The Best Lip Gloss

Buying Guide

Lip gloss is a must-have accessory for some, with the high shine catching the light in a way that can make them appear fuller and more supple. Some even call the look “kissable.” But today’s lip glosses don’t just help the lips look healthy. They also build in ingredients that nourish and hydrate the lips to keep them feeling great.

When it comes to cosmetics, lip gloss is a serious contender for most popular item. That popularity will only continue to grow. Lip gloss is expected to be a $4.51 billion market by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.90 percent. Lip gloss can even be the go-to product for someone who wears very little makeup. A little lip gloss can have you prepared for any occasion, whether you’re hanging out around the house, running errands or going out for a night on the town.

But if you haven’t shopped for lip gloss for a while, you might not realize just how many great products are out there. At one time, lip gloss was simply designed to give the lips a little shine. Today’s lip glosses build in ingredients that help nourish and soften the lips to keep you comfortable while you’re wearing them.

Advancements in lip gloss have also given them a durability that previous products didn’t offer. You’ll find some glosses that can last for hours, although you likely won’t get the same longevity you get from lipsticks. You’ll need to take your lip gloss with you to reapply throughout the day.

The best thing about lip gloss is that you can wear it alone or as a top layer over your favorite lipstick. Layer with lipliner and lip primer beneath your lipstick to keep your lips looking great even as you eat and drink. Some lip glosses build in plumpers to help give your lips that little bit of extra fullness you need, but you can also find lip primer and lipstick that have that feature included.

• Lip gloss isn’t always transparent. You can find glosses that are tinted to give you a little extra color. If you pair it with lipstick, keep in mind that tinted lip glosses can alter the color.
• Flavored lip glosses can add a little fun to your makeup bag. You can find lip glosses flavored like your favorite desserts, fruits and other great tastes. You might prefer lip gloss that has no taste at all, particularly if you don’t want it interfering with your foods and beverages throughout the day.
• Look at the size of the lip gloss you choose. A smaller tube will be more portable, but it won’t last as long as a bigger tube. You’ll need to weigh those two against each other.
• If possible, take a look at the wand that comes with the tube of lip gloss you’re buying. A wider wand will let you apply the gloss quickly, with just one swipe. But you might find you like the control a smaller wand gives you.
• For gifting purposes, you might want a lip gloss set that comes in a box. With pretty packaging, it can make a classy gift for any occasion.
• Many modern lip glosses build in nourishing oils. These will help keep your lips soft and supple. Coconut oil is a popular hydrating ingredient, and mango butter can also help.
• In recent years, hyaluronic acid has become the go-to ingredient for reducing the appearance of fine lines in skin. This product can be built into lip gloss and help reduce the lines in your lips to provide a smoother surface for displaying lip color and shine.
• For a little extra fullness, look for a lip gloss that has plumping ingredients built in. Some plumpers can make your lips tingle after you apply, so be prepared for that side effect.