The 5 Best Lip Glosses and Oils of 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter
By Mia Ramsey
This may sound like hyperbole, but I believe I was destined to write this guide. I’ve been low-key considering various lip products since I was 8, and I’ve been high-key churning through pots, sticks, and tubes since high school: I spent hours sampling oils, glosses, and balms at CVS and Sephora, determined to find ones that were worthy of my prized gift cards.
All of which is to say: not new to this, true to this. So for this guide, I was primed to do a deep dive into the research. I interviewed a dermatologist, two makeup artists, and a cosmetic chemist to get their recommendations for ingredients and formulations. And then my colleagues and I started swiping: Over two months, we evaluated 50 contenders, and we sent 14 promising options to a diverse panel of eight testers in their 20s through 70s.
After two more weeks of testing, we landed on five shiny standouts: a in a range of flattering shades, a , a , a hydrating (clear) , and a .
Best gloss: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
Ruthie Darling/NYT WirecutterTop pick
With nourishing shea butter and a flattering range of shades, this gloss makes lips look full and extra shiny. Maintaining that reflective finish requires frequent reapplication, though.
To quote Rihanna, the brand’s founder, makes lips “shine bright like a diamond.” And though our testers weren’t quite as lyrical, they did use adjectives like juicy, glassy, and luxurious to describe this pick. They also said they liked that the oversize doe-foot applicator swiped easily, depositing a generous coat of pigment and a not-too-sticky shine.
With reflective mica and lip-nourishing shea butter, Gloss Bomb strikes the perfect balance between glossy luxury and everyday comfort. And in testing, the subtly shimmery shades never looked garish. (, by contrast, looked and felt gloopy, and some testers found to be gritty.) Whether it was worn alone or layered over liner and lipstick, “Gloss Bomb always looked put together,” one tester said.
The reflective finish wore off within a few hours, but testers still appreciated that lips often maintained a muted shininess.
Ayanna wears Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in Fuchsia Flex. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- Like most traditional glosses we tested, this one wore off before the two-hour mark for the majority of testers.
- This gloss may seem expensive, but ounce for ounce, it’s on a par with our Maybelline drugstore pick; both are a bit more than $70 an ounce.
Key specs
Colors: 14 shades
Best drugstore gloss: Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss
Top pick
Available in a range of nudes, pinks, and brighter, more dramatic options, this creamy gloss delivers shine and sheer color, and it has decent staying power.
With their glittery finishes and too-sweet fragrances, many drugstore lip glosses can feel too juvenile for grownups. But is downright elegant, with a large doe-foot applicator nestled in a nice, weighty tube. Better yet, this gloss — which comes in shimmer and non-shimmer versions — pairs a kiss of pigment with impressive longevity. “Even when the initial layer wears off, the gloss leaves a shiny effect, so you don’t have to reapply as often,” said one tester, who especially liked the shimmery-pink Moon shade. (By contrast, both did quick disappearing acts.)
Testers also praised this gloss’s moisturizing feel, with one describing it as “something between a gloss and an oil.” Cosmetic chemist Merve Samur said its comfortable slip could be due to a blend of natural and synthetic emollients, with “high and low absorption rates, helping to produce the oily sensation.”
Ayanna wears the New York Lifter Gloss in Taffy. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- This gloss can go on slightly patchy, so some shades may require a second (or even a third) pass.
Key specs
Colors: 20 shades
Best lip oil: Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil
Top pick
This deceptively lightweight oil moisturizes lips with a blend of honey and botanical hydrators, so it feels more like skin care than makeup. And it comes a variety of plush, shiny tints.
Lip glosses are mostly aesthetic. Lip oils, meanwhile, have high-shine finishes and claim to perform double duty as moisturizing treatments. In testing, we also found that the oils had more slip than traditional glosses. And was a unanimous favorite for its non-tacky and cushiony texture, evenly dispersed pigments, and slightly sweet fragrance. “The soft, subtle scent was a bonus,” one tester said.
This lip oil contains emollient ingredients that outlast the shine of the gloss itself. “Honey acts as a humectant to pull moisture into the skin, and jojoba oil locks it in,” said dermatologist Nicole Lee. She also noted that botanical oils, like meadowfoam, can boost the soft, cushiony feel.
Compared with too-thick () and overly sheer () options, the just-right Gisou lip oil impressed testers with its noticeable color payoff. “The strawberry sorbet shade packs in more pigment than other lip oils I’ve tried,” said a tester who’s a lip-oil enthusiast.
Ayanna wears the Honey Infused Lip Oil in Milky Mocha. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- This lip oil contains honey, so it isn’t vegan.
- Though the glass container didn’t break for our testers, several online reviewers noted that it chipped and cracked.
Key specs
Colors: 10 shades
Best clear glossy balm: Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment
Ruthie Darling/NYT WirecutterTop pick
This product combines the shine of a gloss with the moisture of a balm. It comes in an unscented version as well as in flavors like vanilla and watermelon.
Thick, shiny balms in squeezy tubes are divisive, as are influencer-backed beauty brands. But Hailey Bieber’s is truly a standout: A single application provides translucent shine and hydrating benefits that last about two hours. (We also tested the tinted version, , but the colors were nearly invisible.)
At first squeeze, the Peptide Lip Treatment is deliciously viscous. And though the ingredients list may seem like a jumble of unrecognizable compounds, this glossy balm is well formulated with a blend of effective emollients and skin softeners, including shea butter, vitamin E, and lactic acid. “This feels moisturizing like a lip balm, though it has a nice glossy finish,” one tester said.
Some other squeezy balms we tested (like the ) were gone in a poof. Yet the Rhode balm stayed on through sipping and gabbing, lasting for about two hours. Like other lip balms and glosses, however, this one needs to be reapplied after meals.
Ayanna wears the Peptide Lip Treatment in clear. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- A few testers found that when the product dried on the angled tip, the residue prevented smooth application. But if you wipe the tip clean, this is not an issue.
- Despite the word treatment in the product’s name, testers said this one was no more nourishing than a traditional lip balm.
Key specs
Scents: four scented options, one unscented
Best tinted glossy balm: ColourPop Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balm
Ruthie Darling/NYT WirecutterTop pick
This vegan lip balm delivers hydrating shine and a sheer wash of color. Lightweight and non-sticky, it comes in mouthwatering flavors.
High-shine puts a playful, tinted twist on the benefits of an everyday lip balm. While the flavors and fragrances are sugary (think caramel latte, cake, and whipped cream), the scent fades quickly, but the veil of shiny color remains.
Plus, the balm comes in a range of shades that flatter a variety of skin tones. One tester especially loved how the red in the chocolate cherry shade enhanced her natural lip color.
Testers consistently praised the vegan balm’s plush feel, noting how it hydrated without creating a sticky mess (as the did). Perhaps best of all, the ColourPop balm looked flattering on lips of any age. “The glossy finish seems to float above lines and lip texture for a plumped-out shine,” a tester in her 40s said. A 70-something tester, meanwhile, said her lips looked luscious.
Ayanna wears the Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balm in Wild Berry. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- The hole in the angled tip deposits a generous dollop. But at least one tester wished it were narrower, for more-precise application.
Key specs
Colors: 14 shades
How we categorize lip products
There are countless lip products available, and categorizing them defies consensus: Depending on semantics, one person’s glossy balm could be another person’s lip mask, and your tinted balm could be their lipstick. After conferring with makeup artists and cosmetic chemists, as well as surveying how retailers merchandise skin care and cosmetics, we’ve decided to distinguish between lip products as follows (with each category getting its own guide):
: This guide features hydrating balms in pots, tubes, and sticks. We assessed products with and without sunscreen, medicated balms, treatments, and products marketed as overnight balms or masks. We also included tinted balms, which feature hydrating ingredients, sheer, buildable colors, and emollient finishes.
Lip glosses and oils: For this guide, we assessed products with a shiny finish that come in a tube or wand. Our picks include clear and pigmented glosses, lip oils, and viscous glossy balms — essentially any product designed to deliver a high-shine, reflective finish.
: For this guide, we first focused on glossy, satin, cream, and matte lipsticks in classic bullet formats. We prioritized lipsticks with longer-lasting formulations, but we didn’t specifically test longevity claims. We are currently evaluating sheer lipsticks and the transfer-resistance of long-wear (and liquid) lipsticks; we’ll add them to the guide when testing is complete.
Lip stains: We’re testing liquid, cream, and gel stains, including paint-on, peel-off options. These products have cosmetic dyes that remain on lips even after any finishes or pigments have worn off, and we’re testing them for comfort and longevity.
: For this guide, we evaluated precision pencils (those with sharper tips and waxy leads) and creamy glide-on liners (which have softer tips and gel-like cores). They’re used to contour, overline, and fill in lips.
Denusia models one swipe of each pick. Brad Wickham/NYT Wirecutter
How we picked and tested
My quest for the best lip glosses, oils, and glossy balms began way before this guide was assigned: I grew up with a mom who has very strong, very vocal opinions about the stickiness of gloss. From a young age, I’ve been curating a collection of lip products, assessing their color and finish, longevity, shine, and viscosity.
And my reporting goes far beyond my own criteria. For this guide, I also spoke with a dermatologist, who provided insight on the structure of lips and the common concerns over this delicate, thin skin. She also recommended ingredients to look for and those to avoid. I interviewed two makeup artists to determine which applications, formulations, and longevity benchmarks to prioritize. For further clarity, I interviewed a cosmetic chemist about the different gloss formats and formulations, as well as the effectiveness of and safety concerns over common ingredients.
Then I started sleuthing my way through a trove of best-seller lists on top beauty sites. And I went deep into Reddit threads, browsed “LipTok,” and solicited dozens of recommendations from Wirecutter colleagues.
I compiled an initial list of 50 glossy lip products, prioritizing those that were well reviewed and highly recommended by my colleagues. To evaluate these items, I headed to local retailers, such as Sephora and Ulta Beauty, where I examined packaging and tried dozens of products on my lips. At home, I cycled through contenders to assess their longevity.
After testing for about a month, I narrowed the list to 14 finalists, and I separated them into three categories — glosses, glossy balms, and oils. Then I sent the categorized products, in a clear and pigmented shade (where applicable), to eight testers, ranging from their 20s through their 70s. They used the products in their regular beauty routines, along with their regular lip products. Panelists spent two weeks cycling through options, and they evaluated each one based on the following criteria:
- Application: We looked for applicators and wands that felt comfortable to use and that laid down pigment and shine effortlessly.
- Formulation and finish: We valued glosses that could deliver sufficient intensity and high shine. We also scored glosses, balms, and oils based on how well they worked with other makeup, like lipstick or liner.
- Longevity: Ignoring marketing claims and product names, we expected the glosses to last at least 45 minutes to an hour, and we were pleasantly surprised when a product overshot that benchmark.
- Shade range: We looked for glosses that came in inclusive shades, and we prioritized ranges that flattered a wide variety of lip colors and skin tones.
- Packaging: We searched for tubes that were easy to squeeze (where applicable), wands and applicators that were comfortable to hold and sturdy, caps that fit snuggly, and cases that didn’t get too scratched or full of fingerprints during weeks of regular use.
- Overall appearance and feel: Glosses should enhance your lips and feel natural and comfortable (not sticky, smeary, or hair-grabby). Testers rated the overall glassy look of each product, and they noted any irritation, sensitivities, and annoyances.
Why you should trust us
I’ve been evaluating beauty products for more than five years, and during that time I’ve tested countless lip products in various formulations and finishes. In order to learn more about ingredients, formulations, efficacy, and application techniques, I regularly interview board-certified dermatologists, professional makeup artists and educators, and cosmetic chemists and product developers. I have a robust background in product testing, and I’ve written numerous Wirecutter beauty guides, including those for the , the , and the . I apply the same rigor and discerning eye to viral products as I do to more-established options. Having tested hundreds of lip products — including lip liners, balms, and lipsticks — I consider myself to be a tough critic on glossy finishes.
Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any business implications of my . Read more about our .
The competition
Glossy balms
’s cool metal applicator feels deluxe and refreshing, but the formula goes on too wet and thick. Likewise, panelists found the messy to apply, with an applicator that spread the formula beyond the lips.
failed to deliver a high-shine finish. And while provided a rich color payoff, the large plastic tube applicator can be difficult to control.
Testers loved the ’s gorgeous shades. But this product had an off-putting, candy-like scent that didn’t dissipate.
didn’t provide enough moisture, and the tube can be difficult to squeeze.
Panelists swooned over our pick, but the brand’s fell short because it failed to impart noticeable pigment.
The created a gorgeous lacquered finish, but it faded within an hour. Similarly, the lightweight drew praise for its nourishing feel, but it wore off in under 30 minutes.
Oils
The may have kicked off this category back in 2015, but we ruled it out because the large applicator made application messy.
’s big plush applicator drew praise from testers, and it was a close runner-up to our . However, it felt just a tad too heavy and tacky.
’s doe-foot applicator was too large, spreading oil beyond testers’ lips. By contrast, the ’s applicator hugged lips, but the formula made at least one tester’s lips feel tingly and irritated.
Despite its name, didn’t glaze the lips in a juicy sheen. The applicator also felt unreasonably small and required multiple swipes.
Testers raved about the ’s sheer texture and subtle sheen, but ultimately they wished it were more hydrating.
While the coated testers’ lips with a delightful luster, the overpowering, cloying fruit fragrance detracted from the experience.
needed several coats to create an even wash of color, and the stubby wand was uncomfortable to hold.
Glosses
The comes in 21 shades. Yet there’s not a lot of meaningful variation among the colors, and many of them looked quite similar after they were swiped on.
The iced the lips in a gorgeous wash of color. However, it faded quickly and required frequent touch-ups. also needed several passes to evenly coat the lips, and that seemed wasteful.
The created a high-shine finish. Yet the gloss was very tacky and tended to cause a stringy, web-like effect when testers opened and closed their mouths.
The imparted a comfortable, lightweight veil. But ultimately the results were lackluster, leaving one tester wanting more shine and pigment.
The frosted the lips in a rich, lacquer-like finish. After it dissipated, though, lips were left feeling very dry.
has a small applicator, and testers disliked that it took multiple coats to achieve intensity and gleam. Similarly, the ’s plastic spatula applicator was uncomfortable and applied in patches.
The high-shine, shimmer-and-glitter–infused provided intense color, but the formula felt overly sticky.
received mixed reviews, with some testers describing the formula as creamy and seamless and others finding it slightly gritty.
We ruled out a number of other glosses, oils, and glossy balms from Almay, Clarins, Clinique, E.L.F. Cosmetics, Essence, Kiko, Kulfi, Laneige, M2Ü NYC, MAC, Naked Sundays, Nars, Neutrogena, No.7, Nyx Professional Makeup, Ogee, Rare Beauty, Revlon, Rimmel London, Patrick Ta Beauty, RMS, Saie, Saltair, Tower28, Typology, Wet N Wild, and Yse Beauty. We chose not to panel-test them for a variety of reasons, including insufficient or unfavorable reviews, limited shade ranges, and concerns relating to value.
This article was edited by Rory Evans and Jennifer G. Sullivan.
Sources
Nicole Lee, MD, MPH, FAAD, , phone and email interviews, October 23, 2026, and January 12, 2026
Gabriela Reyes, , email and phone interviews, October 25 and December 2, 2026
Lisa Leveridge-Frost, , email interview, December 2, 2026
Merve Samur, , email interview, December 3, 2026
Meet your guide
Amanda Rosenthal
What I Cover
I am a Manhattan-based beauty writer and marketing skeptic who specializes in reviewing skin-care, hair-care, and beauty products. While I don’t believe in lengthy 10-step routines (you can achieve the same results with fewer products), my three-step regimen is grounded in efficacy and simplicity.
Whether I’m advising friends about the performance of the latest trending product or helping my sister understand an ingredient’s effect on her sensitive skin, my recommendations are rooted in real-world testing and research, vetted by clinical data and industry expertise. No fluff here.
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