Here's what 9 of the best lip glosses look like IRL (2023)

Glossier Clear Lip Gloss

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Pros: Arguably the brand responsible for making lip gloss 'cool' again, Glossier's sheer-pink formula gives lips a cute, cushiony shine. The glass-like finish is tacky to touch, without being overly sticky - so you're not going to end up with clumps of the stuff in your hair. It's minimal (staying true to the Glossier vibe) but stays shiny for hours. Oh, and it contains Vitamin E to keep lips moisturised. Win, win.

Cons: Yes, essentially it's just a somewhat pricey clear lip gloss, but it's Glossier, so let's be honest - you'll want to pull this little pink tube out of your makeup bag for everyone to see.

Rating: 9/10

Price: £11

And here's what it looks like on...

Clear lip gloss has never been so cool. Nice one, Glossier. 🙌 💘

Too Faced Lip Injection Power Plumping Lip Gloss

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Pros: Ok, I'm going to level with you, the idea of a plumping lip gloss has never really appealed to me - I'm more of an over-lining-my-lips type of girl. But, Too Faced's Lip Injection has a loyal following in the beauty industry, so I decided to see what all the hype was about. I wasn't expecting much, but I was surprised by how effective it was, the formula instantly started tingling, not in a painful way, but it wasn't exactly a comfortable sensation. I stuck with it and after a few seconds the clear gloss had caused my lips to flush a few shades darker and I noticed my bottom lip looked a little fuller (scroll to the next slide for a pic).

Cons: I don't know if I liked the effects enough to go through the stingy sensation on a daily basis, so this one will probably end up collecting dust on my dressing table. Whilst I noticed a difference in the fullness and colour of my lips, the effects only lasted about an hour, so top ups are essential.

Rating: 7.5/10

Price: £19

And here's what it looks like on...

For a clear gloss it certainly made my lips look redder.

Maybelline Colorshow Vivid Hot Lacquer in Royal

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Pros: I'm a big fan of this lip gloss' tapered applicator, it's narrow with a hollow centre that allows it to deposit a decent amount of gloss in just a swipe, whilst the pointed tip means you can get precise around the lip line - handy if you're dealing with bright shades like this one. There are over eight shades to choose from, including brights and nudes, and the formula is super-creamy so it doesn't feel sticky on this lips.

Cons: When it comes to the pigmentation the bold shades are a little patchier than the nudes, but build it up with a couple of layers and you should be able to achieve an even colour pay off.

Rating: 7/10

Price: £4.85

And here's what it looks like on...

Be brave and go purple? I dare you.

Tom Ford Lip Slick in Red Nectar

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Pros: Out of all of the lip glosses I got the most compliments when wearing this beaut from Tom Ford, so take from that what you will... The formula isn't technically a 'gloss', it's a tint loaded with coconut and jojoba oils - which give it a long-lasting glossiness. The rosy-red colour is flattering, easy-to-wear, non-sticky, and applies easily thanks to the snazzy rollerball applicator. The oil-laden formula kept my lips soft and chap-free, even when it was freezing cold outside.

Cons: Whilst I adore this lip tint, it isn't very long-lasting, the colour faded a couple of hours after application. That being said, I really didn't mind pulling the Tom Ford rollerball out of my bag to reapply.

Rating: 9/10

Price: £40

And here's what it looks like on...

The cherry tint gives lips a glassy shine.

Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in Honey Glam

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Pros: One of the most nourishing formulas out there, this comforting lip oil is perfect for those with suuuper dry lips. Loaded with organic jojoba and hazelnut oils, plus a subtle gold shimmer, it's perfect if you want a gloss that goes the extra mile. The chunky doe-foot applicator is big enough to apply in one swipe. There are six others in the range, including a strawberry red and sheer blue minty shade.

Cons: Not a biggie, but the rich formula is a little heavier than the other oils I've tried, so it's tackier - not sticky - but definitely tacky.

Rating: 8.5/10

Price: £19

And here's what it looks like on...

The subtle gold shimmer looks dreamy when it catches the light.

Lancome Juicy Shaker Lip Gloss in Great Fruit

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Pros: Lancome reinvented their Juicy Tubes last year, and transformed them into Juicy Shakers. Now the formula is a bi-phase gloss and oil, meaning you get all the shine AND nourishing benefits. There are sixteen shades to choose from at present, all with different scents to reflect the colour/flavour.

Cons: The formula is incredibly light, perfect if you want that next-to-nothing feeling, but it does need to be topped up every couple of hours.

Rating: 9/10

Price: £19.50

And here's what it looks like on...

Your lips, but better.

Rimmel London Oh My Gloss Oil Tint in Contemporary Coral

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Pros: A wallet-friendly, easy-to-wear pink lip gloss. Rimmel smashed it with this one, the formula has oils to nourish dryness whilst also being ultra light and non-sticky on the lips. The applicator is long, narrow and tapered, allowing for precision whilst also applying a generous amount of product so you don't have to add layer after layer.

Cons: If you can get past the pretty intense sugary fruity scent, this one if well worth picking up.

Rating: 9.5/10

Price: £5.99

And here's what it looks like on...

The perfect everyday lip gloss courtesy of Rimmel London.

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector

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Pros: If you prefer a minimal approach to makeup, this one's for you. A balm-gloss-lip colour rolled into one, Clarins' Lip Perfector smoothes over dryness and gives lip an even, full finish with a hint of colour and a long-lasting non-drying shine.

Cons: The tube has a built-in appliator on the top, which means it's tricky to layer over other products as it'll dirty the sponge.

Rating: 7/10

Price: £18

And here's what it looks like on...

The three-in-one formula gives lips a subtle sheen.

Primark PS... Insta Girl Diamond Lip Topper in Tag Me

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Pros: The cheapest (by far) this sheer lip gloss has a holographic micro shimmer that runs throughout, it can be worn over lipstick or alone (I opted for alone - see the next slide). Whilst the shimmer looks pretty punchy in the tube, on the lips it's actually kind of subtle, so don't worry about entering disco ball territory with this one - it's grown up glitter.

Cons: The scent isn't great, I'm talking super-strong tutty fruity bubblegum vibes, and unfortunately it lingers.

Rating: 7/10

Price: £2.50

And here's what it looks like on...

I told you, glitter for grown ups.