic.com
Best high-shine lip gloss
Price: £25
www.lookfantastic.com
This gloss not only hydrates and plumps, but also offers a range universally flattering shades. Infused with a blend of nutrient-rich botanical oils, it leaves your lips looking good with just one swipe.
One trusted review said: 'I love all Bobbi brown products and this oil infused lip gloss is no exception. It applies really nicely and is a lovely natural colour. I have many of these lip glosses in different shades and I am happy with them all.'
Pros
- Long lasting
- Plumping
Cons
- Applicator is small
Lasting power
4.7
Appearance
4.0
Moisture
4.0
Formula
4.0
Price: £25
www.lookfantastic.com
Best no-makeup makeup lip gloss
Price: £21
www.lookfantastic.com
A versatile gloss that can be layered over a lipstick or simply worn alone. It has flat doe-foot applicator that seamlessly distributes the product across the lips giving it that natural wet look.
One trusted review said: 'I’m in love with the formula of this gloss, it’s super shiny but not sticky at all. goes on super buttery smooth it almost feels like a mix between a lip balm and lip gloss. also, it has a hint of a kind of fruity fragrance that is very subtle but nice.'
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty free
- Flatters all complexions
Cons
- Free from oil so it's not particularly moisturising
Lasting power
4.6
Moisture
4.0
Formula
4.4
Appearance
5.0
Price: £21
www.lookfantastic.com
Best balm like gloss
Price: £28
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
The oil-rich formula almost feels like a balm, it's rich in pigment and looks great on a night out.
One trusted review said: 'I love the shimmer this gloss gives as well as the consistency. It lasts well and isn’t too sticky. It was my first time trying Pat McGrath lipglosses and I’m not disappointed.'
Pros
- Pigmented
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- Fades fast
Price: £28
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Best collagen infused lip gloss
Price: £28
www.beautypie.com
A nice dewy gloss infused with collagen-oil for plumper and smoother looking lips. Our favourite shade is nude nectar. We love the sheer, balmy finish.
One trusted review said: 'This is perfect. No irritation just glossy, without any stickiness. This plum naked colour is gorgeous and I love it so much I've ordered the nude one. This plumps the lips and leave them really smooth and dare I say, kissable!'
Pros
- Smoothing
- Nourishing
- Plumping effect
Cons
- Very sheer colour payoff
Lasting power
4.0
Moisture
4.0
Appearance
4.5
Formula
4.0
Price: £28
www.beautypie.com
Best glossy lip gloss
Price: £17.50
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Renee Washington Digital Fashion & Beauty Assistant:'This is a gorgeous thick gloss and the colour payoff is insane. I use Coco to outline my lips and place Sugar Baby in the middle, to create the perfect ombré. I love the taste and smell of it so I find myself reapplying again and again. The applicator also makes sure everything goes on so smoothly.'
Pros
- Thick formula
- High shine
- Smells great
Cons
- Need to be careful opening, product can flick
Lasting power
4.5
Apperance
4.8
Moisture
4.0
Formula
4.3
Price: £17.50
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Best lip gloss hybrid
Price: £18
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
This product bridges the gap between an oil, gloss, and balm in one convenient swipe.The formula is infused with jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid, which immediately set to work healing my dry, chapped lips. I find that all the shades are universally flattering as well. My favourites have to be Dip, Bounce and Push. The only downside is the smell, which is a bit off-putting, but the benefits far outweigh this minor con.
Pros
- Universal colours
- Hydrating
Cons
- Could smell better
Price: £18
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Plumping lip glosses are all the rage right now as they offer a non-invasive way to achieve fuller lips. The results are instant and they provide a convenient solution for people who want temporary, subtle enhancement without the commitment or potential risks of more permanent procedures. We spoke to Dr.AnnaProtasova,dermatologist and GP at Evolution Aesthetics Clinic to find out what using them actually involves. According to Dr. Protasova, ‘Various lip plumpers use different methods to enhance volume. Some irritate lips, causing swelling and increased blood flow.’ She explains that the 'plumping action often involves vasodilation, widening blood vessels to boost circulation and create a fuller, redder look'. However, she warns that overuse can lead to harmful side effects, especially for sensitive skin. These may include 'irritation, dryness, cracking, and bleeding, particularly in the delicate skin of the upper lip'. Dr. Protasova advises caution for those prone to allergies, as ingredients could trigger pain, stinging, or a rash around the mouth. She recommends consulting with a dermatologist for safe treatment alternatives. Yes, trends come and go but glosses have stood the test of time. With the beauty industry constantly developing new finishes, formulas, and designs they won't be going anywhere anytime soon. Renee Washington, Grazia's Digital Fashion and Beauty Assistant, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie.Are lip-plumping glosses harmful?
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