Remember that perfect pout you see in magazines? It often shines with a beautiful gloss. But finding that ideal shine without emptying your wallet can feel like a treasure hunt! So many drugstore lip glosses promise the world, but which ones actually deliver that juicy, non-sticky finish we all crave?
The drugstore aisle is packed! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. You want great color and lasting moisture, but you do not want that sticky feeling that attracts every stray hair. Spending money on a dud gloss is frustrating, especially when you have a specific look in mind.
This post cuts through the noise. We have tested the top contenders to bring you the very best drugstore lip glosses available right now. You will learn which formulas offer amazing shine, feel comfortable all day, and truly keep your lips looking plump and healthy.
Ready to stop guessing and start glowing? Keep reading to uncover the affordable lip gloss heroes that deserve a spot in your makeup bag today!
Top Drugstore Lipgloss Recommendations
- Butter Gloss: Buttery soft and silky smooth, our decadent Butter Gloss is available in a wide variety of sumptuous shades; Each glossy color delivers sheer to medium coverage that melts onto your lips
- Kissable Lips: Our best selling lipgloss goes on smooth and creamy and is never sticky, leaving your lips soft, supple and kissable; Try all of our delicious gloss shades, from Angel Food Cake, a true mauve pink lip gloss, to Tiramisu, a brown lip gloss
- Lip Products for the Perfect Pout: Doll your lips in creamy, long lasting perfection; Try our complete line of lip makeup including liquid lipstick, lip gloss, lip cream, lip liner and butter gloss
- Cruelty Free Cosmetics: We believe animals belong in our arms, not in a lab; All of our makeup is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty free brand; We don't test any of our products on animals
- ULTRA-GLOSSY TINTED LIP OIL: Drench lips in an addictive sheer wash of ultra-glossy color with this revitalizing tinted lip oil.
- NON-STICKY FORMULA: The ultra-plush, XXL applicator slicks on a comfortable, non-sticky formula with a fresh minty scent.
- INFUSED WITH NOURISHING INGREDIENTS: Infused with nourishing oils such as apricot oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil and pomegranate oil.
- MULTI-PURPOSE: Can be worn on its own or over lipstick.
- HYDRATING ULTRA-SHINE LIP GLOSS: Loved for its high-shine finish (without the sticky feel), e.l.f.'s lush Lip Lacquer now features a new plush, lip-hugging doe foot applicator to fully cover your lips in sheer, buildable color.
- VITAMIN-INFUSED FORMULA: The conditioning, vitamin-infused formula leaves lips feeling pillowy soft and hydrated.
- WEAR ALONE OR LAYER: Choose from a range of stunning shades that can be worn alone for a subtle pop of color or layered over lipstick for a bolder look.
- BEAUTY TIP: Exfoliate lips with e.l.f.’s Lip Exfoliator before applying.
- Intense Color & Shine: Achieve vibrant lips with our high pigment formula, delivering intense color and eye-catching shine for any occasion or style.
- Continuous Moisture: Shea butter and vitamin E work harmoniously to maintain soft, moisturized lips all day, preventing dryness and cracks.
- Non-Sticky Texture: Experience all-day comfort with our lightweight, non-sticky lip gloss perfect for everyday wear and long-lasting effect.
- Variety of Shades & Finishes: Select from a vast array of colors in matte and glossy finishes to suit any preference and style.
- Lip gloss infused with hyaluronic acid, acai, goji and black elderberries
- Juicy looking lips
- Non-sticky, lightweight feel
- Delicious flavors and natural scents: berry gloss, coconut gloss & pineapple gloss
- Fat Oil Lip Drip Lipgloss: Serve glossy, shiny lip makeup looks with our non-sticky lip oil gloss. Our lip gloss is infused with vegan squalane and rich in shine. This hydrating lip gloss delivers up to 12 hours of hydration and protection
- Find Your Lip Oil Look: Our 8 universally flattering lip glosses complement a wide range of make up looks. Wear your tinted lip gloss solo for a soft lip tint and hint of lip color, or pair it with your favorite lip product for added intensity
- Lip Products for the Perfect Pout: Doll your lips in creamy, long lasting perfection; Try our complete line of lip makeup including liquid lipstick, lip gloss, lip cream, lip liner and butter gloss
- Cruelty Free Cosmetics: We believe animals belong in our arms, not in a lab; All of our makeup is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty free brand; We don't test any of our products on animals
- Provides moisture to keep lips soft and smooth.
- Ensures color and shine stay put throughout the day.
- Offers options from matte to glossy, catering to different preferences.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Drugstore Lipgloss
Finding the perfect drugstore lipgloss doesn’t have to be hard. These affordable finds can give you that shiny, full-lip look without emptying your wallet. This guide helps you choose the best gloss for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you pick up a tube of gloss, check these important things first:
- Shine Level: Do you want a subtle, wet look or a super high-shine, mirror-like finish? Some glosses offer a clear, glassy shine, while others have a slight shimmer or glitter.
- Wear Time: Lipgloss is not known for lasting all day. However, some formulas stick around longer than others. Look for “long-wear” claims if you want less frequent reapplication.
- Comfort: The best gloss feels light, not sticky. Check reviews to see if people complain about a heavy or gooey feeling.
- Applicator Type: Most glosses use a doe-foot applicator (the soft, fuzzy wand). Some use a slanted tip or even a squeeze tube with a slanted opening. Pick the one that feels easiest for you to control.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The ingredients determine how the gloss feels and performs. Good drugstore glosses often use simple, effective components:
- Moisturizing Agents: Look for ingredients like Vitamin E, Shea Butter, or natural oils (like Jojoba or Coconut oil). These keep your lips soft and prevent the gloss from drying them out.
- Shine Producers: Ingredients like Polyisobutene create that smooth, glossy layer. This is what gives the gloss its reflective quality.
- Flavor/Scent: Many drugstore glosses come flavored (vanilla, mint, fruit). If you have sensitive skin, choose an unscented option, as strong fragrances can sometimes cause irritation.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few simple things can make a big difference in your gloss experience:
What Makes a Gloss Better:
- Non-Sticky Formula: A high-quality gloss feels smooth when you press your lips together. It glides on easily.
- Good Pigment Payoff: If you buy a colored gloss, it should show up nicely on your lips without needing many layers.
- Even Application: The gloss should spread evenly without settling into the tiny lines on your lips.
What Makes a Gloss Worse:
- Excessive Stickiness: If it pulls your lips apart like glue, it is generally low quality and annoying to wear.
- Glitter Fallout: If the glitter particles move off your lips and into your mouth or eyes, it is poorly formulated.
- Chemical Smell: A strong, unpleasant chemical odor usually means the gloss will not feel good on your lips.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your gloss affects which type you should buy.
Everyday Use
For daily wear, choose a sheer gloss or a nude color. These are easy to apply quickly, even without a mirror. They add hydration and a slight shine. They work great over a simple lip balm.
Making Lips Look Fuller
If you want your lips to look plumper, look for glosses labeled “plumping.” These often contain mild irritants like peppermint or cinnamon oil. These ingredients cause a temporary tingling sensation and make the lips swell slightly, creating a fuller look.
Layering and Topping
A clear, high-shine gloss is perfect as a topcoat. You can wear it over any matte lipstick to instantly change the texture to glossy. This technique extends the life of your favorite matte shades.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Drugstore Lipgloss
Q: Are drugstore lipglosses safe for sensitive lips?
A: Many are safe, but you must check the ingredient list. Avoid strong perfumes or dyes if your lips react easily. Look for formulas that highlight moisturizing oils.
Q: How long does a typical tube of drugstore lipgloss last once opened?
A: Most lip products, including gloss, last about 12 to 18 months after you open them. If the texture changes or it smells bad, throw it away.
Q: Can I wear lipgloss if I have dry lips?
A: Yes, absolutely! Choose glosses that specifically advertise moisturizing ingredients like Vitamin E or oils. Avoid very matte or drying formulas.
Q: What is the difference between a “shimmer” gloss and a “glitter” gloss?
A: Shimmer gloss has very fine particles that reflect light softly. Glitter gloss has larger, more noticeable particles that stand out more clearly.
Q: Does lipgloss make your lips look bigger?
A: Yes, the shine reflects light, which tricks the eye into seeing the lips as fuller and rounder. Plumping glosses also help this effect.
Q: How often should I reapply drugstore lipgloss?
A: Because gloss wears off quickly when you eat or drink, you will probably need to reapply every one to two hours for the best look.
Q: Is it better to buy a colored gloss or a clear one?
A: This depends on your goal. Clear gloss is versatile for layering. Colored gloss gives you instant color payoff on its own.
Q: Why is my new lipgloss so sticky?
A: Stickiness usually comes from higher concentrations of thickening agents, like certain types of Polyisobutene. It is a common trade-off for long wear, but it means the formula is lower quality.
Q: Can I use lipgloss instead of lip liner?
A: You can, but it might bleed outside your natural lip line because gloss spreads easily. Use a very small amount if you skip the liner.
Q: What is the best way to clean the doe-foot applicator?
A: You can gently wipe the applicator on a clean tissue between uses. This keeps bacteria out of the tube and keeps the product fresh longer.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!