Here's some good news for anyone who's living for the Y2K fashion resurgence: It's happening in beauty, too. One of the most beloved products of the 2000s, the best lip glosses are back and better than ever. These new tubes likely aren't like others you may have stashed in your handbag years ago.
Shop the Best Lip Glosses
Packed with skincare ingredients (think shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and plant oils), many of the best lip gloss formulas nourish and moisturize while leaving lips looking plump and juicy. Ahead, we've pulled together some of the best lip glosses of all time that our editors and experts love to wear alone or layer over our favorite lipsticks and liners.
Pros
Long-wearing- Great shade options
Cons
There is no lip gloss more synonymous with the 2000s than Juicy Tubes. This new iteration keeps your lips hydrated and glossy for four hours (but reapplying is half the fun).
Customer review: "These remind me so much of my childhood! These were soooo popular circa 2004 to 2005. Even the smell reminds me of childhood! Very fruity and fun be simple! I’m so glad they still make these glosses! Taste great, very simple with color, hydrating and smells amazing!" —Maxedd
Pros
- Hydrating
- Viral on TikTok
Cons
- Not a traditional lip gloss
Somewhere between a gloss and a balm is this sheer tint, which coddles lips with moisture and the prettiest wash of color.
Customer review: "Obsessed with this lip oil. I got the cherry color and it’s the cutest shade (I'm a more tan/olive color). It’s not sticky at all and makes my lips feel super moisturized." —Elianemaalouli
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Pros
- High-Shine
- Versatile
Cons
- Some reviewers say formula is stickier than they would like
A favorite of makeup artists everywhere, there is no clear gloss better than MAC's Lipglass. It was designed to wear alone or over your favorite lipstick, so it's not in the business of slipping and sliding around.
Customer review: "Where have you been all my life? I bought the mini just to try it out because I have so many other lip gloss that I just don't like. I see many others complaining about the stickiness, but I personally LOVE that about this lip gloss." —Kay
Fenty Beauty
Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
Pros
- Plumping
- Hydrating
Cons
Comfortable on the lips, long-wearing, hydrating, plumping—what more could you want from a lip gloss? We'd expect nothing less from Rihanna.
Customer review:" Fenty is one of the best glosses of all time. It smells great and is very hydrating. The color is your lips but better." —Stydia15
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Pros
- Plumping
- Under $15
Cons
This drugstore gloss gently plumps and hydrates lips thanks to the hyaluronic acid in its formula. Plus, the gloss's wide range of shade options makes it easy to narrow down a favorite.
Customer review: "I love this lip gloss. I gave this one as a present but I have another one that I just love, it’s so pretty and it shines on the lips." —Meg
Pros
- Non sticky
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons
If you're looking for all the shine without the stick, this gloss is for you. Every shade is gorgeous, and we love the hydrating plant oils that are safe for sensitive skin.
Customer review: "The first gloss that I reach for! Shiny, hydrating, non-sticky, and long-lasting. I lost my first one and immediately replaced it because I couldn’t live without it. The price is also extremely affordable." —Julia G.
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Bobbi Brown Cosmetics
Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss
Pros
- Hydrating
- Non greasy
Cons
This vitamin-enriched, oil-infused topper is a favorite among beauty lovers. And since its formula isn't overly sticky, you won't have to worry about any stray hairs getting caught in your lip gloss.
Customer review: "The oil in this lipgloss helps to not create that guck that most lipglosses create after 30 minutes on your lips. I love the texture and feel, it looks stunning and natural and you can really pack it on. This is a must-have product for me." —Luxury Doll
Pros
- Vitamin-infused formula
Cons
- Features fewer color options than other glosses
Lady Gaga's Haus Labs is famous for its viral foundation and concealer, but don't sleep on this lip oil. It delivers gloss-like shine and balm-like softening, leaving your lips looking instantly perkier.
Customer review: "I love this product! Recommend to anyone. The color is subtle enough for all skin types." —Dana D.
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Pros
- Delivers fast plumping results
Cons
- Features a more limited color range than other glosses
All lip glosses can make your lips look a little fuller, but this one from Too Faced goes the extra mile. It uses tingle-inducing plumping ingredients that are scientifically proven to enhance their volume.
Customer review: "I was very satisfied with this plumper! It showed immediate results, did not burn, was not super-sticky, and my lips stayed full all day with just one application. I have been disappointed time and time again, so this product was such a shock! It actually does what it claims!" —AmyMarieK
Pros
- Hydrating
- Great color payoff
Cons
- Not a traditional lip gloss
Comfort is definitely the first word that comes to mind when it comes to this popular lip oil from Clarins.
Customer review: "Absolutely obsessed. I had to leave a review: this is officially my favorite lip product I have ever owned. The applicator cushion is heavenly, the oil feels amazing on (zero stickiness), is hydrating and actually has color pay off." —Ishka13
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Pros
- Wide range of shade options
- Under $10
Cons
- Some reviewers say shades are different in bottle than when applied
At less than $5 and with so many shades to choose from, this is the gloss to try if you're just starting to explore the world of shiny lips.
Customer review: "I love these glosses over any lip color, or by themselves. They look great with liners as well. Would highly recommend!" —Candace P.
Pros
- Plumping
- Subtly shimmery
Cons
- Over $30
You'll find yourself reapplying this gorgeous gloss not because you have to (it lasts for several hours) but because it just feels so good on your lips.
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Pros
- Includes angled brush for precise application
- Made with natural oils
Cons
- Some reviewers say formula isn't as long-lasting as other glosses
A hydrating balm that also gives your lips sheer coverage and a glossy sheen, this is a must-have for those who struggling with perpetually chapped lips. It's made with sea buckthorn and plum oil for nourishment and to protect lips from environmental aggressors, and it comes in the prettiest neutral and pink shades.
Customer review: "This lip gloss balm is seriously close to perfection. I received mine as a sample in shade "sincerity" and even the product amount in the sample will last me a while & enough to where I know I'll be purchasing the full size." — Diamond
Pros
- Buildable
- Hydrating
Cons
- Features a more limited shade range than other glosses
Here's a gloss with a non-sticky formula that instantly elevates your lip game. It comes in high-shine and shimmer finishes made with jojoba oil, goji berry extract, and vitamins to smooth and treat dryness.
Customer review: "This is my perfect go-to when I want a touch of color and shine. Light and moisturizing. I use it every day. Love it!" — Adele
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Pros
- Non-sticky formula
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Formula may feel thicker on than other lip glosses
This is every lip gloss lover's dream. It has a non-sticky formula that provides ultimate shine and uses rich pigments to define your lips. It also comes in 32 fun shades and glitter options, so there's a little something for everyone.
Customer review: "A real pleasure to wear! Has become one of my favorite glosses of all time, super shiny, non-sticky and long-lasting." —Elena
Why trust Harper's Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Jenna Rosenstein
Beauty Director
Jenna Rosenstein is the Beauty Director at Harper's BAZAAR across both print and digital. While attending NYU, she held internships at Women’s Wear Daily, Bloomingdale’s, Harper’s BAZAAR, and Allure, the latter of which she parlayed into her first job as the Beauty Assistant. She left Allure three years later as the Senior Beauty Editor. She spent a few months at Refinery29 overseeing branded content in the same title, before finally landing back at BAZAAR to manage all beauty content. When she's not testing every lipstick known to mankind, getting zapped by new lasers, or interviewing experts and celebrities, you can find Rosenstein at home in New Jersey with her son, husband, and black cat named Maddie.
Audrey Noble
Beauty Contributor
Audrey Noble is a freelance writer and reporter. She writes celebrity profiles and does deep-dive features about the ways race, gender, sexuality, and other forms of identity impact society via the beauty industry. Her previous work experience includes editorial positions at Vanity Fair, Refinery29, and Allure. Her writing can also be seen in Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Bustle, HelloGiggles, and more. You can keep up with her on Twitter.
