We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping People Tested The 13 Best Lip Glosses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Spoiler alert: We loved Rare Beauty's Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm for its non-sticky, buildable formula and long-lasting wear By Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience covering all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. At PEOPLE, she collaborates with the PEOPLE Tested team to share our top recommendations for everything from the best shapewear to the best dark spot correctors. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 22, 2024 12:07PM EDT In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Things to Consider Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? People / Jessica Juliao With the return of Y2K makeup, we’ve swapped out our matte liquid lipsticks for lip gloss once again. Only lip gloss in 2024 is much different than the sticky, goopy gloss of the early 2000s. With the popularity of skincare makeup, lip gloss adds shine while also promoting lots of skincare perks, such as hydration, environmental protection, and exfoliation — and some lip glosses even boast anti-aging benefits. According to Clarissa Luna, a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with the likes of Megan Fox, Sarah Ferguson, and Ellie Kemper, lip gloss is the quintessential makeup must-have because it can add moisture, elevate your lipstick, and give you a juicy, high-shine finish. Although it has come in and out of style throughout the decades, it’s now more popular than ever. “Whether it’s traditional lip gloss, highly pigmented lipstick gloss, sheer tinted gloss, balmy gloss, or lip oils, lip gloss is having a moment, and I’m most certain it’s here to stay,” she tells PEOPLE. With its multitasking makeover, we can’t get enough of the glossy lip finish and have spent weeks testing different formulas to find the best lip glosses. After two months of real-world testing, we landed on 13 formulas that provide ample hydration while also promoting a long-lasting glossy finish. Keep reading to discover the best lip glosses, tested by PEOPLE. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm at Sephora ($20) Jump to Review Best Overall — But for Less: Maybelline New York Lip Lifter Gloss at Amazon ($9) Jump to Review Best Budget: NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss at Amazon ($6) Jump to Review Best Staying Power: Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss at Nordstrom ($29) Jump to Review Best Staying Power — But for Less: Lancôme Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review Best High-Shine: Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss at Sephora ($16) Jump to Review Best Balm: Tarte Juicy Lip Balm at Target ($26) Jump to Review Best Cooling: Jones Road Beauty Cool Gloss at Jonesroadbeauty.com ($22) Jump to Review Best with Shimmer: Pat McGrath Labs Lust Gloss at Sephora ($29) Jump to Review Best Overnight Treatment: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm at Sephora ($24) Jump to Review Best Overall Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm View On Sephora $20 View On Rarebeauty.com View On Kohls.com $20 Pros The formula's texture is buildable and easy to layer. While it has a lightweight consistency, it still boasts plenty of shine. It features a long-lasting finish, so you don’t have to reapply often. Cons It’s not the most hydrating formula compared to others we tested. When testing lip glosses, we were most impressed by Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm for its buildable coverage that feels smooth and creamy, making it easy to layer. The formula has a lightweight consistency that can give you either a subtle or bold finish, depending on how many layers you apply and, although it’s light, it still boasts plenty of shine. Throughout the testing period, we were also impressed by its long-lasting finish, which provided that glossy finish without needing to apply that often. And, while we didn’t find it was the most hydrating formula on our list, it still provides some subtle nourishment with ingredients such as lotus, gardenia, and white water lily, which are known for their skin-nourishing benefits. Size: 0.12 oz. | Key Ingredients: Lotus, gardenia, white water lily | Shades: 5 What We Think Now This lip gloss has been a regular part of our routine since we started using it two months ago. Our tester keeps it in her work backpack and uses it to freshen up throughout the day or before going out to dinner after work. The colors are subtle but work great for layering over lipstick. It feels like a hydrating balm-gloss hybrid and isn’t sticky at all. The applicator is super effective and we also really like the size and style of the container. People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Overall — But for Less Maybelline New York Lip Lifter Gloss View On Amazon $9 View On Target $9 View On Walmart $9 Pros The formula has a lightweight consistency with hydrating skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and coconut oil. It boasts a buildable consistency that makes it easy to achieve a more customized makeup look. The applicator wand is easy to use and applies an even distribution of formula. Cons It feels a little sticky at first, but that goes away after a few minutes. If you’re looking for the best lip gloss at a lower price point, we were also impressed by the Maybelline Lifter Gloss made with hyaluronic acid. While testing this formula, we found that it has a lightweight consistency that still adds ample nourishment to the pout thanks to its inclusion of the coconut oil and aforementioned hyaluronic acid. On top of that, it has a buildable consistency that makes it easier to achieve a more customized finish, so you can either keep it simple and subtle with one coat or go for a bolder finish with several layers. The applicator wand also played a major role in its buildable possibilities as it was easy to use and evenly distributed the formula onto the pout so you could get more even coats. While it felt sticky at first, the overall sticky texture disappeared after a few minutes, and our lips felt like they had a more creamy lip balm on instead. In addition to its texture and formula, the drugstore lip gloss also features one of the more impressive color collections on our list with 25 shades available. Size: 0.18 oz. | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, coconut oil | Shades: 25 What We Think Now This lip gloss has quickly become part of our daily routine after using it for two months. As someone who previously didn’t wear lip products on a daily basis, our tester loves the way this gloss hydrates her lips, adds a bit of color, and provides a put-together look. It also gives her lips a noticeable plumping effect without the uncomfortable sting that can be experienced from similar products. There is a slight sensation when first applied (so it lets you know it’s working), but the feeling doesn’t last long. People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Budget NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss View On Amazon $6 View On Target $6 View On Walmart $6 Pros This layers well for more customized coverage (plus, you can easily layer it on top of lipstick). It has a nice, smooth consistency that feels thick enough for coverage but not so thick that it’s hard to spread across the lips. The comfortable texture feels more like a lip balm than a gloss. Cons We found it had a slightly sticky consistency. For a cheaper yet still high-quality lip gloss, we recommend the NYX Butter Gloss, which has a highly pigmented formula that rivals those of luxe makeup brands. With 29 different shades to choose from, this lip gloss is also at the top of our list for one of the best color ranges, as it not only features everyday nude tones but also comes in some more unique hues, such as blue and black. During testing, we thought its buildable coverage was one of the most noteworthy features, especially since it not only layers nicely with itself but also works well on top of lipstick for a glossy finish. While it has a slightly stickier consistency compared to other options on our list, we found that it still feels smooth on the lips and is thick enough for coverage but not so thick that it’s impossible to spread across the pout. Size: 0.27 oz. | Key Ingredients: Beeswax | Shades: 29 What We Think Now During the past two months, our tester found herself reaching for this NYX lip gloss more than her regular lip products. It goes on smoothly and quickly, and you don’t even need a mirror to apply it. She also loves that it stays on for a good amount of time without needing to be reapplied. It’s also a great product to use over regular lipstick. We just wish the online color chart was more accurate, as we found the shades different in real life than they appeared on the website. People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Staying Power Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss View On Nordstrom $29 View On Nordstrom View On Sephora $33 Pros It doesn’t have a sticky texture — instead, it feels more like a lip cream. The lightweight formula feels comfortable enough for everyday wear. Formulated with lip-nourishing oils for deep hydration. The lip gloss stays put on the pout, even after wearing it all day. Cons It has a higher price tag compared to other options on our list (for a more budget-friendly best overall pick, consider the Maybelline Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid). The Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss is enriched with several different types of skin-nourishing oils — including apricot kernel, olive fruit, kukui seed, and avocado oil — to support hydrated, supple lips. It comes in nine different colors and features an easy-to-apply lip gloss applicator brush, too. While testing this formula, we were most impressed by its glossy finish, which never feels sticky on the lips and instead has a more creamy consistency. We love that it is formulated with skin-benefiting oils, and despite the added oils, it still feels ultra-lightweight. Aside from when we wiped our mouth on a napkin after eating, we rarely felt the need to reapply this lip gloss throughout the day as it boasts impressive staying power. When we did remove it, the added oils left our lips feeling more moisturized than before the initial application. We recommend this lip gloss as an everyday option because it feels lightweight, has impressive staying power, and includes skincare ingredients that support softer, smoother, and more hydrated lips. On top of that, it has a more buildable formula so that you can achieve both a subtle and a bold look from the same product. Size: 0.2 oz. | Key Ingredients: Apricot kernel oil, olive fruit oil, kukui seed oil, avocado oil | Shades: 9 What We Think Now After two months of using the Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss, it has become one of our go-to lip products. We love how easy it is to apply and how nourishing and hydrating it feels on our lips. People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Staying Power — But for Less Lancôme Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss View On Amazon $25 View On Ulta $25 View On Lancome-usa.com $24 Pros We did not have to reapply this lip gloss often, even after eating. The formula feels thick on the lips at first but has a creamy consistency versus being sticky. Formulated with vitamin E, which provides deep nourishment and antioxidant protection. Cons It has a more tinted finish, so it’s not ideal for those who prefer a higher-pigmented gloss. After testing many options, we found that the Lancôme Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss has the best-staying power. While this gloss doesn’t really have a sticky texture, its creamy formula feels a little tacky, which helps it keep its long-lasting shine and keeps it in place even after eating. Enhanced with vitamin E, the formula provides the pout with nourishment and antioxidant protection, making it a two-in-one product. It might not be ideal for every preference, but we love that it has a more tinted finish that provides a subtle pop of color rather than a high-pigmented gloss, making it another contender for an everyday look. Size: 0.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E | Shades: 12 What We Think Now Since our tester first started using this lip gloss two months ago, she has added it to her daily WFH meeting routine for a more refreshed look. We love the hydration, shimmer, and little pop of color this gloss provides. The shine is subtle. To get a really glossy look, you’ll need to apply a generous amount, but if you add too much, we found that it feels heavy and sticky. People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best High-Shine Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss View On Sephora $16 View On Walmart $32 View On Credo Beauty Pros The consistency feels ultra-thick on the lips, which provides a punch of high shine that lasts. It’s formulated with skin-benefiting ingredients that nourish the pout. Albeit a bit goopy, it was easy to apply and spread evenly on the lips. Cons Despite its name, we did find the texture to be slightly tacky and sticky texture. The application is a bit goopy but goes away once applied to the lips. When it comes to high shine, the Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss is where it’s at. This formula has a thick and glossy consistency that provides a nice layer of high shine while also nourishing with ingredients such as apricot kernel oil, castor seed oil, rosa canine seed oil, avocado oil, and raspberry seed oil. The formula comes in 13 different colors — including a Y2K-worthy clear gloss — and is easy to apply for an even coat, too. While it is expected with such a high shine, the formula has a more tacky and sticky texture (despite its “non-sticky” name), and it applies a bit goopy at first, but that wears off once it settles. Size: 0.13 oz. | Key Ingredients: Apricot kernel oil, castor seed oil, rosa canine seed oil, raspberry seed oil, avocado oil | Shades: 13 What We Think Now After two months of using this Tower 28 lip jelly, we think it's the ideal balance of color and shine. The color choices are universal and the super high shine looks amazing without feeling gloopy or sticky. It’s super moisturizing and it layers well over other lip products. While we wish it lasted slightly longer, it’s easy to reapply anywhere so it’s not a deal-breaker. People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Balm Tarte Juicy Lip Balm View On Target $26 View On Sephora $26 View On Walmart $26 Pros It has highly pigmented coverage with buildable capabilities. The formula has a lipstick-like applicator that is easy to apply to the pout without needing a wand. It doesn’t have a sticky or tacky consistency; instead, it feels creamy on the lips. Cons While testing, we found that it bled slightly on our lower lip. For those who prefer a lip balm over a gloss, you can still get high shine without the liquid formula. With this in mind, we love the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm, which is formulated with lots of skin-benefiting ingredients such as maracuja oil, grapeseed oil, goji, acai, acerola, pomegranate, watermelon, blueberry, peach, cranberry, and vitamin E to protect and nourish. With all of these hydrating ingredients in one formula, the product goes on like a lip balm but has a lip gloss-like finish that feels creamy and smooth to the touch. Although the lip balm bled a little on our lower lip, we were overall impressed by its highly pigmented and buildable coverage, staying power, and how soft and hydrated our lips felt even once the formula was removed. Size: 0.09 oz. | Key Ingredients: Maracuja oil, grapeseed oil, goji, acai, acerola, pomegranate, watermelon, blueberry, peach, cranberry, vitamin E | Shades: 11 What We Think Now During the past two months, we have been using the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm in place of our usual lip oil and Chapstick. We appreciate the nice texture of the gloss and how it glides on smoothly. It also doesn’t transfer as much as other products we have used, which is a plus. While we haven’t noticed any plumping, we like the appearance of this gloss and the hydration it provides. People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Cooling Jones Road Beauty Cool Gloss View On Jonesroadbeauty.com $22 View On Libertylondon.com Pros Formulated with peppermint to provide the lips with a cooling sensation upon application. The smooth consistency glides across the lips with ease and never feels too sticky. The formula also features shea butter which provides deep hydration that lasts long after removal. Cons It transfers easily onto drink cups and doesn’t really stay in place while eating. The best cooling lip gloss is the Jones Road Cool Gloss. Formulated with peppermint and shea butter, this lip gloss provides lips with a cooling and calming sensation that feels so nice, especially on chapped lips. In addition to its minty sensation, it also boasts a smooth consistency that glides easily across the lips and provides lots of shine without feeling too tacky or sticky. Since the formula also features shea butter, it can nourish the lips long after removing it at the end of the day. While testing this formula, we found that its staying power didn’t hold up well when drinking or eating, so expect to reapply. Other than that, though, it has a really nice balm-like texture that we love (and, honestly, we don’t mind reapplying). Size: 0.49 oz. | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, peppermint | Shades: 10 What We Think Now In the two months that our teser been using this lip gloss, it has become a staple in her purse whenever she leaves the house. We love the rosy shade — it gives a subtle color to her lips that looks natural and pairs well with any makeup or none at all. The consistency is a bit slippery, so we have found that it’s best to apply it with care (it might be easier to put it on with an applicator wand). However, the hydrating feel paired with the color makes this gloss a win in our book. People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best with Shimmer Pat McGrath Labs Lust Gloss View On Sephora $29 View On Walmart $20 View On Ulta Pros Features a potent formula that provides a shimmering glossy finish. Available in 32 different colors, it has the best shade range of all the lip glosses we tested. The formula has a thick yet smooth consistency with a highly pigmented finish. Cons It does transfer easily, especially on drink glasses, so expect to reapply. If you want your lip gloss with some extra shimmer, the Pat McGrath Lust Gloss is for you. With over 32 colors to choose from and a high-gloss consistency, this lip gloss features a shimmering and highly pigmented finish that you can really only get with such a high-quality formula. Throughout the testing period, we found that it replaced the need for lipstick, so it’s an excellent option for those who love a lipstick base with a glossy finish. Although this formula features a richly pigmented formula, we weren’t very impressed by its staying power and found that it transfers easily on drink glasses, so you have to reapply to keep that shimmering finish (which we don't necessarily mind!). Size: 0.15 oz. | Key Ingredients: Triglycerides, silica | Shades: 32 What We Think Now After two months of testing, we have fully incorporated this lip gloss into our daily routine. We love the warm mid-tone brown shade that's long-lasting. The glass-like shine is not at all sticky, goes on smooth, and feels light on the lips. Plus, a little goes a long way. We like the light vanilla-chocolate scent when the applicator is first removed. This gloss comes in a sleek container and is a great value for the price. People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Overnight Treatment Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm View On Sephora $24 View On Walmart $39 View On Revolve $24 Pros It comes in a clear color for overnight wear as well as bolder colors like poppy and cherry. The shea butter, murumuru seed butter, and vegan waxes help lock in moisture and protect lips with hydrating and long-lasting coverage. We appreciate that the formula doesn’t bleed at all. Cons The formula has a slightly sticky consistency compared to some other lip glosses we tested. Some glosses — including the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm — work well as an overnight lip mask treatment. With a formula enriched with shea butter, murumuru seed butter, and vegan waxes, this lip gloss is designed to lock in moisture and protect lips with hydrating and long-lasting coverage. Available in a clear option that is ideal for bedtime wear, as well as bolder and nude hues, this lip gloss is one we can wear 24/7, thanks to its hydrating and comforting formula. Size: 0.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, murumuru seed butter, vegan waxes | Shades: 6 What We Think Now Our tester has become a big fan of this lip butter balm over the past two months. She uses her favorite shade vanilla beige almost daily and has found that it adds the ideal amount of color for everyday wear. It’s easy to get a subtle or super glossy look by layering the gloss, elevating her makeup look overall. It lasts on the lips for hours and also leaves lips feeling hydrated, even after the gloss has worn off. People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Investment Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Lip Balm View On Nordstrom $38 View On Sephora $38 View On Westman-atelier.com Pros It’s both a lip gloss and a nourishing lip treatment with hydrating skincare ingredients. The formula is sheer and creamy, so it’s easy to spread across the lips as well as layer. It has impressive stay power, so you don’t need to apply that often (especially if you wear it for its moisturizing benefits). Cons We wish it came in a bigger tube (although we found a little does go a long way). The Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm is a dual-action lip formula that is well worth the splurge. With hydrating skincare ingredients such as almond oil, plant-based seed oil, organic jojoba oil, and shea butter, this luxe lip gloss is both a gloss and a treatment, providing a burst of color and moisture to the pout. From our testing, we found it worked well to keep our lips hydrated, even after the glossy finish wore off. We also love that it has a sheer and creamy consistency, which makes it easier to apply and layer. With its staying power, you also don’t need to reapply that often, so although we wish the tube was a little bigger for the price tag, a little goes a long way. Size: 0.21 oz. | Key Ingredients: Almond oil, plant-based seed oil, organic jojoba oil, shea butter | Shades: 6 What We Think Now Since our tester started wearing this Westman Atelier lip balm two months ago, she reaches for it often because of the subtle color and how hydrating it is; it's been a great upgrade from her previous go-to (a Chapstick) and it makes her feel more put together. The gel-like formula that is not at all sticky, and we like the glossy look and the sheer color (which is more like a light tint). We do wish the color had more of a pop, but the product comes packaged in a luxurious bottle, which is a nice touch. People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Plumping Mac Squirt Plumping Gloss Stick View On Nordstrom $21 View On Walmart $33 View On Walmart $28 Pros It provides lots of deep nourishment, which makes lips look more supple. The formula features ginger root oil for an effective plumping effect. While it goes on like a smooth balm, it has some slight tackiness to it for high-gloss shine. The price is a little high for just its gloss finish, but we think the plumping effect justifies it. Formulated with tingling ginger root oil, the Mac Squirt Plumping Gloss Sticks is our top pick for the best plumping lip gloss. This lip gloss formula features nourishing ingredients such as shea butter and avocado oil, which can promote a supple finish that looks naturally fuller while also creating a heating effect with ginger to plump up the pout even more. While it has a smooth consistency that is easy to apply to the lips, it still boasts a little bit of tackiness for a more high-gloss finish, too. Size: 0.8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, avocado oil, soybean oil, ginger root oil | Shades: 10 What We Think Now In the past two months, our tester has reached for the clear shade of Mac Squirt Plumping Gloss more and more. It’s reliable and never makes the lipstick layered under run or feather, plus it’s hydrating and plumping without feeling sticky. There’s a bit of a tingle when first applied, but it’s more subtle than other plumping lip glosses we've tried. It’s just about the size of a Chapstick, so it’s easy to carry in a small bag or clutch. People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Lightweight Jane Iredale HydroPure Hyaluronic Acid Lip Gloss View On Amazon $28 View On Walmart $20 View On Ulta $28 Pros The very sheer finish feels lightweight and subtle enough for everyday wear. Features hyaluronic acid for an added boost of hydration — the lips stayed feeling hydrated even after removal. Lactic acid helps keep lips smooth and the peptides add a plumping effect. Cons Since it is a more lightweight option, you may need to reapply a little more frequently. The best lightweight lip gloss is the Jane Iredale HydroPure Hyaluronic Acid Lip Gloss. Formulated with hyaluronic acid for a burst of hydration, this formula features a sheer finish that is lightweight enough for everyday wear and gives lips just a touch of shine. Additionally, the lip gloss also features lactic acid for sloughing off dead skin, smoothing lips, and making it easier for them to absorb hydration, as well as peptides for a plumping effect. Since it is a lightweight formula, you might need to reapply this lip gloss more frequently throughout the day as it tends to wear off; however, its subtle shine is an excellent option for makeup minimalists who want some sheen without the high gloss. Size: 0.17 oz. | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, peptides | Shades: 13 What We Think Now In the past two months, Jane Iredale HydroPure Lip Gloss has become part of one tester's morning routine. She applies it at the beginning of her workday and doesn't need to reapply again for hours. She prefers lip gloss with less of a sparkle and more of a glossy look, but that’s just personal preference. We love that it’s hydrating and adds a shine, so it’s helpful in colder weather. It’s also lightweight and not at all sticky. If we could improve this product we would just make the applicator a bit sturdier as it’s on the thinner side. People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Our Verdict After testing 20 lip glosses in the lab, we published the 15 winners and sent these products home with testers for long-term testing. After two months of wear and incorporating the glosses in everyday routines, some testers' opinions changed. Our editors updated this list to reflect the best lip glosses we tested after real-world insights were submitted, including removing two products from the list and naming a new best overall pick: the Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm. Things to Consider When Buying Lip Gloss Color When shopping for lip gloss, Luna says to consider the color payoff. “For instance, if you’re looking for intense color, you’d want to look for more of a lip stain [or a lipstick gloss] over a traditional gloss,” she explains. For a highly pigmented lip gloss, consider the Pat McGrath Lust Gloss which is more of a combination between lipstick and gloss and comes in 32 different colors, too. If you prefer something more subtle, we love the Jane Iredale HydroPure Hyaluronic Acid Lip Gloss, which has a subtle sheen to it with just a touch of tint. Texture and Finish Since lip gloss comes in several varieties, Luna says you also want to consider texture and finish — and your preferences for each. “Lip gloss texture can make or break a mood and narrowing down what texture and finish you want will make shopping much easier,” she explains. If you’re not into ultra-glossy finishes, Luna says to consider a lip balm instead of a gloss. Our top pick for the best lip balm is the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm, which has lots of nourishing ingredients and feels creamy on the pout without looking too high-shine. For something with a little more gloss action, consider our top pick for the best shine, the Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss, which has a thick and slightly tacky consistency with a high-shine finish. Key Ingredients At the very least, lip gloss needs to provide lips with some amount of shine. However, it’s also worth looking beyond the gloss of it all and finding formulas that also nourish and protect the lips. When shopping, consider skincare-benefiting ingredients and benefits such as hydration, protection, and even exfoliation. The Jane Iredale HydroPure Hyaluronic Acid Lip Gloss features lactic acid to slough off dead skin cells and make it easier for the lips to absorb all of its nourishing skincare oils for long-lasting nourishment. We also love the Maybelline Lifter Gloss made with hyaluronic acid for a potent burst of hydration and helps promote suppleness on the pout for a natural plumping effect. People / Jessica Juliao Behind the Scenes To find the best lip glosses, our PEOPLE Tested team researched dozens of top-rated options and narrowed down the top 20 formulas for lab testing. Preparation: While in the lab, our team began by cleansing their lips and applying a lip scrub to create an ideal canvas for lip gloss application.Application: From there, they reached for an applicator wand to apply the formulas to their pouts, making note of the texture, consistency, and feeling.Stickiness Test: To test for stickiness, the PEOPLE Tested team stood in front of fans to see if their hair stuck to the gloss (and also noted how easy it was to remove). We then conducted an eating and drinking test to better understand the gloss’s staying power.Endurance Test: Once these initial experiments were completed, the PEOPLE Tested team then set their timers for 20 minutes and went about their day without touching their lips or reapplying any gloss to see how the formulas held up over time.Evaluation: Upon completion of this test, we then compiled their notes and compared experiences to get a better understanding of how each formula held up in the lab before narrowing down their top picks for the best lip gloss formulas. After publishing the 15 winners from the lab, we sent home these products to testers for real-world, long-term testing. After two months, we updated this list again based on new insights. People / Jessica Juliao Frequently Asked Questions Which brand of lip gloss lasts the longest? After testing several formulas, we found that the Lancôme Tubes Lip Gloss has the best staying power as its slightly tacky consistency means you don’t need to reapply all that often. Is lip gloss bad for your lips? At face value, lip gloss isn’t necessarily bad for your lips. However, it all depends on the ingredients the lip gloss is formulated with. “Older formulations for lip glosses that were popular several years ago often included ingredients like alcohol,” explains Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine. “This is often very drying to the lips and depending on your sensitivity can actually be damaging to the sensitive skin on your lips.” With that said, lip glosses have changed a lot over the years and not all are bad. When shopping for lip gloss, Dr. Graf recommends looking at nourishing formulas with skincare ingredients that support hydration so that the gloss can provide nourishment while also providing color and a glossy finish. What lip color goes with everything? “When in doubt, a neutral lip color will go with everything,” says Luna. With this in mind, consider either more sheer formulas that provide just a touch of color to the lips, or nude color ranges. For the most part, the lip glosses on our list feature a range of neutral lip colors. However, if you’re looking for more options, consider the Maybelline Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid or the NYX Butter Gloss which has several nude shades to choose from. People / Jessica Juliao Why Trust PEOPLE? Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best lip glosses, Jessie began by thoroughly reviewing the PEOPLE Tested team’s insights to learn about their experiences with each lip gloss. She carefully paid attention to the overall texture and hydration benefits while also considering the color range, skincare ingredients, and the glossy finish. Additionally, Jessie reached out to the below experts to learn more about what to look for in lip gloss and find out what exactly makes a lip gloss formula the best of the best. Meet Our Experts Clarissa Luna is a celebrity makeup artist who's worked with Megan Fox, Sarah Ferguson, and Ellie Kemper. Dr. Jeannette Graf is a board-certified dermatologist, anti-aging expert, and author of Stop Aging, Start Living. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.