The 7 Best Clear Lip Gloss Options You Can Find at the Drugstore

September 3, 2025

Looking for that perfect, shiny pout without breaking the bank? You're in luck! Drugstore aisles are packed with amazing clear lip glosses that can give you that coveted glossy look. Forget sticky formulas of the past; today's options are all about hydration and a comfortable, high-shine finish. Whether you want a subtle sheen or a glass-like effect, there's a budget-friendly option out there for everyone. We've rounded up some of the best drugstore clear lip glosses that deliver big on shine and feel.

Key Takeaways

Many drugstore clear lip glosses now offer hydrating formulas with ingredients like hyaluronic acid for comfortable wear.
Look for glosses that provide a high-shine, reflective finish without a sticky feel.
Some clear glosses can be worn alone or layered over lipstick for added dimension.
Consider plumping formulas if you desire a fuller-looking pout.
Texture and longevity vary, so choose based on your personal preference for wear and feel.

1. Maybelline Lifter Lip Gloss With Hyaluronic Acid

If you're hunting for that perfect, juicy pout without spending a fortune, you really need to check out the Maybelline Lifter Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid. This stuff has been a go-to at drugstores for a while now, and honestly, it’s for good reason. It gives your lips this really nice, hydrated shine that just looks fantastic. Plus, it’s got hyaluronic acid in it, which is supposed to help plump your lips a bit and keep them feeling moisturized.

I’ve tried a few of the shades, and they’re pretty buildable, meaning you can go for a sheer wash of color or layer it up for more impact. The applicator is this nice, big doe-foot wand, which makes it super easy to swipe on, even if you’re not looking in a mirror. It’s not sticky either, which is a huge win in my book.

This gloss really does give you that plumped-up look without any weird tingling or irritation. It just feels comfortable and looks great, making your lips appear fuller and smoother. It’s become my go-to for everyday wear.

Here’s a quick rundown of why it’s so popular:

Hydration Boost: Thanks to the hyaluronic acid, your lips feel moisturized, not dry.
Non-Sticky Feel: It’s comfortable to wear, no annoying stickiness.
Easy Application: The large applicator makes it a breeze to apply.
Subtle Plumping: Gives a little extra fullness without being over the top.

It’s one of those products that just works, and it’s easy to see why so many people love it. Definitely a must-try if you want that glossy, fuller-looking lip.

2. Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss

Revlon's Super Lustrous Lip Gloss is a real drugstore staple, and for good reason. It gives your lips this beautiful, almost glazed finish that looks super polished without being over the top. The formula feels really smooth and comfortable, not sticky at all, which is a huge plus. It’s packed with good-for-your-lips ingredients like agave, moringa oil, and cupuaçu butter, which help keep your lips feeling conditioned and soft.

This gloss offers a nice balance of hydration and shine, making it a go-to for everyday wear. It provides a decent amount of color payoff, too – it’s not just clear, but it’s not so pigmented that you can’t wear it alone or over another lipstick. It really catches the light, giving you that high-shine look without feeling heavy or gloopy. It’s the kind of product that just works, whether you’re going for a natural look or want to add a bit of gloss to your favorite lipstick.

It’s a reliable choice if you want something that feels good on your lips and makes you look put-together with minimal effort. It’s one of those dependable products that always delivers.

What makes it stand out:

Hydrating Formula: Contains agave, moringa oil, and cupuaçu butter for soft lips.
Non-Sticky Feel: Comfortable wear that doesn't feel tacky.
High-Shine Finish: Reflects light for a glossy, polished look.

If you're looking for a gloss that feels as good as it looks, this is definitely one to try. You can find it alongside other great lip products at many drugstores, making it easy to pick up. It’s a solid option for anyone wanting that plump, juicy look without any of the usual gloss stickiness. It’s a great way to add a bit of shine to your daily beauty routine.

3. Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Diamond Plumper Gloss

This Physicians Formula gloss is a bit of a surprise package. It’s not just a clear gloss; it’s got this plumping action going on, which is always a nice bonus if you’re looking for a bit more fullness. The real star here, though, is the diamond dust. It gives your lips this really cool, multidimensional shine that catches the light in a way that’s not over the top, but definitely noticeable. I tried it on its own, and it gave my lips a polished look without any color, which is great for days when you just want a little something extra. It also works well layered over lipstick if you want to add that extra bit of gloss and dimension.

Key Features:

Plumping formula: Gives lips a fuller appearance.
Diamond Dust: Provides a unique, high-shine finish.
Hydrating: Keeps lips feeling moisturized.
Versatile: Can be worn alone or over lipstick.

I was a little worried about the shimmer feeling gritty, but honestly, you can't feel it at all. It just makes your lips look super smooth and shiny, and it feels really hydrating. It’s a great option if you like a lot of shine but don’t want any color from your gloss. It’s a fantastic option for anyone who wants that plump, juicy look without a sticky feel. It’s the kind of product that makes you feel put-together with minimal effort. You can find this gem for around $5.39, making it a budget-friendly way to get that extra sparkle. It’s a great addition to your makeup bag if you’re looking for a subtle way to add some shine, perhaps to complement a bold lipstick or just on its own for a natural glow. It’s a nice alternative to a more intense lip oil, offering a different kind of shine. This clear lip gloss is easy to find at the drugstore, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find one as dramatic as this Physicians Formula tube at any price point.

4. Wet n Wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss

If you're on the hunt for a lip gloss that gives you that high-shine, almost wet-look finish without emptying your wallet, Wet n Wild's MegaSlicks Lip Gloss is a real gem. Seriously, this stuff is incredibly affordable, which is always a plus. It’s packed with good-for-your-lips ingredients like jojoba glaze, peptides, and vitamin E, which is pretty impressive for the price point. I found it applies really nicely, not too thick and not too thin, so it doesn't feel sticky or goopy. It gives your lips a subtle sheen that really catches the light.

This gloss is a fantastic option for anyone who wants that plump, juicy look without a sticky feel. It’s the kind of product that makes you feel put-together with minimal effort.

Here's a quick rundown of what makes it a winner:

Affordable Price: One of the most budget-friendly options out there.
Hydrating Ingredients: Contains jojoba glaze, peptides, and vitamin E.
Comfortable Wear: The formula isn't sticky and feels nice on the lips.
Versatile Finish: Provides a high-shine, glassy look that works alone or over lipstick.

When it comes to application, it's pretty straightforward. Start with clean, dry lips. Use the flexible applicator to swipe on a thin layer. For added color, you can layer it over your favorite lipstick. It’s a great way to add a bit of polish to your look, whether you're heading to work or out for the evening. You can find a shade that suits your style, as there are several available, offering a subtle wash of color and intense shine. It’s a solid choice for achieving that glossy pout without the hefty price tag, and it’s a great addition to any makeup bag for a quick lip transformation.

This gloss is a real standout because it hydrates your lips and leaves them looking plump and smooth. Even after the color wears off, your lips still feel moisturized, which is pretty amazing for a gloss. It’s a total must-have for anyone who wants that perfect, hydrated pout without breaking the bank.

5. E.l.f. Pout Cloud Lip Plumping Pen

E.l.f. really knows how to make a product that feels way more expensive than it is. The Pout Cloud Lip Plumping Pen is a perfect example of that. It’s not just a gloss; it’s like a balm and a plumper all rolled into one convenient stick. The click-pen design is pretty neat, making it easy to get just the right amount of product without making a mess. Plus, it’s packed with good stuff like maracuja oil and fruit extracts to keep your lips feeling soft.

This plumper gives your lips a noticeable boost without that intense, uncomfortable tingle you sometimes get from plumpers. Instead, it has a nice cooling sensation.

Here’s what makes it a drugstore gem:

Plumping Power: It gives your lips a visible plumpness without the sting. The sensation is more of a comfortable cooling.
Hydration Station: The formula feels really comfortable and moisturizing, not sticky or heavy.
Convenient Packaging: The click-pen applicator means you can control the amount of product easily and avoid messy spills.
Nourishing Ingredients: It’s formulated with maracuja oil and fruit extracts to keep your lips feeling soft and smooth.

I was not expecting this under-$10 find to perform super well after testing luxury lip balms and plumpers. But, I stood corrected when I found myself sidelining a much pricier plumping lip balm. This one is, surprisingly, way better. Its cushiony texture deposits an even swath of color, and rather than a spicy tingle, it’s comfortably cooling.

6. NYX Butter Gloss

If you haven't tried the NYX Butter Gloss yet, you're seriously missing out. It's one of those drugstore finds that just feels way more expensive than it is. The formula is super creamy, almost like a serum, and it makes your lips feel so soft and hydrated after just one swipe. It’s not sticky at all, which is a huge win in my book. You can wear it by itself for a natural shine, or layer it over your favorite lipstick to give it a little something extra. I’ve heard people say they even put it on before bed because it’s so moisturizing.

Why it's a winner:

Super Hydrating: It really does feel like butter on your lips, leaving them feeling soft and supple.
Not Sticky: Unlike some glosses that feel like glue, this one is comfortable to wear.
Great Shade Range: There are tons of colors to choose from, so you can find your perfect match.
Affordable: You really can't beat the price for the quality you get.

Key Details:

Formula Type: Hydrating shine
Shade Range: Available in 43 shades
Price: Around $5.97 (prices may vary)

This gloss is a real standout because it hydrates your lips and leaves them looking plump and smooth. Even after the color wears off, your lips still feel moisturized, which is pretty amazing for a gloss. It’s a total must-have for anyone who wants that perfect, hydrated pout without breaking the bank. You can find a shade that works for you at many drugstores.

The smooth texture made it easy to apply, and the formula felt incredibly comfortable on her lips; there was no stickiness, just lip balm-like hydration. She noticed some product transfer while eating and drinking, but it stayed pretty well once she let the gloss dry.

7. Naturium Phyto Glow Lip Balm

Okay, so Naturium’s Phyto Glow Lip Balm is kind of a hybrid product, really. It acts like a balm but gives you that glossy finish we’re all after. It’s formulated with stuff like shea butter and plant squalane, which are great for keeping your lips hydrated and feeling smooth. I found it doesn't feel sticky at all, which is a huge plus for me. It’s got a nice, subtle shine that makes your lips look healthy and a little bit fuller, without being over the top.

This lip balm comes in a few different shades, and they’re all pretty sheer, so you can layer it over lipstick or just wear it on its own. It’s really convenient for on-the-go application because of the squeeze tube. You can even use it as an overnight treatment if your lips are feeling particularly dry.

Key Ingredients
Plant Squalane
Shea Butter
Cupuaçu Butter
Phyto-derived esters

It’s a solid choice if you want that glossy look without the typical tackiness of a gloss. It’s a good option for everyday wear, and it feels really nice on the lips. If you're looking for something that nourishes while adding a bit of shine, this is definitely worth checking out. It’s a nice addition to your daily lip care routine, kind of like the Peach Bliss Lip Elixir for a bit of extra nourishment.

Looking for a lip balm that makes your lips feel great? The Naturium Phyto Glow Lip Balm is a fantastic choice. It helps keep your lips soft and moisturized. Want to see what makes it so special? Visit our website to learn more and grab yours today!

Shine On Without Breaking the Bank

So there you have it – a whole bunch of great clear lip gloss options you can grab right at your local drugstore. It’s pretty amazing how far these affordable formulas have come, right? They’re not sticky anymore, they feel good on your lips, and they give you that perfect shiny look without costing a fortune. Whether you’re going for a natural vibe or want to amp up your favorite lipstick, there’s definitely a gloss on this list that will work for you. Happy glossing!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good lip gloss?

Good lip glosses often have things like hyaluronic acid or special oils that make your lips feel soft and moisturized, not sticky. Look for these if you want your lips to feel nice while looking shiny.

Can I wear clear lip gloss over lipstick?

Yes, you absolutely can! Putting clear lip gloss over lipstick adds extra shine and can help your lipstick color stay on longer. It's a super easy way to change up the look of any lipstick you're wearing.

What does 'plumping' lip gloss do?

Some lip glosses are made to make your lips look a bit fuller. They often have ingredients that create a slight tingly feeling, which makes your lips puff up a little. This effect is called 'plumping'.

Where can I buy drugstore lip gloss?

You can find great clear lip glosses at most drugstores and big box stores. Places like CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Target usually have a good selection from popular brands like Maybelline, NYX, and Wet n Wild.

How can I style clear lip gloss?

Clear lip gloss is really versatile! You can wear it by itself for a natural shine, put it over lipstick to add glossiness, or even dab a little in the middle of your lips after applying a matte lipstick to give it some dimension.

How do I choose the right clear lip gloss for me?

The best gloss for you really depends on what you like! If you want a lot of shine, pick one that says 'high-shine' or 'glassy.' If you want your lips to look a bit fuller, try a 'plumping' gloss. For comfort, look for ones with moisturizing ingredients.

Back to blog