Lip Glosses Price Comparison 2026
Compare 382 lip glosses from Essence to Chanel — find the best price across dozens of UK retailers, updated daily.
Lip gloss is one of those categories where the price gap between brands is genuinely staggering. At one end, Essence and CATRICE sit comfortably below 4 £, delivering juicy, high-shine finishes that punch well above their weight. At the other, CHANEL and Dior command prices that hover around 10 £ and beyond — and yes, the formula difference is real, but it's not always as dramatic as the price tag suggests. We've tracked 382 products across this category, and the data tells an interesting story: the most-offered products are almost all budget and mid-range, which tells you where the real volume of UK shoppers is spending.
Revlon dominates the catalogue with 63 references, averaging around 8 £ — a reliable mid-market anchor. Their Kiss Cushion Lip Tints in particular have built a loyal following for their gel-based, buildable coverage and comfortable wear. Rimmel and Max Factor round out the accessible end of the market, both well-stocked at Boots, Superdrug, and Argos, and frequently discounted during Black Friday and January sales. If you're after something more nourishing, Clarins bridges the gap between drugstore and luxury with moisturising complexes that genuinely hydrate rather than just coat.
The tinted oil trend has reshaped this category considerably. Products like the CATRICE Glossin Glow and Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Oil reflect a shift away from the thick, sticky lacquer glosses of the early 2000s towards lightweight, doe-foot-applied formulas that feel more like skincare than makeup. If sticky tack is your dealbreaker, this sub-family is worth prioritising. For those who want serious colour payoff alongside the shine, lipsticks remain the more reliable choice — gloss pigmentation rarely matches a proper bullet lipstick. And if definition is the goal, pairing your gloss with a lip pencil makes a genuine difference to longevity and precision.
One thing worth noting: volume varies wildly across price points. Essence's Juicy Bomb delivers 10 ml for under 4 £, whilst some premium glosses offer just 4–6 ml for multiples of that price. Cost-per-millilitre is a genuinely useful metric here. If you're prone to losing lip products or want to try several shades, the budget end makes far more sense. For a complete lip routine, don't overlook lip balms and scrubs as a prep step — they make a noticeable difference to how any gloss sits and lasts.
How to Choose Your Lip Gloss: A No-Nonsense Guide
With prices ranging from 1 £ to 23 £ and finishes spanning sheer tinted oils to full lacquer, the lip gloss market is more fragmented than it looks. The right choice depends less on budget and more on what you actually want from the product — shine, colour, hydration, or longevity. Here's what actually matters.
Finish type: gloss, lacquer, tinted oil, or cushion tint?
This is the single most important decision. A high-gloss lacquer (think Max Factor Colour Elixir Honey Lacquer) delivers that wet-lip, mirror-shine look but tends to have higher tack. Tinted oils (CATRICE Glossin Glow, Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow) feel lighter, look more natural, and are far more comfortable for all-day wear. Cushion tints (Revlon Kiss Cushion) sit between the two — gel-based, buildable, and relatively transfer-resistant. If you're new to gloss or hate the sticky feeling, start with a tinted oil. If you want maximum shine for an evening out, go lacquer.
Pigmentation and colour payoff
Sheer glosses let your natural lip colour show through — flattering and forgiving, but not ideal if you want visible colour. Medium-pigmentation formulas (most of the Revlon and Rimmel range) give a noticeable tint without the commitment of a lipstick. Full-coverage glosses exist but are rarer; at that point, you're essentially wearing a liquid lipstick with shine. Be realistic: if you want strong colour, a lipstick paired with a clear gloss on top will outperform any single gloss product.
Stickiness (tack level) — the comfort factor
Sticky gloss is the number one complaint in this category, and it's worth taking seriously. High-tack formulas cling to hair in the wind and feel uncomfortable after an hour. Budget glosses are more likely to be sticky, though not always — Essence's Juicy Bomb is surprisingly low-tack for its price. Premium formulas from Dior and CHANEL invest in viscosity engineering to minimise tack whilst maintaining shine. If you're sensitive to this, look for terms like 'lightweight', 'fluid', or 'gel-based' in the product description.
Moisturising ingredients vs. drying formulas
Not all glosses hydrate — some actually dry lips out over time. Look for formulas listing jojoba oil, argan oil, shea butter, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid in the ingredients. Guerlain's Bee Glow Oil is built around this premise. At the budget end, Essence and CATRICE have improved their moisturising credentials considerably. Avoid glosses with high alcohol content if your lips are prone to chapping — they'll make things worse, regardless of how good the shine looks initially.
Volume and value per millilitre
A 10 ml gloss at 4 £ is objectively better value than a 4 ml gloss at the same price — yet premium brands routinely charge over 10 £ for 6 ml or less. Essence's Juicy Bomb (10 ml) is the standout value proposition in this catalogue. If you're buying for everyday use, volume matters. If you're buying a luxury treat or a specific shade from CHANEL or Dior, the cost-per-ml calculation becomes less relevant — you're paying for the formula and the experience, and that's a legitimate choice.
Plumping agents: effective or gimmick?
Plumping glosses use ingredients like menthol, cinnamon, or peptides to stimulate micro-circulation and create a temporarily fuller lip appearance. The effect is real but modest — expect a subtle enhancement, not a dramatic transformation. Revlon's Kiss Plumping Lip Crème is a solid mid-range example. If you have sensitive lips, be cautious: the same ingredients that create the plumping sensation can cause irritation with repeated use. Fragrance-free alternatives are worth seeking out if this is a concern.
- Brilliant value (From 1 £ to 4 £) : Essence, CATRICE, and Max Factor dominate this tier. Don't be put off by the price — Essence's Juicy Bomb at 10 ml is genuinely one of the best-value glosses in the entire catalogue. Expect higher tack in some formulas, but finish quality has improved dramatically. Ideal for experimenting with shades or stocking up on everyday colours.
- The sweet spot (From 4 £ to 5 £) : Revlon and Rimmel sit comfortably here, alongside Collistar and Sleek MakeUP. This is where you get reliable pigmentation, decent wear time, and applicator quality that makes a real difference to application. The Revlon Kiss Cushion range is a standout — cushion tint technology at a price that doesn't sting.
- Mid-market with ambition (From 5 £ to 10 £) : Clarins and Clinique occupy this space, offering genuine moisturising complexes and more sophisticated colour systems. Guerlain's KissKiss Bee Glow Oil edges into this range and delivers a noticeably more luxurious feel. Worth it if you wear gloss daily and want your lips to actually benefit from the formula, not just look good in it.
- Luxury investment (Over 10 £) : CHANEL and Dior command this tier, with averages well above the category median. The formula quality, pigment stability, and applicator engineering are genuinely superior — but the gap between this and the mid-market is narrower than the price difference implies. Buy here for the experience, the shade range, or a treat. Don't buy here expecting a miracle that a £10 gloss can't deliver.
Top products
- Essence Juicy Bomb lip gloss 10 ml 103 Proud Papaya (Essence) : The best value proposition in this entire catalogue — 10 ml of low-tack, fruity gloss for well under 4 £. Not the most pigmented, but the shine and comfort are genuinely impressive for the price. Buy it in multiples.
- Max Factor Colour Elixir Honey Lacquer Gloss 40 Regale Burgundy, 4 ml (Max Factor) : The most-offered product in the category and a reliable drugstore staple. The lacquer finish delivers genuine high-shine, and Regale Burgundy is a flattering shade for most skin tones. Volume is modest at 4 ml — you'll get through it quickly if it becomes a daily driver.
- Revlon Kiss Cushion Lip Tint 220 Pink Irl 4.4ml (Revlon) : The cushion tint format is genuinely comfortable — gel-based, buildable, and far less sticky than a traditional gloss. Pink Irl is a versatile cool-toned pink that works across skin tones. A strong mid-market choice, though wear time is average at best.
- Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Oil 775 Poppy Glow 9.5ml (Guerlain) : The standout premium option in the top 15. The oil-based formula is genuinely nourishing, the tint is sheer but flattering, and the 9.5 ml volume is generous for this price tier. Not for those wanting strong colour payoff — this is a 'your lips but glowing' product.
- Clinique Pop Plush Creamy Lip Glos 01 Black Honey Pop 6ml (Clinique) : Black Honey is a cult shade for good reason — it adapts to individual lip tone to create a personalised berry-nude. The creamy formula is comfortable and moderately pigmented. At this price point, it sits in a competitive spot against Guerlain, but the unique shade payoff gives it a genuine edge.
Related categories
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a lip gloss and a tinted lip oil?
A tinted lip oil is a sub-category of lip gloss that uses an oil-based formula rather than a polymer or lacquer base. The result is a lighter, more natural finish with less tack and more hydration — think CATRICE Glossin Glow or Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Oil. Traditional glosses tend to deliver higher shine and stronger pigmentation, whilst tinted oils prioritise comfort and a 'your lips but better' effect. Neither is objectively better; it depends entirely on the finish you want.
Are cheap lip glosses worth buying, or should I invest in a premium brand?
Cheap lip glosses — particularly from Essence and CATRICE — are absolutely worth buying, and in some respects outperform products costing five times as much. Essence's Juicy Bomb delivers 10 ml of low-tack, fruity-scented gloss for well under 4 £, which is exceptional value. Where premium brands like CHANEL and Dior genuinely justify their price is in pigment stability, sophisticated undertone accuracy, and applicator precision. If you wear gloss daily and care about those details, the investment makes sense. For casual use or shade experimentation, budget options are the smarter choice.
How do I stop my lip gloss from feeling sticky?
Choose a tinted oil or gel-based cushion tint formula — these are engineered for low tack. High-tack formulas are typically thicker lacquer-style glosses with higher viscosity. Applying a thin layer rather than building up product also reduces stickiness significantly. If you're committed to a high-shine lacquer finish, applying a light dusting of translucent powder over the gloss can reduce tack without killing the shine entirely — though it does slightly mute the luminosity.
Can lip gloss actually plump your lips?
Yes, but modestly. Plumping glosses use active ingredients — typically menthol, cinnamon, or peptide complexes — to stimulate blood flow to the lip area, creating a temporarily fuller appearance. The effect lasts roughly 30–60 minutes and is more noticeable on thinner lips. Revlon's Kiss Plumping Lip Crème is a solid example at a reasonable price point. Don't expect dramatic results; if you have sensitive lips, the tingling sensation from plumping agents can tip into irritation with frequent use.
What should I look for in a lip gloss if I have dry or chapped lips?
Prioritise formulas with humectants and emollients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, argan oil, or shea butter in the ingredients list are all positive signs. Avoid glosses with high alcohol content or heavy fragrance, which can exacerbate dryness. Prepping with a lip balm or scrub before application makes a significant difference to both comfort and how evenly the gloss sits. Guerlain and Clarins are the standout brands in this catalogue for genuinely nourishing formulas.
Which lip gloss shades work best for fair skin tones?
For fair skin, cool-toned pinks, soft mauves, and sheer nudes tend to be the most flattering — they complement cool or neutral undertones without washing out the complexion. Warm corals and peachy shades work well for fair skin with warm undertones. Deep burgundies can look striking but require confident application. The Revlon Kiss Cushion range offers a good spread of undertones at an accessible price, making it a practical starting point for shade exploration.
Is it worth buying lip gloss during Black Friday or the January sales?
Yes — lip gloss is one of the beauty categories where seasonal discounts are genuinely significant, particularly on mid-range and premium brands. Revlon, Rimmel, and Clarins regularly appear in Boots and Superdrug promotional events, and CHANEL and Dior occasionally surface in John Lewis sales. Tracking prices over time on a comparator like MagicPrices is the most reliable way to know whether a 'sale' price is actually a genuine reduction or just the standard retail price with a crossed-out number above it.