The Ultimate Guide to the Best Lip Glosses of 2024: Shine and Hydration Tested
Lip gloss has made a triumphant return to the forefront of beauty trends, with a noticeable shift towards shiny finishes over matte alternatives. Make-up artist Anna Payne highlights this resurgence, attributing it to a desire for a fresh and youthful appearance. She notes that gloss adds dimension to makeup, making lips appear fuller, juicier, and healthier. Gone are the days of overly sticky formulas; modern glosses now incorporate skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and natural oils to provide shine while moisturising and hydrating lips.
How We Tested the Lip Glosses
To bring you the most reliable recommendations, we rigorously tested a wide array of lip gloss formulas. Our evaluation focused on colour payoff, shine intensity, consistency, and ease of application. We wore each gloss throughout busy days, assessing durability against straws and coffee cups, and noted reapplication frequency. Glosses that were sticky, sickly, or drying were eliminated from consideration.
Top Picks for Lip Glosses in 2024
Our testing revealed standout products across various categories. Here are the best lip glosses for 2024:
- Best Overall – Refy Lip Gloss: Priced at £16, this gloss features a cool metal applicator and buttery, non-sticky formula with hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter. It offers buildable shades and a juicy sheen.
- Best Budget Buy – Rimmel London Thrill Seeker Glassy Gloss: At £6.74, this affordable option has a chunky applicator wand and non-sticky texture, though shade variety is limited.
- Best for Lipstick Loyalists – YSL Rouge Volupte Candy Glaze: Costing £36, this gloss mimics lipstick with strong pigment and a shiny wet sheen, though it is not vegan.
- Best On-the-Go Gloss – Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm: Priced at £23, it doubles as a lip balm with hydrating ingredients and natural, adaptable shades.
- Best Luxury Lip Gloss – Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss: At £36, this gloss offers a sophisticated sparkle with long-staying power, ideal for elevating matte lipsticks.
Detailed Reviews of Key Products
Refy Lip Gloss: This gloss stands out with its unique metal applicator, providing a refreshing feel on the lips. The formula is packed with nourishing ingredients, ensuring lips stay hydrated long after application. Shades are flattering and buildable, making it versatile for various looks.
Rimmel London Thrill Seeker Glassy Gloss: A solid budget choice, this gloss applies easily with its chunky wand. While shade options are somewhat similar, it layers well with lip liners and offers a delicious scent.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm: Known for its skincare benefits, this gloss delivers hydration with seed butter and botanical extracts. It provides a your-lips-but-better look, though colours are subtle rather than bold.
YSL Rouge Volupte Candy Glaze: Perfect for those hesitant about gloss, this product combines lipstick-like application with glossy finish. It includes hyaluronic acid for added benefits, but comes at a premium price.
Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss: This luxury option adds a chic touch of sparkle, with a thicker formula that ensures durability. It is a classy addition to any makeup routine.
Other Notable Mentions
Glossier Lip Gloss: Priced at £18, this clear gloss is ideal for a clean girl aesthetic, though it can be sticky and is relatively expensive for its size.
Made by Mitchel Beam Lip Gloss: At £12, this glittery gloss is fun for parties, but the formula is sticky and may feel gritty due to glitter particles.
Nars Afterglow Lip Shine: Costing £19, this all-rounder offers a non-sticky, lightweight feel with strong pigment and sparkle.
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer: Priced at £19, it features a large applicator wand for easy application and a sweet scent, making it a favourite among users.
Elf Sun Boss Gloss: At £7, this gloss includes SPF25 for sun protection, though it applies dryly and requires multiple swipes.
The Verdict on Lip Glosses
No single lip gloss suits everyone, but our testing uncovered a diverse range to meet various needs. Refy emerged as the top overall choice due to its modern packaging, quality ingredients, and chic shades. Budget options like Rimmel and Elf demonstrate that effective makeup need not be expensive. Meanwhile, luxury brands such as Hourglass, YSL, and Chanel prove that gloss can be both mature and stylish. While lipstick may offer longer wear, lip gloss provides a fun and vibrant alternative that enhances natural beauty.
