The 9 Best Shimmery Lip Glosses for a Frosty Finish, According to Cosmo Beauty Editors
Glitzy, glass-like lips are trending for 2026, btw.
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If my makeup routine has five steps, one of them is always lip gloss. If it’s pared down to three steps, it's still a non-negotiable. And if I had to choose just one must-have product? You guessed it—a lip gloss every time, specifically a shimmery lip gloss that gives my lips a glassy sheen. Yep, I'd pass on lip stains, lipsticks, and lip balms because a good shimmery lip gloss checks every box: a healthy dose of pigment, lots of hydration, and, of course, the perfect amount of sparkle.
And since 2016-esque makeup trends like frosted lips are flooding our feeds again, the Cosmo team thought it would be the perfect time to gush about our favorite shimmer lip glosses for a sparkly and frosty finish. Whether you want extra hydration, a budget-friendly option, or a formula that plumps the lips, there are tons of shiny lip glosses to choose from.
Our top picks for best shimmer lip glosses of 2026:
Keep scrolling for team Cosmo's favorite shimmery lip glosses that will give you the shiniest, most kissable lips out there. And trust us, we've tested 'em all.
Pros
- Tons of shades to choose from
- The plumping isn't painful
- Formula is non-sticky
Cons
- Some of the shades are often sold out
Why we love it: Fenty Beauty's Gloss Bomb majorly changed the lip game when it came out a few years ago (shade Fu$$y stans, rise). Aside from being the shiniest gloss I own, it genuinely nourishes my lips thanks to the shea butter-packed formula. It also comes in a plumping formula if you're looking for some extra volume too. When Rihanna said "Shine bright like a diamond," she was most definitely talking about this iridescent lip formula.
One Cosmo editor says: "This is my go-to lip product on nights out when I need a shiny formula that lasts a while. It's not overly drying like a bunch of other glitter glosses out there, and has an impressive shade range." —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
| Shades | 11 |
| Key ingredients | Shea butter, vitamin E |
Pros
- Doubles as a lip mask and lip gloss
- One swipe goes a long way
Cons
- Only comes in two shimmer shades
Why we love it: If you're on the hunt for a shimmery gloss that won't dry out your lips, let me introduce you to Gisou's Lip Oil. This workhorse formula is a gloss-oil hybrid, and it can easily revive even the driest of lips. The product is infused with Gisou's signature honey complex for top-tier nourishment. The added glitter in the formula makes it the ideal multitasker—combining pale pink pigment, hydration, and of course, a glimmering sheen.
One Cosmo editor says: "I'm absolutely obsessed with Gisou's lip oil. The formula is silky smooth and never sticky, making it my go-to every night—I swipe it on before bed and wake up with super soft lips. When I discovered it now comes in a glittery version, I was beyond excited. The shimmer-infused gloss delivers just the right amount of sparkle for a glass-like finish. And the best part? It still hydrates and nourishes your lips with the original formula's signature benefits."—JH
| Number of shades | 2 |
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, signature honey complex |
Pros
- Super pigmented
- Cushioned applicator disperses the formula nicely
Cons
- Tube is on the smaller side
Why we love it: The opacity on this shimmer lip oil is akin to a liquid lipstick, no joke. It's also super moisturizing, has a nice glimmer-filled finish, and even adds in a touch of plumping upon application (sans irritation). If someone asks for a multitasking lip product, this is always the first one I recommend. It also comes in some fun hues like frosty purple and deep brown.
One Cosmo editor says: "I went to a wedding and in lieu of stuffing a lip liner, lipstick, and gloss in my tiny purse, I simply used this one formula. It is truly so opaque that you don't need to layer on any other lip products with it, 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 holds its own and kept my lips hydrated and tinted."—JH
Features at a Glance
| Shades | 4 |
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E |
Pros
- Affordable for such a high quality formula
- Comes in a bunch of colors
- Very hydrating for a glitter gloss
Cons
- Some shades are more pigmented than others
Why we love it: If there's one thing e.l.f. consistently excels in, it's making high-performance formulas super affordable. Take this glitzy lip gloss for example. It has tons of hydration, a luxurious applicator, a non-sticky feel, and a shimmery finish—for a fraction of the price of similar options on the market.
One Cosmo editor says: "The Glow Reviver Lip Oil isn’t just a lip product, it’s an experience. The sleek packaging and ultra-plush applicator feel luxurious, while the nourishing, minty formula keeps my lips soft and glossy. It’s like a little moment of self-care, wrapped up in e.l.f.’s signature unapologetic vibe." —JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE
| Shades | 9 |
| Key ingredients | Squalane, jojoba oil, pomegranate oil |
Pros
- Precise applicator
- Safe for sensitive skin/lips
Cons
- Limited shade range
Why we love it: There's nothing worse than applying a plumping gloss and ending up with itchiness and redness around your lips. Luckily, this formula from Charlotte Tilbury has impressive volumizing powers that are gentle yet effective—plus hydrating ingredients to create smoother-looking lips. It’s the kind of plumper you can swipe on repeatedly without that dreaded burning sensation.
One Cosmo editor says: "I'm hyper-sensitive to plumping lately and anything with a gross taste or too strong of a tingle, I have to wipe it off immediately. The only plumping gloss that's remained a favorite is this one from Charlotte Tilbury. It offers a minty sensation that helps make my lips look bigger without burning. And it keeps a shiny look with pretty shimmers throughout that add a frosty, non-glittery sheen."—BG
Features at a Glance
| Shades | 4 |
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, sunflower oil |
Pros
- Expansive shade range
- Subtle plumping effect
Cons
- Certain shades are exclusive to the Dior website
Why we love it: Dior's lineup of lip products all hold desert-island status for team Cosmo, and this glitter-filled formula is one of our favorites. It leaves lips with a rich, juicy tint, lots of moisture, and a coat of metallic sparkles that give a glassy effect. Plus, it has 18 different shimmery shade options.
One Cosmo editor says: "This has been my favorite lip gloss for years, so much so that I was buying up tubes every time I got a paycheck in my early 20s. It's shiny with just enough tackiness to stay on but not sticky. And the shade range is fantastic. Juicy pinks, opalescent sheer blues, pearly whites, glittery peaches—it's all there."—BG
Features at a Glance
| Shades | 18 |
| Key ingredients | Cherry seed oil, jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid |
Pros
- Under $20
- Plant-based hydrators keep the lips soft
Cons
- Not as long-lasting as some pigmented options
Why we love it: If you're devoted to your go-to lip combo and just want to add some shine, this clear gloss from Tower 28 adds a nice sparkly finish without smudging or taking off your existing lip products. Not to mention, it's super hydrating apropos of its jelly-like texture, so it feels really nice and refreshing on the lips.
One Cosmo editor says: "If I ever want a clear gloss to wear on bare lips or layered over my favorite lipsticks or lip stains, this shimmery gloss from Tower 28 is the perfect finishing touch for any level of glam. Plus, it's chock full of plant oils for top-tier hydration."—JH
Features at a Glance
| Shades` | 1 |
| Key ingredients | Raspberry seed oil, rosehip oil, apricot oil |
Pros
- Gloss-oil hybrid keeps lips shiny and hydrated
- Clean ingredient list
Cons
- Only comes in three shimmer shades
Why we love it: Sometimes glitter-infused formulas can get overly sticky or dry up, accentuating the lines on and around our lips. Luckily Saie hacked the system and created this hydrating gloss. It's equal parts softening, smoothing, and of course, iridescent.
One Cosmo editor says: "The way this makes my lips so soft and juicy, it's just too good. It's the perfect combo of moisturizing lip oil, sheer lip tint, and high-shine gloss."—LB
Features at a Glance
| Shades | 3 |
| Key ingredients | Coconut oil, castor oil, jojoba oil |
Pros
- Cushioned applicator
- Hydrates and plumps the lips while adding pigment
Cons
- For those who want subtle glitter, this formula might not be best
Why we love it: Tarte has some of the best lip products out there, and that includes their plumping lip oils, and they come in a bajillion colors. And the TikTok-famous formula comes in a dazzling shimmer finish, too. The oil boasts tons of plump and hydration, and the shiny glitter is the cherry on top of the workhorse formula.
One Cosmo editor says: "This is v different from all the other lip oils I've tried—the formula's consistency is thicker, a bit stickier—but the staying power is much longer for this reason. It's the lip oil I grab when I don't want to touch up constantly." —BG
| Shades | 5 |
| Key ingredients | Maracuja oil, vitamin E |
Why Trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan where she writes about the best beauty products out there. For this story, she used her years of expertise in the beauty industry and love for lip products (you'll never find her without a coat of lip gloss on) to select the best shimmery lip glosses out there. She also tapped the rest of Cosmo's beauty team for the best shimmer lip glosses that they tested.
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.
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