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Lip gloss has consistently been a dependable essential found in pharmacies. It ranks among the easiest makeup items to use without much fuss (often not requiring a mirror) and typically offers good value for money. Moreover, top-tier drugstore lip balms now rival luxury brands when it comes to moisturizing properties, comfortable wear, and glossy appearances. Nonetheless, choosing from the vast array of budget-friendly choices may sometimes feel like gambling; some work well while others might fall short.
The only aim of a
lip gloss
aims to provide a plump and luscious look to the lips, giving an appearance of more voluminous lips—but there’s flexibility beyond that. Ensuring hydration is crucial in every lip gloss formulation since lacking this would highlight a parched and scaly mouth (definitely not attractive). There is a rising demand for
lip balm products featured on TikTok
, like moisturizing
lip balms
and
lip oils
, has driven drugstore brands to create formulations with glossy finishes and beneficial skincare components such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, shea butter, or collagen. This makes budget-friendly lip treatments function not only as appealing glosses but also as comfy wear options. Nowadays, glosses often resemble balms, whereas lip oils act much like traditional glosses. With this in mind, how do you begin? Start by considering your preferred combination for lips.
If you’re a
lipstick
lover, a smooth and moisturizing gloss like the
Maybelline Lifter Gloss
or
Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss
is your best bet. These easy-to-layer glazes keep your lips from drying under the lipstick while enhancing the shade you’ve already applied. For added volume on bare or lined lips, the best plumping lip glosses from
The Inkey List
or
E.l.f.
softly boost and tint the lips — whereas reflective glosses from brands like
Wet n Wild
and
Physicians Formula
utilize fine shimmers for maximum shine. And, if you prefer to stick to a one-and-done lip product, you can’t go wrong with pigmented options from
Nyx
or
Naturium
that deposit a fuss-free wash of color with lasting moisture.
To compile our selection of the top lip gloss formulations to
shop
at the drugstore, a team of four Sazua.comShop product testers closely evaluated 27 formulas during two testing periods that spanned 11 months total. We went shopping at local drugstores, placed countless online orders, and invoked our extensive repertoire of lip care product formulas to narrow down the 11 best drugstore lip glosses money can buy.
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Editors’ Pick: Best 3 Drugstore Lip Glosses, Evaluated and Reviewed
When it comes to choosing the ideal lip gloss, personal preference plays a significant role. It’s crucial to pick one according to your preferred look and feel, such as wanting plumper-looking lips, opting for either subtle sheerness or bold pigmentation, or seeking dual-purpose hydration. Therefore, after rigorous evaluation over 11 months by our editorial team, we have chosen the top three options tailored to various tastes. Here are the finest affordable lip glosses that stand above the rest:
-
Maybelline Lifter Lip Gloss
with Hyaluronic Acid:
The editor at Sazua.comShop ranks Maybelline’s Lifter Gloss as the top tinted lip balm in her large assortment of lipstick products—surpassing even high-end options that cost four times more. Its wide, brush-like applicator ensures easy application, and its moisturizing formula keeps your lips hydrated throughout wear. -
Kiko Milano 3D Hydra Lip Gloss:
Proof that budget-friendly brands have never been more attuned to color trends, our testers say that this Kiko Milano formula has the best shade range out of all the drugstore lip glosses we tested: You can choose from sparkly fuchsia tones with Y2K vibes, or go with more sophisticated neutral shades. This drugstore lip gloss has a high-shine finish that doesn’t dull during the first few hours of wear. -
Nooni Appleberry Lip Oil:
If you like your gloss to deposit a good amount of pigment, Nooni has you covered. Though it’s technically a lip oil, our editors consider it a true hybrid product. Expect the shine of a gloss, budge-proof pigment of a stain, and the hydrating properties of a
great lip oil.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Maybelline Lifter Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid
Formula type
: Plumping, shimmer
Shade range
: 15 shades available
Key ingredients
: Hyaluronic acid
$8.98
$10.99
18% off
Buy Now at amazon
$10.99
Buy Now at ulta
Maybelline’s Lifter Lip Gloss has maintained its bestseller status in the drugstore for years — over 36,000 Amazon reviewers rave about its long-lasting wear, non-sticky texture, and flattering shade options for every skin tone. It offers buildable color payoff, making it a versatile choice for wearing on its own or layering with lipstick, and is formulated with
hyaluronic acid
for impactful hydration and shine.
The chubby doe foot applicator aptly addresses both lips in one swipe and deposits a smooth, visibly enhancing wash of color. You’ll get a subtle plumping effect with this gloss, but, if you prefer more fullness, it’s also available in a
chili pepper-infused plumping formula
.
Editor testing and review notes
: “Maybelline’s Lifter Gloss in shades Ice (shown) and Moon are, hands-down, my favorite tinted lip glosses in my extensive collection. Moon is a nude pink that gives my smile some oomph, while Ice delivers that perfect Y2K frosted lip look when you swipe it over liner. The chubby doe foot makes it easy to apply without a mirror, and the chunky tube makes it easy to find in my cluttered bag. Compared to similar inexpensive glosses, this one feels soft on the lips rather than sticky.” —
Sazua.comShop contributor Claire Sullivan
Cost at the time of publication for this article:
$8.98
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Kiko Milano 3D Hydra Lip Gloss
Formula type
: Hydrating shine
Shade range
: 34 shades available
Key ingredients
: Flax seed oil and bidens pilosa extract
$10.40
$13
20% off
Buy Now at amazon
$13
Buy Now at ulta
This Italian-made lip gloss is mega-viral in Europe and has amassed over 10,000 five-star Amazon reviews for its uniquely nourishing formula. Bidens pilosa extract works similar to retinol, smoothing and naturally creating a plumper look to the lips, while flax seed oil brings all the hydration and shine. But the real wow factor comes with the shade range (there are 34), which includes earthy neutrals for a
nude lip
look as well as bright hues that bring the drama. The Chestnut shade (shown) enhances your natural lip color without overpowering it.
Editor testing and review notes
“Okay, I’m completely smitten. This gloss features a subtle shimmer that adds extra dimension to the lips. It applies effortlessly and feels incredibly lightweight without being tacky. Whether worn alone or over other lip products, it works wonderfully. Plus, it keeps the lips hydrated for hours. Simply perfect.” —
Former Commerce Writer & Producer Olivia Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article:
$13
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Nooni Appleberry Lip Oil
Formula type
Glossy lip tint with an oil finish
Shade range
: 13
Key ingredients
: Appleseed oil, ginseng extract
$9.50
$12
21% off
Buy Now at amazon
A runaway hit on TikTok, this Nooni lip treatment wears many hats. Though it’s technically a lip oil, it offers the high-shine finish our editors look for in a gloss, plus pigments that stain the lips for hours of wear time. Our testers were particularly impressed by how evenly it stains the lips and its texture, which felt more silky and luxurious than other similarly priced options. We recommend the Appleberry shade, which reads as a cool pink.
Editor testing and review notes:
I was thoroughly impressed by the quality of this lip gloss considering its cost. The color payoff is excellent, requiring just one application to achieve a nice hue on my lips. Once applied, it creates a beautiful stain effect as it wears off. Typically, it provides hydration for around an hour before I need to apply some lip balm, but the stained look lasts approximately four hours. Keep in mind though that both the volume of the product inside the tube and the size of the applicator are relatively compact.
Sullivan
Cost at the time of publication for this article:
$9.50
E.l.f. Radiance Boosting Lip Oil
Formula type
: Hydrating
Shade range
: 7 shades available
Key ingredients
: Squalane, apricot oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, and pomegranate oil
$8
Buy Now at amazon
$8
Buy Now at ulta
The E.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil has garnered millions of views and searches on TikTok, and we’re pleased to confirm that it lives up to the buzz with each application. Similar to many high-end products,
lip oils
We’ve tried versions that cost four times as much, and this top-rated drugstore lip oil glides on super smooth. While you won’t see much pigment with this product, it serves as an excellent non-sticky lip gloss that adds a subtle sheen. Its natural shine and moisturizing properties make for a great combination.
Editor tests and feedback observations
The Glow Reviver Lip Oil provides a very light tint, perfect for achieving a gentle splash of color, along with an exquisite sheen. With repeated use, my lips became increasingly softer. The product carries a mild mint scent typical of many E.l.f. lip items; however, this aroma isn’t overpowering nor does it provide volume—instead, it feels invigorating. This lip oil competes well against those offered by high-end cosmetic brands. My sole concern lies in needing to apply it twice onto my moderately sized lips to achieve complete coverage.
— Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article:
$8
Wet n Wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss
Formula type
: Shimmer
Shade range
: 9 shades available
Key ingredients
: Jojoba glaze, maximum lip peptides, hyaluronic acid, collagen, sunflower oil, Vitamin E
$3
Buy Now at amazon
The Wet n Wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss offers shimmer and shine galore. It’s the most affordable drugstore lip gloss on our all-star list, but it doesn’t skimp on prestige-level ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, peptides, and vitamin E. It’s an ideal formula to apply over carefully lined lips or lipstick, as it applies a subtle wash of color and intense wet-looking shine. Consider this the highlighter of your lip rotation that boosts glow and enhances contours.
Editor tests and feedback observations
“I have always steered clear of glossy lip products, but Wet n Wild managed to change my mind. Right from the start, I was impressed with the flat and adaptable doe-foot applicator. Surprisingly, it feels soft like a pillow and aids in blending the product seamlessly over bold lipstick edges. The consistency of this gloss strikes just the right balance—it’s neither overly thick nor runny—so it doesn’t feel sticky whether worn alone or stacked up. Additionally, after extended periods of wearing it, I found that it did not cause any smudging around the lips.”
— Cigliano
Cost at the time of publication for this article:
$2.28
Naturium Phyto Glow Lip Balm
Formula type
: Balm
Shade range
: 6 shades available
Key ingredients
Phyto-extracted esters, shea butter, cupuaçu butter, and botanical squalane
$9.99
Buy Now at ulta
Naturium is a shining example of how a lip balm can play double-duty as a gloss. This best lip gloss for dry lips is formulated with soothing and hydrating ingredients that heal flaky skin and instantly soothe the lips, while leaving behind a tint of color and lacquer-level finish. Its squeeze-tube packaging makes it small and convenient for reapplying throughout the day — or for storing with your skin care as an overnight lip mask.
Editor testing and review notes
: “This Naturium lip gloss is a great inexpensive alternative to a certain celebrity-backed peptide lip treatment. It has a serum-like consistency that melts into the lips to enhance shine in a subtle way. I love the tinted options, particularly this on-trend ’90s-inspired Spice shade that delivers a your-lips-but-better result.” —
Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article:
$9.99
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Diamond Plumper Gloss
Formula type
: Pumping, shimmer
Shade range
: 5 shades available
Key ingredients
: Lustrous Diamond Dust
$5.39
Buy Now at amazon
Clear lip gloss is easy to find at the drugstore, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find one as dramatic as this Physicians Formula tube at any price point. The Mineral Wear Diamond Plumper Gloss is a true hidden gem: The gloss-serum hybrid formula is plumping, hydrating, clean for sensitive skin, and blended with Lustrous Diamond Dust for a uniquely dimensional high-shine finish. Wear this top clear lip gloss alone for a simply polished pout, or layer it over your favorite lip stains for your-lips-but-
way
-better finish.
Editor testing and review notes
: “Oh my gloss! This formula ticks every boss for those who crave the look of high-shine lips but would rather source their color from a lipstick or liner. Before I swiped it on, I was concerned that the shimmery particles would feel gritty on my lips, but I was impressed that they feel practically nonexistent, while the formula drenches my lips with smooth moisture.”
— Cigliano
Cost at the time of publication for this article:
$6.98
E.l.f. Pout Cloud Lip Plumping Pen
Formula type
: Plumping gloss balm
Shade range
: 8 shades available
Key ingredients
: Maracuja oil, blueberry, watermelon, and pomegranate extracts
$8
Buy Now at amazon
$8
Buy Now at ulta
At the drugstore,
E.l.f. beauty products
are MVPs with slam-dunk formulas that are just as competitive as their price points. The E.l.f. Pout Cloud Lip Plumping Pen is a standout from the brand’s lip range, offering a multifunctional formula that serves as a lip plumper, balm, and lip color in one. Its click-pen packaging makes application clean and precise, with an easy-gliding stick formula enriched with softening maracuja oil and fruit extracts. Take your pick from neutral nudes to deep berries and even a rich red — it’s an ideal everyday lip formula you can toss in your
designer handbag
without the risk of gunky spills.
Editor testing and review notes
: “I was not expecting this under-$10 find to perform super well after three months of testing luxury
lip balms
,
lipsticks
, and
lip plumpers
. But, I stood corrected when I found myself sidelining the $25 plumping lip balm I had been using for a week or two; this one is, surprisingly, way better. Its cushiony texture deposits an even (not splotchy) swath of color, and rather than the spicy tingle you get from most lip plumpers, this one’s comfortably cooling.” —
Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article:
$7.99
Nyx Butter Gloss
Formula type
: Hydrating shine
Shade range
: 43 shades available
$5.97
Buy Now at amazon
If you have yet to try this Nyx lip gloss, consider this your cue. This creamy formula is more like a serum-y gloss — your lips will soften and feel so supple after a single swipe of product. It’s one of the best hydrating lip glosses at the drugstore, so even after the color fades, your lips look far more hydrated than where they started. It offers the widest shade range among our top picks and has earned the stamp of approval of over 81,000 Amazon reviews who call it a “must-have” and “new favorite.”
Editor testing and review notes
This ticks all the boxes for what a lip gloss should be: comfortable, moisturizing, and glossy. The texture glides on like butter, leaving my lips feeling smoother even long after applying it. There’s a subtle hint of vanilla scent which I appreciate because it isn’t overly sweet. One great thing about this product is that it doesn’t smudge; hence, I often apply it freely without needing a mirror. After eating or wearing it for some time, I love adding another layer. Additionally, the affordable pricing coupled with an impressive range of colors makes it irresistible. Almost every hue seems to rotate through my collection.
Cigliano
Cost at the time of publication for this article:
$5.85
The Inkey List Tri-Peptide Plumping Lip Balm
Formula type
: Glossy balm
Shade range
: 4 shades available
Key ingredients
Tripeptide Complex, Ultra-Filling Spheres, Hyaluronic Acid
$13
Buy Now at sephora
$13
Purchase Today from The Inkey List
For ages, the Inkey List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm has been beloved by editors. So, we were thrilled when the company introduced three new colored versions last year. This budget-friendly skincare product was designed to enhance lip fullness within just one month of consistent application, courtesy of its peptide content and Ultra Filling Sphere tech. Not only does it heal your lips but also provides natural-looking plumpness along with a very moist outcome. Moreover, it gained significant popularity on TikTok, amassing more than 40 million views and searches, many of which include testimonials confirming the longevity of its volumizing effect.
Editor tests and feedback observations
: “Consider this a tinted lip mask to carry on-the-go. When I apply two coats, not only do my lips look plumped and refreshed, but after hours of wear they’re softer to the touch. Impressively, I notice that fine lines on my lips begin to fade within a week of consistent use.” —
Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article:
$13
Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss
Formula type
: Hydrating shine
Shade range
: 12 shades available
Key ingredients
: Agave, moringa oil, and cupuaçu butter
$10.49
Buy Now at ulta
$12.49
Buy Now at cvs
The Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss stands out from the crowd for its glaze-like finish. On the lips, its silky moisture powered by agave, moringa oil, and cupuaçu butter conditions the skin, while a slightly thick — not sticky! — layer of color reflects a high-shine varnish. It’s one of the most pigmented drugstore lip glosses that impressed our editors, as it offers an even, medium to full coat of color that lasts for hours of wear.
Editor testing and review notes
: “I love this gloss, mainly because my all-time holy grail lip color is from this line. ‘Supernatural’ is the perfect rosy nude gloss that sits right in the middle between pink and brown. I prefer this non-shimmery shade, as it is so creamy and juicy and looks like an enhanced version of my natural lips. I grab for this formula when I’m already wearing lipstick and my lips are feeling tight and dry.” —
Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article:
$9.39
What to Look for in the Best Drugstore Lip Glosses
The ideal drugstore lip gloss for you will vary based on your preferred level of glamour, yet certain factors should be taken into account when searching for an outstanding product.
-
Key ingredients
Drugstore lip glosses now offer various formulations, yet their primary function should be to hydrate your lips instead of forming a sticky film. Look for glosses with components similar to those found in your preferred skincare items, such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, shea butter, collagen, vitamins, and plant-derived moisture enhancers. This way, once the glossy finish fades away, your lips remain smooth and supple. -
Formula type
When searching for your perfect drugstore lip gloss, remember that items not specifically marked “lip gloss” can also work well. For lips that tend to crack and split, choose a glossy lip balm or lip oil; these options provide hydration along with shine. Alternatively, if you aim for fuller-looking lips, select plumping formulations that enhance volume temporarily. Before finalizing your choice, think about what your lips require and how you want them to appear aesthetically. -
Applicator
Beyond just the formula, selecting the right lip gloss applicator significantly impacts how your lipstick looks and feels. An applicator that’s overly large might deliver too much product at once, potentially causing smudging around the edges or making your lips feel weighed down. Conversely, rigid or diminutive tools may not provide enough coverage for those with fuller lips. For individuals with larger lips, a wider, flat-tipped applicator works best, whereas those with smaller lips tend to get better results using finer-pointed tools to achieve a neat application of gloss.
Where to Buy Drugstore Lip Gloss Online
-
Amazon.com
:
You can shop an incredible assortment of vetted lip gloss and makeup goodies at the e-tailer, from
TikTok beauty products
to the
best hair gels
to
skin care tools
and everything in between. It’s the best place to crowd-source thousands of honest beauty reviews before you take the plunge on a purchase. Plus, you can enjoy Prime benefits like speedy shipping and exclusive discounts. -
Ulta.com:
Ulta Beauty offers the widest range of brands at affordable prices. On top of beloved drugstore brands like E.l.f Cosmetics, Maybelline, and Wet n Wild, you can also shop indie brands that’ll lead you to discoveries at affordable price points. Ulta’s website also grants access to exclusive beauty deals, rewards programs, bonus samples, and exciting sale events. -
CVS.com
:
The digital beauty aisles at CVS.com offer more deals and perks than shopping in-store. If you place an order, you can receive free shipping on select products while racking up ExtraBucks points with a CVS ExtraCare card. You can also sign up for the
ExtraCare BeautyClub
membership, where the retailer will send you a monthly box of free beauty products and an extra 10 percent off discount on the retailer’s entire beauty stock. -
Walmart.com
:
Walmart’s beauty page offers a wide assortment of drugstore brands. To ensure you’re shopping from a verified storefront, be sure to navigate from the beauty dropdown menu or click on a product and look for a link to the brand’s storefront (for example, “Visit the L’Oréal Paris Store”). As you scroll through Walmart’s wide product selection, you can discover discounts on top-selling lip glosses, new releases, and viral formulas that are exclusive to the site. Plus, there are added perks like next-day or two-day shipping and store delivery options. A Walmart+ membership — you can sign up for a
30-day free trial here
— also grants free local delivery, free shipping with no minimums, early access to product releases and deals, and easy returns from your doorstep.
How We Selected & Tested the Best Drugstore Lip Glosses
To narrow down the best drugstore lip glosses that outshine other formulas, our editors lent our lips to 11 months of lip gloss testing during two testing periods. Before we rolled up our sleeves, we rounded up a testing pool of over 27 lip glosses in different finishes and formulas, referencing extensive market research, buzzy TikTok-viral formulas, and long-time bestsellers. We compared customer reviews on retailer websites, social media, and online forums like Reddit to determine the most satisfactory formulas for a variety of needs and preferences. Any lip glosses that did not provide substantial hydration, wear comfortably, achieve high-shine results, or deliver on impressive claims were cut from our list of the best drugstore lip glosses.
Throughout both testing periods, editors wore each drugstore lip gloss for as long as they stayed put on our lips. We timed how quickly they wore off throughout the day, whether they held up through eating and drinking, and whether the lips felt softer, plumper, or more hydrated than before application. We took note of other factors, like color payoff, product packaging, applicators, fragrance, and overall comfort as key criteria for nailing down the best formulas.
Our beauty test team represents a range of needs and preferences, including varying lip sizes, skin tones, lip care needs, and glam preferences. Each drugstore lip gloss was tested alone and with other lip products to narrow down the most versatile, comfortable, and flattering options.
Why Trust Sazua.com
Since 1910, Sazua.com— often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, Sazua.com’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold Sazua.com’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
Learn more about us here
.
Meet the Authors
Olivia Cigliano
is the former Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and Sazua.comwhere she writes and edits shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. At Sazua.com, she regularly tests and reviews top-rated and TikTok-famous products like drugstore lip gloss. Cigliano wrote the original version of this article on the best lip glosses.
Claire Sullivan
is a contributing writer for Footwear News and Sazua.com, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion, and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She’s tested hundreds of products during her time as an editor, so she’s well-versed in selecting the products that make a meaningful difference in your skin and hair. Sullivan contributed to the May 2025 update of this article with new product selections after an additional round of testing.
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