Why This Celeb Makeup Artist Loves the “Glossy Balm” Boom

Your lips are going to love them.

By Liz Ritter, Executive Editor · Published: Dec 20, 2023

Move over matte, the glossy balms boom is here—and it’s just beginning. “Glossy balms help to make our lips look full, hydrated and add to the glowing-skin effect that is in style right now,” says celeb makeup artist Allison Kaye. “We are past the matte lip kit era, so glossy balms are perfect for truly any type of makeup look. I love putting on something as simple as the glossy balm itself without a makeup look or using with a full glam.” Read on for some expert-approved go-tos:

Expert-Approved Glossy Balms to Shop Now

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DIBS Go-To Glossy Balm ($22)

All the shine with none of the stick, Kaye says she reaches for DIBS’ clear-sparkly version—aka, shade “Favorite Child”—a vanilla-flavored, full-body gloss that delivers a pearl-like finish.

BUY NOW – $22

2 / 7

U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound ($68)

There isn’t anything that U Beauty founder Tina Craig puts out that isn’t absolutely top-notch, and her transformative lip treatments are no exception. The hydrating, soft-and-smooth peptide-packed formulas offer instant and long-lasting effects, while clocking in with a very robust portfolio of 13 shades. The latest: The very wearable Shanghai, and ode to Craig’s grandmother that has sentimental value and can convert even the most stringent of “I-can’t-pull-off-a-red-lip” into believers.

BUY NOW – $68

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Tower 28 Shine On Lip Jelly ($16)

Kaye counts the super moisturizing “Shade Magic” and “Pistachio” as two pop-of-color pick-me-ups that she likes to keep in her kit to deliver “a lip gloss with none of the hang-ups.”

BUY NOW – $16

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Saltair Lip Oil Balm ($9)

For less than $10, these glossy oils are just about the easiest gift you can give (or receive) this holiday season. Formulated with coconut oil, murumuru, shea butter and plant-derived esters, the balm not only nourishes and hydrates, but also delivers a subtle sheen.

BUY NOW – $9

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Lanolips Tinted Balm Spice ($13.50)

It would be remiss not to list this limited-edition seasonal shade on the list. The sheer, rich-spiced honey tint provides the perfect hint of color while delivering a little pop of natural ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg for a decidedly holiday flavor.

BUY NOW – $13.50

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Tarte Maracuja Shimmer Glass ($24)

Available in 12 shades, these new superfruit-fueled glosses lock-in moisture, smooth and plump via a unique formula that creates what some Sephora users call “the juiciest lip of winter.”

BUY NOW – $24