The Lip Gloss Edit: 10 Shimmering & Non-Sticky Formulas to Love in 2025

Meet the standout of our edit: Nars Afterglow Lip Shine in Chelsea Girls earned a perfect 10/10 for its mirror-like, high-shine finish and featherlight, non-sticky feel. In our testing, lips looked plush and hydrated for hours—Nars even claims up to eight hours of hydration—while the medium payoff enhanced natural lip color. It’s not fully opaque and, like most glosses, can transfer, so reapplication is expected. At $30, if you crave cushiony shine with zero tack, this is the one to beat.

Makeup by Mario’s Supershine in Berry earned a strong 9/10 in our review for its glass-like shine and cushy, non-sticky feel. The sheer tint and hydrating emollients/humectants make it a go-to for fresh, plush lips that don’t feel gloopy. It does fade with eating and drinking, and some tubes can get messy in a bag, so keep it upright and plan for reapplication. A touch behind our 10/10 pick from Nars, but at $26 it delivers luxe shine without the splurge.

Fenty's Gloss Bomb Ice in Cold Heart'd is an 8/10 for us thanks to its mirror-like shine and the refreshing minty chill on contact. Shea butter and vitamin E keep lips cushioned and non-sticky, but the translucent, shimmer-free finish offers minimal color and the texture can feel a bit balmy. It's great as a comfy topper or low-makeup day gloss, though you'll need to reapply. If you crave bolder pigment or longer wear, Tower 28's Wild or Dior's Intense Grape deliver more.

Our top-rated pick, Gloss Bomb Lip Luminizer, scored an impressive 9.5/10 with its universally appealing high-gloss finish. In our tests, the non-sticky formula provided seamless wear, thanks to its hydrating shea butter base. Although the strong peach-vanilla scent might deter some, this product excels in offering fluid lip enhancement, perfect for quick glam on-the-go. Reapplications after meals keep the lips looking luscious.

Lipglass Air Gloss - Accolade emerged as a standout in our guide with its non-sticky, high-shine appeal, earning a strong 8.5/10. Enriched with coconut, jojoba, and meadowfoam seed oils, it provides lovely hydration while offering a sheer yet captivating look. Although frequent reapplication may be necessary, our experience shows it’s ideal for those seeking comfort and lightness. The thin applicator design could improve, but its refreshing texture remains noteworthy.

Discover high shine with Butter Gloss, which scored 7.5/10 in our lineup for its affordability and smooth application. In our assessment, its non-sticky finish offered day-long comfort, though its initial texture seemed temporarily off-putting. Frequent reapplication might be needed, but its budget-friendly nature makes it accessible to all. A vibrant choice for those dipping into gloss without breaking the bank.

Tower 28's ShineOn Lip Jelly in Wild scored 8.5/10 in our guide for its juicy, high-shine finish and truly non-sticky feel. The nourishing oil blend keeps lips comfy, while this raspberry shade delivers a noticeable, medium payoff that brightens the face without veering into heavy color. You'll want to reapply after coffee or lunch, and a few reviewers note tingling or occasional packaging hiccups. Compared with Kosas, it feels slightly cushier, and it's a more budget-friendly route than Dior for vibrant tint.

During our review, Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss in Jellyfish earned an 8/10 for its cushiony, non-sticky shine and hydration that leaves lips plush. The hyaluronic acid and peptides give a subtle plumping effect and a sheer, watercolor tint that layers well over liner. We did find the formula thin (expect to reapply), and a few users report leakage, which stings at this price point. If you want more pigment or wear time, Tower 28's Wild and Dior's Maximizer outlast it.

Glossybounce™ provides sheer, breathable shine, achieving 6.5/10 in our metrics. Our experience highlighted its lightweight, hydrating benefits, making it ideal for those favoring understated glimmer. Users found the scent off-putting, so a smell test might be prudent. Although limited in color payoff, it remains suitable for low-maintenance radiance. Keep it in your bag for quick refreshment throughout busy days.

The Peptide Lip Tint PBJ stands out with its sheer, buildable color and hydrating formula, earning an 8/10 in our guide. Ideal for those who love a natural, glossy finish without fragrance, this non-sticky tint melts beautifully onto lips. While other products might boast vibrant scents, our testing shows this is perfect for anyone seeking understated elegance. Its non-scented nature ensures it remains a favorite among those with skin sensitivities.

Our splurge pick, Dior Addict Lip Maximizer in 029 Intense Grape, earned a 9.5/10 for its glassy, non-sticky shine and impressive wear time. In our testing, the hyaluronic acid-infused formula kept lips hydrated for hours, while the Intense shade delivers true, full-color payoff that doubles as a gloss-lipstick hybrid. The plumping is subtle and the premium price is real, with rare reports of batch variance. If you want top-tier shine, tint, and longevity in one tube, this is the benchmark.

On a tight budget and craving shine? Covergirl Clean Fresh Yummy Lip Gloss in But First A Cosmo delivered a glassy, non-sticky finish and hyaluronic-acid hydration in our testing, but its 5/10 score reflects trade-offs. Some users report a burning or irritating sensation and the sheer tint can look inconsistent, so we suggest a patch test and low-stakes wear. It's easy, everyday gloss, but frequent reapplication and minimal payoff mean our higher-rated picks offer more dependable comfort and color.

LUST: Gloss drips opulence mixed with comfort, achieving a noteworthy 7.5/10 during our tests. Its high-shine formula provides smooth application without stickiness, despite the need for frequent layering and reapplication. While sheer in pigmentation, this product offers chic sophistication for days you crave polished subtlety. Its luxurious texture makes it a must-try for classy understated looks.

Balancing gloss and balm, Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm Duo scores 6/10, shining with rich shades yet faced with melting challenges. Our experience saw superb color payoff ideal for standout moments, though its price suggests special occasion use. With nourishing hydration but a divisive scent, it suits those seeking lush aesthetics with a touch of practical caution. Ideal for events where style surpasses longevity needs, this duo impresses.

If you want bold color with your shine, Valentino’s Puffer Complex in 122A Warm It Up scored 7.5/10 for its glassy finish and full, lipstick-like payoff. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides keep lips cushioned, and the formula wears longer than many glosses we tested, making it a smart pick for events. Be aware of the noticeable tingling plump and occasional off taste, and despite the non-sticky formula some find the texture slightly thick. It’s pricier at $38 and less universally loved than our 9–10/10 favorites, but the pigment and longevity impress.