Lip gloss has officially made its comeback—and no, not in the sticky, frosted way you might remember from the early aughts. The best lip glosses are skincare-meets-makeup, packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen-boosting peptides, and moisturizing oils that leave your lips feeling soft, smooth, and plump with a shiny finish.
Whether you're after a high-shine clear gloss to layer over your favorite lip liner, a lip treatment to smooth lip lines, a tinted gloss that doubles as your go-to lip color, or a plumping formula that gives your lips a visibly fuller look without the sting, there's something out there for every vibe. And because lip gloss is one of the most low-maintenance beauty products (no mirror? no biggie), it's an easy way to elevate your look in seconds. Plus, thanks to upgraded formulas and better-than-ever textures, today's glosses actually stay put—without a glue-like, tacky feel.
Finding the one (or five) to add to your routine can be a bit overwhelming so to help streamline your shopping, I asked dermatologists and makeup artists what to look for. I also tested the top-rated picks, with a little help from the Marie Claire team, to find the lip glosses that live up to the hype. Ahead, the 11 best lip glosses of 2025 that deliver on shine, hydration, and longevity.
The Best Lip Glosses
- Best Overall Lip Gloss: Sephora Collection Outrageous Plump Hydrating Lip Gloss
- Best Shimmer Lip Gloss: Patrick Ta Major Glow Lip Shine
- Best Lip-Oil Gloss: Kosas Wet Lip Oil Plumping Peptide Lip Treatment Gloss
- Most Natural Lip Gloss: Perricone MD No Makeup Lip Oil
- Shiniest Lip Gloss: Makeup by Mario Hydrating Supershine Lip Gloss
This Sephora Collection lip gloss is my secret to full, glossy-as-hell lips that aren't sticky. The formula has enough tackiness to last for a decent amount of time, too. The secret: sunflower seed oil and ginger root oil, both emollients that work to seal in the water that the hydrating hyaluronic acid draws in. It also contains a tiny bit of peppermint oil, creating a vasodilation effect on the lips and giving them a plump look. The cherry on top? It's less than $15 a tube.
Shades: 8
Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid; Sunflower seed oil; Gingerroot oil; Vitamin E
What I Love: Longest-lasting lip gloss I've tried; The Universal Volume layers over every lip product; Super affordable price
What I Don't: Contains peppermint oil which is a mild irritant and can cause some irritation on sensitive skin types
Review for MC: "This is one of the most underrated beauty products, and I'll die on this hill. The shade Universal Volume is my everyday go-to that can be layered on top of every lip product I own, and it lasts a surprisingly long time." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender before and after applying Sephora Collection Outrageous Plump Hydrating Lip Gloss.
Introducing my most treasured shimmer gloss: Patrick Ta's Major Glow Lip Shine. My favorite is the aptly named shade, She's Expensive, which gives you all the luminous glow of an iridescent lip gloss without being overly glittery. (This can be attributed to the microfine pearlescent pigments that create a luxe sheen on the lips.) It's formulated with a super-moisturizing, oil-packed ingredient list that contains skin-protecting antioxidants like vitamin E.
Shades: 3
Ingredients: Vitamin E
What I Love: Pearlescent shimmer is more of a sheen, not a chunky glitter; The Long brush head makes for an easy application
What I Don't: I run through the formula quickly as I find that I have to reapply often
Review for MC: "I'm very particular when it comes to shimmer glosses. With sensitive skin, I find that some actually irritate my lips, while others just look like something I'd wear in middle school. This one, though, looks like the prettiest wash of iridescence that adds an extra little zhuzh to my everyday lip." — Siena Gagliano, Beauty Editor
Siena Gagliano before and after applying Patrick Ta Major Glow Lip Shine.
This is the lip gloss-lip oil hybrid that changed the game for me. It plumps the lips using hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to draw water in, and at the same time, it promotes collagen production thanks to a peptide complex known as palmitoyl tripeptide-1. The color payoff and texture itself are also top-tier—there's zero stick, and the gloss just glides right onto the lips.
Shades: 11
Ingredients: Palmitoyl tripeptide-1; Hyaluronic acid
What I Love: The plumping effects don't cause any tingling; Great color payoff
What I Don't: Sometimes the gloss will leak from the bottle if kept on its side
Review for MC: "This is the most comfortable lip gloss I've tried. It's totally weightless, yet keeps my lips hydrated throughout the day. I also love how some of the darker shades act like a stain on my lips. So even if the glossy sheen wears off, I still have a wash of color leftover." — Siena Gagliano, Beauty Editor
Siena Gagliano before and after applying Kosas Wet Lip Oil.
A skincare-infused lip balm treatment first, shiny lip gloss second, this formula contains two superstar, collagen-producing peptides that work to plump and smooth lips over time. Combine that with a slew of antioxidants and hydrators, and you have a powerhouse gloss that looks pretty on the lips and works with your skin's natural repair process.
Shades: 7
Ingredients: Volulip; Maxi-Lip; Argan oil; Vitamin E; Hyaluronic acid
What I Love: Works to increase collagen over time; No sticky residue
What I Don't: Not super long-wearing, you'll have to reapply often
Review for MC: "Perricone MD might not be the sexy lip gloss that comes to mind when you hear 'Lip Gloss' on the radio or when you're shopping for a new one—but trust me, it’s one of the most hydrating lip oils on the market. As the OG no-makeup makeup skincare brand, this lightweight formula is infused with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and pomegranate seed oil to keep lips soft, nourished, and tinted throughout the day." — Iman Balagam, Contributing Beauty Writer
Iman Balagam before and after applying Perricone MD No Makeup Lip Oil.
When I'm in the mood for the juiciest lips ever, I immediately reach for the Makeup by Mario Supershine Lip Gloss. Unlike other high-shine lip glosses on the market, this one isn't sticky—a major plus. One of the key ingredients is lactic acid, a gentle exfoliating AHA that also happens to be an incredible moisturizing agent. This seals in the water-attracting properties of the added humectants. All shades provide a sheer wash of color but seriously transform your lips with their glass-like shine.
Shades: 11
Ingredients: Lactic acid; Hyaluronic acid; Jojoba oil
What I Love: Highest shine of any lip gloss on this list; Hyaluronic acid subtly adds plumpness to the lips
What I Don't: It can get a bit goopy if you layer too much
Review for MC: "A lot of lip glosses tend to be sticky, which can be especially annoying on windy days or when I’m racing to catch the subway—but not this one from Makeup by Mario. It’s hydrating, à la hyaluronic acid, and has a high-shine finish. For nights out, I go for the shade Berry, but there are plenty of more natural tones like Bare or Rosewater." — Iman Balagam, Contributing Beauty Writer
Iman Balagam before and after applying Makeup by Mario Hydrating Supershine Lip Gloss.
Other Lip Glosses I Love
Believe me, when I say, there is absolutely zero goopiness in this gloss. This is the first formula that convinced me there was life beyond the sticky glosses of the early 2000s. It's filled with soothing moisturizers that glide on the lips, resulting in an oil-gloss hybrid that feels as good as it looks. The shades are also top-tier—including two clear shades, one with gold shimmer, and the rest, a milky mix of nudes and pink.
Shades: 10
Ingredients: Raspberry seed oil; Rosehip oil; Apricot oil
What I Love: No sticky or goopy feeling; Moisture-packed formula leaves lips smooth and soft all day
What I Don't: The scent can be a bit unpleasant to sensitive noses
Customer Review: "This is the best gloss I’ve ever tried - I’m seriously on my 6th tube. It’s not sticky at all and lasts forever! Whatever ingredients they use help your lips stay plump and nourished for hours. Unlike other glosses, your lips never feel dried out or flakey." — Sephora
Fenty Beauty with the lip gloss that broke the internet. The eight shades were designed to flatter all skin tones, each filled with pearlescent shimmer and a peach-vanilla scent that's so yummy you'll want to apply it all day long. The formula also has an extra large wand, a plumping effect, and includes shea butter for ultra moisture.
Shades: 8
Ingredients: Shea butter
What I Love: The giant applicator wand hugs the lips and makes it quick and easy to apply; All shades intended for use on all skin tones
What I Don't: The plumping effect can cause a bit of tingliness for a short period of time
Customer Review: "This is going to now be my go-to lip gloss. I absolutely love it! It glides on smoothly and provides the perfect amount of color and shimmer without being over the top. It’s never sticky and a little goes a long way." — Sephora
What if I told you that you can get a lip gloss that rivals luxury formulas without the price tag? For just $6, NYX's Butter Gloss—aptly named for its buttery-smooth application—has solidified itself as one of the all-time best lippies thanks to its sheer-to-medium coverage, extensive shade line, longevity, and affordability.
Shades: 32
Ingredients: Beeswax
What I Love: Extensive shade range; Affordable; Available at most drugstores
What I Don't: Doesn't contain any super hydrating or moisturizing ingredients
Customer Review: "If you are looking for a lip gloss with a high-end feel, but the most affordable price, the NYX Butter Glosses are for you. The shades are so pretty and they work so great by themselves, or with the NYX lip liners and they work swell on top of any lipstick! " — Ulta
I'm willing to bet you've seen this iconic formula all over your TikTok and IG feeds due to its luxuriously glossy finish and plumping effects. Offered in a mix of shimmery and sheer shades, the Dior Addict Lip Maximizer lives up to its name, thanks to a blend of skin-protecting vitamin E and superstar humectant hyaluronic acid. The latter draws water into the skin, creating a fuller effect with loads of hydration.
Shades: 24
Ingredients: Vitamin E; Hyaluronic acid; Jojoba esters
What I Love: Jojoba esters are super soothing on the lips; Large range of shimmer and high gloss finishes
What I Don't: The most expensive option on this list
Customer Review: "Plumps without irritation. Lovely color that stands alone or as a gloss. Not sticky but still has reasonable staying power—I have purchased this multiple times over the years." — Sephora
A dip in collagen and elastin levels comes with age, resulting in loss of firmness and an increase in fine lines—both of which affect the lips. If you've begun to notice lines around your lips and a decrease in moisture, consider Forget the Filler from Lawless Beauty. It's made with a peptide complex that smooths lines and increases collagen over time. That said, once applied, you'll still notice an immediate plumpness with the prettiest, high-shine sheen.
Shades: 17
Ingredients: Maxi-Lip; Shea butter; Rosehip oil
What I Love: Large wand hugs the lips; Range of shimmers, pinks, nudes, and browns; Comes in multiple size options
What I Don't: Some colors are more pigmented than others
Customer Review: "These are so smooth and pigmented! Not sticky and I love the plumping sensation it’s a nice cool feeling and doesn’t burn. Not the mention it smells amazing! Best cool-toned pink lipgloss out there." — Sephora
Say a warm hello to the most stunning gloss that's about to be my go-to summer lip. I was first introduced to this Pat McGrath formula by a friend wearing the shade Flesh 6. Then, when watching Emily Ratajkowski's makeup routine, she applied Glitz—i.e., this golden, shimmery dream of a shade. With most glossy formulas, you'll often get a sheer wash of color, but with Pat McGrath's, the payoff is unmatched.
Shades: 17
Ingredients: Vitamin E
What I Love: Super lightweight feeling with high color payoff; Range of shimmer, glitter, and glossy shades
What I Don't: Many shades are often sold out
Customer Review: "Perfect color, perfect formula, you get what you pay for! Long-lasting, creamy, and glossy. Excellent over lipstick or buildable for a solo glossy look." — Sephora
What To Look For In A Lip Gloss
Ingredients
Think of lip glosses as skincare with shine, says board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD. Some of the best ingredients to look for include:
- Hyaluronic acid, which hydrates by pulling in moisture like a magnet
- Peptides, which support collagen for smoother, firmer lips
- Antioxidants (like Vitamin E), to protect against environmental stress
- Moisturizing oils and butters, such as jojoba, shea, or avocado to soften and seal in hydration
Lip Concerns
- Chapped Lips: Look for formulas that hydrate and repair. Key ingredients to look out for include lanolin, shea butter, and squalane, which help soothe and lock in moisture, says Dr. Gohara. Another common ingredient found in lip glosses is hyaluronic acid, which will draw in water for added hydration. She also notes that you should avoid menthol, alcohol, or added fragrance, which can worsen irritation.
- Lip Lines: Opt for glosses that smooth and plump. Dr. Gohara suggests formulas filled with peptides and ceramides—two key proteins that support elasticity and barrier repair. She also adds that bakuchiol and gentle renewers can boost cell turnover without the sting or irritation of retinol. Finally, keep an eye out for moisture-rich formulas "since reflective gloss naturally diffuses the appearance of fine lines."
How Does A Lip Plumper Work?
According to Dr. Gohara, there are two main types of plumping glosses: the spicy kind and the skincare kind. The first type relies on mild irritants—think capsicum, menthol, or cinnamon—that trigger a controlled swelling response. "This mild inflammation leads to temporary volume," Dr. Gohara says. It's the kind of gloss that gives you that immediate, tingly boost right after application.
The second type takes a gentler, more hydrating approach. These formulas use ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides, which draw moisture into the lips and support collagen production for a fuller look over time. "One gives a quick, spicy boost; the other is a slow burn of plumping—think instant vs. investment," says Dr. Gohara.
What Is The Longest-Lasting Lip Gloss?
Gloss isn't exactly known for its staying power—eating, drinking, and talking will wear it down pretty quickly. "Lip gloss doesn't last long," says makeup artist Natalie Dresher. "However, it's such an easy thing to reapply I wouldn't sweat it!"
Still, if you're aiming for longevity, opt for formulas with a slightly tackier texture or a gel-oil base, which tend to grip better than super-slippery options. High-shine glosses that lean balm-like can also wear more evenly throughout the day.
For something even longer lasting, go for a gloss-stain hybrid. These formulas combine the pigment of a stain with a glossy top layer, so even once the shine fades, you're left with a flush of color underneath.
Why Trust Marie Claire?
Siena Gagliano is the Beauty Editor at Marie Claire specializing in features, trend stories, and shopping roundups, and has over five years of editing and writing beauty content. She spoke with dermatologists and makeup artists about the newest and trendiest in the beauty space to compile this list of the best lip glosses on the market.
When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.
How We Tested
Marie Claire Beauty Editor, Siena Gagliano, went through a rigorous testing period where she reviewed dozens of lip glosses. After determining the top picks alongside dermatologists and makeup artists, she tested the lip glosses on her lips considering how they feel, how they apply, how long they last, and the ingredients to compile this list of the 11 best lip glosses.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Mona Gohara, a Yale-trained board-certified dermatologist and former chief resident at Yale New Haven Hospital, is an associate clinical professor at Yale, where she continues to teach and mentor. As President of the Women's Dermatologic Society and chair of several committees for the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Gohara is a recognized leader in her field. A trusted medical expert, she frequently contributes to Marie Claire, ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, and more, and serves on the advisory board for Women's Health. Her clinical focus and interests include skin of color and both medical and surgical dermatology.
Natalie Dresher is a highly sought-after makeup artist based in NYC, with over 10 years of experience in makeup artistry. Her impressive client roster includes notable names such as Remi Bader, Serena Kerrigan, Dylan Mulvaney, Jess Vestal, Gia Guidice, and more. Natalie's expertise has been recognized by leading makeup brands where she has served as the lead artist for influencer and editor-focused events and activations. In addition to her work with influencers and celebrities, Natalie has showcased her talent backstage at NYFW and Miami Swim Week for prestigious high-fashion brands.
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