If there’s one makeup product I need on me at all times, it’s a hydrating lip gloss. Even on minimal glam days when I’m just layering on skincare, I feel naked without a glassy, moisturised lip. And while the beauty world keeps pumping out new nourishing lip oils and innovative lip liners, nothing beats a does-it-all gloss that delivers on both hydration and pigment (and plumpness, if you want it to).
Team Cosmo has tried more formulas than we can count in the name of beauty research, and let’s just say not all glosses are created equal. The best lip glosses go beyond just instant shine. They boast cushiony textures that feel comfortable for hours, ingredients that actually keep the lips soft, and pigments that won’t fade after a sip of coffee. Some glosses are one-and-done formulas that combine colour and high shine, while others lean more sheer and balmy, perfect for everyday wear or layering over your favourite liner. From skinimalist makeup days to full glam, these Cosmo-loved glosses will not disappoint.
Ahead, the six best lip glosses that deserve a spot in your makeup bag ASAP.
Best Lip Gloss Overall
Fenty Gloss Bomb
Why we love it: If you’re not already familiar with Fenty’s iconic Gloss Bomb, please allow me to introduce you to one of the greatest lip products of, well, ever. The nourishing formula combines vitamin E, shea butter, and peptides, which all work together to make your lips feel soft and hydrated. Plus, it comes in 11 different long-wearing shades that will stay put for hours on end.
One Cosmo editor says: “I’ve legit tested over 100 gloss formulations. Yes, really. So naturally, it takes a lot to impress me when it comes to the formula and finish, and Fenty’s Gloss Bomb has had me in a chokehold for nine years.”
Best Luxury Lip Gloss
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer
Shades24Key ingredientsCherry oil, hyaluronic acid, shea butter
Why we love it: Everyone knows and loves the Dior Lip Oil that started the lip gloss renaissance when it went viral back in 2020. And this is basically the more pigmented sister lip product. It takes the old sticky formulas of the 2000s and transforms them with smooth and hydrating ingredients. Its ability to simultaneously add colour and shine to the lips without drying them out is truly unmatched. Plus, it comes in both glossy and shimmer finishes, so you have 24 hues to choose from.
One Cosmo editor says: “At any given time, you’ll find at least one of these classic Dior glosses in my bag. The tube is so stunning and makes me feel bougie as hell pulling it out of my bag to reapply. But it’s the formula that’s made me want to own nearly every shade and turned it into my go-to. It’s not sticky or gloopy at all, no matter how much you apply. There’s a teensy tingle, but nothing too intense or plumping. In fact, I love putting this on because I’m convinced the minty fresh scent and taste make my breath smell better.”
Best Hydrating Lip Gloss
Refy Lip Gloss
Shades11Key ingredientsShea butter, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil
Why we love it: If you’re looking for a lip formula with some serious hydrating powers, Refy’s latest gloss has you covered. It’s loaded with shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil, which help nourish the lips both instantaneously and over time. And in addition to its moisturising ingredients, the pigmented formula comes in 11 shades for a tinted, glassy finish.
One Cosmo editor says: “Everything about this lip gloss is so good – the cooling metal applicator, ultra-hydrating formula, and expansive shade range. I’m currently obsessed with “Rosewood”, a warm-toned pink that gives lips a hint of tint and juicy finish.”
Best Lip Gloss Stick
MAC Lip Gloss Stick
Shades5Key ingredientsShea butter, coconut oil, peptides
Why we love it: MAC’s Lip Gloss Stick combines the nourishment of a tinted lip balm, the glowy finish of a lip gloss, and the long-lasting pigment of a lipstick all in one, to leave behind a layer of shine and ultra-moisturising colour.
One Cosmo editor says: “This formula feels like you’re putting on a comfortable balm, but it’s a little sticky – in a positive way – that gives it way more staying power and a gorgeous wet look. It gives me Y2K-level shine, but isn’t as messy, since the stick applicator gives me more control while swiping on.”
Best Budget-Friendly Lip Gloss
Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss
Shades11Key IngredientsHyaluronic acid, vitamin E
Why we love it: This drugstore lip gloss is not just affordable as hell (likely the most affordable we’ve ever used and actually liked), but it feels comparable to basically every other luxe gloss that’s double or even triple the price. It’s hydrating, pigmented, and leaves a sparkly sheen that’s wearable enough for everyday glam.
One Cosmo editor says: “As a beauty editor, I’m lucky to have an entire desk at the Cosmo office to store a gazillion beauty products that I love but won’t fit in my tiny apartment storage. On my desk right now is approximately every single shade of this iconic drugstore lip gloss. One swipe gives me a glossy, non-sticky coat. And there’s even a lip plumper version that’s fantastic too (and seriously plumps, if that’s your vibe).”
Best Multitasking Lip Gloss
YSL YSL Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss
Shades13Key IngredientsHyaluronic acid, vitamin E, fig extract
Why we love it: This Lip Gloss from YSL quite literally checks every box, and then some. It does it all: hydrates like a dream thanks to hyaluronic acid, leaves my lips looking extra glassy, and brings so much colour that I can skip lipstick altogether. This isn’t just a glossy topper – it’s a whole lip combo in one swipe. And it plumps with ginger extract, without stinging or leaving my skin irritated. It gives me soft, full, and shiny lips every single time.
One Cosmo editor says: “I went to a wedding this past weekend and instead of stuffing a lip liner, lipstick, and gloss in my tiny purse, I simply used this one product. It is truly so pigmented that you’ll never need another lip product again, and it makes my lips look so full without the stinging that usually comes with a plumper. After many hours of eating, singing, and drinking, this lip gloss held its own and kept my lips hydrated and tinted.”
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmo US who covers all things makeup – including the latest lip launches. For this story, she, along with beauty director Lauren Balsamo and beauty editor Beth Gillette, shared their favourite lip gloss picks from months of testing.
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Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.