The 13 Best Lip Glosses of 2024, Tested by Real People

Oct 15, 2024

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Spoiler alert: We loved Rare Beauty's Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm for its non-sticky, buildable formula and long-lasting wear

Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience covering all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. At PEOPLE, she collaborates with the PEOPLE Tested team to share our top recommendations for everything from the best shapewear to the best dark spot correctors.

In This Article

People / Jessica Juliao

With the return of Y2K makeup, we’ve swapped out our matte liquid lipsticks for lip gloss once again. Only lip gloss in 2024 is much different than the sticky, goopy gloss of the early 2000s. With the popularity of skincare makeup, lip gloss adds shine while also promoting lots of skincare perks, such as hydration, environmental protection, and exfoliation — and some lip glosses even boast anti-aging benefits.

According to Clarissa Luna, a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with the likes of Megan Fox, Sarah Ferguson, and Ellie Kemper, lip gloss is the quintessential makeup must-have because it can add moisture, elevate your lipstick, and give you a juicy, high-shine finish.

“Whether it’s traditional lip gloss, highly pigmented lipstick gloss, sheer tinted gloss, balmy gloss, or lip oils, lip gloss is having a moment, and I’m most certain it’s here to stay,” she tells PEOPLE.

With its multitasking makeover, we can’t get enough of the glossy lip finish and have spent weeks testing different formulas to find the best lip glosses. After six months of real-world testing, we landed on 13 formulas that provide ample hydration while also promoting a long-lasting glossy finish.

Buildable and easy to layer

Lightweight with plenty of shine

Long-lasting finish, so you won’t need to constantly reapply

Not as hydrating as others we tested

When testing lip glosses, we were most impressed by this Rare Beauty balm for its buildable coverage that feels smooth and creamy, making it easy to layer. The formula has a lightweight consistency that can give you either a subtle or bold finish, depending on how many layers you apply and, although it’s light, it still boasts plenty of shine.

Throughout the testing period, its long-lasting finish provided that glossy finish without needing to reapply often. While we didn’t find it was the most hydrating formula on our list, it still provides some subtle nourishment with ingredients such as lotus, gardenia, and white water lily, which are known for their skin-nourishing benefits.

Size: 0.12 ounce | Key Ingredients: Lotus, gardenia, white water lily | Shades: 5

Six months later, this product is still in our daily rotation. Our tester keeps it in her work backpack and uses it to freshen up throughout the day or before going out to dinner after work. The colors are subtle but work great for layering over lipstick. It feels like a hydrating balm-gloss hybrid and isn’t sticky at all. The applicator is super effective and we also like the size and style of the container.

Includes skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and coconut oil

Buildable consistency

Applicator wand easily applies an even layer of formula

Feels sticky for a few minutes after application

The Maybelline Lifter Gloss made has a lightweight consistency that still adds ample nourishment to the pout thanks to its inclusion of the coconut oil and hyaluronic acid. On top of that, it has a buildable consistency that makes it easier to achieve a more customized finish so you can either keep it simple and subtle with one coat or go for a bolder finish with several layers.

The applicator wand also played a major role in its buildable possibilities as it was easy to use and evenly distributed the formula onto the pout so you could get more even coats. While it felt sticky at first, the overall sticky texture disappeared after a few minutes, and our lips felt like they had a more creamy lip balm on instead.

Size: 0.18 ounce | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, coconut oil | Shades: 25

As someone who previously didn’t wear lip products on a daily basis, our tester loves the way this gloss hydrates her lips, adds a bit of color, and provides a put-together look. It also gives her lips a noticeable plumping effect without the uncomfortable sting that can be experienced from similar products. There is a slight sensation when first applied (so it lets you know it’s working), but the feeling doesn’t last long. This product has also been a hit among our tester’s friends, who've borrowed the gloss when in a pinch.

Buildable and layers well

Thick consistency gives color, but still applies smoothly

Feels more like a lip balm than a gloss

Slightly sticky consistency

For a cheaper yet still high-quality lip gloss, we recommend the NYX Butter Gloss which has a highly pigmented formula that rivals those of luxe makeup brands. With 29 different shades to choose from, this lip gloss is also at the top of our list for one of the best color ranges.

During testing, its buildable coverage was one of the most noteworthy features, especially since it not only layers nicely with itself but also works well on top of lipstick for a glossy finish. While it has a slightly stickier consistency compared to other options on our list, we found that it still feels smooth on the lips and is thick enough for coverage but not so thick that it’s impossible to spread across the pout.

Size: 0.27 ounce | Key Ingredients: Beeswax | Shades: 29

Our tester continues using this gloss in her daily life over the past six months. It goes on smoothly and quickly — you don’t even need a mirror to apply it. She also loves that it stays on for a good amount of time without needing to be reapplied. It’s also a great product to use over regular lipstick. We just wish the online color chart was more accurate, as we found the shades different in real life than they appeared on the website. Overall, this is a great product, and its unbeatable $6 cost means we’re not afraid of losing it — or buying a bunch of shades.

No sticky texture — it feels like a lip cream

Lightweight formula is comfortable enough for everyday wear

Formulated with lip-nourishing oils for deep hydration

Stays put all day

More expensive than others on our list

Thius Bobbi Brown gloss is enriched with several different types of skin-nourishing oils — including apricot kernel, olive fruit, kukui seed, and avocado oil — to support hydrated, supple lips.

While testing this formula, we were most impressed by its glossy finish, which never feels sticky on the lips and instead has a more creamy consistency. We love that it is formulated with skin-benefiting oils, and despite the added oils, it still feels ultra-lightweight. On top of that, it has a buildable formula so that you can achieve both a subtle and a bold look from the same product.

Aside from when we wiped our mouth on a napkin after eating, we rarely felt the need to reapply this lip gloss throughout the day as it boasts impressive staying power. When we did remove it, the added oils left our lips feeling more moisturized than before the initial application.

Size: 0.2 ounce | Key Ingredients: Apricot kernel oil, olive fruit oil, kukui seed oil, avocado oil | Shades: 9

After two months of using the Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss, it's become one of our tester's go-to lip products. They love how easy it is to apply and how nourishing and hydrating it feels on the lips.

We didn’t have to reapply often

Feels thick on the lips, but is creamy rather than sticky

Vitamin E provides nourishment and antioxidant protection

Tinted finish rather than highly pigmented gloss

Sticky feeling when overapplied

After testing many options, we found that the Lancôme Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss has the best-staying power. While this gloss doesn’t really have a sticky texture, its creamy formula feels a little tacky, which helps it keep its long-lasting shine and keeps it in place even after eating.

Enhanced with vitamin E, the formula provides the pout with nourishment and antioxidant protection, making it a two-in-one product. It might not be ideal for every preference, but we love that it has a more tinted finish that provides a subtle pop of color rather than a high-pigmented gloss, making it another contender for an everyday look.

Size: 0.5 ounce | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E | Shades: 12

Six months later, our tester is still loving the nostalgia factor of this 2000s favorite. We love the hydration, shimmer, and little pop of color this gloss provides. The shine is subtle. To get a really glossy look, you’ll need to apply a generous amount, but if you add too much, we found that it feels heavy and sticky.

Ultra-thick consistency gives a high shine that lasts

Formulated with skin-benefiting ingredients

Easy to apply and spread on lips

Slightly tacky and sticky texture

Application is gloopy at first

When it comes to high shine, the Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss is where it’s at. This formula has a thick and glossy consistency that provides a nice layer of high shine while also nourishing with ingredients such as apricot kernel oil, castor seed oil, rosa canina seed oil, avocado oil, and raspberry seed oil.

The formula comes in 13 different colors — including a Y2K-worthy clear gloss — and is easy to apply for an even coat, too. While it is expected with such a high shine, the formula has a more tacky and sticky texture (despite its “non-sticky” name), and it applies a bit goopy at first, but that wears off once it settles.

Size: 0.13 ounce | Key Ingredients: Apricot kernel oil, castor seed oil, rosa canine seed oil, raspberry seed oil, avocado oil | Shades: 13

After six months of using this Tower 28 lip jelly, we think it's the ideal balance of color and shine. The color choices are universal and the super high shine looks amazing without feeling too sticky. It’s super moisturizing and it layers well over other lip products. While we wish it lasted slightly longer, it’s easy to reapply anywhere so it’s not a deal-breaker. Our tester has a large stash of lip products and still reaches for this one weekly: proof that this high-shine gloss stands the test of time.

Highly pigmented and buildable

Lipstick-like applicator is easy to apply

Feels creamy on the lips, not sticky or tacky

Doesn't transfer as much as other products we tested

Bled slightly on our lower lip

For those who prefer a lip balm over a gloss, you can still get high shine without the liquid formula with this Tarte product. It's formulated with lots of skin-benefiting ingredients such as maracuja oil, grapeseed oil, goji, acai, acerola, pomegranate, watermelon, blueberry, peach, cranberry, and vitamin E to protect and nourish. With all of these hydrating ingredients in one formula, the product goes on like a lip balm but has a lip gloss-like finish that feels creamy and smooth to the touch.

Although the lip balm bled a little on our lower lip, we were overall impressed by its highly pigmented and buildable coverage, staying power, and how soft and hydrated our lips felt even once the formula was removed.

Size: 0.09 ounce | Key Ingredients: Maracuja oil, grapeseed oil, goji, acai, acerola, pomegranate, watermelon, blueberry, peach, cranberry, vitamin E | Shades: 11

During the past six months, we have been reaching for the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm whenever we need hydration and a hint of color. We appreciate the nice texture of the gloss and how it glides on smoothly. It also doesn’t transfer as much as other products we have used, which is a plus. While we haven’t noticed any plumping, we like the appearance of this gloss and the hydration it provides. Our tester loves this product so much that she purchased another in a different shade.

Peppermint gives cooling sensation upon application

Smooth, non-sticky consistency glides across the lips with ease

Shea butter provides deep hydration

Transfers easily while eating and drinking

Would be easier to apply with an applicator wand

The best cooling lip gloss is the Jones Road Cool Gloss. Formulated with peppermint and shea butter, this lip gloss provides lips with a cooling and calming sensation that feels so nice, especially on chapped lips. In addition to its minty sensation, it also boasts a smooth consistency that glides easily across the lips and provides lots of shine without feeling too tacky or sticky. Since the formula also features shea butter, it can nourish the lips long after removing it at the end of the day.

While testing this formula, we found that its staying power didn’t hold up well when drinking or eating, so expect to reapply. Other than that, though, it has a really nice balm-like texture that we love (and, honestly, we don’t mind reapplying).

Size: 0.49 ounce | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, peppermint | Shades: 10

In the two months that our tester has been using this lip gloss, it has become a staple in her purse whenever she leaves the house. We love the rosy shade — it gives a subtle color to her lips that looks natural and pairs well with any makeup or none at all. The consistency is a bit slippery, so we have found it’s best to apply with care (it might be easier to put it on with an applicator wand). However, the hydrating feel paired with the color makes this gloss a win in our book.

Highly pigmented, shimmery, and glossy finish

Available in 32 different colors

Thick yet smooth consistency

Transfers easily while eating and drinking

If you want your lip gloss with some extra shimmer, the Pat McGrath Lust Gloss is for you. With over 32 colors to choose from and a high-gloss consistency, this lip gloss features a shimmering and highly pigmented finish that you can really only get with such a high-quality formula.

Throughout the testing period, we found that it replaced the need for lipstick, so it’s an excellent option for those who love a lipstick base with a glossy finish. Although this formula features a richly pigmented formula, we weren’t very impressed by its staying power and found that it transfers easily on drink glasses, so you have to reapply to keep that shimmering finish (which we don't necessarily mind!).

Size: 0.15 ounce | Key Ingredients: Triglycerides, silica | Shades: 32

Six months later, the Pat McGrath Lust Gloss has secured a spot in our daily life. Say goodbye to constant reapplication, since this product is super long-lasting. The glass-like shine is not at all sticky, goes on smooth, and feels light on the lips. Plus, a little goes a long way. We like the light vanilla-chocolate scent when the applicator is first removed. This gloss comes in a sleek container and is a great value for the price, not to mention there’s still product left after six months of near daily use.

Comes in a clear color for overnight wear, as well as bolder colors

Shea butter, murumuru seed butter, and vegan waxes help moisturize

Formula doesn’t bleed at all

Slightly sticky consistency

Some glosses — including the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm — work well as an overnight lip mask treatment. With a formula enriched with shea butter, murumuru seed butter, and vegan waxes, this lip gloss is designed to lock in moisture and protect lips with hydrating and long-lasting coverage.

Available in a clear option that is ideal for bedtime wear, as well as bolder and nude hues, this lip gloss is one we can wear 24/7, thanks to its hydrating and comforting formula.

Size: 0.5 ounce | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, murumuru seed butter, vegan waxes | Shades: 6

Our tester has become a big fan of this lip butter balm over the past six months. She uses her favorite shade vanilla beige almost daily and has found that it adds the ideal amount of color for everyday wear. It’s easy to get a subtle or super glossy look by layering the gloss, elevating her makeup look overall. The applicator makes touch-ups super easy, so it’s the perfect gloss to throw in your purse for on-the-go application. It lasts on the lips for hours and also leaves lips feeling hydrated, even after the gloss has worn off.

Both a lip gloss and a nourishing lip treatment

Sheer and creamy formula is easy to layer

Impressive staying power

We wish it came in a bigger tube (although a little goes a long way)

The Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm is a dual-action lip formula that is well worth the splurge. With hydrating skincare ingredients such as almond oil, plant-based seed oil, organic jojoba oil, and shea butter, this luxe lip gloss is both a gloss and a treatment, providing a burst of color and moisture to the pout.

From our testing, we found it worked well to keep our lips hydrated, even after the glossy finish wore off. We also love that it has a sheer and creamy consistency, which makes it easier to apply and layer. With its staying power, you also don’t need to reapply that often, so although we wish the tube was a little bigger for the price tag, a little goes a long way.

Size: 0.21 ounce | Key Ingredients: Almond oil, plant-based seed oil, organic jojoba oil, shea butter | Shades: 6

Since our tester started wearing this Westman Atelier lip balm six months ago, she reaches for it often because of the subtle color and how hydrating it is; it's been a great upgrade from her previous go-to (a Chapstick) and it makes her feel more put together. She calls it a “luxurious pick-me-up,” keeping it in her purse to apply throughout the day when she needs a little oomph.

Provides deep nourishment

Ginger root oil plumps the pout

Goes on smooth, but has a slight tackiness for a high-gloss shine

Pricier than others on our list

Formulated with tingling ginger root oil, the Mac Squirt Plumping Gloss Sticks is our top pick for the best plumping lip gloss. This lip gloss formula features nourishing ingredients such as shea butter and avocado oil, which can promote a supple finish that looks naturally fuller while also creating a heating effect with ginger to plump up the pout even more. While it has a smooth consistency that is easy to apply to the lips, it still boasts a little bit of tackiness for a more high-gloss finish, too.

Size: 0.8 ounce | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, avocado oil, soybean oil, ginger root oil | Shades: 10

After six months of testing, our tester still loves the sheen, moisture, and plumpness that this gloss offers. It’s reliable and never makes the lipstick layered underneath run or feather, plus it’s hydrating and plumping without feeling sticky. There’s a bit of a tingle when first applied, but it’s more subtle than other plumping lip glosses we've tried. It’s just about the size of a Chapstick (and applies like one — perfect for touch-ups on-the-go), so it’s easy to carry in a small bag or clutch.

Sheer finish is subtle enough for lightweight wear

Hyaluronic acid gives a boost of hydration

Lactic acid helps keep lips smooth and the peptides add a plumping effect

Needs frequent reapplication

Applicator could be sturdier

The best lightweight lip gloss is the Jane Iredale HydroPure Hyaluronic Acid Lip Gloss. Formulated with hyaluronic acid for a burst of hydration, this formula features a sheer finish that is lightweight enough for everyday wear and gives lips just a touch of shine. Additionally, the lip gloss also features lactic acid for sloughing off dead skin, smoothing lips, and making it easier for them to absorb hydration, as well as peptides for a plumping effect.

Since it is a lightweight formula, you might need to reapply this lip gloss more frequently throughout the day as it tends to wear off; however, its subtle shine is an excellent option for makeup minimalists who want some sheen without the high gloss.

Size: 0.17 ounce | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, peptides | Shades: 13

In the past six months, this Jane Iredale lip gloss has earned a permanent spot on our tester’s desk to apply when she needs extra hydration. She prefers lip gloss with less of a sparkle and more of a glossy look, but that’s just personal preference. It’s helpful in cold weather because it's hydrating and adds some shine, while also being lightweight and not at all sticky. If we could improve this product we would just make the applicator a bit sturdier — it’s on the thinner side.

When shopping for lip gloss, Luna says to consider the color payoff. “For instance, if you’re looking for intense color, you’d want to look for more of a lip stain [or a lipstick gloss] over a traditional gloss,” she explains.

For a highly pigmented lip gloss, consider the Pat McGrath Lust Gloss which is more of a combination between lipstick and gloss and comes in 32 different colors, too. If you prefer something more subtle, we love the Jane Iredale HydroPure Hyaluronic Acid Lip Gloss, which has a subtle sheen to it with just a touch of tint.

Since lip gloss comes in several varieties, Luna says you also want to consider texture and finish — and your preferences for each. “Lip gloss texture can make or break a mood and narrowing down what texture and finish you want will make shopping much easier,” she explains.

If you’re not into ultra-glossy finishes, Luna says to consider a lip balm instead of a gloss. Our top pick for the best lip balm is the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm, which has lots of nourishing ingredients and feels creamy on the pout without looking too high-shine. For something with a little more gloss action, consider our top pick for the best shine, the Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss, which has a thick and slightly tacky consistency with a high-shine finish.

At the very least, lip gloss needs to provide lips with some amount of shine. However, it’s also worth looking beyond the gloss of it all and finding formulas that also nourish and protect the lips. When shopping, consider skincare-benefiting ingredients and benefits such as hydration, protection, and even exfoliation.

The Jane Iredale HydroPure Hyaluronic Acid Lip Gloss features lactic acid to slough off dead skin cells and make it easier for the lips to absorb all of its nourishing skincare oils for long-lasting nourishment. We also love the Maybelline Lifter Gloss made with hyaluronic acid for a potent burst of hydration and helps promote suppleness on the pout for a natural plumping effect.

People / Jessica Juliao

To find the best lip glosses, our PEOPLE Tested team researched dozens of top-rated options and narrowed down the top 20 formulas for lab testing.

After publishing the 15 winners from the lab, we sent home these products to testers for real-world, long-term testing. After six months, we updated this list again based on new insights.

People / Jessica Juliao

After testing several formulas, we found that the Lancôme Tubes Lip Gloss has the best staying power as its slightly tacky consistency means you don’t need to reapply all that often.

At face value, just like a liquid lipstick or lip stain, lip gloss isn’t necessarily bad for your lips. However, it all depends on the ingredients the lip gloss is formulated with. “Older formulations for lip glosses that were popular several years ago often included ingredients like alcohol,” explains Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine. “This is often very drying to the lips and depending on your sensitivity can actually be damaging to the sensitive skin on your lips.”

With that said, lip glosses have changed a lot over the years and not all are bad. When shopping for lip gloss, Dr. Graf recommends looking at nourishing formulas with skincare ingredients that support hydration so that the gloss can provide nourishment while also providing color and a glossy finish.

“When in doubt, a neutral lip color will go with everything,” says Luna. With this in mind, consider either more sheer formulas that provide just a touch of color to the lips, or nude color ranges. For the most part, the lip glosses on our list feature a range of neutral lip colors. However, if you’re looking for more options, consider the Maybelline Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid or the NYX Butter Gloss which has several nude shades to choose from.

People / Jessica Juliao

Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. She has used her shopping expertise to share the best lip stains and tints, the best lip balms, and more.

When covering the best lip glosses, Jessie began by thoroughly reviewing the PEOPLE Tested team’s insights to learn about their experiences with each lip gloss. She carefully paid attention to the overall texture and hydration benefits while also considering the color range, skincare ingredients, and the glossy finish. Additionally, Jessie reached out to the below experts to learn more about what to look for in lip gloss and find out what exactly makes a lip gloss formula the best of the best.

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

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