I'm Calling It—This '90s Beauty Product Will Make a Huge Comeback This Summer
This makeup product was huge in the nineties, and now it's back and better than ever.


When it comes to makeup trends, we've seen a lot of '90s styles having a revival over the past few years. From blue eyeshadow to statement lip liner, '90s makeup is definitely having a comeback. Although I'm yet to pick up my frosted blue eyeshadow palette, one comeback trend I am totally on board with is lip gloss.
Don't worry, lip gloss has come a long way over the years. Forget those sticky, sparkly formulas we used to slather onto our lips as teenagers—these days, brands are bringing out lip glosses that are super lightweight and comfortable to wear. Not only that, but they are packed with nourishing ingredients and deliver a high-shine, glass-like finish that lasts for hours—think lip balm texture, glossy finish.
Intrigued to know more? I've been busy putting some of the most popular lip gloss formulas to the test, and I've even reached out to an expert to find out more about choosing the best lip gloss on the market. Keep on scrolling for all the info.
What Should I Look for in a Lip Gloss?
First things first, what should you look for in a lip gloss? "A great lip gloss should feel hydrating, non-sticky and deliver that high-shine finish we all love for everyday wear," says Naima Bremer, Fenty Beauty global artistry ambassador. "But beyond texture, I always say choose your gloss like you choose your outfit. Your lip is an extension of your mood and style."
Which Lip Gloss Colours Are Best for Different Skin Tones?
When it comes to choosing a lip gloss shade, as mentioned above, it's all about your mood and style. Do you want something bright and bold, or do you want a more muted, everyday hue? The good news is that this product is incredibly versatile, so it will suit any skin tone. "Honestly, gloss is one of those products that looks good on everyone," says Bremer. "Because of the sheer finish and shine, any shade can work on any skin tone. It’s all about the lip liner combo and how you style it."
That being said, Bremer does have some great recommendations. For deeper skin tones, she recommends a rich chocolate brown gloss. For medium skin tones, why not try a peach nude? "[This shade] gives that timeless '90s nude effect I’ll never stop loving," she explains. Finally, for lighter skin tones, try a pinky hue. "A pink gloss instantly makes the lips stand out," she says.
How Can I Make My Lip Gloss Last?
One thing that I always struggle with when it comes to lip gloss is making it last, so I made sure to ask Bremer for her top tips. "Here’s one of my favourite tricks if I’m wearing a full lip combo. I only apply gloss to the centre of the lips, not touching the lip edge. It gives that juicy, high-shine effect without getting messy at the corners, and it lasts way longer," she tells me.
"If I’m going for gloss on its own, I love to build up my gloss for that ultimate high-shine [finish]. Layering is key not only for a high-shine effect but also for staying power!"
So, now that we know all that, keep on scrolling for the best lip glosses on the market, tried and tested by yours truly.
The Best Lip Glosses, Tried & Tested by a Beauty Editor
- Best lip gloss overall: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Oil Luminizing Lip Oil 'N Gloss (£21)
- Best luxury lip gloss: Dior Addict Lip Maximizer (£33)
- Best affordable lip gloss: Kiko Milano 3D Hydra Lipgloss (£12)
- Best plumping lip gloss: Yves Saint Laurent Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss (£35)
- Best hydrating lip gloss: Vieve Lip Dew (£21)
1. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Oil Luminizing Lip Oil 'N Gloss
Best for: Out-of-this-world shine
Number of shades: 7
I'm a big fan of Fenty Beauty lip products, so I was very excited to hear about the brand's latest launch. This lip gloss is a lip gloss-lip oil hybrid with nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E, shea butter, hyaluronic filling sphere and passionfruit oil. Not only does it feel incredibly hydrating on the lips, but the shine is out of this world. It has this iridescent finish that adds a beautiful sparkly effect, making it a perfect option for dinner or drinks when you want your makeup to make an impact.
As you can see above, just one swipe of this gave my lips a glass-like effect that didn't feel sticky or uncomfortable throughout the day. The hydrating formula was a big plus, but something that really stood out to me was the delicious coconut and vanilla scent. Yep, this is my summer lip gloss of choice.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Glass-like finish
- Delicious scent
Cons
- Might be too shiny for some
2. Dior Addict Lip Maximizer
Best for: A luxury experience
Number of shades: 49
If you're looking for a little bit of luxury, you can't go wrong with this lip gloss from Dior. With a whopping 49 shades on offer, you can also choose from a range of finishes such as holographic or iridescent. Similar to the option above, this formula is infused with lots of hydrating ingredients, including cherry oil and hyaluronic acid to give a smooth, shiny and plumping effect.
The packaging itself is a work of art, and the slim applicator makes this gloss a lot easier to apply compared to other options in this roundup. I love the natural-looking shine that it imparts onto the lips, and taking this product out of my handbag to top up my lip gloss throughout the day always feels like a special experience.
Pros
- Chic packaging
- Small applicator for a precise finish
- Lots of shades available
Cons
- Quite expensive
3. Kiko Milano 3D Hydra Lipgloss
Best for: Affordability
Number of shades: 30
I feel like Kiko makeup isn't spoken about enough, but this brand is seriously good. This lightweight lip gloss glides onto the lips and adds a beautifully shiny finish. It comes encased in a slim tube that is perfect for popping in your handbag, and with 30 shades on offer, there is bound to be something for everyone.
Although it can feel a little sticky when you first apply it, this lip product really does give that 3D effect thanks to the glossy formula. At just £12, I know that I will always have one of these in my handbag for on-the-go touch-ups.
Pros
- More affordable
- Slim packaging
- High-shine finish
Cons
- Can feel a little sticky when you first apply it
4. Yves Saint Laurent Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss
Best for: A plumping effect
Number of shades: 10
New from YSL, the Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss has been designed to deliver eight hours of shine and 24 hours of hydration, alongside a plump, bouncy finish. As the name suggests, this oil-infused formula is super nourishing and features hyaluronic acid, fig pulp, ginger oil and pepper oil.
If you want your lips to look fuller in an instant, this is definitely the gloss to go for. In fact, I don't think I've ever used a plumping lip gloss that works this well. The only downside? This can feel incredibly tingly and somewhat spicy when applied to the lips. The sensation does subside over time, and the results are worth it, but take this as a formal warning that it's not the most comfortable product to apply.
Pros
- Plumps lips in seconds
- Nourishing formula
- Chic packaging
Cons
- Very tingly
5. Vieve Lip Dew
Best for: A hydrating formula
Number of shades: 7
Here at Who What Wear UK, we are huge fans of Vieve makeup, and this product is no exception. Another gloss-oil hybrid, this is one of the most hydrating lip glosses I have tried. The silky soft formula is infused with vitamin E and camellia oil, leaving your lips feeling plump and nourished. Don't be fooled by the hydrating formula, though, as this lip product still delivers on serious shine.
Yep, one swipe of this and my lips are left with a glass-like finish that always earns me so many compliments. If you invest in one new lip product this month, make it this one.
Pros
- Super hydrating
- Glass-like finish
Cons
- Would love to see more shades in the future
6. Makeup By Mario SuperShine™ Lip Gloss
Best for: Everyday wear
Number of shades: 11
Makeup By Mario has created the most perfect lip gloss for everyday wear. This non-sticky formula glides onto the lips and leaves you with a smooth, shiny finish that will complement any makeup look. The custom doe-foot applicator makes this so easy to apply that you'll never want to be without it.
Yep, this is the lip gloss I reach for when I want a reliable formula that will take me from day to night. It ticks every box for me, and although there are only 11 shades on offer, the brand has created a colour for every occasion.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Shiny finish
- Easy to apply
Cons
- No cons here!
7. Kylie Cosmetics Plumping Gloss
Best for: A subtle plumping effect
Number of shades: 6
This is the first product I have ever tried from Kylie Cosmetics, and I have to say, I am impressed. The plumping formula has been designed to create a fuller, shiny-looking pout. While I didn't think it delivered fully on its plumping properties (this provided a more subtle effect), it definitely added a high-shine finish and felt lightweight and comfortable to wear.
The muted shades are right up my street, and I could see myself reaching for this time and time again when I want to add a little bit of oomph to my makeup.
Pros
- Adds a subtle plumping effect
- High-shine finish
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- Not many bright shades available
8. Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil
Best for: An all-in-one gloss
Number of shades: 9
This product from Saie is quite the multitasker. It has been designed to bridge the gap between a lip oil, a gloss and a balm, giving you an all-in-one product that meets all your needs. The formula features nourishing jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid, and my lips definitely felt softer after using this. However, it was the shine that really impressed me.
This gave a reflective, glass-like finish that earned me so many compliments throughout the day, and I was a big fan of all of the shades on offer.
Pros
- An oil, gloss and lip balm all-in-one
- Nourishing formula
- High-shine finish
Cons
- Might not be hydrating enough to totally replace your lip balm
9. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm
Best for: Fuller lips
Number of shades: 2
Last but by no means least, say hello to the Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm by Charlotte Tilbury. This is the lip gloss I reach for when I want my lips to look fuller (lip filler, who?), and I've already recommended it to all my friends.
It comes in two Pillow Talk shades, 'Fair/Medium' and 'Medium/Deep', and gives the illusion of plump, juicy lips. It's enriched with "Plumpgasm Heat + Ice Technology" to create that plumping effect, alongside hyaluronic acid for a hydrating finish. The packaging is a little bulky, but the pointed applicator makes it easy to apply.
Pros
- Makes lips look fuller
- Adds a shiny finish
- Nourishing formula
Cons
- Bulky packaging

Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow.
As Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.
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