Best Sheer Lip Gloss of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 21, 2026

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Sheer lip gloss is a perfect choice for those who want to add a subtle shine and a touch of color to their lips. This type of lip gloss is lightweight and transparent, allowing the natural color of the lips to show through. It's perfect for a casual, everyday look or for a night out when paired with a bold eye makeup. Sheer lip gloss comes in a variety of shades, from clear to light pink, peach, and coral. It's also easy to apply and can be worn alone or over a lipstick for added shine.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

e.l.f. Lip Lacquer Cover #TOP 1
e.l.f. Lip Lacquer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss – Lip Gloss, Sheer, Natural Scents, Vegan Formula - Coconuts About You Cover #TOP 2
COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss – Lip Gloss, Sheer, Natural Scents, Vegan Formula - Coconuts About You
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Maybelline Lifter Gloss Hydrating Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid Cover #TOP 3
Maybelline Lifter Gloss Hydrating Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Sheer Lip Gloss

e.l.f. Lip Lacquer

21171
Whisper Pink
e.l.f. Lip Lacquer Cover
e.l.f. Lip Lacquer, Nourishing, Non-Sticky Ultra-Shine Lip Gloss With Sheer Color, Infused With Vitamins A & E, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Whisper Pink

Pucker up to e.l.f. Nourishing Lip Gloss, a hydrating ultra-shine lip gloss with sheer color. Its vitamin-infused formula contains Vitamin A that hydrates and promotes natural moisture, and Vitamin E that nourishes and softens your lips. You will love its conditioning formula that makes your lips cushion-soft and hydrated. Wear it alone for a subtle tint of color or layer it over lipstick for a night-ready look. Before applying, exfoliate your lips with e.l.f.'s Lip Exfoliator for the best result. Plus, all e.l.f. products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and leaping bunny certified.

What We Like
Smooth, non-sticky texture
Long-lasting shine
Vegan and cruelty-free
Comfortable and hydrating
Affordable price point

COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss – Lip Gloss, Sheer, Natural Scents, Vegan Formula - Coconuts About You

99350156937
COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss – Lip Gloss, Sheer, Natural Scents, Vegan Formula - Coconuts About You Cover
COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Yummy Lip Gloss, Sheer, Natural Scents, Vegan Formula - Coconuts About You

COVERGIRL Vegan Lip Gloss is a must-have for those who desire juicy-looking lips without the sticky, heavy feel. Infused with hyaluronic acid, acai, goji, and black elderberries, this non-sticky, lightweight gloss leaves your lips feeling moisturized and looking plump. The delicious flavors and natural scents of berry, coconut, and pineapple glosses add a touch of tropical charm to your everyday makeup routine. The doe-foot applicator applies just the right amount of gloss to your lips, making it easy to use. As a vegan gloss that is free of parabens, sulfates, talc, and mineral oil, COVERGIRL Vegan Lip Gloss is also gluten-free and cruelty-free, approved by Leaping Bunny and Cruelty-Free International (CFI).

What We Like
Non-sticky texture
Hydrating and moisturizing
Glossy shine
Pleasant fruity scent
Long-lasting wear
#TOP 3

Maybelline Lifter Gloss Hydrating Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid

0041554085372
21 GUMMY BEAR
Maybelline Lifter Gloss Hydrating Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid Cover
Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss Hydrating Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid, Gummy Bear, Sheer Light Pink, 1 Count

Maybelline Lifter Gloss is a hydrating lip gloss enriched with hyaluronic acid to improve lip texture and contour. The XL wand applicator allows for easy and even application, providing a high-shine finish. This non-sticky, tinted lip gloss comes in 20 modern shades, adding gorgeous color while keeping your lips plump and moisturized. Maybelline Lifter Gloss can be used alone or on top of your favorite lipstick. As part of the Maybelline New York line, this lip gloss can be paired with other makeup products for a complete look. Additionally, Maybelline recommends using Garnier Micellar Water to remove the lip gloss at night and cleanse skin in the morning.

What We Like
Hydrating and moisturizing
Long-lasting wear
Non-sticky texture
Attractive color range
High shine finish

e.l.f. Nourishing Lip Lacquer

22181
Clear
e.l.f. Nourishing Lip Lacquer Cover
e.l.f. Lip Lacquer, Nourishing, Non-Sticky Ultra-Shine Lip Gloss With Sheer Color, Infused With Vitamins A & E, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Clear

The e.l.f. Lip Gloss offers a hydrating and glossy finish without the stickiness typical of many lip products. Its innovative doe foot applicator ensures even coverage, allowing you to achieve a sheer, buildable color that suits your style. Infused with vitamins A and E, this formula keeps your lips feeling soft and moisturized throughout the day. You can wear it alone for a subtle effect or layer it over lipstick for a more vibrant look. For best results, consider exfoliating your lips beforehand for a smooth application.

What We Like
High-shine finish
Vitamin-infused hydration
Buildable sheer color
Versatile layering options
#TOP 5

Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss

99350156935
Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss Cover
COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Yummy Lip Gloss, Sheer, Natural Scents, Vegan Formula - 100 Let's Get Fizzical, 0.33 fl oz

Covergirl Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss is a vegan lip gloss that will give you juicy looking lips. Infused with hyaluronic acid, acai, goji, and black elderberries, this non-sticky and lightweight gloss provides a delicious and natural scent. With flavors like berry, coconut, and pineapple, you can enjoy a burst of freshness on your lips. The doe-foot applicator ensures just the right amount of gloss, making it easy to apply. Plus, it's gluten-free, vegan, and free of parabens, sulfates, talc, and mineral oil. Leaping Bunny Approved by Cruelty-Free International (CFI), this lip gloss is not only good for your lips but also for the environment.

What We Like
Moisturizing
Long-lasting formula
Comfortable on the lips
Smooth lip wand
Natural scents

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss

800897226596
54 Sugar Glass
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss Cover
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss, Non-Sticky Lip Gloss - Sugar Glass ,Clear

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss is a non-sticky lip gloss that provides sheer to medium coverage. It is available in a wide variety of shades, from Angel Food Cake to Tiramisu. It is never sticky, leaving your lips soft, supple and kissable. It is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty free brand and does not test any of its products on animals.

What We Like
Beautiful color selection
Non-sticky or low-stick formula
Smooth, creamy texture
Moisturizing and comfortable wear
Convenient, portable packaging

e.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss

82452
Pink Cosmo
e.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss Cover
e.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss, High-Shine Sheer Color, Hydrates & Creates Fuller Lips With Vitamin E, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Pink Cosmo

The e.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss is a cruelty-free and vegan lip gloss that helps plump, nourish and hydrate your lips. Its invigorating high-shine formula provides a soothing sensation while volumizing your lips. Enriched with Vitamin E and Coconut Oil, this gloss gives your lips a natural shimmering color that is perfect for both workdays and nights out.

What We Like
Cruelty-free and vegan
Plumps, nourishes and hydrates lips
Invigorating high-shine formula provides a soothing sensation
#TOP 8

e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil

82010
Crystal Clear
e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil Cover
e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil, Nourishing Tinted Lip Oil For A High-shine Finish, Infused With Jojoba Oil, Vegan & Cruelty-free, Crystal Clear

The e.l.f. Glow Reviver Oil offers a shiny, tinted lip treatment that adds a subtle splash of color while keeping your lips glossy and fresh. Its lightweight formula is designed to glide on smoothly without feeling sticky, making it comfortable to wear all day. The applicator is large and plush, helping you apply the oil evenly and easily. Plus, this lip oil is packed with nourishing oils like jojoba, apricot, avocado, and pomegranate, which help keep your lips moisturized and healthy. You can enjoy it on its own or layer it over your favorite lipstick for extra shine.

What We Like
Sheer glossy tint
Non-sticky formula
Large plush applicator
Nourishing natural oils
#TOP 9

e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil

ELFCO00001447
Candy Coded
e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil Cover
e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil, Nourishing and Hydrating with High-Shine Glimmer Finish & Sheer Wash Of Color, Minty Scent, Non-Sticky, Vegan & Cruelty-free, Candy Coded

The e.l.f. Glow Reviver Oil offers a hydrating and shiny lip experience that keeps your lips soft and radiant throughout the day. Its non-sticky formula means you can enjoy a glossy finish without any uncomfortable residue. The plush XXL applicator is designed to fit the shape of your lips perfectly, allowing you to apply the nourishing formula smoothly and evenly in just one swipe. Plus, the lip oil is infused with revitalizing ingredients and has a refreshing mint scent, making your lip care routine both soothing and invigorating. You can wear it on its own or layer it over your favorite lip color for a vibrant boost.

What We Like
Hydrating, non-sticky formula
XXL plush applicator
Nourishing ingredients
Refreshing mint scent
#TOP 10

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Fat Oil Lip Drip - Missed Call

K5441100
02 Missed Call
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Fat Oil Lip Drip - Missed Call Cover
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Fat Oil Lip Drip, Moisturizing Lip Oil Gloss, Vegan Tinted Formula, Up to 12 HR Hydration - Missed Call (Sheer Pink)

NYX Lip Drip is a tinted lip gloss that provides a glossy and shiny look without being sticky. It contains vegan squalane, which delivers up to 12 hours of hydration and protection. With its eight universally flattering shades, this lip gloss complements a wide range of makeup looks. You can wear it alone for a soft lip tint or pair it with your favorite lip product for added intensity. NYX Lip Drip is part of a complete line of lip makeup, including liquid lipstick, lip cream, lip liner, and butter gloss. NYX is a cruelty-free brand that does not test any of its products on animals.

What We Like
Hydrating and nourishing formula
Non-sticky, smooth texture
Versatile color options
Long-lasting shine
No noticeable taste or scent
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is sheer lip gloss?

Sheer lipsticks are super moisturizing and add a nice gloss to lips with a subtle hint of color. These formulas are also less likely to leave unflattering lines all over your mouth once the pigment wears off. Instead, you end up with beautifully "stained" lips.

2. What does clear lip gloss do?

The best clear lip glosses are the MVPs of your makeup bag. They deliver a gleam that gives lips a youthful glow and plumps them up. Wear them solo to enhance your natural lip color, or layer them over matte lipstick for a dose of colorful shine. And the days of sticky, tacky formulas are long over.

Editor's Notes

During our sheer lip gloss research, we found 48 sheer lip gloss products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,404,709 customer reviews through our big data system to write the sheer lip gloss list. We found that most customers choose sheer lip gloss with an average price of $6.49.

The sheer lip gloss are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of sheer lip gloss, including e.l.f., COVERGIRL, MAYBELLINE, NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.