Powered by skincare ingredients and science-backed formulas, 2021's best lip glosses and lip oils look a little different from their Noughties heydey. While the inspo is still very much the same, the upgrades today are non-sticky, non-greasy and come with long-lasting staying power. From clear, barely-there shines to bolt tints, subtle lip oils and high-shine lip lustres, we've rounded up the glosses that shine the brightest.
By Amelia Bell, 12 March 2021
How we choose the best lip glosses and oils
To find the best of the best, first and foremost we've looked for glosses that feel comfortable on the lips (without that gluey, balmy or oily texture we once had to grin and bear) as well as those with nourishing ingredients to help protect and hydrate lips. We've also looked at everything from shade range to longevity and textures - as well as the kind of finish you'll get: soft and subtle, serious glitter, glass finish, and so on. And, as always, we've had the help of some five-star reviews to help narrow down our choice.
Charlotte's Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir
Best for: Clear gloss
Giving you the best of both worlds, Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir combines eight of the most high-tech skincare ingredients (think: hyaluronic acid, Alpine Rose and Swertian Leaf Extract) to drench your lips in hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines, along with a 5-crystal complex to boost lip volume and shine. The result? An ultra-hydrating, seriously glossy serum for your lips with serious staying power.
The hype: “The original Charlotte Tilbury Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir gives you the best thing about lip balm (the hydration) and the best thing about lip gloss (the shine) but minus any stickiness or hair getting stuck to your lips. We've been obsessed with the product ever since it launched.” - Popsugar
No. 28 Lip Oil
Best for: Splurge
A hybrid between lip gloss and lip balm, this Hourglass formula is one of a kind. True to form, it features a particularly bougie 24ct gold-plated applicator along with 28 (yes, really) ingredients within the formula—14 essential oils, 10 plant oils including hazelnut, sweet almond and jojoba oils as well as a host of vitamins and potent actives. The hardworking formula helps minimise the appearance of wrinkles and volumise your lips.
The hype: “Sure, it's a little extravagant—hello, gold-plated applicator!—but it's also effective. Thick and packed with vitamins, moisturizers, and anti-agers, it actually treats the lips, rather than just protecting them from the elements. Wear it during the day and you'll get a dose of pretty, non-sticky shine; slather it on overnight and you'll notice a softer mouth by morning.” - Allure
Lip Lustre Pillowtalk
Best for: Dry, chapped lips
Reimagining the brand’s cult Pillowtalk lipstick, the latest arrival courtesy of Charlotte Tilbury comes with a soft, shimmering finish. With the same lip-plumping formula as the iconic Pillowtalk collection - minus the matte finish - CT’s latest Lip Lustre harnesses the power of skin-boosting ingredients like sunflower seed oil and hops extract to help nourish and condition your lips as well as emollient oil—so you get all of the benefits of a lip balm with the shine of your favourite gloss.
The hype: “The gloss is subtle with good coverage and has some serious staying power, perfect for when I want something with a little more oomph but I'm not going all out with red lip. Personally, I think the gloss version of Pillow Talk suits me better than the matte. I've rediscovered my love of a high-shine pout.” - Rosie, Evening Standard
Glass Glow Lip
Best for: Glass finish
Enriched with vitamins, botanical oils and antioxidants, Kevin Aucoin’s Glass Glow Lip is as nourishing on the lips as the formula is innovative. A favourite among beauty editors and makeup artists, the three-dimensional reflective particles create a unique glass-like finish - one of the biggest trends in beauty to know right now too - to leave your lips with intense shine. Top tip: apply it over your favourite red or nude lipstick to switch up your look.
The hype: “I love these lip glosses! I have all three shades and I love each and every one of them. They create a really unique glittery look unlike anything I’ve ever tried before.” Customer review
Lip Plumping Gloss
Best for: Volumising
Imparting a subtle shine and plumping finish, ICONIC London has created yet another winning formula. As for the science behind it? Infused with a biomimetic peptide, the formula helps support natural collagen production in order to boost lips’ plumpness, whilst nourishing aloe vera and green coffee oil help keep them soft and nourished. Available in soft pinks and nudes, they add a subtle sheen to the lips while the formula gives lips noticeable fullness. P.S the minty scent gives a slight tingle too.
The hype: “The colour of this lipgloss is perfect for what I wanted! It makes me feel so confident and goes great with a natural look or a dolled up look. Has a minty tingle as well.” Customer review