Apparently, Fashion People Everywhere Carry *This* in Their Bag at All Times (2025)

Nyx Cosmetics

Butter Gloss in 54 Sugar Glass

Pros: Lightweight; incredible shine

Cons: Some reviewers wish the wand was a bit longer

When it comes to lip gloss, formula truly matters, and Nyx Cosmetics' cult-classic Butter Gloss in Sugar Glass is silky-smooth and nonsticky. It offers sheer to medium coverage and softens and conditions the lips while delivering endless shine. While this particular shade can easily be paired with my favorite blush-toned lipsticks, stains, and liners, I think it looks stunning on its own.

Milani

Highly Rated Diamond Lip Gloss

Pros: Has a diamond-like, high-shine finish; doesn't clump

Cons: Has shimmer particles, if you're looking for something non-glittery

Of Milani's high-performing products, the Diamond Lip Gloss is by far one of its most underrated. Its nonsticky formula glides seamlessly onto my lips with a glossy, diamond-like finish that creates an optical volumizing effect. Its signature doe-foot applicator allows for even distribution of product, meaning I don't experience any annoying clumping or tackiness.

Tower 28

ShineOn Lip Jelly in Chill

Pros: Very nourishing and safe for sensitive skin

Cons: Texture is a bit heavier than other options

While this best-selling lip gloss is offered in a variety of eye-catching colors (I have more shades than I'd like to admit in my makeup bag), the true star of the ShineOn Lip Jelly is its effective blend of raspberry seed, apricot kernel, and rose-hip oils to nurture, soothe, and protect the lips. It even acts like a balm, gloss, and oil in one.

Refy

Lip Gloss in Clear

Pros: Hydrates the lips; smooths fine lines

Cons: The applicator can be a bit messy

I'll never say no to getting an eye-blinding shine out of my lip gloss. Possessing all the benefits of a balm, Refy's Lip Gloss uses a lightweight, nonsticky formula to smooth away the appearance of fine lines for a glass-like finish. It's formulated to leave the lips cool and refreshed and has a long-lasting shiny effect that goes smudge-free for up to 10 hours. If that weren't enough, its minimalist packaging is also effortlessly chic.

Nars

Afterglow Lip Shine Gloss in Triple X

Pros: Provides intense shine with a nonsticky feel; precise applicator

Cons: Pricey

I can't sing enough praises for the Afterglow Lip Shine Gloss in Triple X. This lip gloss creates a mirror-like shine and hydrates the lips with its pomegranate flower complex (a powerful combination of jojoba oil and antioxidant-rich pomegranate extract). Its custom-designed, curved applicator works wonders by hugging the lips to create smooth and buildable coverage.

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Lip Gloss in Glass

Pros: Very juicy and moisturizing

Cons: Slightly sticky

Here's a crystal-clear lip gloss that flies off the shelves of any beauty retailer (and right into my online shopping cart). The product offers a comfortable wear and a glass-like shine with a nonsticky feel and crystal-clear finish. Whether it's worn alone or with liner and lipstick, the Crystal Lip Gloss will make your lips appear smoother and fuller with a couple of swipes.

Danessa Myricks

Multi-Use Eye, Cheek & Lip Waterproof Liquid Pigment in Clear

Pros: Versatile for lips, lids, and cheeks; long-lasting

Cons: Smaller tube

If you haven't gotten your hands on this multiuse product by Danessa Myricks since its launch, where have you been? There are at least 30 shades offered in three finishes, but it's the crystal-clear, high-shine glaze that catches my eye. It's a waterproof, liquid pigment that works on the lips and anywhere else you'd like an extra touch of shine. It glides on and sets easily for all-day wear with no need for reapplication.

Shiseido

Crystal Gel Gloss

Pros: Nonsticky and glides like a dream

Cons: Tube can leak

High-intensity pigment meets shiny, smooth gloss in Shiseido's Crystal Gel Gloss. Dry lips will majorly benefit from the product's triple-oil blend, which creates a seamless glide and a wet-look finish that my wildest Y2K dreams are made of. Try applying it directly to the lips for a dewy sheen or use as a topcoat for a lustrous effect.

Kosas

Wet Lip Oil Gloss in Jellyfish

Pros: Juicy, glossy finish; smooths lip lines

Cons: Sheer but not totally clear

Okay, this pick isn't completely clear, but the Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss in Jellyfish gives the most gorgeous sheer finish that allows your natural lip color to shine through with a glazed look. It also happens to be a hybrid lip treatment and gloss that's packed with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and other botanicals to plump and hydrate the lips. If you've been wanting to give the vinyl makeup trend a try without breaking the bank, this is the product for you.

Victoria Beckham Beauty

Posh Gloss in Ice

Pros: Nourishes lips; nonsticky finish

Cons: Pricey

What can't our beloved Posh Spice do? Victoria Beckham Beauty's Posh Gloss has a comfortable and cushiony formula that strengthens and conditions the skin barrier with ingredients like blackcurrant and vitamin E. If you have dry lips like I do, rest assured that a quick swipe of this will help boost hydration thanks to the addition of aloe butter to speed up healing and provide antioxidant protection.

MAC Cosmetics

Clear Lipglass Lip Gloss

Pros: Great shine payoff; a little goes a long way

Cons: Messier applicator

This wouldn't be a true gloss roundup without giving this clear lip gloss from MAC Cosmetics its roses. Designed to be worn on its own or over your favorite lip products, the Clear Lipglass offers a subtle sheen with a glass-like finish. It's formulated with jojoba oil to soften and condition the lips, and a little goes a long way. Simply apply a dot to the lips and smooth across for quick and easy application.

Lancôme

Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss in Pure

Pros: Long-lasting; has a nostalgic feel

Cons: Stickier than other options

With an ultra-shiny finish that lasts for up to four hours, this gloss will make your lips look more luscious with a single application. While this pick is stickier than others on this list, its lasting hydration is unparalleled. I use all the shades, but Pure is by far one of the best clear options I've come across.

C.O. Bigelow

Vanillamint Supreme 2X Lip Gloss

Pros: Subtly plumps the lips; feels refreshing

Cons: Strong vanilla-mint scent, if you're sensitive to fragrance

A sweet vanilla scent? Check. Nonstop shine? Double check. I'm a big believer in sticking with the products that perform well no matter what my makeup lineup looks like. The C.O. Bigelow Villamint Supreme 2x Lip Gloss, for example, has been a longtime favorite of mine since it gives my lips shine and moisture with a refreshing, minty, cooling sensation I'm obsessed with.

Fenty Beauty

Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in Slipper

Pros: Juicy payoff in one swipe; nonsticky formula

Cons: Contains a peach-vanilla fragrance, if you're sensitive to scent

When I'm shopping for lip gloss, I'm always drawn to products that look as good as they feel when applied. Fenty's Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in Glass Slipper is one of my top picks for creating picture-perfect shine while leaving the lips smooth and full. Its nonsticky formula makes it easy to use, while its peach-vanilla scent makes me want to constantly reapply (even though it lasts for hours on end).

Haus Labs

PhD Hybrid Lip Oil in Neutral

Pros: Lightweight with a cushiony feel, elegant packaging

Cons: Smaller tube

I'm a fan of any Haus Labs product. Its PhD Hybrid Lip Oil in neutral, for example, delivers the perfect amount of lightweight hydration and nonsticky shine for a great cushiony feel. Plus, it looks really cute being whipped out of your bag or pocket for reapplication (even when you don't need it).

Gucci

Gloss à Lèvres Plumping Lip Gloss in 117 Joslyn Clair

Pros: Doesn't clump or feel sticky; gorgeous packaging; layers well over lip color

Cons: Expensive

If you're going to drop the big bucks on a Gucci Beauty product, it should be Gloss à Lèvres Plumping Lip Gloss in 117 Joslyn Clair. Not only does it plump, smooth, and hydrate the lips, but its formula is also extremely soft and blendable. Its ultra-precise doe-foot applicator ensures the gloss glides on easily without clumping or sticking.