My Friends Always Ask Me If I’ve Had Lip Filler When I Wear This Product
If you were to look into my handbag, you’d probably find about ten lip glosses hidden at the bottom. What can I say? I just love a glossy, shiny lip. Whilst tinted lip glosses are great for adding a hint of colour alongside glass-like shine, as a beauty editor, I’ve always favoured a clear lip gloss formula. Why, I hear you ask? Not only is this product so versatile (it can be layered over both lipsticks and lip liners), but I often find that these clear formulas deliver even more shine to the lips. In fact, whenever I wear one of my favourite clear lip glosses, my friends always ask me if I’ve secretly had lip filler.
Below, I’ve rounded up the best clear lip gloss formulas for mirror-like shine, and I’ve even included all my tips and tricks for getting the most out of this underrated makeup product. You are welcome.
What Is a Clear Lip Gloss?
As you can probably guess, a clear lip gloss is a colour-free formula that adds a shiny layer to the lips. Some contain nourishing ingredients for a hit of hydration, whilst others act as a plumping lip gloss to add extra volume to the lips. Most brands offer clear variations of their most popular lip gloss products, from Dior’s iconic Lip Glow Oil to Refy’s high-shine Lip Gloss.
How to Wear Clear Lip Gloss
One of the great things about this product is that it can be used in numerous ways. If I’m going for a more minimal makeup look, I like to wear a clear lip gloss on its own; however, if I want to add extra oomph to my evening makeup look, I like to layer a clear gloss over my go-to lipstick or lip liner.
The Best Clear Lip Glosses, Tried & Tested
1. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
Fenty Beauty
Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
First up, I have to talk about this Fenty lip gloss. I’ve tried the Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in numerous shades, and I’m always blown away by the shine it delivers. This clear formula is incredible for a mirror-like effect, and the extra-large applicator makes it easy to layer over lip liner and lipstick. The formula itself contains nourishing shea butter, leaving my lips hydrated without that dreaded sticky feeling. If you only add one lip gloss to your collection, I urge you to make it this one.
Pros
- Nourishing formula
- Non-sticky
- Adds mirror-like shine
Cons
- Applicator can get a little messy when applying over tinted lip products
2. Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Doll-Size Lip Plumper
Too Faced
Lip Injection Extreme Doll-Size Lip Plumper
This is the exact lip gloss that has my friends asking if I’ve had lip filler. Too Faced’s plumping formula is incredibly powerful, adding a clear, glossy shine alongside serious volume to the lips. Avocado oil and vitamin E bring a hit of hydration, and the smaller doe foot applicator allows for a precise finish. My one word of warning? You may feel a slight (or strong) tingling sensation after applying, but this usually dies down after a couple of minutes.
Pros
- Adds serious volume and glass-like shine
- Small doe foot applicator makes for a precise finish
Cons
- Can feel very tingly on the lips
3. Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment Nourishing Glaze
Rhode
Peptide Lip Treatment Nourishing Glaze
This product may sit more in the lip balm category, but it actually delivers a seriously glossy finish, making it the perfect hybrid makeup essential for dry lips. Whilst there are lots of fun shades and flavours available (we’ve tried pretty much every Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment on the market), the unscented formula is completely clear, making it a great option for everyday. I always have one in my handbag for when my lips need a little pick-me-up, as I can’t get enough of the nourishing formula and glass-like shine.
Pros
- Nourishing formula
- Unscented option is great for everyday
- Adds shine to the lips
- Slim packaging is ideal for throwing in your handbag
Cons
- Not as glossy as other options in this roundup
- Applicator can get a little messy
4. Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil
If you’re looking for a little luxury, then you need to know about Dior’s Lip Glow Oil. This product is so popular, and for good reason. Not only does it look beautiful, but as the name suggests, it combines the nourishing properties of a lip oil with the glass-like shine of a gloss. I’ve had this clear formula in my makeup bag for as long as I can remember, and I don’t plan on removing it anytime soon.
Pros
- Super nourishing
- Adds glass-like shine
- Looks luxe
5. KIKO Milano 3D Hydra Lipgloss
Kiko
Milano 3D Hydra Lipgloss
For a more affordable option, I swear by Kiko’s 3D Hydra Lipgloss. I discovered this years ago, and it’s probably my best-kept secret when it comes to glossy lips. Super hydrating? Check. Adds mirror-like shine? Check. Easy to throw in your handbag? Check. It literally ticks all the boxes and comes in at just under £15. I have no bad words to say about this one.
Pros
- More affordable
- Slim packaging
- Hydrating formula
- Adds serious shine
Cons
- Struggling to think of any!
6. Vieve Lip Dew
I love this Vieve lip product so much that I have it in multiple shades, but if you’re looking for a clear option to layer over lip liner, the shade Mirror is the way to go. Similar to the Dior product above, this is a hybrid between a lip oil and a gloss, meaning it’s nourishing but also delivers impressive shine. I do find I have to top it up a bit throughout the day, but when the packaging looks this chic, I really can’t complain.
Pros
- Nourishing formula
- Gives mirror-like shine
- Chic packaging
Cons
- Might have to top it up throughout the day
7. Refy Lip Gloss
Refy’s products are always so innovative, and this clear lip gloss feels so refreshing thanks to the metal applicator. The clear gloss is infused with hydrating oils, butters and hyaluronic acid to add a nourishing effect to the lips, and the lightweight, non-sticky finish makes it a dream to wear.
Pros
- Cooling applicator
- Hydrating, lightweight formula
Cons
- Applicator can be a little messy
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
