We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more

Best Lip Glosses for A Little Extra Shine

  1. Mineral Fusion Liquid Lip Gloss - Polished Lip Gloss
  2. NYX Mega Shine Clear Lip Gloss
  3. Dior Lip Maximizer
  4. LipFusion Micro-Collagen Lip Plump Color Shine
  5. Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soother
  6. Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss
  7. Jouer Cosmetics Moisturizing Lip Gloss
  8. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizing Lip Gloss
  9. L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Gloss
  10. Physicians Formula Diamond Lip Plumper Lip Gloss
  11. Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss Lip Shine
  12. Real Purity Lip Gloss
  13. Ecco Bella Good for You Gloss
  14. Buyer's Guide

With lip gloss you’re either a fan or you aren’t. Those who aren't have usually experienced sticky, messy lip glosses which dried out their lips or led to other negative, unflattering results. Upgrading to a higher-quality lip gloss can provide you with a versatile addition to your makeup routine. There are many quality options available with some formulated for sun protection, others with moisturizing properties, and those which provide plumping effects on the lips. If you’re not sure where to start, refer to the buyer's guide below to help you find the ideal lip gloss to suit your needs and preferences. We've compiled the best lip glosses in 2022.

Best Lip Glosses Worth Considering in 2022

Mineral Fusion Liquid Lip Gloss - Polished Lip Gloss - Honorable Mention

Mineral Fusion Liquid Lip Gloss is perfect for those who are conscious about the ingredients in their beauty products. You can still achieve that clear, shiny finish you love without exposing your lips to parabens, talc, fragrances, and artificial colors. This hypo-allergenic lip gloss in Polished (clear) glides on effortlessly and delivers a smooth, glossy finish that enriches your lips with sunflower seed oil and Vitamin E. It's also infused with antioxidants that prevent free radical damage to your lips. Best of all, a tube of this ultra-glossy lip gloss costs under $10.

NYX Mega Shine Clear Lip Gloss - Consider

This clear lip gloss by NYX is a great option for individuals on a budget. It only costs around five bucks and delivers impressive results that users rave about. Although NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss is affordable, don't mistake it for a low-quality lip gloss. This creamy gloss goes on smoothly with minimal stickiness. It's not too thick, either, but instead has a consistent texture that feels good on your lips. Users claim this clear lip gloss is very shiny and long wearing, as well.

Dior Lip Maximizer - Best Plumping Lip Gloss

Dior Addict Lip Maximizer is an expensive product, but the results are worth it. This collagen-active lip gloss features a special blend of marine and hyaluronic-based fillers that moisturize, smooth, and plump your lips. You can wear it under lipsticks and glosses because of its sheerness and smooth texture. The fresh, minty flavor is also very appealing and makes this plumping lip gloss very addictive. You should also notice long-term results, so this product does more than just give the illusion of plumper lips - it actually revitalizes them.

LipFusion Micro-Collagen Lip Plump Color Shine - Best Plumping Lip Gloss

Experience vibrant, full-looking lips with LipFusion Micro-Collagen Lip Plump Color Shine. Available in 17 creamy shades, ranging from pretty pinks to deep reds, this moisturizing treatment gloss contains marine collagen micro-spheres that quickly absorb into your lips, causing lip tissue to swell slightly. This swelling is mild, however, and will not make your lips appear unnaturally large or swollen. A tube of this plumping lip gloss will cost you nearly $40, making it a rather expensive option if you're on a budget.

Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soother - Best Lip Gloss with SPF

Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soother goes beyond ordinary lip glosses and provides SPF 20 to guard your lips against harsh sun rays. It's available in nine high-gloss shades, ranging from pale pink (Sparkle) to nude (Glimmer) and bright shades (Glaze). This formula gloss is also infused with cucumber, chamomile and glycerin for superior lip hydration. It basically soothes your lips on contact, working quickly relieve your lips from dryness and damage. Another benefit of Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soother is the affordable price, which is just under $7.

Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss - Best Moisturizing Lip Gloss

Clinique has a reputation for providing high-quality beauty products, and this lip gloss is another top-notch product. Like all of Clinique's products, this Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss is 100 percent fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin. This luscious lip gloss is available in eight vibrant shades, ranging from sheer coffee brown nude to rich purple. None of these glossy shades contain shimmer or feel sticky on lips. They each instantly relieve dryness and infuse your lips with moisturizing antioxidants. Pick up a tube of Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss for $15.

Jouer Cosmetics Moisturizing Lip Gloss - Best Moisturizing Lip Gloss

Jouer Cosmetics takes a playful and simple approach on beauty, providing you with the best of makeup necessities. Available in 20 stunning shades, Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss offers an amazing selection of sheer shades, ranging from shimmering coral pink and baby pink to sparkling sand and deep wine. Each irresistible shade contains nourishing and rejuvenating ingredients like Jojoba Seed Oil, Vitamin E, and Shea Butter for intense moisturizing properties. All 20 shades are non-sticky and contain the perfect amount of color.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizing Lip Gloss - Best Drugstore Lip Gloss

Neutrogena takes health into consideration just as much as beauty, so this gloss is a perfect option for lips in need of moisture, protection, and color. The active ingredients include Acai, Goji, and Aronia berries. These are a triple threat due to potent antioxidants, long lasting hydration, and gorgeous pigmentation. The scent is delightful due to these berries, and the colors are ripe for the picking. Choose from shiny pinks, plums, nude/peach, and berry shades; you have 14 in all. As expected, this product is also dermatologist approved.

L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Gloss - Best Drugstore Lip Gloss

Indulge your lip in L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Gloss. Available in 16 luscious lip colors, ranging from crystal clear to deep plums, this super-creamy lip gloss goes on smoothly to deliver shiny, moisturizing color that conditions your lips. It's also infused with Omega 3, Argan Oil, and Vitamin E to provide superior lip hydration. Wear it solo or over any lip color to customize your look. Users claim this lip gloss smells great and provides a light shine that gives lips a youthful appearance.

Physicians Formula Diamond Lip Plumper Lip Gloss - Best Drugstore Lip Gloss

With this lip gloss, you never need to worry about finding the right shade for your lips. Physicians Formula pH Matchmaker is a pH-powered lip gloss that automatically adjusts (within 60 seconds) to your personal lip hue. The dyes in this lip gloss sense your skin's pH level and then transform to the perfect shade for your lips. It's available in three shades: Light Pink, Natural, and Pink. Each of these shiny, shimmery shades adapt to your environment and include a full-sized mirror and LED-powered compact brush for nighttime application.

Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss Lip Shine - Best Drugstore Lip Gloss

The first thing you need to know about this product is that it is quite high on the “shine-o-meter.” There is nothing subtle about the colors, either. Choose from bold red, shimmery gold, any shade of pink you could ever want, and deep rose and berry colors. These glosses are gorgeous and can stand alone - no lip color base required. Unlike many other products, Colorburst never feels sticky or heavy. Revlon gives you a lightweight feel with a precision applicator that lets you apply the perfect amount.

Real Purity Lip Gloss - Best Natural Lip Gloss

If you want a natural lip gloss that tastes and smells great, take a look at Real Purity Lip Gloss. It's packed full of moisturizing ingredients including mango seed butter, Vitamin E, and honeysuckle to rejuvenate and soften your lips. Avocado, macadamia, and aloe vera oil provide additional hydration, while beeswax and the mango seed butter seal moisture into your lips. Choose from Mauve Kiss (deep red), Berry Kiss (pink), and Clear. All shades look very natural and will enhance any lips. Users claim the colors are long lasting and the gloss is non-sticky.

Ecco Bella Good for You Gloss - Best Natural Lip Gloss

Ecco Bella's Good For You Gloss costs nearly $18, but you can expect a fabulous lip gloss that lasts. It's made from pure ingredients like organic palmfruit, shea butter, and complex Vitamin E to keep your lips smooth and healthy. This vegan lip gloss also features a smooth texture and shiny finish that doesn't feel sticky, heavy, or greasy. Choose from four flattering shades: Pleasure, Peace, Passion, and Power. Users claim Ecco Bella's Good For You Gloss feel luxurious on your lips and the color stays on throughout the day.

Buyer's Guide

 Lip gloss is a beauty product that never goes out of style or loses its versatility. It enhances lips by adding sheen and shimmer to any lip color, transforming matte lipsticks, lip stains and balms into glamorous, glossy hues. Since some lip glosses can be sticky and goopy, choosing the right one can present a challenge.

Unless you love collecting lip glosses, you may find it more convenient and cost-saving to find that one “go-to” lip gloss which complements your lips and works for any occasion. Whether you want to plump your lips or just add a clear, flattering finish, there are many lip glosses available to suit your personal preferences.

Staying Power

The amount of time a lip gloss stays on your lips is an important factor when choosing one for yourself. A high-quality lip gloss should stay on your lips for at least four hours without smudging or fading. Lower-quality lip glosses typically have less staying power as they smudge and rub off easily, meaning you’ll have to reapply them on a regular basis. This is not only inconvenient, but a waste of money as well.

Texture

One of the biggest complaints about some lip glosses are their sticky, gooey texture. Not only is goopy lip gloss unattractive, it’s also messy and inconvenient. A quality lip gloss has a creamy consistency allowing for smooth, effortless application without smearing on your lips or causing them to stick together when you close your mouth. A lip gloss should feel light and sheer to allow for application over existing lipstick.

Appearance
How a lip gloss appears on your lips is another essential factor to consider. Many lip glosses are available in a variety of shades ranging from clear to pale pinks and bright coral hues. Some are just glossy with others containing a hint of shimmer. Regardless of their finishes or shades, the best lip glosses should flatter your lips and complement your natural skin tone.

Types of Lip Gloss

Drugstore Lip Gloss

Drugstore lip glosses are perfect for individuals who want the convenience of one-stop shopping and to save a few bucks at the same time. Most drugstores feature a large selection of lip glosses, many of which come in numerous shades. Brands such as L’Oreal, Neutrogena, and Revlon offer lines of drugstore lip gloss which offer great value for your money.

SPF Lip Gloss

You can have glossy lip color and protection from the sun at the same time with sun protection factor (SPF) lip glosses. These lip glosses typically feature SPF 15 or 20 to guard your delicate lips against the suns damaging ultraviolet rays. The best SPF lip glosses come in flattering shades to suit all skin tones while formulated nourish your lips.

Moisturizing Lip Gloss

Lip gloss can actually have a drying effect on lips when worn on a regular basis. Moisturizing lip glosses prevent you from having to apply additional lip balms to hydrate your lips. They contain moisturizing agents such as shea butter and vitamins to protect against chapping, cracking, and dryness. These lip glosses are especially beneficial in the winter months when dryness is more prevalent.

Flavored Lip Gloss

Flavored lip glosses feature tasty flavors such as citrus or vanilla and available in different shades. These lip glosses are fun to experiment with and can be given away as gifts to friends. However, some of the lower quality flavored lip glosses may have poor texture or lack staying power. The best flavored lip glosses taste pleasant while maintaining superior texture and staying power.

Clear Lip Gloss

Sometimes you may not want to add to color your lips, but simply flaunt a clear gloss with a light-catching dimension to it. A clear lip gloss is also ideal when you want to just put a clear, glossy finish over your existing lip color. The best clear lip glosses provide a brilliant, lasting shine which stays put on bare lips or over lipstick.

Natural Lip Gloss

Natural lip glosses are great organic alternatives to regular lip glosses which contain artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. They’re ideal for the earth-conscious individual as well as those with chemical sensitivities and allergies. Superior natural lip glosses will contain pure ingredients with nourishing properties and come in flattering shades which stay on throughout the day.

Plumping Lip Gloss

Lip can thin as you age, but plumping lip glosses can give the appearance of fuller lips. These lip glosses cost a little more than ordinary selections, but they typically contain plumping agents such as collagen and nourishing vitamins. Plumping lip glosses also come in various shades and should have staying power like other quality lip glosses.

bestcovery team.jpg
Our research team searches out the best of everything so that you can confidently pick the perfect products and services for your needs.
RELATED CONTENT
Go to top