Over the years, I’ve tried my fair share of lip glosses, tints, and oils—ranging from budget-friendly finds to luxury splurges.

Some products completely exceeded my expectations, while others… not so much. Here’s an honest breakdown of my best, worst, and “somewhere in between” lip gloss purchases.

1. Best Buy: 3CE Glaze Lip Tint – Shade Break Me

This lip tint truly surprised me in the best way. It’s impressively long-lasting, especially for a tint, and unlike many others, it doesn’t dry out my lips. Instead, the formula feels creamy and moisturizing, making it comfortable to wear all day. When compared to higher-end brands, this one delivers incredible value for the price. The color stays put for hours with minimal touch-ups and also gives my complexion a brighter, fresher look.

2. Worst Buy: Rouge Dior Ultra Care Liquid – Shade 750

This one was a disappointment. While the liquid texture feels smooth during application, the color doesn’t seem to blend into the lips properly. Instead, it sits on top, making it feel unstable and short-lived. Even a simple wipe around the mouth causes the color to disappear almost instantly. It felt like it couldn’t decide whether it wanted to be a lipstick or a gloss—and unfortunately, it didn’t succeed as either.

3. M·A·C Shot of Colour Lip Oil

This lip oil had its moments. The formula was lightweight and comfortable, but the longevity and impact weren’t particularly memorable. It was nice while it lasted, but not something I’d rush to repurchase—especially since it seems to be discontinued.

4. Hermèsistible Lip Shine – Shade Rose Kola

This one is undeniably luxurious. The packaging, texture, and finish feel high-end, but when it comes to performance, it doesn’t fully justify the price. While it looks beautiful on the lips, the wear time and payoff don’t stand out enough to make it a must-have.

Lip products can be tricky—price doesn’t always guarantee performance. Some affordable options outperform luxury ones, while others fall short despite the hype. Finding the perfect gloss, tint, or oil really comes down to formula, comfort, and longevity. These experiences have taught me to look beyond the label and focus on what truly works.