My Favorite Lip Glosses

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 among three favorites: the Oliveda lip balm (which feels like skincare for your lips), Rhode Lip Peptites (tinted usually) 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 (but with more color than a simple balm). 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 made 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 if you love gloss but 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 many 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. The downside? It’s pricey for a small tube.

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, using ginger root oil and capsicum fruit extract (i.e. from hot peppers). The thicker texture provides major shine.

Best Moisturizing: Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment

When my lips need major moisture but I still want a glossy, put-together look, the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment is what I reach for. It’s thick and cushiony in the best way, and it’s hydrating for hours. It feels like skincare, looks like gloss, and somehow makes your whole face feel fresher. However, the color payoff is very sheer so if you want a boost of color, this may not be your go-to.

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. This has more color payoff than most that I own.

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 another one that’s more like skincare than gloss, delivering hydration and shine without the stickiness. It’s made with clean ingredients and uses hyaluronic acid and seaweed to plump and smooth the lips while locking in moisture. 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. Its formula uses honey and plant oils, giving a natural-looking plumpness. It’s a splurge-worthy product if you want a swipe-and-go lip gloss, with a very light tint. (If it’s helpful, I don’t like Ilia’s Lip Oil since it bleeds like crazy. Read my full Ilia review here.)

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 finds to drugstore gems, today’s lip glosses are in a whole different league than the sticky Lip Smackers we grew up with – lucky us.

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Other Posts You Might Like:

• Oliveda Lip Balm – The Best I’ve Ever Used
• My Simple Makeup Routine 
• Crunchi Makeup Review – What to Buy & What to Skip
• My Honest Merit Makeup Review