Apparently, Fashion People Everywhere Carry *This* in Their Bag at All Times
As a beauty editor, I swear by a select few makeup products and remain dedicated to them. I can go without mascara, skip shaping and filling in my brows on certain days, or forgo sweeping liquid blush across the apples of my cheeks to my temples, but I will always appreciate a good clear lip gloss. Whether I'm in the mood to wear it alone or layered with my favorite lip tints and balms, I can always count on clear lip gloss to add the perfect finishing touch to any look. If I'm not wearing anything else on my face but a clear lip gloss, I still feel put together and ready to take on my day. (I even wear a few coats of my favorite nonsticky selections during semiweekly workout sessions.)
Wondering which ones other fashion people and I have in constant rotation? Below, discover the clear lip glosses I've tested and can't stop reapplying whenever I get the opportunity to as well as ones I've spotted beauty and fashion lovers using. There's something for everyone—from budget-friendly early 2000s selections to higher-end options that look as luxurious as their formulas feel.
Top 10 Best Clear Lip Glosses
- Nyx Cosmetics Butter Gloss in 54 Sugar Glass
- Milani Highly Rated Diamond Lip Gloss
- Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly in Chill
- Refy Lip Gloss in Clear
- Nars Afterglow Lip Shine Gloss in Triple X
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Glass
- Danessa Myricks Multi-Use Eye, Cheek & Lip Waterproof Liquid Pigment in Clear
- Shiseido Crystal Gel Gloss
- Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss in Jellyfish
- Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Gloss in Ice
1. Nyx Cosmetics Butter Gloss in 54 Sugar Glass
Pros: Lightweight; incredible shine
Cons: Some reviewers wish the wand was a bit longer
When it comes to lip gloss, formula truly matters, and Nyx Cosmetics' cult-classic Butter Gloss in Sugar Glass is silky-smooth and nonsticky. It offers sheer to medium coverage and softens and conditions the lips while delivering endless shine. While this particular shade can easily be paired with my favorite blush-toned lipsticks, stains, and liners, I think it looks stunning on its own.
2. Milani Highly Rated Diamond Lip Gloss
Pros: Has a diamond-like, high-shine finish; doesn't clump
Cons: Has shimmer particles, if you're looking for something non-glittery
Of Milani's high-performing products, the Diamond Lip Gloss is by far one of its most underrated. Its nonsticky formula glides seamlessly onto my lips with a glossy, diamond-like finish that creates an optical volumizing effect. Its signature doe-foot applicator allows for even distribution of product, meaning I don't experience any annoying clumping or tackiness.
3. Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly in Chill
Pros: Very nourishing and safe for sensitive skin
Cons: Texture is a bit heavier than other options
While this best-selling lip gloss is offered in a variety of eye-catching colors (I have more shades than I'd like to admit in my makeup bag), the true star of the ShineOn Lip Jelly is its effective blend of raspberry seed, apricot kernel, and rose-hip oils to nurture, soothe, and protect the lips. It even acts like a balm, gloss, and oil in one.
4. Refy Lip Gloss in Clear
Pros: Hydrates the lips; smooths fine lines
Cons: The applicator can be a bit messy
I'll never say no to getting an eye-blinding shine out of my lip gloss. Possessing all the benefits of a balm, Refy's Lip Gloss uses a lightweight, nonsticky formula to smooth away the appearance of fine lines for a glass-like finish. It's formulated to leave the lips cool and refreshed and has a long-lasting shiny effect that goes smudge-free for up to 10 hours. If that weren't enough, its minimalist packaging is also effortlessly chic.
5. Nars Afterglow Lip Shine Gloss in Triple X
Pros: Provides intense shine with a nonsticky feel; precise applicator
Cons: Pricey
I can't sing enough praises for the Afterglow Lip Shine Gloss in Triple X. This lip gloss creates a mirror-like shine and hydrates the lips with its pomegranate flower complex (a powerful combination of jojoba oil and antioxidant-rich pomegranate extract). Its custom-designed, curved applicator works wonders by hugging the lips to create smooth and buildable coverage.
6. Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Glass
Pros: Very juicy and moisturizing
Cons: Slightly sticky
Here's a crystal-clear lip gloss that flies off the shelves of any beauty retailer (and right into my online shopping cart). The product offers a comfortable wear and a glass-like shine with a nonsticky feel and crystal-clear finish. Whether it's worn alone or with liner and lipstick, the Crystal Lip Gloss will make your lips appear smoother and fuller with a couple of swipes.
7. Danessa Myricks Multi-Use Eye, Cheek & Lip Waterproof Liquid Pigment in Clear
Pros: Versatile for lips, lids, and cheeks; long-lasting
Cons: Smaller tube
If you haven't gotten your hands on this multiuse product by Danessa Myricks since its launch, where have you been? There are at least 30 shades offered in three finishes, but it's the crystal-clear, high-shine glaze that catches my eye. It's a waterproof, liquid pigment that works on the lips and anywhere else you'd like an extra touch of shine. It glides on and sets easily for all-day wear with no need for reapplication.
8. Shiseido Crystal Gel Gloss
Pros: Nonsticky and glides like a dream
Cons: Tube can leak
High-intensity pigment meets shiny, smooth gloss in Shiseido's Crystal Gel Gloss. Dry lips will majorly benefit from the product's triple-oil blend, which creates a seamless glide and a wet-look finish that my wildest Y2K dreams are made of. Try applying it directly to the lips for a dewy sheen or use as a topcoat for a lustrous effect.
9. Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss in Jellyfish
Pros: Juicy, glossy finish; smooths lip lines
Cons: Sheer but not totally clear
Okay, this pick isn't completely clear, but the Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss in Jellyfish gives the most gorgeous sheer finish that allows your natural lip color to shine through with a glazed look. It also happens to be a hybrid lip treatment and gloss that's packed with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and other botanicals to plump and hydrate the lips. If you've been wanting to give the vinyl makeup trend a try without breaking the bank, this is the product for you.
10. Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Gloss in Ice
Pros: Nourishes lips; nonsticky finish
Cons: Pricey
What can't our beloved Posh Spice do? Victoria Beckham Beauty's Posh Gloss has a comfortable and cushiony formula that strengthens and conditions the skin barrier with ingredients like blackcurrant and vitamin E. If you have dry lips like I do, rest assured that a quick swipe of this will help boost hydration thanks to the addition of aloe butter to speed up healing and provide antioxidant protection.
11. MAC Cosmetics Clear Lipglass Lip Gloss
Pros: Great shine payoff; a little goes a long way
Cons: Messier applicator
This wouldn't be a true gloss roundup without giving this clear lip gloss from MAC Cosmetics its roses. Designed to be worn on its own or over your favorite lip products, the Clear Lipglass offers a subtle sheen with a glass-like finish. It's formulated with jojoba oil to soften and condition the lips, and a little goes a long way. Simply apply a dot to the lips and smooth across for quick and easy application.
12. Lancôme Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss in Pure
Pros: Long-lasting; has a nostalgic feel
Cons: Stickier than other options
With an ultra-shiny finish that lasts for up to four hours, this gloss will make your lips look more luscious with a single application. While this pick is stickier than others on this list, its lasting hydration is unparalleled. I use all the shades, but Pure is by far one of the best clear options I've come across.
13. C.O. Bigelow Vanillamint Supreme 2X Lip Gloss
Pros: Subtly plumps the lips; feels refreshing
Cons: Strong vanilla-mint scent, if you're sensitive to fragrance
A sweet vanilla scent? Check. Nonstop shine? Double check. I'm a big believer in sticking with the products that perform well no matter what my makeup lineup looks like. The C.O. Bigelow Villamint Supreme 2x Lip Gloss, for example, has been a longtime favorite of mine since it gives my lips shine and moisture with a refreshing, minty, cooling sensation I'm obsessed with.
14. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in Slipper
Pros: Juicy payoff in one swipe; nonsticky formula
Cons: Contains a peach-vanilla fragrance, if you're sensitive to scent
When I'm shopping for lip gloss, I'm always drawn to products that look as good as they feel when applied. Fenty's Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in Glass Slipper is one of my top picks for creating picture-perfect shine while leaving the lips smooth and full. Its nonsticky formula makes it easy to use, while its peach-vanilla scent makes me want to constantly reapply (even though it lasts for hours on end).
15. Haus Labs PhD Hybrid Lip Oil in Neutral
Pros: Lightweight with a cushiony feel, elegant packaging
Cons: Smaller tube
I'm a fan of any Haus Labs product. Its PhD Hybrid Lip Oil in neutral, for example, delivers the perfect amount of lightweight hydration and nonsticky shine for a great cushiony feel. Plus, it looks really cute being whipped out of your bag or pocket for reapplication (even when you don't need it).
16. Gucci Gloss à Lèvres Plumping Lip Gloss in 117 Joslyn Clair
Pros: Doesn't clump or feel sticky; gorgeous packaging; layers well over lip color
Cons: Expensive
If you're going to drop the big bucks on a Gucci Beauty product, it should be Gloss à Lèvres Plumping Lip Gloss in 117 Joslyn Clair. Not only does it plump, smooth, and hydrate the lips, but its formula is also extremely soft and blendable. Its ultra-precise doe-foot applicator ensures the gloss glides on easily without clumping or sticking.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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