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, moisturized 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 color and high shine, while others lean more sheer and balmy, perfect for everyday wear or layering over your favorite liner. From skinimalist makeup days to full glam, these Cosmo-loved glosses will not disappoint.
Ahead, the 8 best lip glosses that deserve a spot in your makeup bag ASAP.
| Shades | 11 |
| Key ingredients | Shea butter, peptides, vitamin E |
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.”—SHAUNA BENI-HAYNES, SENIOR COMMERCE EDITOR
| Shades | 3 |
| Key ingredients | Shea butter, coconut oil, peptides, jojoba oil |
Why we love it: If you're looking for a glassy lip balm that will also provide an SPF shield against harsh UV rays, lemme introduce you to Supergoop's Glow Gloss. It comes in three summery shades (coral, hot pink, and light pink) and is equal parts nourishing as it is protective. When I apply it, I literally feel a glossy layer form on my lip for protection and that glass-esque finish. Plus, it doesn’t have that sticky or clumpy feeling like a lot of other SPF lip products on the market.
One Cosmo editor says: "This is the first lip SPF product that I've tried that isn't chalky or tastes like sunscreen (I love the vanilla flavor). It's just as hydrating as a typical gloss, and now I don't have to worry about my lips getting extra chapped or dried up in the sun."—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
| Shades | 24 |
| Key ingredients | Cherry 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 color 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 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."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
| Shades | 11 |
| Key ingredients | Shea 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 moisturizing 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.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
| Shades | 5 |
| Key ingredients | Shea 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-moisturizing color.
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."—BG
| Shades | 4 |
| Key ingredients | Ceramides, murumuru butter, peptides |
Why we love it: Everyone has those beauty products that they love splurging on, and if a high-quality lip gloss is one of yours, ANFISA’s will not disappoint. It provides tons of nourishment thanks to murumuru butter and ceramides, leaving the lips looking and feeling hydrated long after you’ve swiped it on.
One Cosmo editor says: "While I realize $45 is absurd for a lip balm, this is by far one of the best I've used. It's so hydrating and nourishing and really helps to repair and strengthen my lips, not just temporarily moisturize them. And I love the metal-tipped applicator too. This is a total luxury, but for a product I use all the time, it's so worth it."—LB
| Shades | 11 |
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic 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 NYC 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)."—BG
| Shades | 13 |
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic 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 color 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."—JH
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmo 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 favorite lip gloss picks from months of testing.
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.
