12 best lip glosses for a non-sticky, high-shine finish

A lip gloss is an easy way to add dimension and a glass-like finish to your makeup look, but finding one worthy of a spot in your makeup bag isn't as simple as it should be.

The perfect lip gloss isn't messy, gloopy in texture or leave lips feeling sticky. Instead, it should add a luminous top coat (or worn alone, whichever you prefer) that keeps skin feeling soft, plump and comfortable.

Our roundup ahead has 12 top-performing lip glosses which deliver exactly that, from big-name brands like Fenty, Dior and Kiko.

Spanning clear, tinted and richly pigmented products, starting from just £4, each is well worth your hard-earned money.

Boasting nourishing, balmy formulas that retain their glossiness for hours on end, these are the best lip glosses on shelves right now.

The best lip glosses for a wet-look shine

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer | £18 from Boots

This is the best lip gloss money can buy. Worth every penny, it has a wide, doe-foot applicator for even application, stays glossy all day, and has a slight nude shimmer tint that compliments every makeup look. It can be worn over lipstick for added shine or on its own for a subtle wash of colour.

KIKO MILANO 3D Hydra Lipgloss | £7.99 from Feel Unique

Kiko is a treasure trove of affordable beauty finds and its Hydra lipgloss is a must-have for your makeup bag if you prefer a high-shine finish. Available in seven shades, it can add a long-lasting pink iridescent hue to lips or a pigmented deep berry red.

Dior Lip Maximizer | £30 from John Lewis

Dior's lip products are cult favourites, not just for the chic packaging. Its Lip Maximiser contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, maximises volume and adds a glossy film, whether you want a coral pink shade or a peaching pink pout.

MAC Mini MAC Lipglass | £12.50 from ASOS

This is your classic clear gloss and the plastic, angled applicator means you can use your finger, direct from the tube or with a brush to keep things less messy. It's super slick, doesn't feel sticky and comes in this miniature size or full-size if you prefer.

Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss | £22 from Look Fantastic

For a glossy wash of colour, Bobbi Brown is your best bet. This oil-infused formula keeps lips feeling hydrated and smooth and there are 12 shades to pick from – ranging from barely-there nude to cherry red.

NYX Professional Makeup Shine Loud Long Lasting Lip Gloss | £12 from ASOS

This dual-ended lip gloss went viral on TikTok last year for its impressive staying power. First, apply the pigmented base coat and finish with the glossy top coat on the opposite end – it's that easy. You're guaranteed a long-wearing, high-shine, luxe-looking lip look.

Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm | £34 from Space NK

Hourglass' newer lip launches have definitely earned a spot in our shopping basket. They're ideal if you love a hybrid glossy colour, without having to compromise on pigment or comfort. The twist-up pen applicator keeps things fuss-free and the creamy, balmy formula will keep dryness at bay. Our favourite shade is Thrill.

Maybelline Lifter Gloss Plumping Hydrating Lip Gloss | £8.99 from Boots

A budget-friendly you can't go wrong with is Maybelline. Its Lifter Gloss mimics expensive competitors at a fraction of the cost and the doe-foot applicator ensures even colour distribution. It adds a little plumping effect and tinted golden hues of pink, nudes and brown.

Refy Lip Collection | £28 from Refy

Makeup influencer Jess Hunt launched Refy in 2020 to sellout success and its vegan two-pack lip collection is a great addition to your makeup bag. It comes with a creamy lip liner – dual-ended with a setting brush on one end to keep the colour matte and ski hydrated – and an accompanying clear lip gloss for a glass-like finish. It's an innovative way to experiment with different lip looks.

e.l.f. Lip Lacquer Clear | £4 from Superdrug

This clear lip gloss from e.l.f. is an absolute steal. Cheap and cheerful, it doesn't lack quality and provides a high-shine, non-sticky finish.

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Heat Lip Luminizer and Plumper | was £20 now £17 from Boots

Fenty Beauty's Gloss Bombs are so good we had to include them twice. However, this product has the added bonus of a tingling, plumping effect thanks to a blend of ginger root oil and capsicum fruit extract (pepper). It also boasts shimmer-free pigments for a wet-look shine.

Too Faced Lip Injection Maximum Plump | £25 from ASOS

For an instant plumping effect, Too Faced has got you covered. It has a handy doe-foot applicator and a luminous formula rich in vitamin E, avocado and jojoba oils to keep lips soft. We love the shade, Cotton Candy Kisses, which adds a pearlescent gold shimmer.