What does clear lip gloss do?

Never underestimate the power of a swipe of clear lip gloss. A single layer can put in the work to give your lips a fuller appearance in an instant, and the shiny finish can help add dimension to an otherwise matte makeup look.

Can I apply clear lip gloss over lip color?

Of course! Applying clear gloss over your favorite lipstick is an easy way to give your go-to hue new life. To avoid mixing a bold tone with your clear lip gloss, use a separate applicator to swipe it over your lips, or dab it on using your finger.

The 10 Best Clear Lip Glosses of 2023

Clear lip gloss is about as basic as makeup gets—but don't confuse basic with not valuable. It's effortless to apply, it goes with any look, and it instantly gives the lips a juicy, hydrated finish. And while there are tons of options on the market, we recognize that lip gloss can actually be pretty polarizing. Some people cringe at the thought of applying a sticky lacquer on their lips, while others crave a long-lasting formula. Some prefer a tempered shine, while others demand a glass-like reflection. So, we researched the market and took our editors favorites into consideration when curating this list of the best clear lip glosses you can buy. From long-lasting options to super hydrating picks, there's undoubtedly something for everyone.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best clear lip glosses on the market right now. Keep reading to find out more about each formula.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall :

Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss in Chill at Sephora

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Best Budget :

Essence Extreme Shine Volume Lipgloss in Crystal Clear at Ulta

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Best Drugstore:

e.l.f. Cosmetics Lip Lacquer at Ulta

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Best Splurge :

Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss in Opal at Sephora

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Best Long-Wearing :

MAC Cosmetics Clear Lip Gloss at Nordstrom

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Best Plumping :

Patrick Ta Major Volume Plumping Lip Gloss in Looks Natural at Sephora

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Best Scented:

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in Glass Slipper at Sephora

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Best Lip Oil :

Ami Colé Lip Treatment Oil in Reflection at Sephora

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Best Solid Gloss :

Tarte Juicy Lip Balm at Sephora

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Gucci Luminous Face & Lip Gloss at Sephora

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Credo Beauty View On Kohls.com

What We Like

Gel texture is extremely comfortable
Lightweight
High-shine finish
Not at all sticky
Relatively affordable

What We Don't Like

Not the most long-lasting

Our favorite clear lip gloss is this incredibly popular formula from Tower 28 in the shade Chill. If you've never tried this gloss formula, the time to do so is now. It has a gel-like texture that feels incredibly smooth, lightweight, and comfortable on the lips—absolutely never sticky. It looks glassy and beautiful on bare lips, and it also layers comfortably on top of lipstick. It's an incredible formula at a relatively affordable price point, and if you fall in love with this clear shade, there are tons of other colors in the range to pick up, too.

Price at time of publish: $16

Size: 4 ml | Cruelty-Free: Yes

ULTA

View On Ulta View On Target

What We Like

Provides a glass-like shine
Stays put for at least a few hours
Smooth texture

What We Don't Like

Packaging is a bit bulky

For less than the price of your daily latte, you can rock seriously shiny lips with this formula—this bargain clear lip gloss is the real deal. It features a super soft texture and an incredibly glossy, wet-looking shine. The flat doe-foot applicator makes it quick and easy to coat the lips, and once applied, it lasts for several hours without ever feeling sticky.

Price at time of publish: $4

Size: 5 ml | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.8

Elf Cosmetics

View On Ulta View On Target View On Walmart

What We Like

Smooth texture
Sheer, buildable coverage
Wears comfortably

What We Don't Like

Wears off easily

You can find a clear lip gloss that’s shiny while also being non-sticky right at the drugstore. This clear gloss is loaded with vitamin E for smooth, comfortable wear. It has a thin, comfortable texture, and it provides a subtle glossy finish, making it a great pick for anyone who doesn't want something overly shiny.

Price at time of publish: $3

Size: 2 ml | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dior Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Plumping formula
High-shine finish
Fine pearl
Luxe packaging

What We Don't Like

Small doe-foot applicator

Do you need to spend a lot of money on a clear lip gloss? Absolutely not. But if you love luxury makeup, you'll adore this gloss from Dior. It's a plumping formula in a clear shade that's sprinkled with a super fine, multi-colored pearl which creates a subtle holographic finish on the lips. It has a minty scent which is really refreshing on the lips, and it creates a shiny finish and a plumped effect. And, of course, the ultra-chic packaging is an added bonus.

Price at time of publish: $40

Size: 6 ml | Cruelty-Free: No

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Ulta View On Target

What We Like

Applies evenly
Slanted tip makes precise application easy
Wears for several hours

What We Don't Like

Does feel sticky and heavy on the lips

We couldn’t leave this classic clear lip gloss off our list—it’s a product we’ve known and loved since high school. This clear lip gloss isn’t for the faint of heart, though—it is quite sticky. But the ultra glass-like shine it imparts and the fact that it really does stay put for hours on end makes up for the sticky finish. If you're looking for a long-lasting clear gloss and you don't mind a thick texture, this is a great option.

Price at time of publish: $21

Size: 15ml | Cruelty-Free: No

PATRICK TA Major Volume Plumping Lip Gloss

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Patrickta.com

What We Like

High-shine finish
Unique, cinnamon scent
Large doe-foot applicator
Wears well

What We Don't Like

Tingling sensation can feel a bit intense

This formula won best overall in our test of the Best Lip Plumpers of 2023—so it's safe to say that it has our stamp of approval. It features a creamy formula that contains a plumping peptide to help give the lips a juicy appearance, and it leaves them feeling comfortable and ultra-shiny. Note that it does create a tingling sensation which isn't ideal for everyone, but it dissipates after about 30 minutes of wear. If you're in the market for a clear plumping gloss to achieve the ultimate full-looking lips, this is the one for you.

Price at time of publish: $26

Size: 9 ml | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Ulta View On Walmart

What We Like

Glassy finish
Comfortable feel on the lips
Juicy, sweet scent

What We Don't Like

Not the most long-lasting

Need we reiterate how much we adore the Fenty Beauty Gloss Balm? The formula is smooth and comfortable, it creates a high-shine finish, and it leaves the lips feeling hydrated—not to mention how delicious it smells. Unlike many scented glosses that are overly fragranced or barely detectable, this one strikes the perfect balance. It smells like peachy vanilla, but it is not sickly sweat or headache-inducing. If you've yet to try this iconic lip gloss, we recommend getting started with Glass Slipper, the clear shade.

Price at time of publish: $21

Size: 9 ml | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Amicole.com View On Violet Grey

What We Like

High-shine finish
Moisturizing feel
Long-lasting
Large doe-foot applicator

What We Don't Like

Can feel slightly heavy on the lips

If you prefer lip oil formula to classic lip glosses, we highly recommend this one from Ami Colé. It feels hydrating on the lips, leaves them with a very high-shine finish, and it lasts for several hours, which is a major win for a lip oil. Plus, it has a large doe-foot applicator that makes one-swipe application a breeze.

Price at time of publish: $20

Size: 4.5 ml | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.7

Ulta

View On Sephora View On Ulta View On Tartecosmetics.com

What We Like

Balmy texture
Mess-free application
Smooth, shiny finish
Comfortable on the lips

What We Don't Like

Packaging can be a bit finicky

Solid glosses are excellent for those who like non-goopy, mess-free lip gloss application, and this one is fantastic. It's formulated with maracuja oil, grapeseed oil, and goji to hydrate the lips, and it feels incredibly lightweight and comfortable as you wear it. Just one or two swipes provide a shiny, natural-looking finish, and while it looks gorgeous on its own, layering it over a lip liner creates a gorgeous, full-looking appearance.

Price at time of publish: $24

Size: 2 grams | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sephora

View On Sephora

What We Like

Lightweight
Imparts a soft, luminous glow
Not greasy or sticky

What We Don't Like

Pricey compared to similar options on the market

Makeup artists love using clear lip gloss all over the face to pump up the radiance—and this product is a winner for just that purpose. Swipe it on lips, eyes, and cheeks whenever you want to glow. The lightweight gel formula is oh-so-breathable, so you won’t feel like you’re wearing anything at all.

Price at time of publish: $34

Size: 4 ml | Cruelty-Free: No

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is the Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss in Chill. The gel-like texture is hydrating and non-sticky, it provides a glass-like finish, and it's affordably priced. If you prefer a budget pick, we highly recommend the Essence Extreme Shine Volume Lipgloss in Crystal Clear. And if you prefer a solid gloss texture, go for the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm in Clear.

What to Look for in a Clear Lip Gloss

Nourishing Ingredients

In addition to imparting a mirror-like shine, glosses with nourishing ingredients—think vitamin E, plant-based oils, and peptides—will help to hydrate the lips. The Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm in Clear is a great moisturizing formula because it contains maracuja oil, grapeseed oil, and goji. The Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss in Chill is also a great option for those with dry lips because it contains vitamin E and a blend of hydrating oils.

A Non-Sticky Texture

Brands have gotten on board with less-sticky gloss formulas in recent years by veering towards lightweight, hydrating options. And while this is a fantastic win for those that can't stand a sticky gloss, remember that some of the more lightweight, gel-like glosses are not as long-wearing as super sticky formulas. One that strikes a wonderful balance between a comfortable texture and a fairly long-wearing formula is the Patrick Ta Major Volume Plumping Lip Gloss in Looks Natural.

FAQ

What does clear lip gloss do?

Never underestimate the power of a swipe of clear lip gloss. A single layer can put in the work to give your lips a fuller appearance in an instant, and the shiny finish can help add dimension to an otherwise matte makeup look.
Can I apply clear lip gloss over lip color?

Of course! Applying clear gloss over your favorite lipstick is an easy way to give your go-to hue new life. To avoid mixing a bold tone with your clear lip gloss, use a separate applicator to swipe it over your lips, or dab it on using your finger.

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.

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