All Makeup Skin Hair Nails How-To Beauty Amplified Spoilers IPSY 101 Ingredient Index Try January

Clear Lip Gloss Is Back! The 10 Best to Try, and Why You Need Them

Lindy Segal DefaultLindy Segal Default
By
Published on Mar 26, 2021
Close-up of an African-American woman touching lips with shiny lip gloss MobileClose-up of an African-American woman touching lips with shiny lip gloss Desktop

If the last time you reached for clear lip gloss was in seventh grade, we have to talk. The newest formulas have come miles since the ones you picked up at the drugstore back in the day (think: hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and rosehip oil). Plus they’re surprisingly versatile beauty products in your routine. Sure, you can use them to add shine to your natural lip, but you can also layer one on top of a matte lipstick to turn it into a gloss (makeup artist-approved tip: Use your finger or another applicator to apply in order to keep the brush—and therefore the rest of the gloss—clear). They can also be applied to other parts of the face. We’re big fans of a little gloss on top of eyeliner or shadow, and a dab on the cheekbone is the highlighter you never knew you needed. Now that you’re all in on this must-have product again, continue reading below for the 10 best clear lip glosses and why you need them in your makeup bag.

It's about glam time you treated yourself.

Join IPSY
Default Middle Subscribe Module Image - MobileDefault Middle Subscribe Module Image - Desktop

1. COMPLEX CULTURE POWER POSE LIP GLOSS IN CLEAR

COMPLEX CULTURE POWER POSE LIP GLOSS IN CLEAR Mobile productId:p-Y9GSFSeWwwhulLx87XKtCOMPLEX CULTURE POWER POSE LIP GLOSS IN CLEAR Desktop productId:p-Y9GSFSeWwwhulLx87XKt

Best moisturizing lip gloss

Vegan, cruelty-free, and made with nourishing raspberry seed oil, this gloss both looks great and feels fantastic on chapped lips.

2. MICABEAUTY Lip Gloss

MICABEAUTY Lip Gloss Mobile productId:p-VBHsy-EcfT3EBTqXsKsUMICABEAUTY Lip Gloss Desktop productId:p-VBHsy-EcfT3EBTqXsKsU

Best long-wearing lip gloss

For a classic glossy lip, this lip lacquer has a doe-foot applicator and non-sticky formula that hydrates and adds shine for hours, without the need to reapply.

3. TOO FACED COSMETICS Lip Injection : Power Plumping Lip Gloss

TOO FACED COSMETICS Lip Injection : Power Plumping Lip Gloss Mobile productId:p-8R4-B0ABV1TDbLf6j8J3TOO FACED COSMETICS Lip Injection : Power Plumping Lip Gloss Desktop productId:p-8R4-B0ABV1TDbLf6j8J3

Best plumping lip gloss

The slight tingly sensation lets you know it’s working, while the barely-there pink tint flatters every natural lip color. Try pairing with a lip liner, such as MAC COSMETICS Lip Pencil, for an even plumper-looking pout.

4. NAILS INC. Rolling It Back Roller Lip Gloss

NAILS INC. Rolling It Back Roller Lip Gloss Mobile productId:p-ZU4qJBqrUy2k24GU9h3GNAILS INC. Rolling It Back Roller Lip Gloss Desktop productId:p-ZU4qJBqrUy2k24GU9h3G

Best roll-on lip gloss

Your favorite lip gloss from the ‘90s is back. The stickiness you remember is gone—replaced with a nourishing B12-infused formula—but the strawberry-flavored nostalgia hasn’t gone anywhere.

5. WE ARE FLUIDE Mini Elsewhere Lip Gloss

WE ARE FLUIDE Mini Elsewhere Lip Gloss Mobile productId:p-SBQ7cz_KeuFG6rnTqi4lWE ARE FLUIDE Mini Elsewhere Lip Gloss Desktop productId:p-SBQ7cz_KeuFG6rnTqi4l

Best smile-brightening lip gloss

That subtle blue tint? It helps make your teeth look whiter. (Genius, we know.) That, paired with a hydrating formula made with vitamin E and jojoba oil make this gloss an absolute must-try.

6. HAUS LABORATORIES LE RIOT LIP GLOSS Entranced

HAUS LABORATORIES LE RIOT LIP GLOSS Entranced Mobile productId:p-iD2IzaQzJR58rVex-a_XHAUS LABORATORIES LE RIOT LIP GLOSS Entranced Desktop productId:p-iD2IzaQzJR58rVex-a_X

Best “near-clear” gloss

This gloss from Lady Gaga’s epic makeup collection is translucent in the best way, adding a pearly finish to your natural lips, or on top of the lip color of your choice.

7. 19/99 BEAUTY High-Shine Gloss

19/99 BEAUTY High-Shine Gloss Mobile productId:p-9_DpJOxkF10HFTyLTWGr19/99 BEAUTY High-Shine Gloss Desktop productId:p-9_DpJOxkF10HFTyLTWGr

Best multi-purpose gloss

Sure, most clear lip glosses can be used on the eyes and cheeks, but some are scented (peppermint oil by your eyes? Yeah, we’ll pass). This product was designed to be multi-use, giving a gorgeous sheen to all your makeup looks.

8. LOVE+CRAFT+BEAUTY Cyber Glare Gloss

LOVE+CRAFT+BEAUTY Cyber Glare Gloss Mobile productId:p-sf3LQNqyATUnV7MEYhHnLOVE+CRAFT+BEAUTY Cyber Glare Gloss Desktop productId:p-sf3LQNqyATUnV7MEYhHn

Best shimmer gloss

This vegan gloss has just the right amount of shimmery, iridescent pigment to be worn day or night. It’s great on its own, but we love it as a topcoat over a bright lip like red, or even blue.

9. BOBBI BROWN Extra Lip Tint

BOBBI BROWN Extra Lip Tint Mobile productId:p-4RY_f53Sdj_xt6tN7S8uBOBBI BROWN Extra Lip Tint Desktop productId:p-4RY_f53Sdj_xt6tN7S8u

Best gloss balm

Do you ever apply lip balm and think to yourself, “I wish this were shiny?” Good news: The perfect combination of these two MVP lip products exists. And while these are ever-so-slightly tinted, you can still expect the polish of a gloss plus the hydration of a balm, all in one convenient tube.

10. WANDER BEAUTY Lip Retreat Oil

WANDER BEAUTY Lip Retreat Oil Mobile productId:p-imvgRKb3iDS38_7j0x3jWANDER BEAUTY Lip Retreat Oil Desktop productId:p-imvgRKb3iDS38_7j0x3j

Best lip oil

Think of a lip oil as a gloss, only with more skincare benefits. This one is made with moisturizers like apricot kernel oil and avocado oil, and leaves lips as shiny as your favorite lacquer.

Bonus:

Best shine: FENTY BEAUTY Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in Glass Slipper

blog-body-image
Courtesy of FENTY BEAUTY

We can’t decide what we love most about this ultra-glossy formula from none other than Rihanna: the shea-butter-infused formula, the peachy scent, or the slick—not sticky—feel.

Want to try the best new makeup—personalized just for you!—with the IPSY Glam Bag? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below!

Liked this post? Share!

Related Stories

Smiling person with eyes closed and head resting on hand, wearing glossy pink lipstick, soft blush, and shimmery eye makeup against a blush-pink background.Smiling person with eyes closed and head resting on hand, wearing glossy pink lipstick, soft blush, and shimmery eye makeup against a blush-pink background.

Makeup

The Makeup Looks We’re Crushing on This Valentine’s Day

Published on Jan 27, 2026 • 11 min read

A model with a close-cropped haircut holds a Fenty Beauty foundation stick near her chin, showcasing luminous skin, glossy lips, and soft glam makeup against a pale pink background.A model with a close-cropped haircut holds a Fenty Beauty foundation stick near her chin, showcasing luminous skin, glossy lips, and soft glam makeup against a pale pink background.

Makeup

Want an IRL Filter? These Are the Best Blurring Foundations

Published on Jan 27, 2026 • 5 min read

A close-up portrait of a woman with a short platinum blonde hairstyle and rosy makeup—soft pink blush, subtle pink eyeshadow, light eyeliner, and glossy nude lips—posing with a graceful hand against a blue backdropA close-up portrait of a woman with a short platinum blonde hairstyle and rosy makeup—soft pink blush, subtle pink eyeshadow, light eyeliner, and glossy nude lips—posing with a graceful hand against a blue backdrop

Makeup

Why Mulberry Flush Is the Only Blush Trend That Matters Right Now

Published on Jan 24, 2026 • 6 min read

A woman with sleek pulled-back hair poses in profile, showcasing soft, blended eyeliner and a natural glow against a neutral backgroundA woman with sleek pulled-back hair poses in profile, showcasing soft, blended eyeliner and a natural glow against a neutral background

Makeup

TikTok Loves Soft-Focus Liner—Here’s How to Achieve the Blurred Wing Eyeliner Look

Published on Jan 23, 2026 • 5 min read

A portrait of a woman with curly brown hair and natural makeup—winged eyeliner, rosy cheeks, glossy nude lips, subtle highlighter, and neutral eyeshadow—gazing upward with a serene expressionA portrait of a woman with curly brown hair and natural makeup—winged eyeliner, rosy cheeks, glossy nude lips, subtle highlighter, and neutral eyeshadow—gazing upward with a serene expression

Makeup

Is Blush the New Contour? The Soft-Sculpt Technique Makes Us Think So

Published on Jan 22, 2026 • 9 min read

A close-up portrait of a person with short curly hair wearing soft sculpted makeup, including rosy blush, subtle contour, and glossy lips, resting their chin on their hand against a light neutral background.A close-up portrait of a person with short curly hair wearing soft sculpted makeup, including rosy blush, subtle contour, and glossy lips, resting their chin on their hand against a light neutral background.

Makeup

Soft Sculpting Is the Contour Alternative That Still Snatches

Published on Jan 15, 2026 • 3 min read

A smiling woman with wavy blonde hair and a natural, glowing complexion rests her face in her hands against a solid pink backgroundA smiling woman with wavy blonde hair and a natural, glowing complexion rests her face in her hands against a solid pink background

Makeup

You Should Change Your Foundation Between Seasons—Here’s How to Do It

Published on Jan 15, 2026 • 7 min read

A person with long curly hair poses against a pink background, wearing soft glam makeup with rosy pink eyeshadow, dewy skin, subtle freckles, and glossy lips, accessorized with a delicate gold necklace.A person with long curly hair poses against a pink background, wearing soft glam makeup with rosy pink eyeshadow, dewy skin, subtle freckles, and glossy lips, accessorized with a delicate gold necklace.

Makeup

Holiday Party Makeup Ideas for When You Want to Go Full Festive

Published on Dec 18, 2025 • 9 min read

Default Middle Subscribe Module Image - MobileDefault Middle Subscribe Module Image - Desktop

Beauty Picked Just for You

Get 5 products worth up to $70

Plus exclusive access to epic deals up to 80% off

Starting at just $14/month. Cancel anytime.

Get Started