Remember that feeling of wanting your lips to shine without breaking the bank? We’ve all been there, staring at a wall of colorful tubes at the drugstore, wondering which one will give us that perfect pout. It can be overwhelming, right? So many shades, so many finishes, and the fear of picking one that’s sticky, fades too fast, or just doesn’t look good can be a real bummer.
But what if you could unlock the secrets to finding amazing drugstore lipglosses that rival the fancy brands? In this post, we’re diving deep into the world of affordable shine. We’ll explore the best picks, what makes them great, and how to choose the perfect one for your style. Get ready to discover your next holy grail lipgloss without emptying your wallet!
Our Top 5 Drugstore Lipgloss Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Drugstore Lipgloss Detailed Reviews
1. Maybelline Lifter Gloss
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready for a lip transformation with the Maybelline Lifter Gloss in the shade “Ice.” This lip gloss is designed to give you hydrated, fuller-looking lips with a high shine finish. The “Ice” shade is a pretty, translucent pink that works as a neutral tone. It’s like a spa day for your lips!
What We Like:
- It’s packed with hyaluronic acid, which helps make your lips look smoother and fuller.
- The large wand makes it super easy to apply the gloss evenly, giving you a shiny look in just one swipe.
- It feels good on your lips – not sticky at all – and keeps them moisturized.
- The “Ice” shade is a lovely, natural pink that adds just a touch of color.
- Maybelline offers a wide variety of other shades if “Ice” isn’t your perfect match.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the shine is great, some users might want even more color payoff if they prefer bolder lip looks.
- Availability can sometimes be limited depending on the store.
Overall, the Maybelline Lifter Gloss in “Ice” is a fantastic option for anyone wanting a glossy, hydrated, and slightly enhanced lip. It’s an easy way to add a touch of polish to your everyday look.
2. wet n wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for super shiny lips with the wet n wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss in Crystal Clear! This gloss adds a beautiful shine and a touch of moisture to your lips. It’s packed with Vitamin E to keep your lips feeling soft. Plus, it’s a cruelty-free and vegan product, so you can feel good about using it.
What We Like:
- It makes your lips look super shiny and adds a beautiful sheen.
- The formula is moisturizing, thanks to the Vitamin E.
- You can wear it by itself for a natural glow or over your favorite lipstick to make it pop.
- It’s a cruelty-free and vegan option.
- It’s very affordable, making it a great budget-friendly choice.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “long-lasting sheen” might not stay put for many hours, so you might need to reapply it.
- Some users might prefer a gloss with a tint or flavor.
This lip gloss is a fantastic way to add instant shine and moisture to your smile. It’s an easy addition to any makeup bag for a quick lip boost.
3. NICKA K NEW YORK VARIETY SET OF 5 NK Hydrating Lip Gel – Vitamin E (Clear
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for super soft and shiny lips with the NICKA K NEW YORK VARIETY SET OF 5 NK Hydrating Lip Gel. This set comes with five different flavors: Clear, Rosehip Oil, Bubble Gum, Cherry, and Strawberry. Each lip gel is made with Vitamin E to keep your lips moisturized. They have a nice, thick texture that feels good on your lips, and they smell great too!
What We Like:
- These lip gels make your lips feel very smooth and hydrated.
- The variety of fruity and sweet scents is fun and enjoyable.
- The thick formula stays on your lips for a while, so you don’t have to reapply too often.
- They give your lips a lovely, translucent shine, making them look healthy.
- The set offers a great way to try out different flavors to find your favorite.
What Could Be Improved:
- Sometimes the thick texture can feel a little sticky for some people.
- The packaging is simple, but it doesn’t feel super luxurious.
This lip gel set is a fun and affordable way to give your lips the moisture they need. You’ll love how your lips look and feel after using these yummy gels.
4. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for beautifully soft and smooth lips with the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss in Angel Food Cake! This gorgeous true mauve shade is like a dream for your lips. It feels amazing and makes your pout look perfectly kissable. If you love lip gloss that doesn’t feel sticky, this is the one for you!
What We Like:
- It’s super buttery and silky smooth, making your lips feel amazing.
- The gloss delivers beautiful sheer to medium coverage that looks natural.
- It goes on creamy and never feels sticky, leaving your lips soft and kissable.
- NYX is a cruelty-free brand, so no animals were harmed to make this product.
- Angel Food Cake is a lovely true mauve color that’s great for any occasion.
What Could Be Improved:
- The coverage is sheer to medium, so if you want a bold color, you might need to layer it.
- Like most glosses, it might need reapplication after eating or drinking.
This Butter Gloss is a fantastic addition to any makeup bag. It’s a simple way to add a touch of color and shine for a perfect pout.
5. e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for lips that shine and feel amazing with the e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil in Pink Quartz! This isn’t just any lip gloss; it’s a nourishing treat that gives your lips a beautiful, glossy tint and keeps them feeling soft and hydrated. Whether you want a subtle pop of color or a boost of shine over your favorite lipstick, this lip oil does it all.
What We Like:
- It gives your lips an ultra-glossy look with a sheer wash of pretty color.
- The formula feels comfortable and is not sticky, making it a pleasure to wear.
- It smells like fresh mint, which is a nice touch.
- It’s packed with good-for-you oils like jojoba, apricot, avocado, and pomegranate to keep your lips moisturized.
- You can wear it alone for a natural glow or layer it over lipstick for extra shine.
- e.l.f. products are always vegan and cruelty-free, and this one is made with ingredients that are good for your skin.
What Could Be Improved:
- The tint might be too sheer for those who prefer a more intense color payoff.
- While the scent is pleasant, some might prefer a fragrance-free option.
This e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil is a fantastic addition to any makeup bag. It’s a simple way to achieve healthy-looking, glossy lips.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Shine On with Drugstore Lipgloss
Getting that perfect pout doesn’t always require a trip to a fancy department store. Drugstore lipgloss offers amazing shine and color at prices that won’t break the bank. This guide will help you find your next favorite gloss.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re picking out a lipgloss, think about what you want it to do.
Shine Level
Some glosses give a subtle sheen, while others are super high-shine. Do you want a glassy look or just a hint of sparkle?
Color Payoff
Do you want a sheer wash of color or something more pigmented that shows up like lipstick? Sheer glosses are great for everyday wear. Pigmented glosses can be a fun statement.
Texture and Feel
No one likes sticky lips! Look for glosses that feel comfortable and smooth. Some are thicker and stay put longer. Others are lighter and feel barely there.
Longevity
How long do you expect your gloss to last? Most lipglosses need to be reapplied after eating or drinking. Some formulas are designed to last a bit longer.
Scent and Flavor
Many drugstore glosses come with yummy scents and flavors. Vanilla, fruit, or mint are common. This is a fun bonus, but make sure you like it!
2. Important Materials
Lipgloss ingredients are what give them their unique qualities.
Oils and Waxes
These are the base of most glosses. They help create that smooth, gliding texture. Common ones include mineral oil, castor oil, and beeswax.
Polymers
These are special ingredients that help the gloss stick to your lips. They give it that lasting power and shiny finish.
Pigments
These give the gloss its color. They can be natural or synthetic.
Emollients
These are moisturizing ingredients. They keep your lips feeling soft and prevent them from drying out. Things like Vitamin E and shea butter are good examples.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a big difference in how a lipgloss performs.
Good Ingredients
Glosses with nourishing oils and butters often feel better and last longer. They help keep your lips hydrated.
Sticky Formulas
If a gloss feels too thick and sticky, it can be uncomfortable. It might also attract hair to your lips!
Uneven Application
A good gloss should spread easily and evenly. If it goes on patchy, it won’t look good.
Chemical Smells
A strong, unpleasant chemical smell can make a gloss hard to wear. A pleasant scent or no scent at all is usually better.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Lipgloss is super versatile!
Everyday Wear
A sheer, shimmery gloss is perfect for school, work, or just running errands. It adds a touch of polish without being too much.
Special Occasions
Want to make a statement? A bold, bright, or glittery gloss can be the perfect finishing touch for a party or a night out.
Over Lipstick
You can layer gloss over your favorite lipstick. This adds shine and can make your lipstick last longer. It also changes the color for a unique look.
On Bare Lips
Sometimes, you just want a little shine and a hint of color. Lipgloss is great for this. It makes your lips look fuller and healthier.
As a Lip Mask Alternative
Some moisturizing glosses can be worn overnight to help heal dry lips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between lipgloss and lipstick?
A: Lipgloss usually has a more shiny finish and a lighter texture than lipstick. Lipstick tends to be more matte and offers more color coverage.
Q: How often should I reapply lipgloss?
A: You’ll likely need to reapply lipgloss after eating, drinking, or if you notice the shine fading. This is normal for most glosses.
Q: Can lipgloss make my lips look fuller?
A: Yes! The shine and light-reflecting particles in lipgloss can create an illusion of fuller lips.
Q: Is it okay to wear lipgloss every day?
A: Absolutely! Many drugstore glosses are formulated with moisturizing ingredients that can keep your lips feeling good.
Q: How do I choose the right shade of lipgloss?
A: Consider your skin tone. Warmer tones often look good with peachy or coral shades. Cooler tones can rock pinks and berries. Nude shades work for almost everyone!
Q: What does “non-sticky” mean for lipgloss?
A: “Non-sticky” means the gloss feels smooth and comfortable on your lips, without that uncomfortable tacky feeling that can attract hair.
Q: Are there lipglosses that are also moisturizing?
A: Yes! Many drugstore glosses contain ingredients like Vitamin E, shea butter, or natural oils that help hydrate and condition your lips.
Q: Can I use lipgloss if I have sensitive lips?
A: It’s best to look for glosses that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic if you have sensitive lips. Always patch-test a new product first.
Q: What’s the best way to apply lipgloss?
A: You can apply lipgloss directly from the applicator. For a more precise look, use a lip brush.
Q: Where can I find good drugstore lipgloss?
A: You can find great lipglosses at pharmacies, supermarkets, and online beauty retailers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.