Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editorsSave this storySave this story
There was once a time when finding the best lip gloss was as simple as picking up the first shiny tube that you saw at the beauty supply store. Now, classic glosses are competing with the likes of more innovative glossy balms, lip tints, stains, and skin-care-infused lipsticks that, to the untrained eye, all seem to offer a hydrated and voluminous pout—but they’re not all made equal. Today’s top glosses are more elegant in texture, infused with nourishing ingredients, and don’t leave your lips feeling sticky and gooey like those of your childhood—but still give you the same beloved reflective shine and volume. You’ll also find plumping glosses that don’t sting or ones that smooth fine lines for softer lips over time.
Our Top Lip Glosses
- Best Overall: MAC Lipglass Air, $25
- Best Shimmer: Chanel Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss, $45
- Best Shade Range: Kiko Milano 3D Hydra Lipgloss, $14
- Best High Pigment: Refy Lip Gloss, $20
- Best for a Painless Plump: Danessa Myricks Beauty Glosswork 4D Ultra Shine Plumping Gloss, $26
- Best for Dry Lips: Makeup By Mario SuperShine Lip Gloss, $26
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What’s the difference between a lip gloss and a glossy balm?
- What are some ingredients to look out for in a good lip gloss?
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Below, we put together our favorite editor-tested and -approved glosses to make sure a shiny lip is always within reach.
Best Overall: MAC Lipglass Air
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MAC
Lipglass Air
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: MAC’s Lipglass Air feels weightless and invisible—in the best possible way—while packing moisturizing ingredients (coconut, meadowfoam, and jojoba oils) to keep your lips feeling pillowy soft and hydrated. And, without staining your lips or using drying ingredients like a liquid lipstick usually does, it manages to stay put (and ultra-shiny) for hours. It comes in 10 opaque colors that you can sheer out for a more subtle tint or layer on for a brighter look. And did we mention it’s actually not sticky?
Former Allure content director Kara McGrath applying the MAC Lipglass Air in Casual
Kara McGrath
McGrath after applying the MAC Lipglass Air in Casual
Kara McGrath
Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath
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“This lives up to the ‘non-sticky’ claims better than any other lip gloss I've tried in recent memory. It's so lightweight that it feels closer to an oil, but the color actually sticks around for more than an hour. All of that plus the fact that Casual, a ‘deep dirty peach,’ is pretty close to my natural lip shade means this has officially become the lip product I reach for most often out of the hundreds in my stash." —Kara McGrath, former content director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: coconut oil, meadowfoam seed oil, jojoba seed oil
- Shades: 10
Best Shimmer: Chanel Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss
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Chanel
Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss
Chanel
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: We can’t help but fall in love with beautiful packaging, but it’s even better when what’s inside is just as good—which is the case with Chanel’s Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss. It gets its texture-smoothing, nourishing finish from camellia ceramides, derived from the camellia flower and known to help repair the skin barrier and soothe dryness. With a wide range of colors—15 to be exact, including five iridescent shimmers that we’re obsessed with—you’d be happy swiping on this gloss during the day or on a night out. If you say you love your lips, put them in Chanel.
Allure commerce writer Tasha Nicole Smith applying the Chanel Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss
Tasha Nicole Smith
Smith after applying the Chanel Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss
Tasha Nicole Smith
Tester feedback from commerce writer Tasha Nicole Smith
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“I am a package snob, there I said it. I love the feeling of pulling out my chic-looking lip gloss tube to reapply a heaping glob to my lips, sue me. But the sparkly finish of this gloss in the shade 462 Givre really rounds out the experience. As a clear lip gloss warrior, I don't often reach for shimmer glosses unless the occasion calls for something more glam, and this is definitely a special occasion gloss. The creamy white glittery color gave it a frosted look, which makes it perfect for icy holiday makeup looks. Plus, the soothing formula also makes it a good choice for the colder winter months when my lips are a bit drier, though I did have to reapply a few times throughout the day. It glided on the lips smoothly and didn't have a gritty texture like some glittery glosses often do. Looking forward to the next event to pull this one back out.” —Tasha Nicole Smith, commerce writer
More to know
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- Key Ingredients: camellia ceramides, hydra-peptide complex
- Available shades: 15
Best Shade Range: Kiko Milano 3D Hydra Lipgloss
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Kiko Milano
3D Hydra Lipgloss
Amazon
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Allure editorial assistant Jennet Jusu applying the Kiko Milano 3D Hydra Lipgloss.
Jennet Jusu
Why We Love It: The most obvious reason we love this gloss is that it only costs $10, so we don’t feel guilty about stocking up on more than one of its impressive 30 shades. Whether you keep it simple with a clear glossy top coat or want a vibrant pink sheen, there’s something for everyone. The 2026 Best of Beauty-winning formula uses the brand’s 3D Lip Complex, which blends bidens pilosa extract—known for its anti-inflammatory properties and smoothing effect—with cotton seed and linseed oil to help even texture and soften the skin.
Tester feedback from associate social media manager Katie Gunderman
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"I'm personally in a Y2K revival era (despite being born in 2001). I can't get enough cute hair clips, bright colors, and glitter everything. The Kiko Milano 3D Hydra Lipgloss packs the high-shine glitter punch I've been obsessed with. The shade 04 Pearly Peach Rose is a stunning light, frosty pink that looks amazing under all of my liners. It's nonsticky, slightly sheer, and comes in 30 shades, so there is no excuse to not find your perfect match." —Katie Gunderman, associate social media manager
More to Know
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- Key ingredients: 3D Lip Complex
- Available shades: 30 shades
Best High Pigment: Refy Lip Gloss
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Refy
Lip Gloss
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Sephora
Why it’s worth it: Don't let Refy’s minimal packaging fool you: This gloss offers maximum impact, particularly when it comes to hydration and pigment. Two of the gloss’s key ingredients, hyaluronic acid and jojoba seed oil, are humectants known for drawing moisture into the skin. Along with shea butter, which helps to lock in moisture and soften the lips, this formula creates a non-sticky glaze with striking shine. This gloss comes in 14 shades, from subtle nudes to vibrant reds, so there are plenty of options for both everyday wear and full-glam looks.
Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the Refy Lip Gloss
Kassidy Silva
Silva after applying the Refy Lip Gloss
Kassidy Silva
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
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“Refy's clear gloss adds the perfect shiny sheen to top off any lip combo. It's the first gloss I've found that has my ideal balanced combo of staying power and weightlessness, all while working like a balm to nourish my lips. Plus, for $20, it's a steal.” —Kassidy Silva, social director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, jojoba seed oil, shea butter
- Available shades: 14
Best Balmy Formula: M.ph Top Coat Lip Gloss
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m.ph by Mary Phillips
Top Coat Lip Gloss
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Sephora
Why it’s worth it: Mary Phillips’s signature sculpted makeup look, which has been spotted on celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Kim Kardashian, is beloved for its neutral color palette and underpainting technique (using the m.ph Underpainting Palette) that creates an enhanced but natural finish. So, it’s only right that her Top Coat Lip Glosses fall under the “your-skin-but-better” umbrella. This gloss is powered by a blend of botanical oils like jojoba and sweet cherry oil that protect the skin barrier on the lips and comes in eight shades, including nude and pink hues along with deep, vampy browns and purples. Each shade applies like a creamy balm with a semi-sheer tint for a natural finish, but is easily buildable for stronger pigment and more intense shine.
Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann applying the M.ph Top Coat Lip Gloss in Mouthy
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after applying the M.ph Top Coat Lip Gloss in Mouthy
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann
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“If you have a tricky lip line, this is the gloss for you. I have a double lip line and the applicator and opacity are ideal for adding color and fullness to the parts of my lips where the pigment is all but nonexistent. I like to apply a coat to the center of my lips, then use the flat, pleasantly maneuverable applicator to almost line and blend the gloss so I get a wash of color all over without a harsh stop between my mouth and chin. The level of detail that went into this product, down to the elegant packaging, feels like the M.ph signature at this point.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor
More to know
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- Key Ingredients: jojoba seed oil, sweet cherry oil, rose canina fruit oil
- Available shades: 8
Best for a Painless Plump: Danessa Myricks Beauty Glosswork 4D Ultra Shine Plumping Gloss
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Danessa Myricks Beauty
Glosswork 4D Ultra Shine Plumping Gloss
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Sephora
Why it’s worth it: When you think of a lip-plumping gloss, the first thing that comes to mind is likely the sting. Well, this is not that. Danessa Myricks’ Glosswork Plumping Gloss uses the brand’s patented CushionWrap Technology, a polymer blend combined with peptides and algae extract, to painlessly plump and smooth the look of fine lines. It also has a metal applicator that lends a refreshing, cooling effect. The gloss is available in 14 shades, including Abundantly Clear (classic clear) and Spiced Latte (nude), with a few unexpected hues like Grape Soda (bright purple) and Pink Sorbet (citrusy orangey-pink).
Smith applying the Danessa Myricks Beauty Glosswork 4D Ultra Shine Plumping Gloss
Tasha Nicole Smith
Smith after applying the Danessa Myricks Beauty Glosswork 4D Ultra Shine Plumping Gloss
Tasha Nicole Smith
Tester feedback from commerce writer Tasha Nicole Smith
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“I tend to steer clear of super spicy plumping gloss formulas. I reapply my gloss countless times a day (it’s habitual, not always because I actually need to reapply) and can't bear the sting, so this is an option I gravitate toward. The plumping effect was actually painless but was still noticeable and gave me a natural juicy pout as opposed to a more dramatic swell. I wore this gloss for a night out that included a few glasses of wine and a number of shared appetizers and was surprised by the staying power. Though the freshly applied shine faded by the time I finished eating, when I went to reapply, my lips were still hydrated and had a sheen that mimicked that of a lip balm. I also didn’t notice any extreme stickiness upon application, though as it wore off there was a slight tackiness—which I didn't mind as I quite like a thick, sticky gloss but if you prefer a thinner texture, it’s worth noting. I’m also very intrigued by the different colors that this gloss comes in. I was initially most drawn to the nude brown shades but the bright purple Grape Soda shade is next up on my list to try.” —Tasha Nicole Smith, commerce writer
More to Know
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- Key Ingredients: Cushion Wrap Technology (a polymer blend combined with peptides and algae extract)
- Available shades: 12 shades
Best K-Beauty: Hera Sensual Nude Gloss
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Hera
Sensual Nude Gloss
Amazon
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying Hera Sensual Nude Lip Gloss
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it’s worth it: Hera’s Sensual Nude Gloss is a sheerer option for anyone who prefers a more subtle color payoff without compromising on shine. The gloss is enhanced with ingredients like phytosterol, a plant-derived compound that supports collagen production and has antioxidant properties, and evening primrose oil to soothe the skin and moisturize the lips. The gloss also has menthol, which provides a minty cooling sensation and a slight plumping effect—but nothing too intense or unbearable. It’s available in 11 shades that are equally pretty on their own or on top of a lipstick.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I’m not really a lip girl, but when I do wear one, I always go for a gloss. The lightweight formula is so comfortable I almost forget I’m wearing it, and the menthol gives this refreshing, cooling sensation that feels invigorating. Plus, all the shades are super wearable, making it easy to swipe and go.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to Know
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- Key Ingredients: Phytosterol, evening primrose oil
- Available shades: 11 shades
Best Long-Wearing: Make Up For Ever Super Boost Moisturizing & Plumping Lip Gloss
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Make Up For Ever
Super Boost Moisturizing & Plumping Lip Gloss
Nordstrom
Sephora
Why it's worth it: Need your gloss to stay put for the long haul? Don’t sleep on Make Up For Ever’s Super Boost Moisturizing & Plumping Lip Gloss. It’s super hydrating on the lips, thanks to hyaluronic acid and a blend of oils from camellia, cotton, and meadowfoam flowers, and imparts color that lasts for hours (although you may have to touch it up after eating). It’s a little on the thicker side, but that helps amp up the shine and lock in the all-day moisturizing effect.
Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Make Up For Ever Super Boost Moisturizing & Plumping Lip Gloss
Jesa Marie Calaor
Calaor after applying the Make Up For Ever Super Boost Moisturizing & Plumping Lip Gloss
Jesa Marie Calaor
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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“This high-shine gloss has a curvy doe foot that fits the contours of my lips, making it feel so satisfying to put on. Its formula is a little gooey, but not at all sticky, and deposits just the right amount of color. (My go-to shade is Fiery Love, which tints my lips with a warm cherry.) I love how it makes my lips look ever-so-slightly plumper.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, camellia japonica seed oil, cotton seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil
- Shades: 11
Best for Dry Lips: Makeup By Mario SuperShine Lip Gloss
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Makeup by Mario
Supershine Lip Gloss
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Sephora
Why it’s worth it: If you typically gravitate toward oils or balms over glosses, the Makeup By Mario SuperShine Lip Gloss feels like a hybrid of all three. Unlike a lot of other glosses, this one actually hydrated Allure content director Sophia Panych’s lips, which is why we named it a One to Watch debut last year. Its key ingredients are pomegranate extract, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid—all of which give it the silky, hydrating formula that sets it apart. “I'd say the best word to describe this formula is '"cushy’"—it's super comfortable to wear throughout the day,” says former features director Dianna Singh. “And the applicator—a wide, flatter-than-normal doe-foot—picks up just the right amount of product.”
Allure social media manager applying the Makeup by Mario Supershine Lip Gloss
Bianca Richard
Richard after applying Makeup by Mario Supershine Lip Gloss
Bianca Richard
Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards
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“Call me a Makeup By Mario stan, because I love almost everything from their collection, but their SuperShine Lip Gloss has become one of my favorite go-tos for that ultra-glossy finish without feeling tacky on the lips. I love the shade range, with rosewater becoming my #1 pick for a simple lip combo.” —Bianca Richards, social media manager
More to know
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- Key ingredients: pomegranate extract, jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid
- Shades: 11
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a lip gloss and a glossy balm?
“To be honest, I think a glossy balm to one brand could be a lip gloss to another; it really depends on the marketing. I think glosses usually target high shine and usually impart color onto the lips, while glossy balms focus more on nourishing the lips while adding shine, but a lot of ingredients in these two products are the same.”
What are some ingredients to look out for in a good lip gloss?
“Hydrogenated polyisobutene is not a very sexy sounding ingredient, but it is a polymer that offers nice glide and cushion to the product. Most lip glosses have hydrogenated polyisobutene because it creates great body to the product without being tacky, and this usually makes up the bulk of the formula. I think another ingredient that people should look for is whether the lip gloss is preserved (also not sexy). Even though the formulas usually do not contain water, our saliva can potentially contaminate lip products if they are unpreserved. Ingredients like Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin are some examples of preservatives that can be used in lip applications.”
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best lip glosses, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, and contributors. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Discover more Allure editor favorites:
- Gucci's Gloss à Lèvres Made Me a Lip Gloss Convert
- Summer Fridays' New Dream Lip Oil Is Quiet Luxury for Your Lips
- This Fenty Beauty Gloss Gives You Fuller-Looking Lips Without Any Spiciness
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