Glossy lips are definitely back. If you are hunting for that perfect sparkle—or maybe just a bit of hydration for your commute—you are in the right place. The best formulas do double duty, acting like a balm while giving you that polished, pulled-together look. Sometimes, you just need to swipe and go, right?
Whether you are channeling the clean-girl aesthetic with a hint of shine or leaning into the muted, cool-tone trends coming out of South Korea, a reliable tube of gloss is basically a handbag essential. I have spent the last few weeks testing seven different multitasking formulas to see which ones actually live up to the noise. Just a heads up—the scent of some of these can be quite surprising when you first crack them open; one actually smelled a bit chemical for a second before fading away.
Here is how they stacked up:
Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil ($63) is the one everyone talks about, and honestly? It’s justified. It feels like a liquid lip balm that happens to be super glossy. The Black Cherry shade is lovely on warm skin tones. If you want something with high opacity, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Lip Gloss ($31.97) acts more like a vinyl-shine liquid lipstick. It’s thick, but it smooths everything out perfectly. Then there is the Heart Percent Dote On Mood ($22.79)—a fascinating, slightly grey-ish purple that’s great for layering if your lipstick is feeling a bit too bold.
Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb Heat ($41) is a classic for a reason. It’s got that plumping kick, so maybe skip it if your lips are feeling extra sensitive today. For the budget-conscious, Rom&nd’s Glasting Colour Gloss ($9.85) is surprisingly weightless and holds its own against the luxury brands. I also really liked the Glow Recipe Glass Balm ($34); the silicone applicator makes it feel like you are doing a professional treatment rather than just applying makeup.
Finally, for the minimalists, the Kosas Wet Lip Oil ($33.36) is incredibly light. It’s the closest thing to “nothing but shine” I’ve found lately. It doesn’t have that heavy, sticky residue that makes your hair get caught in your mouth—which, let’s be real, is the worst part of wearing gloss on a windy day.
So, which one do you actually need? If you want longevity, Misryoum testing suggests the Dior or ABH options are your best bets. For everyday comfort, definitely grab the Kosas or the Glow Recipe. The market is saturated with options, but sticking to these staples should save you some trial and error. Or maybe not—beauty is subjective, after all.