The Ultimate Guide to Hydration and Shine
Dry, chapped lips can be frustrating, especially when aiming for a smooth finish. However, don’t worry—you no longer have to choose between beauty and comfort. The right lip gloss for dry lips can give you the perfect shine while providing much-needed moisture. Whether you want a tinted lip gloss for a pop of color or a natural lip gloss that focuses on hydration, this guide got you covered.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to keep your lips looking and feeling their best, with expert advice, ingredient breakdowns, product recommendations and lots more that’ll solve all your dry lips problems. Let’s get started!
Why Lip Gloss for Dry Lips?
If your lips are constantly dry, you might think lip gloss will only worsen. But in reality, using a lip gloss for dry lips packed with moisturizing ingredients can provide instant relief. The key is to find glosses that offer intensive care for dry & cracked lips, locking in moisture while giving your lips a beautiful shine.
Common Cause of Dry Lips
Many factors contribute to dry, cracked lips, from cold weather to dehydration and even certain lip products. Some matte lipsticks or low-quality glosses can dry out your lips, worsening the situation. That’s why choosing the right gloss is crucial. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you toward the best options.
Ingredients to Look for in Best Lip Gloss for Dry Lips
When searching for a lip gloss for dry lips, the ingredients give away the difference between parched lips and instant hydration for lips. Let’s explore some essential components that should be part of your lip care routine.
1. Shea Butter
Shea butter is one of the most hydrating ingredients you can find. Known for its ability to moisturize deeply , it forms a protective barrier on your lips, making it perfect for those suffering from dryness and cracking. Lip glosses containing shea butter offer long-lasting softness and shine.
2. Castor Seed Oil
This natural oil is a staple in many skincare products, and for good reason. It’s incredibly moisturizing and works wonders on dry, flaky lips. Glosses formulated with castor seed oil provide not only moisture but a natural, healthy shine as well.
3. Ceramides
Ceramide helps restore your skin’s barrier, allowing your lips to retain moisture better. If you have severely dry lips, lip glosses infused with Ceramide can provide intensive care for dry & cracked lips by repairing and protecting them from further damage.
4. Dimethicone
Dimethicone contains silicone that creates a barrier over your lips to prevent moisture loss. This ingredient is great for those who want instant hydration for lips that lasts throughout the day.
Finding the Best Lip Gloss for Dry Lips
For finding the best lip gloss for dry lips, the options are plentiful, but not all glosses are made equal. Here’s a roundup of the top glosses designed specifically to hydrate, heal, and beautify dry lips:
Best ‘Non-Stick’ Lip Gloss for Dry Lips:
AMAZON OR FENTY BEAUTY
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
- I couldn’t talk about lip glosses without mentioning Fenty Beauty, which has an amazing range of glosses in its collection.
- Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, established in 2017, is now one of the top beauty brands thanks to its inclusive approach to skin tones and gender.
- The Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer is infused with shea butter, making it perfect for dry lips. In the shade “Glass Slipper,” this gloss delivers shine while offering a dreamy peach-vanilla scent. Rihanna praises this product, saying, “I made it because I wanted the girls to get kissed more.”
Price: Fenty’s gloss comes at a higher price point of $26.33, but you get a lot of products in a chic bottle with a light pink lid. Fans rave about how non-sticky the formula is—a must-have for your makeup bag.
Pros: 100% cruelty-free, non-sticky, long-lasting, and shiny
Cons: Pricey compared to other products; contains fragrance, which may not suit everyone.
Customer Reviews: “I LOVE IT, Best Lip Gloss Ever, oh we. As a Content Creator, “Black Fashion Travel & Lifestyle) look me up on YouTube. I love this product as it shines through and looks great on me… BTW how do I apply to be an Ambassador? 09/13/24” (fentybeauty.com)
Best Budget Lip Gloss for Dry Lips:
AMAZON OR ULTA
NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss
- For those on a budget, NYX’s Butter Gloss is a fantastic option that delivers both hydration and shine. Infused with shea butter and castor seed oil, this tinted lip gloss not only provides beautiful color but also hydrates dry, flaky lips.
Price: At just $5.97, this affordable gloss is perfect for those looking for a daily option that won’t break the bank.
Pros: Affordable, smooth application, variety of shades
Cons: Requires reapplication throughout the day
Best Gloss for Instant Hydration:
AMAZON or Summer Friday?
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
- This balm-gloss hybrid delivers instant hydration for lips with natural butter like shea and murumuru butter. If your lips are cracked and dry, the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm will soothe them while giving them a subtle shine.
Price: Priced at $24.00, this lip balm comes in a sleek tube, perfect for throwing in your bag for on-the-go hydration.
Pros: Highly hydrating, luxurious feel, perfect for dry, cracked lips
Cons: On the expensive side, limited shades
Customer Review: “The smell is chef’s kiss! Just the perfect amount of creaminess, color, and such an easy stash away for my purse! (Love the packaging too!! I’m big on that)” (summerfridays.com)
Best Natural Lip Gloss for Dry Lips:
AMAZON OR Tower 28 Beauty
Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Jelly Lip Gloss
- For people who prefer clean beauty products, Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Jelly Lip Gloss is a great option. This natural lip gloss contains apricot kernel oil and raspberry seed oil, both known for their hydrating and nourishing properties. It offers a glossy finish without harmful chemicals or synthetic fragrances.
Pros: Clean ingredients, hydrating, non-sticky
Cons: It may feel slightly heavy on the lips
Customer Reviews: “Makes my lips so soft!”
Best Intensive Care for Dry Lips:
AMAZON OR BOBBI BROWN
Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss
- For people in need of serious intensive care for dry & cracked lips, the Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss is an excellent choice. With hyaluronic acid and a blend of botanical oils, this gloss deeply nourishes your lips while offering a glossy finish. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and ideal for everyday use.
Price: At $33.00, it’s a luxury gloss that offers serious care for those suffering from dry lips.
Pros: Lightweight, deeply hydrating, contains hyaluronic acid
Cons: Pricey, not as long-lasting as some other glosses
Best Multi-Tasking Lip Gloss for Dry Lips:
AMAZON OR Burger BEES
Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm
- This lip balm for dry lips doubles as a gloss with a hint of color. Made with 100% natural ingredients, Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm is rich in hydrating oils like coconut oil and beeswax. It’s perfect for people who want the look of a gloss with the nourishing power of balm.
Price: Affordable at just $4.99, this balm-gloss hybrid is perfect for those seeking intensive care for dry & cracked lips while still getting a subtle color payoff.
Pros: 100% natural, affordable, deeply nourishing
Cons: Limited color options
Customer Reviews: “The scent of this lip balm is so nice, very airy and light! I love the pink packaging and also the ingredients are good things that I can read, it is a little pricey for lip balm!” (burtsbees.com)
How to Keep Your Lips Hydrated
Finding the right gloss or balm is just part of the equation. To keep your lips hydrated and healthy, follow these tips:
1. Exfoliate Regularly
Dry lips can lead to a buildup of dead skin, making it harder for products to penetrate. Use a gentle lip scrub or a DIY sugar scrub to exfoliate regularly. This not only preps your lips for gloss but ensures you get the most out of your hydrating products.
2. Layer Your Lip Balm
Before applying gloss, layer on a hydrating lip balm for dry lips. This will act as a protective barrier and ensure long-lasting moisture all day.
3. Avoid Dehydrating Ingredients
Certain lip products, especially matte lipsticks, can further dry out your lips. Additionally, stick to hydrating glosses with natural oils and avoid anything with alcohol or heavy fragrances.
Can I Make My Natural Lip Gloss?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling creative, you can make natural lip gloss at home with just a few simple ingredients. Homemade glosses allow you to control what goes into your product, ensuring its free from harsh chemicals and packed with nourishing elements. Plus, it’s a fun DIY project!
Beeswax Clear Lip Gloss Recipe
- Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon grape-seed oil or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon shea butter
- 1 teaspoon cosmetic-grade beeswax
- 1 vitamin E capsule
- Essential oil for fragrance (optional)
- Lipstick or beetroot powder for tint (optional)
- Cosmetic-grade glitter for sparkle (optional)
Instructions:
- In a double boiler, melt the honey, butter, and coconut oil together.
- Stir in grape-seed oil and the contents of the vitamin E capsule.
- If you want a tinted gloss, add a small amount of lipstick or beetroot powder.
- Pour the mixture into a small container and let it cool completely before using.
- Voila! You have your very own DIY natural lip gloss.
Achieve Hydrated, Glossy Lips
Choosing the best lip gloss for dry lips is essential for keeping your lips healthy and hydrated. From affordable options like NYX’s Butter Gloss to luxurious picks like Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re after instant hydration for lips or intensive care for dry & cracked lips, these glosses will ensure your lips stay smooth and kissable.
What’s your go-to lip gloss for dry lips? Have you tried any of the recommendations in this post? We’d love to hear about your experiences! Please share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to check out our recommended products for dry lips. For more expert skincare tips and product reviews, subscribe to our newsletter today!
Looking for expert advice on keeping your lips healthy? Check out these insights from dermatologists at The American Academy of Dermatology or learn more about lip care from Harvard Health Publishing.
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1 Comment
Thanks for the informative article and product reviews. I often suffer from dry lips, particularly my bottom lip and think it has to do with hydration and not drinking enough water. I usually try to drink 2 Litres a day but notice on the days that I may not manage to do this my lips do get cracked. Next time I buy lip gloss I’m really going to check out the ingredients as I agree that alcohol can dry lips out. I also think I need to exfoliate more often. Thanks for the great advice.