The best lip glosses are far more versatile than you’d think. An upgrade to the sticky, Y2K-era formulas, the lip gloss of 2025 are more sophisticated—delivering high shine across sheer and richly pigmented finishes. Take Hailey Bieber’s peptide lip tint, for example; its 2023 debut redefined what a glossy lip could be—hydrating, nourishing, and colorful, proving that modern makeup products should combine care with impact. Since then, butter balms and lip oils have flooded the market to impart a glass-like gleam.
Vogue’s Favorite Lip Glosses
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Now glossy formulas prioritize hydration versus just surface-level shine. “Traditional lip glosses use petroleum and petroleum-derived ingredients to achieve a shiny look and balmy feel, but end up suffocating more than hydrating the lips, which makes you feel like you need to reapply constantly,” Saie’s education director and pro makeup artist Stevie Nelson tells Vogue.
Despite this evolution, lip gloss remains a nostalgic favorite. For me, it was my entry into beauty: childhood trips to Target or a local pharmacy with my mom, where browsing aisles and choosing something shiny felt like a small rite of passage. Some kids loved nail polish or mascara, but I was all about lip products. My first obsession was Maybelline’s Baby Lips—not for hydration, but for its punchy color that made me feel grown-up. From there, L’Oréal and CoverGirl glosses carried me through high school, and by college, I was a full-on NYX devotee, stocking up on Butter Gloss in every shade. Pairing glossy lips with lip liner added dimension and fullness, elevating the look beyond simple color. While others explored satin, velvet, and matte finishes, I stayed loyal to gloss—and today, the industry is finally catching up.
Celebrity makeup artist Sean Harris confirms it’s still trending: it’s “very much still in,” with fellow pro Saisha Beecham adding, “High and muted shine have been in most of my red-carpet looks.” The bestsellers of the category today feel luxurious, hydrating, and multidimensional—a far cry from the sticky clear lip glosses of past decades. Modern lip products offer shine, pigment, and a subtle glossy lip effect that enhances your natural lips while staying wearable for everyday beauty. Read on to discover Vogue’s favorite lip glosses to shop.
In This Story
- What are the qualities of a good lip gloss?
- How to apply lip gloss
- How to make lip gloss last longer
- How we tested
- Meet the experts
Best Shimmer: Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss Moisturizing Glossimer
- Why We Love It: Everyone seems to be reaching for a little sparkle these days. That could mean a sweep of eyeshadow across the lids, highlighter placed precisely along the cheekbones, or a touch of Chanel’s Glossimer tapped onto the center of the lips. This classic gloss offers a subtle shimmer—just enough to catch the light without feeling overdone. The formula includes coconut oil, peptides, and jojoba esters for a smooth, hydrated finish rather than a sticky one. The shade Melted Honey is ideal for a golden sheen, though the available red, pink, and coral tones are just as lovely.
- Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, peptides, vitamin E, jojoba esters
- Shades: 12
- Size: 0.19 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Offers a range of shades and finishes, from opaque to sheer and shimmery | Small applicator delivers a little bit of product at a time |
| Nonsticky formula with a comfortable feel |
Best Trending: Rhode Peptide Lip Tint
- Why We Love It: Rhode’s tinted lip balms sparked a glossy lip-balm revolution when they launched just two years ago. The ultimate skin-care-makeup hybrid, Rhode’s Peptide Lip Tint delivers both nourishment and high shine. “I love how it delivers both immediate moisture and long-term lip-smoothing benefits without feeling sticky,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi previously said. Professional makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio Ventre agrees, describing the formula as lightweight yet healing. “Rhode’s lip tints nail the balance of hydration and shine. They’re great as a nighttime treatment or layered under gloss,” she previously told Vogue.
- Key Ingredients: Shea butter, peptides, cupuacu, babassu
- Shades: 7
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Super glossy yet nonsticky feel | Some report that certain shades can become grainy over time |
| The best of both words: The formula treats dry lips and adds glossy color |
Best Shade Range: NYX Butter Gloss
- Why We Love It: This NYX tinted lip gloss has true cult-classic appeal. With 43 shades to choose from, it’s safe to say there’s something for everyone—there are even several shimmering shades for a more festive, light-catching finish. As the name suggests, the texture is buttery and smooth, yet it leaves behind a flattering, glossy sheen rather than a heavy or sticky feel. Beloved for its comfort and versatility, this gloss has accumulated well over 100,000 reviews on Amazon, with customers consistently praising its wearable color range and nondrying formula. It’s the kind of everyday staple you can toss in your bag, layer over lipstick, or wear alone for soft, effortless shine.
- Editor’s Note: “This is a personal favorite drugstore lip gloss of mine. For years, I was obsessed with Praline—a toasty mauve—while Madeleine is a more classic nude hue.” —Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Mineral oil, polyisobutene, diisostearyl malate, and beeswax
- Shades: 43
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Affordable price point | Smaller applicator can be tough for even product distribution on fuller lips |
| Moisturizing and high-shine formula | |
| Wide shade range |
Best Volumizing: Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Lip Balm
- Why We Love It: Another modern formula, this plumping lip gloss stick, comes in 16 refined shades that could easily convert even the most committed gloss skeptic into a devoted lover. Shade Lure is a rich plum that flatters a wide range of skin tones; Reveal is a timeless soft pink; and Thrill delivers a vibrant, confident red. Beyond the color range, the slim stick format is sleek and travel-friendly, making it easy to slip into even the smallest bag for effortless touch-ups throughout the day.
- Editor’s Note: “Is it a lip gloss? Is it a plumper? Is it a balm? It’s all three! And yes, I do have it in five different shades. The glossy finish is hard to beat, with a pearlescent finish that’s almost like a highlighter for your pout. Even better: As you wear it, the color gently fades without smudging lip liner or causing any unflattering creasing or flaky lip patches. Not to mention, the plumping is less spicy and more minty.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty commerce writer
- Key Ingredients: Menthyl lactate, mango seed butter, shea butter, avocado oil
- Shades: 16
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Glossy and volumizing finish | Packaging isn’t retractable |
| Buildable color with a lightweight feel |
Best Hydrating: Saie Glossybounce High-Shine Hydrating Lip Gloss Oil
- Why We Love It: Saie’s Glossybounce pairs the best of both lip product categories. “Glossybounce combines three lip products into one so you can deeply hydrate your lips while getting a juicy high-shine wash of color,” says Nelson. “It’s packed with superhero ingredients that actually nourish your lips (rather than just making your lips look nourished)—natural oils, butters, and waxes that are healthier and hydrating.”
- Editor’s Note: “What I love most is its cushiony feel—hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and shea butter sink right into lips offering ample moisture and subtle plumping. The nine shades are stylish and perfect for everyday if sheer, buildable color is on the agenda.” —Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, shea butter
- Shades: 9
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Ultra hydrating and clean formula | Not the most opaque color payoff (but great semi-sheer coverage) |
| Nonsticky | |
| Comfortable, cushiony wear |
Best Cushiony: Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil
- Why We Love It: Summer Fridays’ lip oil takes the idea of a lip gloss and elevates it into something softer, smoother, and more nourishing. The formula feels plush and hydrating from the very first swipe, leaving lips cushioned with a silky finish. It’s made with nine botanical oils—including avocado, apricot, and raspberry seed—so it delivers a wave of hydration along with antioxidant benefits. Although the texture is rich and almost creamy, each shade adds only a gentle wash of color, offering a subtle tint rather than a bold look. The result is an easy, everyday staple that works beautifully whether you’re wearing a full face or keeping things minimal.
- Editor’s Note: “My immediate reaction after first application was: ‘Oh!’ (in total delight, of course). Not only does the the semi-sheer wash of color look pretty, it feels incredibly comfortable on lips. Plus, it revives my lips’ hydration almost instantly—even if I’ve barely drank water that day. Plus, my colleague Margaux (Vogue’s senior beauty and wellness editor) considers this her favorite lip gloss of all time.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, avocado oil, apricot oil, peptides
- Finish: Glossy
- Shades: 8
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Modern colors to suit all skin tones and makeup looks | Large doe-foot applicator can make it difficult to deposit color with precision on thinner lips |
| Cushiony texture is comfortable to wear |
Best Balmy Oil: YSL Beauty Loveshine Lip Oil Stick
- Why We Love It: A modern take on the brand’s beloved Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm, this version stands out for its easy stick format—you simply uncap, twist, and swipe for instant payoff. The texture begins as a soft lip balm and then melts into a silky oil once it warms against the lips, offering creamier color, glossy lips, and lasting hydration. The formula owes much of its cushiony feel to a blend that’s made with 60% fruit oil and fig pulp, giving it a lush, nourishing finish. “I like having these in my kit because they’re always a welcome sight for my actresses,” celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman previously told Vogue. “I love the dewy finish these give the lips.”
- Editor’s Note: “This is like a lipstick but better: all the benefits of a lipstick’s color payoff with the hydration of a lip oil. Plus, the packaging is mess-free and convenient; when you want more product, it’s a click rather than a twist.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Passion fruit oil, vitamin E, fig extract
- Finish: Satin
- Shades: 23
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Smooth and creamy feel | Packaging is not retractable |
| High-shine finish |
Best Pigment: Pat McGrath Labs Lust Gloss
- Why We Love It: If it’s from Pat McGrath Labs, expectations are naturally high—and Lust Gloss lives up to the reputation. Since its debut in 2018, it has become a benchmark for pigmented shine; before this, very few lip products delivered pigment and gloss in equal measure. “I love being a makeup alchemist,” McGrath previously told Vogue, reflecting on the 10-year anniversary of her cult-favorite line. “My brand is centered around creating what has never existed before.” The gloss takes inspiration from the luminous quality of stained glass, resulting in some of the most vivid and reflective shades on the market. There are 26 shades total, arranged across three finishes—high shine, glitter, and shimmer—so there’s an option for every look. And, yes, if you spotted glassy, sculpted lips on models at Vogue World: Hollywood, this was the secret.
- Editor’s Note: “The pigment on the Pat McGrath gloss is unlike anything I’ve ever tried. From dazzling shimmers to pinkish mauves, it delivers exceptional color in a single swipe. I use it when I want the saturation of a lipstick with the finish of a gloss. And where it thrives in color, it does not neglect in feel—it wears great on the lips. No flaking or drying in sight.” —Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: N/A
- Shades: 26
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| High-shine finish | A bit sticky (which improves wear time) |
| Highly pigmented formula |
Best Lightweight: Merit Shade Slick
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- Why We Love It: Merit makes it easy to customize your finish, offering three distinct textures to choose from: the original formula with creamy, opaque payoff; a lightweight gelée that gives a sheer, stained look; and a soft shimmer option that lands beautifully between the two. “This gives that glass lip finish that photographs beautifully and pairs perfectly with soft glam,” says pro makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio Ventre. “The formula feels luxurious yet clean, rich in plant-based oils that nourish without slipping excessively.” D’Amelio Ventre often layers it over a lip stain or liner to “bring dimension and fullness without sacrificing wear time.” The result is a multitasking staple that’s polished enough for photos yet effortless enough for everyday wear—comfortable, modern, and striking in its simplicity.
- Editor’s Note: “I’m partial to the gelée finish for two reasons. Firstly, the subtle wash of color pairs well with just about any lip liner or makeup look. Secondly, the formula is lightweight; it feels as if I’m wearing nothing at all.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Rose hip oil, shea butter, jojoba oil
- Finish: Satin, shimmer, gelée
- Shades: 12
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| A variety of finishes, textures, and color opacity | So lightweight that some report it requires a few layers to deposit color |
| Modern colors to suit all skin tones and makeup looks | Small applicator delivers a little bit of product at a time |
Best Plumping: Dior Lip Addict Lip Maximizer Gloss
- Why We Love It: Per Beecham, “[the Dior Lip Addict Lip Maxmimizer Gloss] is great for a painless plumping effect with great hydration because it’s infused with hyaluronic acid for maximum moisture.” This even takes the classic lip plumper up a notch by being available in a host of otherworldly pigments—Celestial Purple is the new glittering lilac offering, while Pure Copper delivers a sweet, angelic sparkle. Celebrity makeup artist Dom Della assures that this offers more subtle plumping with a cooling minty tingle. The formula’s lightweight feel layers well with or without lip products; wear on bare lips or atop lipstick.
- Key Ingredients: Jojoba esters, sweet cherry seed oil, hyaluronic acid
- Shades: 27
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Subtle plumping effect | Not the most pigmented |
| High-shine finish | |
| Nonsticky feel |
Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil
- Why We Love It: With more than 20,000 shoppers on Amazon singing its praises, this drugstore lip oil has earned its fan-favorite status. Although it’s labeled as an oil, the high shine and noticeable pigment give it the look and payoff of a classic lip gloss, just with more nourishment. The formula features a blend of apricot kernel, avocado, and jojoba seed oils to condition lips while leaving a smooth, glass-like shine that never feels sticky. A touch of peppermint, eucalyptus, and spearmint leaf oils adds a refreshing cooling effect with a subtle plumping tingle—just enough to boost fullness without discomfort. With eight buildable shades that range from soft everyday pinks to deeper berry tones (plus a clear version), it adapts effortlessly to different moods, makeup styles, and routines.
- Key Ingredients: Apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, jojoba seed oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, spearmint leaf oil
- Finish: High shine
- Shades: 9
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Affordable price point | Mint oil can be irritating to some |
| Hydrating and nonsticky formula |
Best Color Payoff: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
- Why We Love It: Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb Luminizer has been a go-to lip gloss for both Beecham and Harris since its launch in 2017. “[This] is an uber-popular, good hydrating lip gloss with shea butter and a smooth glide finish,” the former tells; its conditioning benefits come from the shea butter infusion. From rich sheens to mesmerizing shimmers, these shades deliver the statement-making impact of a lipstick. FU$$Y is a soft baby pink, Fuchsia Flex offers a futuristic purple, and Hot Chocolit provides a latte-like brown. Each hue consistently earns rave reviews for its blend of pigment, hydration, and glossy finish.
- Editor’s Note: “While I love how this wears, it’s also nonsticky, I am most impressed by the shades. Truly some of the most fun gloss pigments I have ever tested.” —Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Shea butter
- Shades: 14
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Vibrant pigment and shine | Some say the applicator picks up too much product at once |
| Buildable color payoff | |
| Comfortable, cushiony feel |
Best Glossy Treatment: La Mer The Lip Volumizer
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- Why We Love It: Thanks to La Mer’s Miracle Broth, this volumizer delivers visibly softer, nourished, and plumper lips with every glide. Pro makeup artist Ash K. Holm previously told Vogue, “This is more of a treatment than a gloss or balm—it smooths, hydrates, and plumps over time, leaving a silky, balm-like finish. It’s definitely an investment, but it’s worth it.” With its delicate wash of color, the subtle glossy finish makes it an understated lip gloss, offering just enough shine to catch the light without overpowering the look. The texture feels utterly luxurious—lightweight, hydrating, and effortlessly comfortable, giving lips slip and softness without the sensation of wearing anything heavy. And of course, the gentle plumping effect is an added bonus.
- Editor’s Note: “I’d consider La Mer’s lip treatment a ‘grown-up lip gloss’—not to say all glosses are adolescent, but there’s something mature and refined about it. The formula imparts an instantly hydrated, almost jelly-like feel, with an entirely nonsticky finish. While the finish isn’t high shine, it does impart an understated glossiness.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, coconut oil
- Shades: 5
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Hydrates severely dry lips | The priciest pick of the bunch |
| Comfortable formula | |
| Subtle plumping |
Everything You Need to Know
What are the qualities of a good lip gloss?
There are a few things that separate a good lip gloss from a great one. Here’s what to look for.
- Ingredients: “I love how progressive lip gloss has become,” says Beecham, citing the inclusion of ultra-moisturizing ingredients as one of the greatest innovations in the lip gloss space. “Look to hyaluronic acid, shea butter, vitamin E, jojoba oil, and even castor oil for the thicker, stickier sheens.”
- Finish: “Creamy texture in lip gloss is great to create a soft focus effect on lips,” Harris says. He’s also fond of hints of glitter, which add, as he puts it, a dynamic shine. Beecham chooses the finish based on the day’s activities. “Elegant nights with a little wardrobe sparkle are great for high gloss shines, you may want to tone it down for a daytime look but to me, the rules of yesterday are long gone! Do what you want!” she bids.
- Shades: Beecham’s biggest advice is to find shades that work with your undertones. “To find your undertone, consider what colors in your wardrobe you hate to wear and which you love,” she instructs. “If people say you look great in coral, then warm tones are probably best. This goes the same for blues and greens in the cool family. If you’ve never paid attention, go for neutrals. Try for more sheer opacities if you are unsure. You can always build up to “standout opaque” or bright colors once you learn from regular practice.” Or, of course, you could go for a clear coat to accentuate your natural lip color for daily wear.
- Stickiness: “Extra stickiness will allow lip gloss to last longer; however, it is not as comfortable to wear,” says Harris, who prefers a more comfortable, subtle stickiness. Opt for something rich in emollients and butters for a more lip oil or balm feel if you hate the sticky feeling.
How to apply lip gloss
You can apply lip gloss with its featured applicator, or with a brush. Harris’s biggest tip, in either case, is to tap on the product rather than swipe, for a “concentrated shine that doesn’t disrupt your lipstick or liner.” Beecham would recommend starting in the center of the bottom lip and spreading from corner to corner of the mouth. “For high gloss shine, don’t rub in; apply that same step to the top lip and let it live!” she continues. “Rub the bottom to the top for a more natural look and softer shine.”
How to make lip gloss last longer
To make your lip products last longer, lip prep is key. Beecham emphasizes the importance of internal hydration (think: drinking plenty of water) and a gentle exfoliant like a lip scrub to remove dead skin. Once its time to apply, Harris recommends applying the product on the Cupid’s bow and focusing the gloss on the center and outer portions of the lips, which enhances the shape and extends your wear. Per Beecham, lip liner can also help—creating a barrier between the gloss and the lips.
How we tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—professional makeup artists, many of whom have celebrity clientele—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to lip glosses, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, finish, wear time, and color payoff. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet the experts
- Saisha Beecham is a celebrity makeup artist, hairstylist, and groomer whose clients include Tarajii P. Henson, Sanaa Lathan, and Sheryl Lee Ralph.
- Lauren D’Amelio Ventre is a celebrity makeup artist, beauty educator, and founder of The Art of Enhancement, D’Amelio Cosmetics, and La Ve Da Beauty.
- Sean Harris is a celebrity makeup artist who often works with stars like Beyoncé, Lori Harvey, and Laura Harrier.
- Stevie Nelson is a pro makeup artist and Saie Beauty’s education director.
