Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a lip gloss and a glossy balm?
“To be honest, I think a glossy balm to one brand could be a lip gloss to another; it really depends on the marketing. I think glosses usually target high shine and usually impart color onto the lips, while glossy balms focus more on nourishing the lips while adding shine, but a lot of ingredients in these two products are the same.”
What are some ingredients to look out for in a good lip gloss?
“Hydrogenated polyisobutene is not a very sexy sounding ingredient, but it is a polymer that offers nice glide and cushion to the product. Most lip glosses have hydrogenated polyisobutene because it creates great body to the product without being tacky, and this usually makes up the bulk of the formula. I think another ingredient that people should look for is whether the lip gloss is preserved (also not sexy). Even though the formulas usually do not contain water, our saliva can potentially contaminate lip products if they are unpreserved. Ingredients like Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin are some examples of preservatives that can be used in lip applications.”
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best lip glosses, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, and contributors. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
