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What Does a Lip Oil Do?

Lip oils are a revolutionary blend of nourishing oils, antioxidants, and vitamins, designed to hydrate, soothe, and enhance the natural beauty of your lips. They penetrate deep into the skin, providing intense moisture without the sticky or waxy feeling that traditional lip balms might leave behind. Lip oils are lightweight, non-greasy, and offer a natural sheen that enhances your lips’ appearance, making them look fuller and healthier. Their primary function is to keep your lips moisturized, preventing dryness, chapping, and flakiness.

Lip Balm vs. Lip Oil: Which is Better?

Comparing lip balm and lip oil is like choosing between apples and oranges; both have their unique benefits. Lip balms provide a protective barrier, sealing in moisture and preventing lips from becoming dry. However, they can sometimes feel heavy and may not offer the same lightweight, natural finish that lip oils do. Lip oils, on the other hand, not only moisturize but also add a touch of gloss and a subtle tint, enhancing your lips’ natural color. The choice between lip balm and lip oil ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired level of hydration and shine.

Lip Oil vs. Lip Tint: What’s the Difference?

While both lip oils and lip tints enhance the appearance of your lips, they serve different purposes. Lip oils focus primarily on moisturization, providing a glossy finish and a subtle hint of color. On the other hand, lip tints are pigmented products designed to add a burst of vibrant color to your lips. Lip oils offer a more natural and sheer look, making them ideal for everyday wear, while lip tints are perfect when you want to make a statement with bold, vivid lips.

In conclusion, lip oils are a versatile addition to your beauty routine, offering deep hydration, a natural shine, and a touch of color. Whether you're heading to the office, a special event, or a casual outing, lip oils provide the perfect balance between nourishment and style. So, why not indulge your lips in the goodness of lip oil? Embrace the hydrating power of nature and let your lips shine with health and beauty.

If you’re interested in getting juicy plump lips, visit our Instagram for lip filler inspiration.

While lipstick lends a creamy or matte consistency and bold color payoff—and lip gloss creates a sheer, glossy tint—lip oil saturates your pout with a natural flush and moisturizing ingredients. The result is plumped, hydrated lips and a natural hint of gorgeous color. 

"I love lip oils because they not only look beautiful, but also provide skincare benefits. The visual effect of a lip oil is similar to the glasslike finish of gloss, but less viscous and gloopy-looking,” says celebrity makeup artist Bryan Cantor. 

Ahead, we’re diving into the benefits of lip oils and shouting out some of our favorite products to swipe on. 

What’s the Difference Between Lip Gloss and Lip Oil?

Though lip gloss and lip oil are pretty similar, some key differences exist. First, lip gloss  has a thicker, stickier, and tackier finish. When infused with color, it also lends a bit more color payoff thanks to higher concentrations of color pigment within the formula. 

Lip oil, on the other hand, is typically much thinner in consistency, and the color payoff is more sheer. Cantor says, “As opposed to lip glosses, lip oils are actually skincare in disguise and will not only look and feel great while you are wearing them, but will also help to lock moisture into your lips to help them stay hydrated longer after the product wears off.” 

Also, since the foundation of the formula is oil, it helps moisturize and lock in hydration for a plump and juicy pout. Both lip glosses and lip oils are great additions to your makeup collection, but each serves a unique purpose.

The Benefits of Lip Oil 

Not quite sold on the merits of lip oil? Perhaps these benefits might persuade you to add-to-cart.

Seriously Hydrates  

Aimee Carr, makeup artist and founder of Voodoo Makeup, says one of the biggest benefits of lip oils is that they keep lips hydrated and smooth. “It is a great option for those with dry lips to get some moisture,” she says.

Softens & Plumps

Carr says, “Lip oils also serve to keep lips soft and plump, which can help lessen the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.” 

Nourishing Formula 

The oils utilized in the base of the formula help hydrate, smooth, and plump, but lip oil formulas often pack more goodness into the formula. “Many lip oils are formulated with other skincare ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, to pack even more benefits into a single formula,” notes Cantor. Carr adds that some lip oils also include antioxidants, which help protect from free radical damage.

Long Lasting Shine 

“Lip oils give long lasting shine and hydration to the lip, and can also revitalize the lip alone,” says Carr. “It becomes a treatment and a makeup wrapped into one product. The oils serve to restore the skin's natural balance and offer a layer of defense against the environment.” 

Beautiful & Layerable 

For all the skincare benefits lip oils promise, they also just look beautiful. The extra shine creates a subtle sparkling effect and can create the illusion of fuller lips. Plus, Carr says you can layer lip oils over balms or lipsticks if you want that shiny finish and locked-in moisture. 

Lip Oils to Try 

If you’re curious to try lip oils for yourself, start with these picks recommended by makeup artists. 

• Fenty Cherry Treat Conditioning + Strengthening Lip Oil ($24; Sephora) Cantor says this one’s perfect for anyone who loves the thick consistency of gloss but wants the benefits and silkiness of a lip oil. He says, “It’s thicker than other oils I’ve tried, yet still smooth and not at all sticky. It’s also formulated with jojoba seed and rosehip fruit oils along with antioxidants. 
• Dior Addict Lip Glow Color-Awakening Lip Oil ($40; Sephora): Carr says she’s obsessed with this lip oil and calls it a major show stopper. “ It comes in a range of color options and has a great applicator. It is not sticky but has a high shine effect.” 
• Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir ($40; Sephora): A slew of nourishing ingredients join forces in this lip oil, which is one of Cantor’s favorites. “It contains eight powerful ingredients that combine to reduce the appearance of lip lines while moisturizing for up to 24 hours,” he says. “This silky lip oil is also infused with five different crystals to create a truly unique shine.” 
• ILIA’s Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil ($26; Sephora): Both Cantor and Carr sing the praises of this lip oil. It’s “cushiony and smooth in texture,” Cantor says, and Carr notes that the “hyaluronic acid gives a plump look while moisturizing at the same time.” 
• Hourglass Cosmetic Nº 28 Lip Treatment Oil ($54; Ulta): For a serious splurge, try this gorgeous lip oil from Hourglass Cosmetics. Carr says, “It’s a great treatment full of essential oils and vitamins that are beneficial to the lips. It works to condition lips and protect them.”