The 14 Best Clear Lip Glosses That Rival Your ’90s Favorites

Clear lip gloss was all the rage in the ‘90s—but the formulas of yesteryear were seriously sticky. Remember how your hair would get stuck to your lips all the time? It makes sense then that clear lip gloss would’ve faded away as a makeup trend. But everything old is new again, and now clear lip gloss is back with a vengeance. The good news? Today, you can find a clear lip gloss that’s shiny without being sticky. 

In fact, makeup artists agree clear lip gloss is worth a spot in your makeup bag. “A good clear lip gloss is like the perfect little black dress,” says Heather Hughes, makeup artist and director of product education at Luminess Beauty. “It should be a staple since there are so many reasons to reach for it.” Shureice Dawn, a Chicago-based makeup artist, entrepreneur, and founder of Fleeky Friday is also a fan: “Clear gloss gives your lips a youthful glow,” she says.

Here, we’ve rounded up the best clear lip glosses on the market right now. Keep reading to find out more about each formula.

In This Article

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• Our Picks

• What To Look For

• How We Researched & Tested

Best Overall:
Glossier Lip Gloss

4.5

View On Luminessbeauty.com

What We Like

• Versatile

• Works on top of any lip product

• Hydrating formula

What We Don’t Like

• Could be more opaque

While you can wear this clear lip gloss on its own for a high-shine effect, it’s particularly good as a top coat for your brightest and boldest lipsticks. In fact, that’s one of Hughes’ fave ways to use clear lip gloss: “You can put it on top of your favorite lip for that kissable glossy lip throughout the day or instantly change from a matte lip to a high shine lip,” she says. 

Finish: Shine | Shade Range: 5 | Size: 0.1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Review2Coupon Clean: No

What To Look For in a Clear Lip Gloss

Nourishing Ingredients

In addition to imparting a mirror-like shine, glosses with nourishing ingredients will act as hydrators, ensuring your pout won’t feel parched. “My favorite ingredients are natural oils like jojoba and grapeseed oils,” says Dawn. “Oil helps your lips maintain their own natural moisture longer and removes the stickiness from the gloss.” 

A Non-Sticky Texture

Gone are the days of having to free strands of hair from your lipgloss after a gust of wind. Brands have gotten onboard with less-sticky gloss formulas in recent years by veering towards lightweight, hydrating options. If you have the option to swipe a tester across your hand before buying your gloss of choice, doing so will give you a good indication of whether or not it’s a sticky formula. But when in doubt (and in the case a tester isn’t available), defer to the online reviews.

Tint or Shimmer

Want to give your clear gloss some extra dimension? Look for options with the slightest hint of color or shimmer. It’s a subtle, yet significant, difference that can dress up both bare lips and bold lipsticks alike.