Lip balms are a necessity, especially in winter. Your lips, much like the rest of your skin, are far more vulnerable to dryness and cracking during the colder months. Sure, you can just swipe on ChapStick or Vaseline to combat the seasonal stressors, but we're looking for a bit more. We not only want a soft and hydrated kisser, we want to really shine. Enter glossy lip balms.
They're a hybrid of the must-have moisturizing treatment and a shiny lip gloss. For the purpose of this roundup, we're focusing on clear versions. Basically, they add a little gloss for your-lips-but-better vibes. Now that doesn't mean they're all unscented. Don't worry, though. None of the flavors are overpowering. Think a dose of natural vanilla or a hint of Bulgarian rose.
These balms really got it going on. Some even tackle the signs of aging and actually make your pout look plumper. Another benefit? They're all affordable. The three most expensive only ring in at $24 apiece. That's low enough for you to really stock up.
Scroll down to discover the best glossy lip balms.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm for Hydration & Shine in Vanilla, $24 at Sephora
This vegan lip balm is super silky and immediately hydrates and soothes. It's all due to the blend of shea and murumuru seed butters along with vegan waxes. Opt for Vanilla, a sheer nude shade with a kiss of natural vanilla flavor.
Naturium Phyto-Glow Lip Balm in Clear, $15.60 at Space NK
Naturium's lip balm delivers intense hydration and a lacquer-like shine. The formula is infused with natural vanilla flavor, which leaves a subtle scent, plus phyto-derived esters, shea, cupuaçu butter and plant squalane.
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm in Clear, $24 at Ulta Beauty
We love a good multitasker. Which is why Tarte's creation made the list. It's a vegan balm, a gloss and a treatment. Its Cushion Comfort Complex plumps pouts while smoothing the look of lip lines.
Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment in Unscented, $16 at Rhode
Lips in need of a reboot? Then try this restorative treatment. It plumps and brings a pillowy-soft feeling to lips all while imparting just enough shine.
NUDESTIX Hydra-Peptide Lip Butter in Clear Gloss, $18 at Sephora
Treat your pucker to the perfect amount of gloss and plumping peptides with this best balm. Avocado butter hydrates, while vitamins A and E soften, soothe plus protect.
Alleyoop Lip Goals in Self-Love, $10.50 at Alleyoop
Make your kisser more moisturized with this glossy lip balm. It contains nourishing ceramides and shea butter for a smoother, softer and plumper pout.
True Botanicals Moisture Lock Glossy Balm, $24 at Nordstrom
This high-shine lip balm also works as an anti-aging lip treatment. It boasts a blend of moisture-locking butters and anti-aging oils along with hyaluronic acid. There's also a Bulgarian rose and warm vanilla pairing that creates a slightly sweet and floral scent.
Rare Beauty With Gratitude Dewy Lip Balm in Honor, $16 at Sephora
Rare Beauty's bomb balm nourishes as it hydrates. Shea butter and a botanical blend of lotus, gardenia and white waterlily cushions lips making them look both fuller and healthier.
