The Top 13 Lip Glosses Of 2026

I’ve been on a mission to find the best lip gloss since my middle school days of sticky, glittery tubes. The good news? Formulas have gotten so much better. They’re hydrating, plumping, and give you that glass-like shine without feeling like glue.

So I went on a hunt. I tested dozens of glosses, from drugstore finds to luxury splurges, to find the ones that actually deliver. I looked for shine, comfort, staying power, and any extra perks like plumping or hydration.

These are the glosses that truly impressed me and earned a permanent spot in my bag for 2026.

 

 

Our Top Lip Gloss Picks

FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shimmer Gloss Stick

This stick is $26.00 and worth every penny. It gives you all the shine of the original Gloss Bomb but in a solid stick form, which I find so much easier to apply on the go. There’s zero stickiness, just a super brilliant shine.

My lips felt conditioned and moisturized the whole time I wore it. It’s perfect for that everyday glam look when you want something extra without trying too hard. The high-shimmer pigments really catch the light.

The Downside: It’s only available in 7 colors, so I hope they expand the range soon.

 

 

NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss

At just $6.00, this is the best budget-friendly gloss I’ve ever tried. The name says it all—it feels buttery smooth and is completely non-sticky. I was shocked at how comfortable it was for all-day wear.

It has some serious shimmer and comes in a massive range of 32 shades, so you can find literally any color you want. It just melts onto your lips and feels great.

The Downside: You’ll probably have to reapply after eating or drinking, as it’s not the most long-lasting formula.

 

 

Maybelline Lifter Gloss Candy Drop Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid

This gloss is $12.99 and it’s all over TikTok for a reason. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, so it gives you this juicy, hydrated shine that makes your lips look fuller. It feels incredible, not sticky at all.

I did feel a very slight tingle, but it was comfortable and gave my lips a nice little boost. If you want a plumping effect without the pain, plus a ton of hydration, this is the one.

The Downside: The plumping effect is pretty subtle, so don’t expect a dramatic change.

 

 

Best Lip Plumping Glosses

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump

You can grab this one for $27.00. I was so impressed by how creamy and smooth this felt. It has a minty-fresh feeling that I loved, and it made my lips feel conditioned thanks to ingredients like maracuja oil and vitamin E.

This is my top pick for anyone who hates the burning sensation some plumpers have. It gives you a fuller look without any pain, just a pleasant cooling sensation. My lips stayed smooth long after the shine wore off.

The Downside: The texture is more like a balm than a traditional, super-slick gloss.

 

 

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper

For $33.00, this gloss is the real deal if you want dramatic results. This is a cult favorite for a reason—it works. I saw a visible difference in fullness that lasted for hours, way longer than other plumpers I’ve tried.

It has a soft pink tint and a really shiny finish. But you have to be ready for the tingle. The plumping peptides and capsicum get to work immediately, and you can definitely feel it.

The Downside: That tingling sensation is intense and might be too much for sensitive lips.

 

 

ColourPop So Juicy Plumping Gloss Balm

p>This is a steal at $10.00. I love this for daily use because the plumping is so gentle. It gives a really high shine and has a nice, minty tingle that feels refreshing, not irritating.

The texture totally reminds me of the nostalgic juicy tubes from back in the day. It’s affordable, comfortable, and a great entry-level plumping gloss if you have sensitive skin.

The Downside: It is slightly sticky, so watch out on a windy day.

 

 

Milani Keep It Full Maxxx Balmshell Lip Plumping Balm

At $12.99, this Milani plumper is fantastic for a natural look. It has a subtle sparkly sheen that’s really pretty and a cooling tingle that feels great. It’s not an intense, in-your-face plump.

Instead, it just makes your lips look naturally enhanced and juicy. The formula has mango oil, so it feels conditioning and comfortable. It’s perfect for when you want a little something extra without looking overdone.

The Downside: It’s another one that’s a bit sticky if your hair gets caught in it.

 

 

Grande Cosmetics GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper Gloss

This gloss costs $25.00 and feels more like a skincare treatment. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid for hydration and a volumizing complex that works gradually. I found it to be one of the least irritating plumpers out there.

Because it’s so hydrating and not overly intense, it’s perfect for layering over lipstick or liner. It gives a beautiful shine while working its magic behind the scenes.

The Downside: It takes about 15-20 minutes to see the full plumping effect.

 

 

Best High-Shine Lip Glosses

MAC Lipglass High Shine Lip Gloss

For $24.00, you can get the most iconic high-shine gloss ever. MAC Lipglass is a classic for a reason. It delivers that signature glass-like finish that makes your lips look incredibly wet and shiny.

It comes in 16 shades, including the perfect clear gloss that can go over any lipstick. The application is smooth and gives you a professional-looking finish every time.

The Downside: It can feel a little heavy or thick on the lips compared to newer formulas.

 

 

KIKO Milano 3D Hydra Lipgloss

This gloss is $14.00 and it’s a hidden gem. It promises a 3D plumping and hydrating effect, and I think it delivers. My lips looked instantly more voluminous and felt super hydrated.

The shine is gorgeous and it comes in 21 different shades, from sheer to pigmented. People rave about this gloss, and I completely get why. It performs like a much more expensive product.

The Downside: It can be a little harder to find in stock compared to other brands.

Finding the best lip gloss really comes down to what you’re looking for. Do you want intense plumping, subtle shine, or major hydration? There’s definitely a formula out there for you.

After all this testing, I’m confident that you can find a new favorite from this list. Whether you spend $6 or $30, you can get that perfect glossy finish you’re looking for.