What should I look for in lip oil?

08 Apr.,2024

 

From drugstore gems to luxe options we believe are worth the splurge, we’re sharing the lip oils that impressed us the most.

With more brands launching their takes on the newly popular category on what feels like a weekly basis, there are now more options on the market than ever before. So, we figured, what better time than now to help you find the one (or several) that suits your fancy by conducting an official test? We tested nearly two dozen products in our lab in NYC and at home, evaluating each one based on its formula and feel, how well it hydrated the lips and the shade range. We conducted tests to see how sticky each formula was and how well it lasted through a snack and wore the products throughout the day to get a solid feel for their wear.

Starring the best features of both a lip balm and a lip gloss , lip oils offer hydrating benefits without a sticky or goopy texture. Some are totally transparent toppers that look glassy on bare lips or layered over a lip color, while others come in tinted versions to breathe life into your lips via a nourishing formula and a flushed finish. “I’ve always been a huge fan of lip oils, simply because they act as skincare for our lips while adding the benefits of a nice shine and color,” says celebrity makeup artist, Misha Shahzada .

Best Overall

Dior Lip Glow Oil

Sephora

$40

$40

$34

What We Like

  • Glassy shine

  • Large doe-foot applicator

  • Hydrating with cherry oil

  • Luxe packaging

  • Layers nicely over lip colors

What We Don't Like

  • Can feel just a bit sticky

Highlighted Ingredients: Cherry oil | Shades: 8 | Scent: Minty vanilla | Size: 6 ml

In our humble opinion, the TikTok virality that this product reached is justified. Aside from the luxe packaging and oversized doe-foot applicator that makes applying it an elevated experience, the formula is what stands out. Unlike some lip oils that are so lightweight they almost seem to dissipate in a matter of minutes, this one has a thick (but not goopy) cushion to it, making it feel pillowy and nourishing on the lips. The formula is infused with cherry oil to soften the lips, and we love that the rich texture helps to smooth the appearance of lip lines

During our test, we were impressed by how well it held up while eating, and we appreciated that the minty vanilla scent was refreshing but not overpowering. We also love that it’s offered in eight semi-sheer shades, though some of them pack a bit more punch in terms of color than others. I’s everything we could ask for in a lip oil and more: It’s hydrating, ultra-glossy, wears well, and looks beautiful on bare lips or layered over a lip stain or lipstick. We know it’s pricey, but if it’s in your budget and you’re looking to indulge in a great lip oil, this one from Dior has our stamp of approval.

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Stila Cosmetics Heaven's Dew Gel Lip Oil

Stila Cosmetics

$24

$12

What We Like

  • Lightweight texture

  • Moisturizing with hyaluronic acid

  • High-shine finish

  • Glitter looks sparkly but not chunky

What We Don't Like

  • Some online reviewers note they can feel the glitter particles on their lips

Highlighted Ingredients: Jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid | Shades: 6 | Scent: Vanilla | Size: 5.4 ml

If you like a clear, shiny topcoat with a hint of sparkle as a finishing touch on your lips, this is the lip oil for you. Though it comes in a totally clear shade, five out of the six shades feature a translucent base with tons of fine sparkle running through it that looks beautiful and reflective on the lips. We didn’t notice a gritty texture from the glitter, but it’s worth noting that some online reviewers have said they can feel the fine glitter particles on their lips.

As for the formula and wear, we were quite impressed. The texture is lightweight and moisturizing, thanks to the inclusion of jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid. It feels gel-like and comfortable and lasted pretty well through eating with just minimal transfer. Between the light and moisturizing formula, large applicator, shiny finish, and impressive wear, this one is easy for us to recommend.

Best Budget

e.l.f. Cosmetics Glow Reviver Lip Oil

e.l.f. Cosmetics

$8

What We Like

  • Hydrating with squalane

  • Plush but not goopy

  • Not sticky or oily

  • Layers well with other lip products

What We Don't Like

  • Wears off pretty quickly

Highlighted Ingredients: Squalane, avocado oil, apricot oil, jojoba oil | Shades: 7 | Scent: Subtle mint | Size: 7.6 ml

When this lip oil from e.l.f. initially launched, it went ultra-viral on TikTok—and we understand why. It costs a fraction of the price of luxe options and it delivers a similar look on the lips. It has a high-shine finish that blurs the appearance of lip lines and comes in six shades (plus a clear option) that offer a subtle hint of color. The texture is incredibly smooth and gel-like with a bit of a creaminess to it, and it's formulated with squalane and a blend of hydrating oils to quench dry lips.

We adored how it felt on our lips throughout testing. It's not greasy, sticky, or heavy, rather it feels plush and smooth. We also appreciated that it layered beautifully on top of lip liner without pilling or making the liner bleed. As is the case with most oils, it doesn't last long on the lips and will fade significantly when eating, but we don't mind this since it's easy to reapply on the go.

Byrdie / Caitlyn Martyn

Best Drugstore

NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip

NYX Cosmetics

$9

$9

$9

What We Like

  • Creamy texture

  • Hydrating with plant-based oils

  • Large applicator

  • Impressive shade range

  • Not strong taste or smell

What We Don't Like

  • Can feel a bit sticky as it dries over time

Highlighted Ingredients: Squalane | Shades: 8 | Scent: None | Size: 4.8 ml

Available in eight semi-translucent shades, this affordable pick you can grab at your local drugstore is hydrating, thick, and incredibly smooth. The large doe-foot applicator makes coating the lips quick and easy, and we loved how creamy but not goopy the formula felt on the lips. It contains squalane for a boost of moisture, and we found that it kept lips feeling soft and nourished for a few hours before needing to reapply.

We did notice that it got just a tad bit sticky as it faded throughout the day, but swiping on another coat easily remedied that sensation. We also appreciated that there’s no strong scent or flavor, making it a great choice for those who are sensitive to fragrance.

Best Long-Wearing

Ami Colé Lip Treatment Oil

Sephora

$20

$20

What We Like

  • Moisturizing with plant-based oils

  • Ultra-glossy

  • Large applicator

  • Wears longer than most lip oils

  • Comes in pretty tinted shades

What We Don't Like

  • Can be slightly tacky and tricky to eat with

Highlighted Ingredients: Baobab seed, camellia seed, and passion fruit seed oils | Shades: 6 | Scent: Vanilla | Size: 4.5 ml

Lip oils are not known for being long-wearing, that’s just the nature of oily formulas. However, because this one is thick and quite moisturizing thanks to a blend of nourishing plant oils, we found that it kept the lips hydrated for several hours and the glossy finish lasted longer than others we tested. The caveat to this is that it does feel a bit more like a traditional gloss, meaning that it has a subtle tackiness to it and it does transfer a bit, but we think the wear and the moisturizing benefits outweigh this.

We loved that with just one swipe using the large doe-foot applicator, it applied a generous coat of the super-glassy formula, leaving the lips looking healthy and plump. It comes in five beautiful tinted shades as well as a clear version, and each one offers next-level shine. If you like a bit of a thicker texture, and you want the moisturizing benefits of a lip oil as well as the wear and high-shine finish of a gloss, this is the one for you.

Best Lightweight

Merit Sheer Tinted Lip Oil

Sephora

$24

$24

What We Like

  • Gel-oil texture

  • Provides subtle tint and staining

  • Non-sticky

  • Hydrating with squalane

  • Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like

  • Could provide a more high-shine finish

  • Shades all look very similar on the lips

Highlighted Ingredients: Quinoa seed oil, squalane | Shades: 4 | Scent: None | Size: 7 ml

If you don’t like the feeling of any product sitting on your lips, you'll love this formula from Merit. The gel-like oil texture is completely weightless—it applies smoothly and works to subtly hydrate the lips (you can thank the inclusion of squalane for that) without adding the slightest bit of weight or stickiness to your mouth. Just one layer adds a nice hint of color, but what makes this pick special is that it doubles as a subtle lip stain. Even as the oil fades off, the color stays behind in the form of a wearable stain that creates a bitten look. It’s worth noting that the four shades look pretty similar once applied though.

In terms of wear, we found it to be pretty consistent with others on this list. It keeps the lips smooth and comfortable for a few hours, though it’s not as long-wearing as thicker, more emollient formulas. Overall, this one impressed us, especially for those seeking a tint with a shiny finish and an undetectable feel.

Best Tinted

Clarins Lip Comfort Oil

Ulta

$30

$30

$30

What We Like

  • Lightweight texture

  • Moisturizing with organic rose oil

  • Large applicator

  • Wide range of shades and scents

  • Ultra-shiny finish

What We Don't Like

  • Not the most long-wearing compared to other oils

Highlighted Ingredients: Plant oils, fatty acids | Shades: 10 | Scent: Varies by shade | Size: 7 ml

Chances are, you’ve heard of this popular product—it was one of the first lip oil formulas on the market. Available in 10 lightly-tinted shades that each feature a unique, subtle scent (like cherry and chocolate), it’s an excellent formula for popping into your bag and applying on the go. It’s lightweight, smooth, and easy to swipe on using the large doe-foot applicator, and we appreciate that it’s not gloopy. Though some shades are more pigmented than others, most of them leave a hint of healthy-looking color on the lips without being so pigmented that you need to be super careful while applying. It looks beautiful on bare lips or applied over a lip liner.

The thin formula feels like a true oil without being drippy, and it contains a blend of nourishing plant oils and fatty acids to keep the lips hydrated and comfortable. Because it’s such a thin and non-tacky formula, it doesn’t wear as long as other, more plush options, but it’s easy to reapply throughout the day.

Best Shade Range

Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss

Nordstrom

$22

$22

What We Like

  • Beautiful shade range

  • Colors offer nice pigmentation

  • Moisturizing with peptides and hyaluronic acid

  • High-shine finish

  • Frangrance-free

What We Don't Like

  • Can feel slightly sticky

  • Packaging gets messy

Highlighted Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides | Shades: 11 | Scent: None | Size: 4.6 ml

A lot of lip oils on the market come in limited shade options, many of which look the same on the lips—but this one is an exception. The formulation is nice, but what makes this pick stand out from the rest is the shade range. It comes in a variety of neutral hues as well as pops of pink, red, and champagne. The shades aren’t completely opaque, but they offer semi-opaque coverage in just a layer or two.

The formula is a gloss and oil hybrid, meaning that it feels like a combination of the two: not as lightweight as most oils and not as thick as most glosses. It’s packed with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and evening primrose oil, which create a fairly rich texture that makes the lips feel smooth and moisturized. It is a bit stickier than other lip oils we tested, so if you’re sensitive to that, this likely isn’t the one for you. But if you’re in the market for a pigmented lip oil that delivers a wet-looking shine, we think you’ll be pleased with this one from Kosas.

Best Color Payoff

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil

Sephora

$20

$40

What We Like

  • Lightweight texture

  • Pigmented shades offer long-lasting stain

  • Slight cooling sensation

  • Fades nicely throughout the day

  • Non-drying

What We Don't Like

  • Could offer more moisture

  • Doesn't provide a high-shine finish

Highlighted Ingredients: Jojoba seed oil | Shades: 8 | Scent: None detectable | Size: 3 ml

Most lip oils don’t offer a whole lot of color payoff, but if you’re looking for a product that provides pigmentation and even staining, this will give it to you. While it doesn’t feel emollient or super plush, the weightless formula is smooth and mildly hydrating thanks to the inclusion of jojoba oil. It keeps the lips feeling comfortable and soft for a few hours. We love that, in addition to the initial color payoff you get when you apply it, it leaves behind an even stain that lasts all day. It’s easy to reapply without it bunching up, and you can also layer a gloss or lip balm on top of the stain for added shine. 

It’s different from other options because it’s not super glossy and doesn’t create a wet-looking finish—it feels more like a lightweight lip cream than a true oil. But just like a standard oil, the consistency is not at all sticky. If you’re not pressed about the fact that the shine is only subtle and you’re more focused on finding a weightless lip color, we think this is a fantastic pick.

Best Plumping

Kopari Tri-Peptide Lip Cloud

Kopari Beauty

$17

$12

$21

What We Like

  • Smooth texture

  • Cooling sensation

  • Subtle mint scent

  • Large applicator

What We Don't Like

  • Many online reviewers note that it caused their lips to feel dry over time

  • Only comes in one shade

Highlighted Ingredients: Peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, coconut oil | Shades: 1 | Scent: Mint | Size: 5 ml

We've finally entered a time in the beauty industry when not all lip-plumping products cause intense tingling or burning. This plumping lip oil utilizes peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to minimize the look of lip lines and add moisture, which helps to create the appearance of fuller lips. Although it has a slight cooling sensation along with a subtle minty scent and flavor, it doesn’t sting or feel uncomfortable, rather it feels smooth, lightweight, and hydrating while you wear it.

It features a large doe-foot applicator for quick and easy application. Once applied, it wore well without noticeable fading and no bleeding for at least an hour. While we didn't clock it drying out the lips, several online reviewers have shared that using it consistently makes their lips feel dry. If you’re concerned about dryness, we recommend applying a lip balm first and topping it off with this formula for the plumping benefits.

Best Scented

InnBeauty Project Glaze Lip Oil

iNNBEAUTY PROJECT

$17

What We Like

  • Wide range of scents

  • Large doe-foot applicator

  • Creamy texture

  • High-shine finish

What We Don't Like

  • Can feel a bit tacky

  • Could be a bit more moisturizing

Highlighted Ingredients: Jojoba oil, fermented pomegranate, fruit extracts | Shades: 10 | Scent: Varies by shade | Size: 6 ml

If you like fun-scented lip products that feel like an ode to the Smackers days of your past, these lip oils are right up your alley. Available in ten tinted shades that each feature a unique fragrance—like fruity cereal, berry jam, and cookie to name a few—applying them is a full-on nostalgia trip.

Aside from the delicious scents, we enjoyed the creamy formula, the oversized applicator, and the high-shine finish. The texture is fairly thick which actually helps a bit with longevity, though we did find that these oils can be tacky if you over-apply. And while they certainly didn’t dry out the lips, we found other formulas to be a bit more moisturizing than this one. But that doesn't detract from how fun they are to wear.

Best Hydrating

Ilia Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil

Sephora

$26

$26

$26

What We Like

  • Creamy texture

  • Non-sticky

  • Feels hydrating

  • Pretty tinted shades

  • Wears nicely

What We Don't Like

  • Could have a more high-shine finish

Highlighted Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Shades: 6 | Scent: None | Size: 4.3 ml

Tinted lip oils can be a nice two-in-one option when you’re looking for a moisturizing product that also provides a bit of color. We enjoyed this one because it comes in six romantic and wearable shades and feels lightweight and moisturizing on the lips. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid for a boost of hydration and leaves the lips feeling soft and comfortable without being greasy. The smooth, creamy texture glides on with ease, and doesn’t feel the least bit sticky. It wears well while eating; we found that there was just minor fading after having a snack. If you have dry lips and you’re in the market for a tinted oil, we recommend checking out this one.

Best Wet-Looking

Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil

Gisou

$28

$32

What We Like

  • Wet-looking shine

  • Non-sticky

  • Lightweight

  • Hydrating feel

What We Don't Liike

  • Fades pretty quickly

Highlighted Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, honey | Shades: 2 | Scent: Honey | Size: 8 ml

Craving that super high shine lip look? This honey-infused lip oil is the way to go. The consistency feels just like you’d think an oil would—lightweight, thin, and hydrating. Despite it feeling oily on the lips, it’s not overly greasy and it doesn’t slip and slide or migrate around your mouth. Just one layer creates the most stunning, glassy finish that instantly blurs the look of fine lines and creates the appearance of juicy-looking lips.

We loved how smooth and hydrating it felt, though we did notice that it faded quickly—this is likely due to the super thin, oily formula. However, it’s easy to re-apply without it pilling or getting thick, so this isn’t a dealbreaker for us. We also adore the subtle honey scent that’s derived from the natural ingredients.

Best Gel-Like

Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil

Sephora

$26

$26

What We Like

  • Plush, gel-like texture

  • Feels moisturizing with vitamin E and vegan oils

  • Blurs the appearance of lip lines

What We Don't Like

  • Can make lip liner bleed when layered on top

Highlighted Ingredients: Vitamin E, vegan oil complex | Shades: 4 | Scent: None | Size: 4.4 ml

Think of this as the cool younger sister to the beloved Butter Balms by the brand. It's in the same hydrating family but it's got a totally different texture. It has a plush, gel-like consistency that feels incredibly soft, cushiony, and smooth on the lips. It does a nice job of smoothing over lip lines, and we love that it's not sticky or greasy feeling. With a blend of vitamin E and vegan oils, like avocado and apricot, it gives lips the boost of hydration they crave. It's offered in four sheer shades that can be built up slightly to offer a hint of noticeable color, but what really makes this lip oil stand out is the texture.

One thing to note is that when we applied it directly on top of a lip liner, it did cause the liner to bleed and break down. So, we suggest wearing it on its own or just applying it in the center of the lips for added shine when layering it with other products. But if you're in the market for a super-smooth, easy-to-apply product, keep this one in your bag.

Byrdie / Alyssa Kaplan

Best for Fine Lines

Nooni Lip Oil

Amazon

$12

What We Like

  • Thick, moisturizing formula

  • Noticeable results

  • Tint is pigmented and long-lasting

  • High-shine finish

What We Don't Like

  • Can feel a bit heavy

Highlighted Ingredients: Apple water | Shades: 7 | Scent: Varies by shade | Size: 3.5 ml

Those with mature lips or significant lip lines know how frustrating it can be to apply a lip product that settles into lines and emphasizes them rather than smoothing their appearance. This one does the opposite thanks to a thick, moisturizing texture that smooths over lips to give them an even, full-looking finish. The consistency can feel slightly heavy, but considering how beautiful it looks and how moisturizing it feels, we can easily look past that. 

We loved that the tint shows up and leaves a bit of a stain behind, meaning that you won’t have to continuously re-apply throughout the day to maintain your color. Once you pop on one coat, you’re good to go for a few hours—the color and high-shine finish remain intact.

If you’re among the many people who struggle with dry, chapped lips (like me!), you know how frustrating it can be to find a product that actually delivers!

Enter the lip oil: Innovative formulations have taken the beauty world by storm for good reason.

Lip oils provide the perfect combination of hydration and nourishment, leaving even the driest, flakiest lips feeling soft, smooth, and healthy. Many also contain natural ingredients that make your pout appear plumper and fuller.

And they add a glossy sheen to your lips, perfect for dressing up or down your look, depending on how you wear the oil. For instance, my favorite way is to apply tinted lip oil to bare lips to polish up a minimal look, such as a casual brunch at home with friends!

So, let’s take a closer look at lip oils, their benefits, ingredients, differences from other lip products, and the best options available (including the viral Dior Lip Glow Oil, Clarins Lip Comfort Oil, and NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip!).

What is a lip oil? 

A lip oil is an innovative hybrid that combines the intense hydration of a balm, the shine of a gloss, and the (optional) tint of a lightweight lipstick.

But first, some skin science: Our lips do not have any sebaceous (oil-producing) glands, so they cannot produce their own protective layer of natural oils. In a double whammy, they also have the thinnest skin anywhere on the body. 

That’s why lips often get dry and irritated with even the slightest triggers — like smoke, dehydration, sun exposure, or even our saliva! 

And that’s where lip oils make all the difference.

They are made from nutrient-rich plant oils such as jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, raspberry oil, cherry oil, almond oil, and even hazelnut oils. 

Besides nourishing the lips, this gorgeous cocktail of beautiful oils is also rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, providing protection to the delicate skin.

And it’s not even just about the oils. 

These lip care formulations can also incorporate several other ingredients to help your pout. For example, some include vitamin E, which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Others contain hyaluronic acid, a powerful hydrating ingredient that plumps lips for a fuller look.

What’s the difference between a lip oil and lip balm?

Traditional lip balms are made from waxes and butters, rather than natural oils. Since oils absorb into the skin more easily than heavier waxes, lip oils can penetrate deep into our lips, leaving them soft and supple. Conversely, balms tend to sit on the lips, providing only temporary comfort.

And no, they don’t feel heavy or greasy — well-formulated lip oils are lightweight and quick-absorbing, offering a more comfortable, non-sticky experience than traditional balms that can leave a waxy residue. Result? Smooth lips with a glass-like shine and lightweight texture. And a hint of color if you’re using a tinted lip oil. 

Another advantage of lip oils is their versatility. They come in various shades and finishes, from sheer to shimmery, and can be worn alone or over your favorite lipstick or lip liner. 

[No, I am not saying lip balms are not good. I am only saying that a tinted lip oils is better in many situations.]

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil

What’s the difference between a lip oil and lip gloss?

Lip oils are made with natural oils that provide intense hydration and nourishment for the lips. They also have a light, non-sticky texture and a barely-there feel.

In contrast, glosses have a thicker, stickier, gel-like texture that sits more heavily on the lips. They are often formulated with synthetic polymers or waxes to create their signature high shine. And their primary goal is to add glaze and glamour to the lips, with hydration being a secondary benefit.

Ultimately, the choice between lip oil and lip gloss comes down to personal preference. If you want deep hydration and nourishment, choose a lip oil. Go for a lip gloss if you want a high-shine finish.

The 12 best lip oils

As a beauty editor, I’ve tried countless lip oils, and these have always come out on top! They are packed with nourishing ingredients for deep hydration and a glossy finish, elevating your lip care routine. 

Clarins Lip Comfort Oil Intense

Building on the success of the original Clarins Lip Comfort Oil, this offers the same nourishing and hydrating properties but with a more intense, saturated color payoff. Its non-sticky texture and high-shine finish make a statement while keeping your lips soft, supple, and well-nourished.

Buy Now

Best for Shimmer

Clarins Lip Comfort Shimmer Oil

Another version of the classic Clarins Lip Comfort Oil, this nourishing, lightweight option comes with a high-shimmer finish, intense color payoff, and multi-dimensional shine. Perfect for when you want some extra sparkle!

Buy Now

NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip

This vegan lip oil is infused with raspberry oil, cloudberry oil, and squalane for up to 12 hours of hydration and protection. 

Buy Now

Best for Mature Lips

Hourglass Lip Treatment Oil

An anti-aging formulation, this one features a blend of 14 essential oils, 10 lipid-rich plant oils, and 4 nourishing vitamins to boost hydration, smooth away lines, and enhance lip volume.

Buy Now

FAQs about the best lip oils

This FAQ will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about lip oils, including their benefits, how to use them, and more.

What does a lip oil do?

A lip oil provides intense hydration and nourishment to the lips with a blend of natural oils. It has a lightweight, non-sticky texture and is used to enhance the performance of other lip products or as a standalone treatment for dry, flaky lips.

Do lip oils help with dry lips?

Yes, lip oils can definitely help with dry lips. Their oil-based formula provides intense hydration and nourishment, using natural oils like jojoba, argan, and coconut oil. This allows them to soothe and hydrate dry, chapped lips, leaving them feeling smooth and hydrated.

Fenty Skin Cherry Treat Conditioning + Strengthening Lip Oil

Can lip oils be worn alone or with other lip products? 

Lip oils can be worn alone for a natural, glossy look or layered over other makeup products, such as lipsticks or lip liners, for a pop of color with extra shine.

Can I use a tinted lip oil at night?

Yes, you can use lip oil at night. In fact, it can be very beneficial lip treatment. The nourishing natural oils can deeply hydrate your lips as you sleep, repairing dry and chapped lips for a soft and supple pout.

Are there any key ingredients I should look for in a lip oil? 

When choosing a lip oil, choose products containing nourishing and natural ingredients such as jojoba, argan, or rosehip oils. Also, look for ingredients like vitamin E and antioxidants that can provide additional protection and benefits for your lips.

Are tinted lip oils better than lipstick?

Lip oils and lipsticks serve different purposes, with lip oils designed for intense hydration and nourishment (sheer wash of color is optional) and lipsticks for color and coverage. Whether lip oils or lipsticks are better depends on personal preferences and desired benefits.

What should I look for in lip oil?

Your ultimate guide to lip oils (plus top 12 picks for shine and hydration!)