Lip glosses will always be my go-to as the missing piece to my put-together look. But don't judge a book by its cover. When you look past that simple glitter-filled square packaging, lip glosses are quite versatile.
Whether you're trying to achieve Kylie Jenner's full pout or go natural with a clear or neutral option, lip glosses have always been and will always be the star of the show (in my opinion). With so many brands trying to make a quick buck and sell overpriced products that don't always work properly, it's pretty easy to get confused about what's good and what isn't. So, I've taken the liberty of testing out these lip gloss brands, and here's a list of brands I will definitely be buying again.
Fenty Beauty
The Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb, particularly in the shade "Fenty Glow," is an absolute gem in my collection. Let me tell you, this gloss deserves every bit of the hype it gets. From the moment I saw its sleek packaging, I knew I was in for something special.
The scent is the sweetest and most captivating among all my glosses. It's strong, but personally, I find it rather pleasant.
The applicator, reminiscent of the "Maybelline Lifter Gloss," makes application a breeze. But what truly sets this gloss apart is its consistency—it strikes the perfect balance, not too thin or thick, giving just the right amount of pigment. The result?
The juiciest, shiniest pout that lasts for a good amount of time. I'm not one to usually receive compliments, but my lips become the center of attention whenever I wear this. They look so full and eye-catching that it's hard not to notice!
What's truly impressive is its comfortable wear. It's not sticky or heavy, just a dreamy gloss that enhances my lips without hassle. It's become my go-to for any lip combo I create.
Whether I'm going for a full makeup look or a no-makeup makeup day, this gloss is my secret weapon. And let me tell you, with 9 ml of product in the tube, it's a steal! Most glosses in my collection barely hit the 4-5 ml mark.
Honestly, I hold this gloss as a treasure in my collection. It might sound cheesy, but it's true. It's that one product I can't imagine not having.
It's the perfect topper, elevating any lip look with its brilliance. Fenty Beauty truly hit the mark with this gloss—it's a game-changer, a staple, and an absolute keeper.
Shop Here: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer ($21)
Kiko 3D Hydra Lip Gloss
The Kiko 3D Hydra Lip Gloss is one of those understated products that often surprises you with its quality. It's what I'd consider a classic lip gloss, nothing too flashy or groundbreaking, but it gets the job done without much fuss. First off, I appreciate that it doesn't have an overpowering scent.
It's a faint aroma that's barely noticeable. The applicator is pretty standard, medium-sized, with a curved tip. What I like about it is how it lays the gloss on your lips just right, providing a nice, even coat without feeling too heavy or sticky. It strikes that balance well, giving it a comfortable feel while managing to stick around for a decent amount of time. I've found it particularly handy for night outs—it's got that shiny effect that works well for those occasions. The best part? Most of the time, I don't have to worry too much about reapplying it constantly. That staying power is definitely a plus. The shades I've tried, "02 - Natural Beige" and "19 - Cream Cashmere," cater to everyday wear. "Natural Beige" is a nude semi-clear beige, perfect for those wanting a more natural look.
Meanwhile, "Cream Cashmere" is a subtle everyday pink with a hint of peach, adding just enough color without being too loud. It's an underrated product that does its job without screaming for attention. If you stumble upon it, it might surprise you with its reliability.
Shop Here: Kiko 3D Hydra Lip Gloss ($13)
Pat Mcgrath
This gloss isn't just another addition to your beauty arsenal; it's a statement piece that enhances your lips with a touch of ethereal allure. I'm picky about my gloss, and I can attest that this gloss isn't sticky. It glides on smoothly, caressing your lips with a luscious, non-tacky feel.
The fragrance is a delightful touch, adding a hint of luxury to the application experience. In my personal experience, the Aliengelic shade is a versatile choice. As a topper, it adds a mesmerizing dimension to any base color, imparting an otherworldly shine. But here's the kicker—it's equally enchanting on its own. The pigmented reflectivity of this shade makes a statement, giving your lips a distinct, standout appeal. The opacity of this gloss is commendable, offering a substantial color payoff without the gloopy, heavy feeling that plagues many others in the market. And let's talk pricing. Sure, I've splurged more on glosses that didn't live up to half of what this one offers. The price point, considering the quality, seems reasonable enough.
Shop Here: LUST: Gloss (Aliengelic) ($29)
Lunar Beauty
I bought the "Dreamy Lip Gloss," and this has been a staple in my beauty routine for a while now. First, it's like wearing a cloud on your lips—super light and hydrating. I'm all about that dewy, glassy finish; this gloss nails it every time.
I'm not one to swoon over scents, but this cupcake aroma? Surprisingly delightful. It's not overpowering, just a sweet little touch that makes the application feel like a treat. As for the wear, it pairs up beautifully, whether I'm going solo with just the gloss or layering it over my favorite lipstick. And let's talk about packaging. It's sleek chic—pretty much the epitome of what you'd want to pull out of your bag for a quick touch-up. I mean, presentation matters, right? As for the nitty-gritty, well, it doesn't have that stickiness some glosses tend to have. But here's the thing: reapplication might be necessary if you're in for the long haul. It's not the most long-lasting gloss out there, but for the finish and feel it gives, a touch-up now and then doesn't bug me. It's become my go-to for that effortless, polished look. If you're into a weightless, hydrating gloss with a dreamy finish and a hint of cupcake goodness, give this one a shot.
Shop Here: Lunar Beauty Dreamy Lip Gloss ($17)
Essence Extreme Shine
Looking for that ultimate gloss that brings out the 'wow' factor without emptying your wallet? Then this gloss is perfect for you! The faint, sweet scent is a nice touch, and I appreciate how the applicator hits that sweet spot—not too big or too small, saving me from the hassle of double-dipping.
I've experienced the extreme shine this gloss boasts. It embraces my lips beautifully, filling those fine lines and creating a fuller appearance effortlessly. I appreciate that the consistency is just right, not overly thin or thick. It's labeled as "oil-based," but miraculously, it doesn't feel greasy at all, which is a win in my book. It's not sticky and lasts very long. Though, I've noticed it performs better on well-moisturized lips. If my lips were dry beforehand, it tended to accentuate those lines, which isn't ideal. Despite its affordability and undeniable shine, I've had moments where it felt like it merely sat atop my lips rather than blending in. It's good but doesn't quite steal the show from my preferred go-to, the Maybelline Lifter Gloss. The Lifter Gloss gives that juicy, moisturized look that's hard to beat. With it, you can genuinely see the moisture on your lips, which is a plus for me.
Shop Here: Essence Extreme Shine ($4)
Maybelline Lifter Gloss
You know, it's funny how certain products just stick with you, and this gloss is one of those for me. It's not my absolute favorite (that spot's reserved for another brand), but it's up there.
The first thing that grabbed my attention was the buzz around it, so I thought, why not give it a shot? And honestly, I was pleasantly surprised. It's got this sweet scent that reminds me a bit of the NYX Butter Gloss but amped up a notch.
The consistency is on the thicker side, yet it manages to avoid that sticky, heavy feeling that some glosses tend to have. That thicker texture translates into full opacity on the lips, delivering a nice effect - making them look fuller, plumper, and well-hydrated. It's comfortable to wear, and bonus points for how it's been a savior for my dry lips on more than one occasion. It's surprising how it sort of works its magic throughout the day. I noticed my lips feeling noticeably better after using it regularly.
In terms of longevity, it does pretty well, sticking around for a decent amount of time before needing a touch-up. As for shades, I've tried out a few - 001 (Pearl), 003 (Moon), 007 (Amber), and 008 (Stone). Out of those, my personal favorites are 003 and 001.
They've become kind of a staple for me. I'm even considering broadening my collection because those shades hit the spot for my style. While it's not the reigning champ in my lip gloss lineup, Maybelline's Lifter Gloss holds its own and has earned its place among my top picks.
Shop Here: Maybelline Lifter Gloss ($11)
NYX Butter Gloss
NYX Butter Lip Gloss is like your best friend in your makeup bag. It's an everyday go-to, quick and easy for a touch of color without needing a lip liner. Similar to Maybelline Lifter Gloss but with a fainter scent, it's got that creamy, buttery consistency that glides on effortlessly, offering a light to medium coverage that feels oh-so-comfortable on your lips.
I've tried a few shades—Madeleine, Tiramisu, Praline, and Spiked Toffee—but I often gravitate towards "Praline". It's that ideal MLBB (My lips but better) shade, especially on my skin tone. It adds a touch of depth without being too overpowering, complementing my natural lip color beautifully. The gloss settles a bit throughout the day, becoming less glossy, but it doesn't leave my lips feeling dry or flaky. It's not a sticky formula; it's more of a creamy texture that gives a subtle shine rather than a high gloss. While it's not the most long-wearing, it's perfect for a day at college or work, blending in nicely without screaming for attention. Plus, reapplication is a breeze, so you can touch it whenever needed without hassle.
Shop Here: NYX Butter Gloss ($6)
Remember, the perfect lip gloss isn't just about following trends but about finding what makes you feel confidently beautiful. The right lip gloss can be your go-to beauty weapon, whether you're aiming for a glossy, natural look for your everyday routine or a bold, statement lip for a special event. Experiment, have fun, and let your lips do the talking with these fantastic picks that promise to add that extra pop of allure to your makeup collection.
