After many years dominated by the matte lip, lip gloss is officially back—and this time, it’s here to stay. From ultra-glassy shine to soft, satiny finishes, there are more options than ever, which is great—until you’re trying to figure out which one actually belongs in your bag.
If you’re wondering how to choose a lip gloss that fits your vibe, your routine, and your overall look, the key is knowing what you want it to do. Whether you’re after high-impact shine, a subtle wash of color, or something nourishing you can swipe on without a mirror, there’s a formula for that. Consider this your complete guide to finding your perfect gloss based on finish, feel, and how you like to wear it.
Why Lip Gloss Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Not all lip gloss is created equal. There are countless types of lip gloss available, and choosing the right one really comes down to what you want it to do, whether that’s adding shine, delivering color, or making your lips look fuller and plumper.
When it comes to finish, all glosses have some degree of shine, but the level can vary widely from formula to formula. Some deliver a soft, natural-looking sheen, while others go for a high-shine, almost glass-like effect that really stands out.
Texture is another key difference across the types of lip gloss. Classic liquid glosses tend to provide a slick, high-shine finish, while creamy or balm-like glosses tend to be subtler and feel more hydrating on the lips. There are also lip oils, which provide shine with lasting nourishment to help soften and smooth dry lips.
Finally, think about the occasion and vibe. Sheer glosses are great for an easy, no-makeup makeup look or to balance out a statement eye. More pigmented or high-impact glosses, meanwhile, deliver intense color and shine, making them great for when you want your lips to be the focal point of your look.
Find Your Finish: NYX Professional Makeup Lip Gloss Breakdown
Now that you’re caught up on the different types of lip gloss you might spot while browsing the makeup aisle, keep scrolling. Ahead, we’re sharing a detailed breakdown of our top formulas, plus tips on how to apply lip gloss for a flawless-looking finish.
For a sheer, high-shine finish
The Pick: Jelly Job Full-Bodied High-Shine Lip Gloss
This cherry-scented gloss is the perfect accompaniment to softer makeup looks. The lineup includes 16 flattering, semi-sheer shades, from soft pinks and nudes to richer berries and sparkling golds. Each delivers a soft wash of color with a high-shine finish that makes your lips look smooth and plump. Use the silicone applicator to swipe the peptide-infused formula directly onto bare lips for a subtle enhancement, or layer it over your favorite lipstick for added shine with a comfortable, non-sticky finish.
For soft color and shine
The Pick: Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss
It’s hard to compete with a classic, and that’s definitely the case with our beloved Butter Gloss. This iconic formula glides on smoothly, leaving the lips with a wash of color and a shiny finish that feels comfortable, not sticky. The lineup includes 41 lip gloss colors, from classic pinks and nudes to more adventurous shades, such as blue, violet, and black. There are even eight shimmer-infused shades that leave the lips with a hint of sparkle. Wear your gloss alone, pair it with lip liner for a defined lip look, or layer one of the sheer-to-medium-coverage formulas over lipstick for added dimension and flattering shine
For plumper-looking lips
The Pick: Duck Plump High Pigment Plumping Lip Gloss
If you want to make your lips look bigger, add this volumizing gloss to your cart ASAP. It’s packed with spicy ginger and capsicum and instantly plumps your lips, making them look fuller and poutier—at least for a little while. The range includes 18 shades, with both sheer and highly-pigmented options. There are also three holographic topper shades you can layer with your other lip products for a dimensional, shimmery finish. For an ultra-plump lip look, line your pout with the coordinating Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner before swiping on your gloss.
For long-lasting wear
The Pick: Shine Loud High Shine Lip Color
Lip glosses aren’t typically known for their longevity, but there are exceptions to the rule. This stay-all-day formula is one such example. The dual-ended gloss features a pigmented lip color on one end and a translucent gloss on the other. After prepping your lips, swipe the pigmented base coat onto your lips for a wash of intense, budge-proof color. Let it set for a moment, then layer on the sheer gloss for a high-shine finish. You’ll be left with a high-intensity, glossy lip look that lasts for up to 16 hours (and if the glossy finish fades, you can reapply the sheer gloss to keep the shine going strong).
For a glossy, hydrated sheen
The Pick: Fat Oil Lip Drip
If you’re looking for a cute lip gloss you can reach for on no-makeup makeup days, we recommend this hybrid formula. The lightweight gloss contains cloudberry oil, raspberry oil, and squalane and provides long-lasting hydration to help nourish and condition your lips. Choose from 22 shades, including sheer nudes, creamy browns, and shimmer-packed pinks.
For a your-lips-but-better look
The Pick: Lip I.V. Hydrating Lip Gloss Stain
If you love the look of gloss but don’t want to have to bother with reapplication, try a lip gloss stain. This vitamin-infused formula applies like a medium-coverage gloss, delivering subtle color with a shiny, hydrated finish. As the glossy sheen fades, it leaves behind a soft stain for a healthy, natural-looking flush of color. The ultra-lightweight formula comes in 20 shades—primarily pinks, nudes, browns, and reds—designed to help accentuate your natural lip color. Plus, it leaves the lips feeling hydrated for up to 12 hours, making it the ultimate multitasker.
How To Choose a Lip Gloss for Your Needs
When shopping for lip gloss, it helps to focus on what you want it to do for your look, your lips, and your overall makeup routine. Breaking it down by finish, lip needs, and style can make narrowing down your perfect formula much easier.
Based on your desired finish
As we’ve explained, all lip glosses are shiny, but the intensity can range from a soft sheen to intense, glass-like shine. Here’s a breakdown of when to choose each.
- Natural: Lip oils and lip gloss stains are perfect for a soft, low-key sheen that enhances your lips without looking heavy or over-the-top.
- Glam: If you want a glam look, opt for a high-shine gloss—either tinted or untinted. A glossy, mirror-like finish instantly elevates a glam makeup moment without distracting from the rest of your look.
- Bold: Highly-pigmented glosses add both color and shine, giving you a more statement-making lip in one step. If you’re looking to go bold with your lips, we suggest keeping the rest of your makeup relatively subtle for balance.
Based on your needs
Different types of lip gloss can support different lip concerns or needs.
- Dry lips: Oil-infused glosses and hydrating formulas help nourish dry lips while adding shine for a healthy-looking finish.
- Thin lips: If you have thin lips, consider reaching for a plumping gloss to help create the illusion of a fuller, plumper pout.
- Long wear: If longevity is your main priority, opt for a dual-gloss system (such as the aforementioned Shine Loud High Shine Lip Color) or try a lip gloss stain for long-lasting color with a fresh, hydrated finish.
Based on your makeup style
How you plan to wear the rest of your makeup can also help you narrow down which gloss suits your needs best.
- Minimal: If you prefer natural makeup looks, opt for a sheer or lightly-tinted gloss. These formulas add polish (and sometimes, a wash of color) while keeping your overall look effortless and natural.
- Full glam: High-pigment lip glosses are ideal for statement lips and more glam looks. You can wear a pigmented lip gloss alone or pair it with lip liner and lipstick for a standout lip combo.
How To Apply Lip Gloss Like a Pro
Applying lip gloss is pretty straightforward, but proper lip care can make a big difference in how smooth and polished it looks on the lips.
Start by exfoliating your lips to remove any dryness or flaking, then follow with a light layer of lip balm to keep them hydrated. This helps create an even base so the gloss applies more cleanly and doesn’t cling to texture.
When applying, place the gloss in the center of your lips first, then blend outward. This technique helps control product placement and can also make lips look naturally fuller. For more definition or staying power, layer gloss over lip liner or lipstick. Liner helps shape the lips, while lipstick adds a base of color that the gloss can enhance and transform.
Finally, keep the application light. A thin, even layer is usually enough—over-applying can make gloss feel heavy or cause it to move around, while a more controlled amount keeps the finish smooth and wearable.
NYX Professional Makeup Lip Gloss FAQs
What is lip gloss?
Lip gloss is a type of lip makeup product designed to add shine (and often, color) to your lips. They’re usually liquid in texture and come in a tube with an attached wand for an easy, fuss-free application.
What does lip gloss do?
Different lip glosses have different purposes, but in most cases, gloss is designed to add a shiny or wet-looking finish to your lips. Some lip glosses boast additional benefits, such as plumping, hydrating, or smoothing, but the exact benefits depend on the formula.
What is the most popular NYX Professional Makeup lip gloss?
The iconic Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss is our most popular gloss—in fact, it’s the #1 lip gloss in America. It comes in 41 sheer-to-medium coverage shades and provides color and shine with a comfortable, non-sticky finish.
Which NYX Professional Makeup lip gloss is non-sticky?
All of our lip glosses are formulated to be comfortable and non-sticky on the lips. If you want a sheer gloss, try the peptide-packed Jelly Job Full-Bodied High Shine Lip Gloss. For slightly more color, we love the Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss. And if you want a wash of color with subtle shine that lasts, the Lip I.V. Hydrating Lip Gloss Stain is an excellent pick.
Do plumping lip glosses really work?
Yes, plumping lip glosses can make your lips look fuller, though the effect is temporary. To maintain a full lip look, overline your lips with a plumping lip liner (such as the Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner) or try contouring your lips.
Can you wear lip gloss every day?
Yes, you can wear lip gloss every day—in fact, many formulas contain lip-loving ingredients, such as peptides or oils, that help hydrate, soften, and smooth your lips. To keep your pout feeling its best, always remove your makeup (lip gloss included) before bed, and layer on a lightweight lip balm to help lock in hydration while you snooze.
Next Up: How To Use Lip Liner—The Right Way
Found your perfect NYX Professional Makeup lip gloss? We’d love to see the looks you create! Share a pic on social and tag us @nyxcosmetics.
PRODUCTS USED
Jelly Job Full-Bodied High Shine Gloss
Hyper-glossy, cherry-scented lip gloss offering smooth, juicy shine in 16 shades
Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss
Fan Fave Buttery Gloss
Duck Plump High Pigment Plumping Lip Gloss
Plumping gloss with spicy ginger in 18 shades
SHINE LOUD HIGH SHINE LIP COLOR
High-shine, long-lasting lip gloss
Fat Oil Lip Drip
Hydrating tinted lip oil scented with Suga Baddie
Lip I.V. Hydrating Lip Gloss Stain
Lip gloss + long-lasting lip stain in 20 shades.
