14 Best Glitter Lipsticks That Aren't Gritty

I remember my first time like it was yesterday: I was in my car, driving to the Hollywood farmer’s market to buy fresh eggs and dragon fruit. An email came through with no subject line—just a link to Instagram. I clicked on it, and there they were: lips glittering under a softly lit filter. Yes, it was my first time watching a Pat McGrath glitter lipstick video. Her delicate brush spackling shimmer onto brightly colored lips like she was re-patching drywall was mesmeric, and something I could watch on repeat thousands of times like my own little strange addiction.

Tanya Akim

Glittery pouts have since been a staple in runway shows and editorial shoots. However, the traditional application is not as easy or clean as it seems. The first time I tried it was also my last. After lip liner and liquid lipstick, I used a liquid primer on a lip brush to apply the loose glitter. The glitter was all over me at this point, but none of it was on my lips. After I reapplied, chunks of glitter were on my teeth, scraping the already thin enamel off of my chompers.

I gave up trying to achieve the glitter lip trend at home and left it to the pros. I still loved watching videos of glitter lips and hoped I could someday achieve the trend with less of the mess.

This holiday season, my prayers have been answered.

While Pat McGrath is still the master of mesmerizing glitter application videos in my eyes, brands have made it so you too can achieve the same (or similar) look at home. It’s sure to make any New Year celebration more festive, kissable, and a lot less gritty.

Tanya Akim

I tried all of the glitter lipsticks out there, and these 14 are the best—hands down.

UOMA Beauty Black Magic Metallic Shine Lipstick

UOMA Beauty Black Magic Metallic Shine Lipstick $24.00

Shop

This lipstick glides on so effortlessly and has the perfect amount of wearable sparkle and sheen; it’s like wearing sequins on your lips. Not to mention, lipsticks with packaging that's easy-to-spot in a purse make things so much easier. These babies are staying with me long after the holidays are over.

Tom Ford Soleil Balm Frost Lip Balm

Tom Ford Soleil Balm Frost Lip Balm $58.00

Shop

I can’t think of a time that Tom Ford Beauty disappointed me. The Soleil Balm Frost Lip Balm comes in a glittery, shimmery finish and the bullet is so beautiful, it makes me hesitant to even apply it and disturb its picture-perfectness. The shade is nude, but with an impact—just right for a maximalist like me. It’s bright and shimmery, but not overbearing. If bold lips scare you, try this with simple makeup and perfectly groomed brows. You’ll be amazed.

Chantecaille Pink Opal Lip Cristal

Chantecaille Pink Opal Lip Cristal $50.00

Shop

This collection is gorgeous, and environmentally friendly: For each Lip Cristal sale, Chantecaille is planting a tree in Kenya through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to further their efforts in the fight against climate change.

Chantecaille is one of my favorite brands for beautiful, luminous skin, so it’s exciting to see them put out a fun product such as this one. The finish of the lipstick is more gilded than glittery, like a gorgeous Venetian fresco. I love the shade “Carnelian” for a fun red moment.

Gucci Lunaison Glitter Lipstick

Gucci Lunaison Glitter Lipstick $49.00

Shop

Gucci Beauty says the only makeup you really need on a Saturday night is glitter lipstick, and I think they’re right. These limited-edition lipsticks are like all the ones mentioned above: too pretty to touch. The formula is perfect for those who want vibrant color with a subtle, striking sheen, as opposed to overt sparkles. It’s not gritty as one might think looking at the spangled bullet.

The lipstick is super hydrating yet doesn’t easily transfer, which is a difficult pairing to achieve. Plus, there’s truly nothing prettier than the art-deco etching of Gucci lipsticks’ packaging; it always catches people’s eyes when I take it out of my clutch. You’ll be hearing, “Oh my god, what is that?” all night, and you’ll love it.

Yves Saint Laurent YSL x Zoë Kravitz Rouge Pur Couture Satin Lipstick

Yves Saint Laurent YSL x Zoë Kravitz Rouge Pur Couture Satin Lipstick $38.00

Shop

This limited-edition, deep crimson shade is perfect for the cooler months, or for special evening occasions. There's just a hint of glimmer, so the impact remains subtle.

Huda Beauty Diamond Hydrating Lip Balm

Huda Beauty Diamond Hydrating Lip Balm $25.00

Shop

The shimmery finish on this lip balm makes it a glamorous choice. Two shades (one nude, one lilac) allow you to select your preferred shade. Both are easy to wear for both day or night.

Gerard Cosmetics Glitter Lipstick

Gerard Cosmetics Glitter Lipstick $20.00

Shop

A true glitter lipstick in every sense, this product goes on ultra-shimmery. It makes such a statement, in fact, that it's best that the rest of your makeup be kept super subtle. Unless you're going for a glitter-on-glitter, disco look.

Ciaté London Glitter Storm Lipstick

Ciaté London Glitter Storm Lipstick $22.00 $11.00

Shop

Even the tube of this glitter-infused lipstick sparkles. This hybrid product combines star-like pigments and a full-coverage, deeply pigmented base. The result is a shiny, shimmer finish with lots of rich color.

Charlotte Tilbury Superstar Lips Lipstick

Charlotte Tilbury Superstar Lips Lipstick $34.00

Shop

This skinny tube is light on the glitter, but makes up for it in sheen. Subtle gold flecks run throughout the product, making it a solid choice for even a daytime occasion.

Winky Lux  Glimmer Balm Rose Gold

Winky Lux Glimmer Balm Rose Gold $16.00

Shop

This balm glides on smooth and clear, but then the magic happens. Once it reacts with the skin's pH levels, a hint of glimmer appears, leaving lips a shade of shimmering pink.

HipDot x Jojo Siwa Lip Trio

HipDot x Jojo Siwa Lip Trio $20.00

Shop

This sparkling little trio comes in a range of shades, from pink to red. While the red and pink shades are creamy and matte, the lilac product is actually a lip balm infused with glitter, so it offers an all-day shine.

Haus Laboratories by Lady Gaga Glitter Lipstick

Haus Laboratories by Lady Gaga Glitter Lipstick $11.00

Shop

Leave it to the queen of glitter and glam to give us something that will offer the same look on our lips. Haus Laboratories' glitter lipstick offers big, bold color with a hint of glitter throughout. It's also long-lasting and full coverage.

L'Oreal Paris Makeup Colour Riche Plump and Shine Lipstick

L'Oreal Paris Makeup Colour Riche Plump and Shine Lipstick $5.00

Shop

This lipstick plumps, shines, and lasts for hours. Better yet, the unique range of shades offers something for everyone (all with the glitter we crave).

Essence Glimmer GLOW Lipstick

Essence Glimmer GLOW Lipstick $4.00

Shop

This lipstick changes colors depending on the wearer, reacting to the body's natural pH levels. So you really won't know the shade until you try it, but you can rest assured it'll flatter you and be entirely unique.