Lipgloss is having a moment right now. Not since the early aughts have slick, shiny lips been the look du jour of the fashion set. The new crop of luxurious lip lacquers deliver high shine without being sticky and we’re one hundred per cent here for them.
There are beauty few items more essential to your handbag than the humble lipgloss. This multi-purpose hero can double as a cheek highlighter and fly-away tamer for unruly tresses. The best lip gloss formulas are not only long-lasting but packed with nourishing ingredients to keep your pout hydrated and oh-so glossy.
When curating a guide to finding the best lip gloss, a few cult classics inevitable come to mind; M.A.C.’s Clear Lipglass and Dior Addict Gloss (a lip plumper and gloss all in one.) Not to mention the next-gen classic, Fentry Beauty’s Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer. Scroll to discover the crème de la crème — or gloss de la gloss — both old and new, so the next time you’re on the hunt for the best lip gloss, you know exactly which one to try.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer Lipgloss ($42; at sephora.com.au)
This minted scented high-shine formula is created with a unique Triple Shine Complex – a blend of high-performance ingredients that provide unstoppable wear and shine like ’30 coats of lacquer.’ The brilliant shine contributes to an optical plumping look. Enamored feels cushiony on the lips, never sticky.
One beauty-lover wrote on Sephora: “I’m not a glossy kinda girl but this gloss really stood up for me. The first gloss I bought. The colour is nice for everyday use. And since it’s a gloss so yeah you have to reapply after some time. It doesn’t feel thick on my lips. And it makes my lips look juicier. If you love gloss, you should try this.”
Dior Addict Gloss ($49; at sephora.com.au)
This high-end lip product boasts three benefits – its plumping formula gives lips a supple, plump shape bursting with freshness. Lips are glossed with an incredibly thin and easy-wearing mirror-shine film. Lips are hydrated with six hours of continuous, deep moisturisation for smoothed, plumped lips.
“I really love this gloss. It’s so pretty on the lips. Makes them look fresh and plump. The collection has many different colours and finishes (glitter/ shimmer/clear) and translucent levels. There’s a perfect gloss for everyone and for every day,” reviewer Roya Kashani told Sephora.
M.A.C.’s Clear Lipglass ($34; at maccosmetics.com.au)
Ideal for achieving a high-shine glass finish or subtle sheen without any pigment. Clear Lipglass is your go-to for creating a slate of looks – designed to be worn on its own, over lip pencil or lipstick.
“Really happy to have purchased this lipgloss. It wears well over natural lips, and lip pencil, lasting about 3-4 hrs on me, or until I have something to eat,” one fan shared via Mecca. “Have found that it even manages to make my lips appear bigger, without actually having any plumping effect, the gloss is just that shiny! The only downside is it can feel a bit sticky if I put too much on, but that’s me!”
Hourglass Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss ($44; at mecca.com.au)
A lip plumping lip gloss that provides a slick sheen of colour whilst hydrating and smoothing. Hyaluronic acid, shea butter and avocado oil nourish lips while patented lip plumping technology Volulip™ amplifies the lips natural shape, plumping without the sting of more traditional lip plumpers.
This overjoyed reviewer says: “I only just bought this lipgloss today and this has already become a favourite of mine. I love the variety of nudes available and the consistency of the gloss is amazing as it is not sticky and it has a beautiful shine. I bought the shade Dusk and absolutely love it.
“It’s a beautiful brown nude and has the perfect amount of pigment! I love the minty plumping effect and it is very hydrating. This has to be one of the first lip glosses I have used that doesn’t leave me with dry crusty lips once worn off. They are left plump and hydrated! Definitely worth the money.
Lanolips Lip Water ($23; at sephora.com.au)
This lightweight non-sticky fluid delivers a very fine layer of moisture to your lips. Lanolin and peppermint oil target dryness and shimmery pigments leave a subtle glowing sheen.
Sephora customer Luci Putland wrote: “This is quite nice to wear, not sticky and has a nice glossy finish. The only thing I didn’t like about it, is that it doesn’t last as long as the original Lanolips Super Balm.”
Glossier Balm Dotcom for a set of three ($42.63; at net-a-porter.com/au/)
A hydrating, long-lasting, multipurpose lip balm and skin salve that’s packed with antioxidants and natural emollients to nourish and repair dry, chafed skin.
An enthusiastic Redditor says: “This is a game changer. I rub my lips together a lot to kind of spread the product out evenly and it stays through that, and it even stays on through a night’s sleep. If you ever order something off of Glossier then I definitely recommend it!”
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer ($30; at sephora.com.au)
Here’s what Rihanna says about creating this must-have product: “I made it because I wanted the girls to get kissed more.” Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer delivers explosive shine, now in three universal shades handpicked by Rihanna herself to be the ultimate finishing touch to any look.
A very happy Fenty Beauty fan reveals, “This OG Fenty product is an absolute staple in my makeup stash. You can build it up for ultra shine or get away with a thin coat for that subtle spotlight. I personally love applying this over lip tints when I’m feeling myself. It smells heavenly, too!”
Charlotte Tilbury MyLip Lustre Lip Gloss ($35; at charlottetilbury.com/au/)
This sheer shimmering gloss is ideal for layering over lipstick or adding natural glamour to your make-up look. One gloss-addict says via Charlotte Tilbury’s official site: “This works in so many ways. It suits all skin colours. It gives a look of much ore volume for us older gals and it lasts. Bringing this on my vacation!”
elf Lip Plumping Gloss ($14; at adorebeauty.com.au)
Lips feel and appear fuller, while being nourished and softened, with a sheer wash of colour. This invigorating formula contains two types of menthol to temporarily plump lips, with a refreshing, cooling tingle.
Giving this budget-friendly buy five-stars, one reviewer wrote via Adore Beauty: “I love! It’s so affordable and does what high-end lip plumping gloss’ do!”
Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer ($24.95; at priceline.com.au)
This unique wax-free gel formula delivers high-impact shine with a lightweight moisturising feel. perfect for a bold shine that is guaranteed to turn heads.
One reviewer shared; “I am having a bit of a peach moment with my makeup of late and couldn’t resist the pretty shade Smoky Topaz. It comes in a standard plastic tube, cute faceted lid decal and the applicator is a brush rather than your typical doe foot. It is quite thick and gluggy and I must wipe the brush on the side before applying as way too much product coats the brush and makes a sticky, gloopy mess.”
