The best lip glosses for hydration and shine for every budget

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A great lip gloss does more than add shine. It should also leave your lips feeling soft, hydrated, and comfortable enough to wear all day.

One standout that continues to elevate my beauty routines is Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm Treatment for Hydration ($32.50 at Sephora) , thanks to its nourishing formula, glossy finish, and subtle tint options. It delivers the perfect balance of hydration and shine without feeling sticky, making it an easy everyday favourite.

If you love the feel of Summer Fridays but want to explore similar options, here are a few alternatives worth trying.

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Laneige Lip Glowy Balm Lightweight Hydration Lip Treatment ($25.50 at Sephora) is a lightweight, moisture-rich lip balm powered by Korean skin care and enriched with shea butter for nourishing, on-the-go hydration and a glossy finish.

Tower 28 Beauty Lipsoft Hydrating Tinted Lip Treatment Balm ($24 at Tower28beauty.com) is a clinically proven, non-sticky lip balm treatment that delivers the intense hydration of a lip mask with a sweet sheer tint using food-grade, non-artificial flavour that is safe for sensitive lips.

Glow Recipe Glass Balm Lip Treatment ($30 at Sephora) for shine and hydration is another excellent choice, offering a high-shine lip treatment infused with hyaluronic microspheres to deliver up to 12 hours of hydration and a glass-like glow.

If you’re a beauty lover on a budget, e.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm Lip ($12 at elfcosmetics.com) offers great hydration with a lightweight, glossy finish at an affordable price. They’re formulated with 10 per cent butter blend plus a hyaluronic acid blend that is richly hydrating and leaves the lips feeling soft and supple.

Whether you’re splurging on a prestige favourite like Summer Fridays or discovering a budget-friendly alternative, the best lip gloss is one that combines lasting hydration with a healthy, luminous shine.