The lip gloss resurgence was inevitable. After years of matte lipstick dominance, the pendulum swung back toward everything matte was not: glossy, comfortable, low-maintenance, and forgiving. The new generation of lip glosses has also evolved significantly from the sticky, hair-catching formulas of the early 2000s.
Modern glosses run the gamut from barely-there sheen to full-coverage color, and the best ones manage to be hydrating, long-wearing, and non-sticky simultaneously — a trifecta that was nearly impossible a decade ago. We tested fifteen glosses across every price point to find the standouts.
At the drugstore level, the NYX Shine Loud High Shine Lip Color ($9) is the clear winner. It delivers the shine and staying power of glosses three times its price, with a surprisingly comfortable wear. The dual-ended design (color on one side, clear gloss on the other) allows for customization that most single-tube glosses cannot match.
In the mid-range, the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil ($20) occupies a unique space between gloss and lip oil. The cushiony texture feels luxurious, and the tinted formula provides enough color to stand on its own. It is not the longest-wearing option, but it is the most comfortable.
The best lip gloss does not feel like lip gloss. It feels like a hydrating balm that happens to look spectacular.
The Luxury Pick
Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil ($38) remains the most photographed lip product on social media, and the formula justifies the hype. The rose-scented oil-gloss hybrid delivers a mirror-like shine with a subtle tint that adapts to your lip's natural color. It is objectively expensive for what is essentially tinted oil, but the experience of wearing it — and the packaging — is undeniable.
The Verdict
The lip gloss renaissance has produced genuinely excellent products at every price point. You do not need to spend designer money for great shine. But if the Dior packaging makes you happy, there is no shame in it.
Our rating: 4.2 out of 5. Great category with strong options across all price points. The stickiness problem is largely solved.