10 best lip glosses to help achieve the perfect pout

Presented in a compact tube that fits neatly into our bag, we found the integral applicator distributed gloss without any gloopy residue appearing. Plus, a tiny bit goes a long way and stayed put for hours too. Our tester noticed how hydrating the formula feels while gliding onto lips and during wear, thanks to conditioning ingredients like vitamin E and jojoba oil.

The holographic option we tried is transparent with a hint of luminosity, so we enjoyed the clear gloss’s subtle radiance. As lip glosses go, the shine remained in place well, and we could still see that same shimmery glassiness even after sipping several drinks.

This squeezy tube with an angled top enables easy application, and we reached for it regularly throughout the day. At first, there’s a slight tingling which feels cooling and we could taste the key ingredient, peppermint. It’s almost a balm-gloss hybrid because the formula is soothing and smoothing and creates a glossy dewiness without any stickiness.

Meanwhile, the poppy red shade added a buildable bright scarlet colour to our pout that we also popped onto our cheeks at times. The finish did fade with wear, but we could easily top it back up again and enjoy some more softening replenishment.

Available in four shades, this affordable gloss is infused with softening skincare ingredients like shea butter, sunflower seed oil and squalene. We immediately noticed how comfy the large doe applicator feels during application and it reached our entire pout in one swipe. The thick, gloopy gloss is satisfyingly smoothing, and we saw a high shine effect with flattering peachy hues. There’s a slight tingle to the formula that is both plumping and refreshing, and we love how juicy our lips look wearing this gloss.

This luxurious-looking Dior lip gloss includes hyaluronic acid to help with pout plumping and we did see a volumized effect after applying the pretty pale pink shade. There’s a click-shut lid while the slimline wand offers precision application, and we really rated the plumped-up glossy finish created. We wore the gloss alone or teamed it with another lip colour, making the most of its shine-boosting benefits. The midweight formula offers a thick glossy layer which felt comfy and provided optimum pout shine that didn’t slide off easily either.

In keeping with Victoria Beckham’s Posh persona, the stylish tube has a chic horn effect lid, and we liked the precise applicator wand for layering up too. The formula is lightly hydrating and smoothed over any dry patches, while our lips were left feeling softened. Available in eight shades, we’ve also tried the clear gloss for a universally flattering finish. The consistency provides an understated gloss, and this shade offers a subtle pink sheen and a natural-looking tint. We added it over nude lipstick to elevate an otherwise simple look and add some extra shine.

A lip-softening formula featuring key ingredients including avocado oil and shea butter, this is a vegan-friendly cruelty-free lip gloss too. The earthy “indulge” shade added warmth to our tester’s lips, and we saw an impressive mirror-like shine. Linking up heavy-duty shine with a lightweight wearability, the mid-range price is appealing as well. We really liked the tube’s minimalist aesthetic too, with only the brand and product name on there.

This moisturising lip gloss smoothed onto our pout and felt both hydrating and comforting thanks to ingredients like jojoba seed oil. The shiny finish is apparent straightaway but also buildable if you do prefer a thicker gloss effect. Meanwhile, the honey bloom shade we sampled is a dusky rose colour and that pigment was evenly distributed across our lips.

Coming in at under a tenner, we were suitably impressed by the softening lip layer, smoothing formula, and flattering shade. Plus, this lip gloss absorbs during wear, rather than sliding off, to further compound that moisturising effect.

This light pink lip gloss creates a natural-looking coating, not far off a transparent finish. Meanwhile, the hyaluronic acid-infused formula left our lips feeling cooled and refreshed, while creating a gentle plumping effect too. Our tester noted it is a lot like a calming balm but with the added bonus of delivering glossy shine. Plus, we saw hydration during wear and afterwards too, so we would reach for it to soothe chapped lips. Whether you prefer subtle lip products or would layer it over a bright colour, the natural plumping effect is a versatile make-up buy.

The first thing we noticed about this shiny gloss is how easily its wand applicator spread product across our entire pout. We saw a satisfying layer of shine, without any thickness and that coverage also helped line our lips too. Available in six options, including a transparent version, the smoothing formula features oils and hyaluronic acid, and we did see hydration. The intense glossy shine didn’t feel sticky, and instead was comfy to wear throughout the whole day. Plus, we knew any full coverage top-ups would be a speedy one-swipe task too.

Although technically a lip oil, we do need to give credit to this product’s glossy finish and the peachy coloured tint provided. There are three other shades to explore and hydrating ingredients include raspberry seed oil.

Meanwhile, we appreciate its generously sized applicator which feels cushion-like on lips and effortlessly distributes the oil. As the formula soaked into our pout, we saw softening glossiness which felt soothing too. If you’re looking for a lip gloss with all the benefits of skincare, this is the shiny buy for you.

What’s unique about this lip gloss is the cute heart-shaped applicator, which we dotted over lips to achieve shine and shape. The glossiness created is shiny and dewy, while our tester noticed a plumping effect thanks to the collagen-infused formula too. There are a few shades to explore, and “walk of no shame” is a berry red that is bold and brightening. The coating stayed put even after drinking a cuppa, and we found a slick of this uplifting lip gloss made our make-up look appear elevated, without much effort.