Why Lip Oils Are The New Makeup It-Product

While lip products (and especially lipsticks) are having a major comeback–statistics from the NPD group suggest a 48 per cent increase since the pandemic–we still don’t want to let go of the lip-care ingredients that are packed with benefits. So, while we still desire the high-impact colour and lustrous lacquer, we’re finding a middle ground between our lipsticks and lip balms, falling head over heels for lip oils. Full of shine, lip care benefits and a hint of colour, they really are the underrated lip heroes we need in our makeup kits.

What Is A Lip Oil?

A harmonious balance between lipgloss and lip balm, a lip oil has the hydrating and moisturising benefits of a lip balm but can create the juicy shine and slight pigment of a gloss. Forget overlining and overfilling, a lip oil will also give you that ultra-plump look as well. Yep, a real overachiever.

What Are The Benefits Of Lip Oils?

“Lip oils are made with natural oils and other beneficial ingredients that nourish and hydrate the lips,” says skin expert Ada Ooi. “Some have silicones too, which can give an even smoother finish.”

What Is The Difference Between A Lip Oil, Lip Balm, Lip Gloss And Lipstick? 

With so many new formulas entering the market, it can be hard to choose between them all. Ooi explains, “Lip balms are usually made without water and depending on the formulations, some contain emollients such as butters, oils and fatty acids.” Known for their ability to help rebuild the skin barrier function while also sealing the lips, balms further prevent water molecules from evaporating for prolonged moisture. “Similarly, lip gloss (made from water, humectants and water-attracting ingredients) helps moisturise while occlusives seal and create a gloss,” says Ooi. Lipsticks, while the main function is giving pigments to an intended look, should all give a certain level of moisturisation and occlusion as the main components are waxes or silicones with most of them infused with plant oils as well.

When Should You Use A Lip Oil?

“Lip oils are great because the skin can absorb most oils in the formulas for instant moisturisation,” says Ooi. “However, for long-lasting hydration and nourishment, I’d recommend applying a lip balm or gloss over the top to seal in moisture.”

Ready for the investment? Of course you are! These are the best lip oils to add to the basket.

Keep your pout protected and luscious with the Naked Sundays SPF50 Glow + Go Lip Oil. A softening, non-sticky formula that is infused with antioxidants like vitamin C, amino acids, vitamin E and watermelon extract, this product will be a handbag staple in no time.

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Powered with skincare benefits, the new Clarins Lip Comfort Oil is a must-try. Formulated with plant oils, including sweetbriar rose oil to comfort lips, jojoba oil to hydrate and soften and hazelnut oil to condition, you’ll feel your lips have been wrapped in silk. 

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Perfect to wear on its own, as a primer or over a lip balm, this Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil creates a high-impact shine, non-sticky texture and hydrating formula for every lip product aficionado. Nourish, protect, soften and hydrate instantly–and in various shades, you’re bound to find the right one for you.

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The best hybrid lip oil that fuses the plumping and high-shine properties of a gloss in one. This lip oil-gloss hybrid is your season staple, formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate lips intensely, peptides to prompt firmer and plumper lips, and evening primrose oil to protect lips.

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A pleasant nod to the ‘00s, this high-shine lip oil comes in 6 shades for a simple wash across the lips. While the texture and shades take us back to some great times, the highly nourishing formula is a thing of the future. Infused with moringa oil, jojoba oil and coconut oil, you’ll find that the formula is unrivalled when it comes to soothing, deeply moisturising and conditioning lips for comforting all-day wear.

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Don’t be turned away by the high pigment, as this lip oil is a firm favourite. More of a balm than lipgloss, this lip oil is perfectly poised to hydrate and moisturise lips with meadowfoam seed oil (known for its emollient, moisture-locking properties) and hyaluronic acid (which retains 1000x its weight in water for additional hydration). You’ll return to this sheen-booster again and again.

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If there is one thing about Charlotte Tilbury’s products, it is that her formulas are magic. There is the magic 8 formula, after all. Made with sqisandryl to define and plump lips and alpine rose to protect against pollutants, this clear oil can be used as an overnight treatment to condition lips or underneath a lip balm or lip gloss for all-day care.

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Confidently transitioning from an oil to a gloss, this three-in-one intensive treatment oil by Ami Colē is not only in a universally flattering shade but also moisturises the driest of lips with baobab oil, camellia oil and passionfruit seed oil. What more could you want?

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This lip oil doesn’t sell out repeatedly for no reason. A cult-favourite, this lip treatment oil by Hourglass is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, hydrants, oils and botanicals to condition lips while also helping to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that can gather on the lips over time. Say hello to plumper, youthful-looking lips in no time.

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A fusion of everything, this lip oil is all you’ll need with little top-ups throughout the day. It boasts of the best elements when it comes to lip care. You will not be disappointed with lip balm, lip oil and gloss, even a colour pigment reminiscent of a lipstick.

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Those that love the idea of a lip oil but are lipstick loyalists will adore this option from YSL. It is formulated with 65 per cent oils, making it a conditioning saviour for lips all day. A medium-coverage lipstick takes it from day-to-night in a swipe while packed with goodness–pomegranate, rosemary extracts and antioxidants to help protect lips. 

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If there is one thing that Hermes knows how to do, it is to perfect their craft, and when it comes to formulas luxury is prioritised. Made with 97 per cent natural ingredients, this lip oil is fused with apricot kernel oil and sunflower seed oil to protect and comfort lips. At the same time, the irresistible scent is an aromatic blend of sandalwood, arnica and Amarelle cherry–bursting with pigment, fragrance and protection.

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