OMG, let’s talk about lip gloss because, honestly, is there anything more iconic than that perfect glossy pout? Gloss is having a serious moment, and I am totally here for it. I don’t know about you guys, but lip gloss gives me major Y2K vibes, and I’m ALL about that. Think shiny lips, over-lined with a touch of ’90s nostalgia… chef’s kiss!
So, I’ve tried a ton (like, my entire vanity is FULL of glosses, LOL), and I’m about to spill all the tea on the Best Lip Glosses of the Year. Get your wallets ready, babes, because you’re gonna wanna grab some of these. 😘💄
Why We All Love a Good Lip Gloss (And You Should, Too!)
Okay, real talk: a good lip gloss just hits different, you know? It’s like the love child of lipstick and balm. It’s shiny without being sticky (at least the ones we want are), it’s lightweight, and it makes your lips look plump AF even without fillers. Plus, it’s just the easiest thing to throw on to look cute without trying too hard. No need for a flawless lip line like with a bullet lipstick—just swipe and go!
So yeah, gloss isn’t just back. Gloss is back with a MODE.
Anyway, let’s get into the top ✨picks of the year✨ because I know y’all are curious which ones are worth adding to your lineup.
1. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
Rihanna did her thing with this one, like…girl KNOWS gloss. If you don’t have a Gloss Bomb in your life, what are you even doing? It’s like the unicorn of glosses—everyone loves it, and no one can argue.
The OG shade “Fenty Glow” is honestly a classic. It’s this gorge rose-nude that flatters literally anyone. And let me just say, the shine is LOUD. But not in an in-your-face way—it’s just perfect. Plus, it feels so comfy and hydrating on the lips—thanks, shea butter! Plus, you can throw it over your favorite lipstick or apply it solo—it’s super versatile.
Basically, if you want gloss with the right amount of drama, this is your girl.
Bonus point? That large doe-foot applicator which covers your lips in like two swipes… iconic.
Price: $20
Shades: Multiple
Why it’s bomb: Ultimate gloss goals, non-sticky with major shine
2. Maybelline Lifter Gloss
Okay, hear me out: this is the affordable gem of the year. The Lifter Gloss is literally what we’ve all been waiting for from drugstore makeup—affordable, luxurious, and 100% giving ✨vibes✨.
It’s infused with hyaluronic acid, so it gives that plumping look without the tingly feel. If your lips need hydration but also a crazy-good gloss… sis, THIS is the one. It’s shiny, but in a high-end kinda way—and it has that juicy, glass-like finish that we can’t get enough of. Seriously, Maybelline did what they had to do with this one.
The shade “Ice” is like your lips kissed with a glowy filter, but their Topaz shade is giving bronzed goddess vibes.
Price: $9.99
Shades: Multiple
Why it’s bomb: Smoothing, hydrating, and shine that’s next level on a drugstore budget
3. Dior Addict Lip Maximizer
Okay, I know Dior sounds bougie, but we’ve gotta talk about it because the Dior Lip Maximizer is worth every single penny. If you like a little tingle with your gloss, this one’s got ya. Not only does it give you MAJOR plumpness but the shine levels are just… chef’s kiss. Oh, and it has vitamin E, so 👏 hello healthy lips!
This gloss looks f-a-n-c-y, literally like you’re living your best Parisian life sipping iced coffee. Plus, the packaging is sleek, which, let’s be honest, is like half the fun.
If you’re doing a “no-makeup” makeup look and want something natural but still want that “oomph?” Dior’s got your back with their insane shade range. Also, the “001 Pink” is basically a cult classic at this point.
Price: $38
Shades: Multiple (from soft pinks to juicy reds!)
Why it’s bomb: Next-level plump, luxury feels, maximum shine
4. Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly
Yessssss, all about that “clean beauty” life, am I right? Tower 28 is certifiably clean (approved by Sephora’s Clean program, BTW) but guess what? It’s far from boring. These ShineOn Lip Jellies are super glossy with a jelly-like texture you won’t find anywhere else. It’s more hydrating than sticky, which is kinda revolutionary, and the colors…? Literal perfection.
If you love gloss that’s moisturizing but not overwhelming, you need this in your beauty bag. Their shades like Coconut and Fire make your lips look like they’ve been bathed in light. Yup, I said LIGHT. 😂
Also, if your lips tend to get irritated by some products or you just want to keep it ingredient-conscious, this one’s perfect—it’s made for sensitive skinned babes. No irritation, no problem.
Price: $15
Shades: Several (from nudes to brights!)
Why it’s bomb: Clean beauty, crazy shine, non-sticky jelly feels
5. NYX Butter Gloss
Tell me you have a NYX Butter Gloss without actually telling me… 🙋♀️ Okay, this one is OBVI popping off the shelves for a reason. Affordable, cute packaging, and the formula is so smooth like butter (yep, exactly what the name says). It’s more of a soft matte-gloss hybrid that works on softer makeup days or if you just love a buttery (YUM, lol) finish.
One of the most popular shades, Tiramisu… literally works for everyone. Like, seriously.
The scent is also addictive. It smells like cake, and I’ve gotta admit I’ve lowkey wanted to just eat it?? Don’t judge me. 😜
If you’re a gloss fan and you haven’t tried Butter Gloss yet, swipe your card now. Trust me.
Price: $5
Shades: Wide range (Nudes, pinks, and berry tones!)
Why it’s bomb: Super affordable, smooth like butter, smells like heaven
6. Pat McGrath Labs Lust Gloss
Do we even need an intro for Pat McGrath glosses?! Because, hands down, it’s THE glam moment. The Lust Gloss is sheer luxury in a tube, and if you’re obsessed with the makeup GODDESS that is Pat McGrath, then you already know that her glosses are no joke.
The colors are rich, pigmented, and deliver glass-like glossiness with just a single swipe. Plus, the packaging is so extraness-and-glam that it literally makes you feel expensive. Like, wear this to brunch, and people will be asking, “what gloss are you wearing?” while you sip your mimosas. 😉🍹
The shade Flesh 4? I meannnn. Trust me, you’re gonna want more than one.
Price: $30
Shades: So many! Bold reds, shimmering nudes, ugh—just YES!
Why it’s bomb: Crazy pigmentation, high shine, feels like you’re on a glam runway
Pat McGrath simply knows how to slay the lip game.
7. BUXOM Full-On Plumping Lip Cream
Can’t finish without mentioning an OG, right? If you’ve been in the gloss community for a minute, you KNOW BUXOM has been killing the game for years, and this year is no exception. The Full-On Lip Cream has that legendary plumping effect (you know, the tingle kind)—and it’s glossy without being overly sticky.
“White Russian” is pretty much the gloss everyone raves about, and for a good reason: it’s just universally flattering. Want drama and plump on the lips? Get yourself one of these, babes. It’s one of those “talk-of-the-town” glosses that make you look like you’ve just had a killer lip treatment but well… it’s just smart gloss-technology. Oh, and it’s packed with peptides for that extra lip-loving treatment.
Price: $21
Shades: Seriously good variety
Why it’s bomb: Tingling plump, sheer but stunning shades, cult status
Let’s Gloss It All Up!
There you go, baddies—those are the must-have lip glosses of this year. Like, we’re talkin’ about shine that could be seen from outer space and glosses that make your lips feel soft, look lush, and make you the glowing goddess you ARE ✨.
There’s literally something for everyone on this list. Whether you want to splurge on a Pat McGrath glow or ball on a budget with Maybelline–you’ll be glossin’ all day, every day.
Let me know in the comments which one you’re picking up first; I’d love to hear your faves!! 😘
