Milani’s New Glossy Balm Gave Me Plump, Jelly Lips in One Swipe

Let’s talk lips. Lately, the internet has been obsessed with one of the makeup products that became a major beauty trend: plump, jelly-like, ultra-glossy lips. Whether it’s the “clean girl aesthetic” or Y2K nostalgia making a comeback, everyone seems to be ditching matte in favor of that shiny, juicy finish. And though I adore experimenting with new makeup items, I also appreciate thriftiness, so when I heard the buzz about the Milani Glossy Balm online, I knew I needed to get my hands (and lips) on it.

It was everywhere, on TikTok, in beauty forums, and even in a friend's handbag. The allure? A balm-gloss hybrid that moisturizes, gives volume, and provides a jelly-like shine without the mess. Of course, I had to test it. Here's what happened when I used it.

The Gloss That Promised It All

Image Source: Milani Cosmetics

Shop $16

The product name is Milani Keep It Full Nourishing Lip Plumper Gloss, and it claims to provide fuller-looking lips as it conditions them with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. It is basically a juicy lip balm in a tube. It is available in a range of shades, from clear to rose pinks, neutrals, and even metallics. I got the shade "Rosy Bronze" to pop some color with my shine. For $16, this top budget lip gloss is easily available on Milani's site and at pharmacies like Target and Ulta.

First Impressions: Packaging & Texture

The gloss comes in a gold-topped, shiny, clear tube, classy but subtle. You get a glimpse of the product inside, which gives off a luxurious vibe without being expensive. The tube itself is also pretty robust, so it goes handbag-style without leaks. The applicator picks up the perfect amount of product, and the tip allows you to brush the lip contours effortlessly. Upon first opening the package, I caught a faint vanilla-mint scent, nothing overpowering, just enough to enhance the experience.

As for texture: smooth and thick, though not runny whatsoever. Fresh from the tube, it was more balm-like than gloss-like, which had me jumping for joy in anticipation of hydration right away.

First Swipe Magic

Keep It Full Glossy Plumping Balm Before and After

Image Source: Milani Cosmetics

The real moment of truth came with that first swipe. The Milani Glossy Balm glided on like butter It felt cooling but not overwhelmingly tingly like some plumping glosses. There’s a subtle minty chill that’s refreshing but doesn’t sting. It was surprisingly light on the lips, which I hadn't anticipated considering the thickness in the tube.

No stickiness at all, just a glassy, smooth shine. The color deposit? Sheer with a touch of tint. My shade of choice, Rosy Bronze, colored my lips with a natural flush and that desired "wet look." If you're after jelly lips gloss looks, this totally nails it.

Plump and Pretty Results

So, is it really plump? Sort of. I wouldn't call it giving me extreme, filler-esque results, but it did provide a smoother, slightly fuller look, and very moist lips. The shine creates the illusion of more volume than the formula actually inflating the lips—which honestly, I prefer. It's a flattering, wearable sort of plump.

The gloss remained shiny for a solid 2–3 hours before its shine dissipated into a gentler balm-like finish. Even once the shine had faded, my lips still felt hydrated. Dryness or flaking is nowhere to be found.

Long-Term Performance

Eventually, I put it through a few tests: by itself, over a bare lip liner, and layered atop a matte lipstick. It worked in all of them. It builds well, provides depth and moisture to matte lips and makes lip liner wear longer without smudging.

Pros

Stunning color jelly-gloss finish
Not sticky and light
Delicate plumping effect
Value for money price
Moisturizing formula with hyaluronic acid
Buildable color variety
Smells nice and feels refreshing

Cons

Shine wears off after a few hours
Not as dramatically plumping if that's what you're after
Some will like a higher gloss for more wear

Who Should Try It?

If you’re into shiny lip balm formulas that feel as good as they look, this gloss is a must-try. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the plump lips balm trend but doesn’t want to deal with tingling pain or $30+ designer lip products. It’s also ideal for everyday wear, low maintenance, flattering on all skin tones, and totally office or coffee-run friendly.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Hype?

This Milani lip gloss review concludes on a very energetic yes. It's hard to come across a product that gets so many things right: shine, hydration, comfort, and style, all in a price range that will not drive your wallet into tears. What sets it apart is its hybrid feel: as moisturizing as a balm, yet with the shine of a high-end gloss.

Whether you use it on its own for a glassy lip or layered over lip liner for added definition, the Milani Glossy Balm is a new beauty bag staple. If you're looking for the best affordable lip gloss that actually delivers on the TikTok hype, look no further.