Why it's great: "Lip gloss is very iffy for me. Although I enjoy the gloss it gives my lips, I always have to use it in conjunction with something else (lip balm, color, etc. lip liner) until I came across Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie lip gloss. I feel like I don't need Chapstick because it's creamy, and has a hydrating minty feel that also plumps my lips. I love that the sheen is light and has a subtle color to it, which makes it perfect for the daytime. It's also great for creating a frosty look when layered over your favorite shade of lipstick. Plus, I love the minimalist, cute packaging — people are always asking, "What is that?" when I pull it out to reapply." —Tiffanie, Assistant Editor
Why it's great: "I wasn't familiar with this brand, but I tried the lip gloss on a whim and now I'm hooked. It has a fruity scent that reminds me of my old school Lip Smackers, but it's not overbearing and has ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E to make it super hydrating. It's a little sticky, but not enough to be annoying — just enough so it stays on your lips. What's great is that even after it wears off (since no lip gloss last forever, although this one holds up for a couple hours) your lips feel soft and moisturized. The best part — at least for me — is that this gloss is super shiny but in no way glittery. This makes it ideal for anyone that wants a glossy look but doesn't want to delve into tween-like shimmer. I had just about given up on lip gloss altogether but now I'm topping my lipstick with this most days for a dewy sheen that's just so pretty." —Sarah, Senior Editor
Why it's great: "I tend to shy away from lip products that scream "oooh shiny!" once I apply them, so when I saw NYX's Soft Matte Lip Cream while picking up some new makeup, I was intrigued. While there are 13 lovely shades to choose from, I took a risk and chose "Tokyo," which looks bubblegum-pink in the tube, but looks almost nude once you put it on. I absolutely love the ultra-soft cream formula and that it finishes without a hint of shine. This lip gloss is perfect if you don't the dryness of a matte lipstick, but still want to achieve the same effect. The only downside with the product is that it won't fix your cracked or dry lips, so make sure to use a nourishing balm before applying." —Sophia, Editorial Intern
Why it's great: "I thought I had been using some pretty high-quality lip glosses ... until I came across this one from Estee Lauder. This stuff is on a whole other level. Every time I go to apply it, I'm taken aback by how stunning it is — the color is so pigmented and rich and the formula is so glossy, that it puts every other gloss I own to shame. I used to turn to lipstick whenever I wanted to create a dramatic statement lip, but this is officially my new go-to. It's a quick and easy way to get that lip gloss-layered-over-lipstick look all in one step and it makes lips look super luscious. The thicker formula takes a little getting used to, but it makes up for it in staying power. Plus, it feels smooth and moisturizing — it's not sticky, just show-stopping." —Erica, Assistant Editor
Why it's great: "Some of my beauty routines have fallen out of fashion since I was in 6th grade (I was committed to covering my entire body in roll-on glitter from Bath & Body Works back then), but one product has remained a staple through adulthood. My favorite lip gloss is still Lip Smackers. I like a clear gloss for smoothing on when I don't feel like making up the rest of my face, and for layering on top of lipstick for a glossy touch. Liquid Lip Smacker in Strawberry is my jam. I like that it's not sticky and I love the smell — just as much for the light strawberry scent as for the nostalgia it conjures." —Emily, Editorial Assistant
Lip gloss — it's a staple in everyone's makeup bag (right?!), so the TotalBeauty.com editorial team is obsessed with finding the very best. We've tried a ton — some even call us lip gloss whores — and narrowed down the best for you. If you disagree though, please chime in. We'd love to know about your go-to glosses.
