The 16 Best Lip Oils of 2024, Tested by Real People
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Stila Cosmetics Heaven's Dew Gel Lip Oil gave us the best pout
Amazon / Walmart / Sephora /Clarins
The first step to a beautiful lipstick application is a great moisturizer, but if you’re growing tired of your go-to stick of lip balm, then a great (and more nourishing) alternative is lip oil. Often formulated with natural ingredients, lip oils aim to restore the thin skin of your lips to a smooth and hydrated state after being dry or cracked.
"“Maintaining healthy moisture levels is critical for the lips as they don’t have oil glands or any natural moisturizer." — Natalie Aguilar, dermatological nurse and celebrity esthetician
"
With so many brands and formulas to choose from, we researched the market and tested nearly 20 lip oils to figure out which ones were worth buying and which were worth passing on. In the PEOPLE Tested Lab, we evaluated texture, ease of application, pigment, and staying power and narrowed it down to these must-have picks.
Keep scrolling to discover the best lip oils we tested, as well as expert advice from Aguilar and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman.
Best Overall: Stila Cosmetics Heaven's Dew Gel Lip Oil
Pros
This lightweight oil feels especially conditioning and moisturizing, thanks to the gel formula.
It has a non-greasy feel, despite the slick consistency.
It felt smooth on the lips and never clumped up or got goopy.
It had long staying power — even after 30 minutes it still felt like we had just swiped it on.
Cons
This lip oil is more expensive than others on our list.
Determining the best lip oil out there is a tough feat, but this buttery product from Stila Cosmetics made the job easy for us after earning a nearly perfect score in our lab. This oil exceeded our expectations in terms of feel, hydration, and longevity, making this little tube stand out from the crowd even more than its glittery formula already does. It was beyond smooth on our lips, never feeling clumpy or goopy, without being so thin that could slide off of our lips. We loved that it was non-greasy despite having a slick consistency, which made it easy to wear all day. No more sticky, heavy glosses for us.
Because its formula is gel-based, we found that our lips stayed hydrated longer when we wore this lippie over the others. And when we reapplied a few more times to more of the silvery sparkles onto our lips, the formula didn’t glob up or get bulky — it just glided on like a shimmering wash of nourishment, leaving our lips looking juicier than a plumper could.
What also impressed us, though, was its staying power. Even after 30 minutes of wear, we still had the super-slick lips that we had when we first swabbed it on. The jojoba oil and antioxidant-rich formula kept our lips hydrated and soft even after eating things like granola bars, and the infused hyaluronic acid helped our lips appear more supple and full without the burning sensation that comes with most plumpers. It is more expensive than other lip oils on our list, however we felt like it was worth it. Earning a shiny 4.95 out of 5 stars, this lip oil is the closest thing we can find to perfection.
Size: 0.18 oz. | Key Ingredients: Antioxidants, jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid | Fragranced: No | Finish: Shiny, sparkly | Shades: 6
What We Think Now
After two months of use, our tester still loves this lip oil. In fact, it has become her favorite go-to lip oil for everyday wear.
Best on Amazon: Nooni Lip Oil
Pros
It technically doubles as a stain, making this a great multitasking product.
Even though it has the longevity of a stain, the color came completely off when wiped clean with a makeup wipe.
It never slipped off our lips or feathered onto the skin.
The hydrating formula keeps lips soft and moisturized.
Cons
Because of the small amount (hence the lower price), it won’t last as long as others we tested.
The tube has a tendency to leak when placed on its side.
It seems like there’s a new beauty trend every day, and we can’t possibly buy into all of them. But when it comes to lip oils, this kind of product is certainly one that everyone should implement into their routines — and the Nooni Lip Oil is the ideal, budget-friendly way to try out this kind of product without splurging. We love that it is available on Amazon, which means fast shipping and free returns for Prime members.
In terms of wear, this comfortable, tinted oil left a slick sheen on our lips that gave our pouts an extra dose of moisture while amping up the color (technically doubling as a stain). It took us about a minute of rubbing our lips with a makeup wipe to remove the color, which was impressive for a low-cost product such as this one.
We liked that this oil, though thin and very hydrating, never slipped off of our lips or feathered onto our skin in a greasy mess. Instead, it kept our lips looking luscious and tinted, acting like a stain and balm all in one. We did, however, find that the product had a tendency to leak when placed on its side. While the amount of product in the tube is somewhat small, we feel like the overall performance and price of this lip oil make this product a great segue into the world of lip oils for newbies and cost-conscious consumers alike.
Size: 0.12 oz. | Key Ingredients: Appleseed oil, cherry extract, peptides | Fragranced: No | Finish: Shiny | Shades: 7
What We Think Now
We continue to appreciate how soft and supple this made our lips — and our tester even uses it at night before bed to keep her lips from drying out.
Best Budget: NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip
Pros
Our lips still felt supple and hydrated after more than 30 minutes of wear.
The dense consistency adds an impressive amount of hydration, thanks to the addition of squalane.
Priced under $9, this product is the least expensive of the ones we tested.
Cons
It definitely feels a bit thick, acting as more of a gloss than a lightweight oil.
Who doesn’t love a product that gets you that high-shine pout without the high-end price tag? The NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip has the lowest price on our list, but soars in appearance and feel, making you do a double take when you see it only costs around $9.
We had to scrub our lips clean before swiping on this oil, which left our lips feeling a bit dry, but one swipe of this juicy formula made our skin feel rejuvenated and more hydrated than ever. Our one qualm was that this formula felt a bit thick — almost like a gloss instead of an oil. In fact, it took a little bit of force to pull the wand from the tube, causing some to spill out the side.
But with its dense consistency came some serious hydration, which kept our lips looking and feeling supple after more than 30 minutes. We like to use this as the final act of our makeup routine, layering it over a lip liner for the look of a reflective gloss and the moisture of your go-to balm.
Size: 0.16 oz. | Key Ingredients: Vegan squalane, raspberry oil, cloudberry oil | Fragranced: No | Finish: Shiny | Shades: 8
What We Think Now
After using this lip oil for two months, our tester continues to enjoy its shine and feel — and even plan on stocking up on other colors as well.
Best Drugstore: Milani Fruit Fetish Lip Oil
Who It’s Good For
This lightweight formula is made with fruit extracts and vitamin E.
We appreciated the thick doe-foot applicator, which made applying this lip gloss quick and effortless.
It comes in four shades, including a more neutral Passionfruit Coconut option.
Pros
It does taste and smell like artificial fruit, which may be too strong for some noses.
We love a good drugstore beauty purchase, and the best lip oil at your local convenience store has to be the Milani Fruit Fetish Lip Oils. Dermatologist-loved ingredients like vitamin E oil and fruit extracts make up the delectable formula that is Milani’s lip oil, which provides the slick sheen of a gloss with the lightweight feel (and beneficial properties) of an oil at a considerably low price.
With four tinted shades (Passionfruit Coconut being the most neutral), you can achieve a color-kissed look without messy layers of lipstick and gloss. A big doe-foot applicator is always a plus in our book, as it makes application quick and easy for on-the-go gloss. This fruity formula is a great option for shoppers wanting to test out lip oil without spending $20 or more, as this type of product can easily produce a high price tag.
We want to warn you that these flavors do come with artificial fruit fragrances, which may be a drawback to shoppers who are sensitive to strong scents; if this isn’t a deterrent for you, we think you’ll love the fresh and flushed look that this drugstore buy provides.
Size: 0.14 oz. | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, fruit extracts | Fragranced: Yes | Finish: Tinted, glossy | Shades: 4
What We Think Now
Our tester still reaches for this lip oil two months later, wearing it on its own for a nice subtle color or layered over lipstick for more shine.
Best for Dry Lips: Clarins Lip Comfort Oil
Pros
This healing lip oil is dermatologist-recommended for dry lips.
It includes hydrating and calming ingredients like jojoba, rose, and hazelnut oil.
The eight shade options make it a multitasking product: a tint and oil all in one.
Cons
This lip oil comes in eight shades, but there isn't an untinted option.
If an easy, everyday oil is what you’re after, then the Clarins Lip Comfort Oil is the answer to your wishes. Dr. Rachel Nazarian, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, noted this product as her favorite for a number of reasons.
Nourishment is at the forefront of this product’s benefits thanks to its rich formula of natural oils, making it a saving grace for dry lips.
“This product contains a high level of omega fatty acids, which can improve the hydration barrier, but also antioxidants (such as rose oil and jojoba) which are quite calming to skin,” Dr. Nazarian tells PEOPLE. “Because these ingredients have no addictive properties and only continue to hydrate better with continued use, I recommend using as needed, or even daily."
There are no untinted options, but the eight glossy shades that this oil is available in make this product a tint and moisturizer all in one, so you can give your lips some TLC while rocking a fun color as well.
Size: 0.2 oz. | Key Ingredients: Organic sweetbriar rose, jojoba, and hazelnut oil | Fragranced: Yes | Finish: Glossy | Shades: 8
Related: The 9 Best Lip Masks, Tested and Reviewed
Best with SPF: Coola Organic Liplux Lip Oil
Pros
This lip oil has SPF 30 to keep your lips protected from the sun.
It is infused with jojoba and camellia oil for all-day hydration.
It features a neutral golden hue that is ideal for everyday wear.
Cons
Because it has SPF, this isn't an oil you need to buy if you mostly wear lip oils in the evening or as an overnight mask.
This lip oil is only available in one shade.
Nowadays just about everything has SPF in it, but the types of products that often lack a sun protectant are anything for your lips. It’s easy to slather on the tinted sunscreen and go about your day, but our lips are often forgotten about when it comes to this step — and applying an oil in the bright rays can make matters even worse, attracting more sun and potentially causing skin damage. The Coola Organic Liplux Lip Oil is our knight in shining armor, including broad-spectrum sunscreen in its already nourishing formula.
Not only does this oil include broad spectrum SPF 30 with UVA/UVB protection, but the formula also seals in the healing properties of organic camellia and jojoba oil for all-day hydration while you have fun in the sun. It is only available in one shade, but its golden hue is a color that suits anyone, making your lips appear glossier and plumper despite the dry heat.
Although this may not be an ideal choice if you only wear lip oils in the evening or at night, this product from Coola should be part of everyone’s morning routine. And throw an extra in your beach bag for good measure!
Size: 0.11 oz. | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, camellia, jojoba oils | Finish: Glossy | Shades: 1
Best for Mature Skin: Kopari Tri-Peptide Lip Cloud
Pros
This lip oil includes a host of key ingredients, including a tri-peptide complex that plumps and nourishes the skin barrier.
The formula can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around your lips, which makes it a great anti-aging option.
It adds a high-shine finish that can be worn on its own or layered over lipstick.
Cons
Because of the added peppermint oil, it does leave a tingly sensation on your lips for a bit and has a minty taste and smell (and should be avoided if you're allergic).
It's only available in one color, which is clear.
Most oils are great for hydrating your lips, but what about sealing in that moisture? The Kopari Tri-Peptide Lip Cloud excels in this field, doubling as a lightweight gloss but absorbing like a steadfast moisturizer to lock in the benefits that this “cloud” formula provides.
The oil’s hero ingredients are its tri-peptide complex, which works overtime to plump and nourish your skin barrier and reduce the appearance of fine lines around your mouth — all while adding a high-shine finish and completing your makeup look with finesse.
The product felt smooth and non-sticky on our lips, which was a sigh of relief, as nobody wants their hair sticking to their mouths on a windy day. There’s also a slight tingle and minty taste that this product elicits once it’s applied, which makes our lips feel cool and appear more plumped after one light swipe. Our old Chapsticks are gathering dust at the bottoms of our work bags because of the moisturizing properties that we get with this tri-peptide formula — and we’re pretty impressed, to say the least.
Size: 0.2 oz. | Key Ingredients: Tri-peptides, coconut oil, hyaluronic acid, plant-derived ceramides, apricot seed oil | Fragranced: Yes | Finish: Shiny | Shades: 1
What We Think Now
After two months of use, our tester is still using this product for going-out occasions where she wants plumped and hydrated lips. This product layers nicely over lipsticks, but she wishes it came in other shades besides a clear gloss.
Related: The 16 Best Anti-Aging Products of 2024 to Elevate Your Inner Glow
Best Long-Lasting: Merit Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil
Pros
This product doubles as a long-lasting lip stain and skincare product.
It features a buildable formula that develops into a more pigmented shade the more you apply.
It features 11 neutral shades for everyday wear, including a warm clear hue.
Cons
We found the tube was small for the price.
Creamy in consistency yet weightless on the lips, the Merit Shade Slick is the ideal tinted lip product thanks to its dual role as a long-lasting lip stain and restorative oil. This buildable formula becomes more pigmented as you layer it, with eleven neutral shades to choose from for everyday wear. Rest assured that your lips will be pillowy and soft after use thanks to the inclusion of shea butter, grapeseed, rosehip, and jojoba oil in this rich formula.
PEOPLE Deputy Beauty Director Jackie Fields loves the array of shades to choose from and felt that the selection was appropriate for any age. Fields says the oil has "a lovely application and pretty tint [while being] not at all drying.”
Size: 0.23 oz. | Key Ingredients: Rosehip, jojoba, and grapeseed oils, shea butter | Fragranced: No | Finish: Glossy | Shades: 11
What We Think Now
We continue to love its weightless feel; however, we did wish the tube was larger as we went through it so quickly! For a product that not only provides top-notch nourishment but can fit in seamlessly with your other favorite lipsticks, glosses, and more, we still believe you can’t go wrong with the Shade Slick from Merit.
Best Pigmented: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil
Pros
The color can vary from a light sheen to a bold swathe, depending on how many layers are applied.
The color lasted long enough to be used for all-day wear.
Despite being pigmented, the formula felt lightweight and cooling on the lips.
Cons
The shade range does not include a colorless option, which may be some people's preference.
The shiny oil does absorb into the skin after about 20 minutes, leaving behind a more matte color.
Want to get the benefits of a hydrating treatment without sacrificing color? We’ve got you covered with the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil, a comfortable, super-slick formula that has all of the hydration properties of your favorite moisturizer with the buildable color of your go-to lip tint.
This collection comes with eight flirty yet neutral shades, each one moisturizing enough for all-day wear. Despite packing some serious color, the formula felt super light on our lips and even felt cooling on our skin — a pretty unique trait among the sea of others that we tried.
The glassy shine that this oil gave us definitely absorbed into our skin in about 20 minutes, but it left behind the same color that we’d originally applied and a much more moisturized skin barrier. We don’t think it’s necessary to apply much product, as the color will keep getting more intense with each swipe, but if you really want to pack a punch with your shade, then a few more layers never hurt.
Overall, this lip oil is a great blend between skincare and makeup, finding balance in both feel-good properties and gorgeous, pigmented color.
Size: 0.1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil | Fragranced: No | Finish: Shiny, pigmented | Shades: 8
What We Think Now
After using it for two months, we found that we had to reapply often as the wear didn't last as long as we would like. We wish the formula was longwe-lasting so we didn't run out so quickly, because we did love wearing it.
Best Non-Sticky: Dior Lip Glow Oil
Pros
This lip oil provides a high-shine look without feeling sticky.
The cushiony doe-foot applicator makes reapplying easy and a more luxurious experience.
It includes cherry oil, which protects your lips against environmental stress factors and dehydration.
Cons
It's a bit thick, feeling more like a gloss than a lightweight oil.
It fades quickly after eating or drinking, so you'll need to reapply throughout the day.
This pick was definitely TikTok’s favorite lip oil, and with its luscious results, we can easily see why. The Dior Lip Glow Oil gives its slick and shiny glow thanks to its highlighted ingredient, cherry oil, which protects the thin skin of your lips against stress factors and dehydration.
“There are a few reasons I always have this lip oil in my purse: It's not sticky, it adds an instant hit of hydration and I love the high-shine finish,” says Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE's Deputy Style Director. “Plus, the doe-foot applicator is cushiony and soft, which makes the experience of using it feel luxurious.”
Due to its thicker consistency, this oil feels a little more like a standard lip product than a lightweight oil. “While the formula feels a bit more like a gloss than an actual oil, it always leaves my lips feeling hydrated,” Talarico notes. “My only complaint is [that] it fades quickly after you eat or drink, so be ready to reapply."
Size: 0.2 oz. | Key Ingredients: Cherry oil | Fragranced: Yes | Finish: Glossy | Shades: 8
What We Think Now
The Dior Lip Glow Oil continues to check all the boxes, making it worth its higher price tag. If you want your lips to feel ultra luxurious, then this hydrating oil is the one for you.
Best Flavored: InnBeauty Project Glaze Lip Oil
Pros
It is formulated with a pairing of hydrating ingredients and a plant-based plumping complex that exaggerates the natural shape of your lips.
We found it really lingers on the lips and we would only need to reapply after meals.
It tastes like cherry Jell-O and is reminiscent of our beloved flavored lip glosses of the '90s and '00s.
Cons
We did find it a bit tacky or sticky, but it wasn't uncomfortable and we would still use it as an everyday lip oil.
If you love a fruity-flavored lip product (and want a little bit of a plump to your lips while you’re at it), then you’re in luck with the InnBeauty Project Glaze Lip Oil, which is currently available in seven shades.
We became quite fond of this product while testing in the PEOPLE Tested Lab; it invoked a dose of nostalgia for those super thick, flavored lip glosses one tester used to wear in middle school. That being said, this lip oil is definitely made with grown-up ingredients.
Formulated with natural red-root and jojoba oils with the extra benefits of fermented pomegranate and apple extract, it added a noticeable amount of hydration. That hydrating formula is then complemented with a plant-based plumping complex that exaggerates the natural shape of your lips. We did find it a bit sticky, but not enough that it made it difficult to wear.
“This product is everything you want in a lip oil: non-sticky gloss-like finish, big doe-foot applicator that perfectly pampers your lips with each swipe, and a delicious scent and flavor (I liken it to cherry Jell-O),” says former Commerce Director Lindsey Metrus.
Size: 0.2 oz. | Key Ingredients: Natural red-root and jojoba oil, fermented pomegranate, apple extract, and a plant-based plumping complex | Fragranced: Yes | Finish: Glossy | Shades: 7
What We Think Now
We still love its smell, glossy sheen, and long-lasting color after testing it for two months. Bonus: the packaging is cute, as well!
Best Plumping: U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound
Pros
This product is formulated with peptides, salicylic acid, shea butter, ceramides, and more.
The metal applicator feels cool and soothing on our lips.
It provides a true plumping effect without the tingling sensation and without needing constant reapplication.
While it is relatively pricey, it does come with a lot more product than most lip oils.
Cons
At around $70, it's the priciest option we tested.
The thickness of the formula won't be up to everyone's preference.
For us to recommend a lip product that's $68 (the most expensive on our list!), it’s gotta be able to do it all — and we’re happy to say that this oil really does. Dubbed the “Plasma Lip Compound,” this formula transcends the categories of your average lip products, refusing to be pigeonholed as a lip plumper, gloss, or oil.
This treatment comes in four colors and acts as a nurturing kiss of color and moisture. Using a mixture of peptides, salicylic acid, shea butter, and even more skin-loving ingredients, this delicate formula repaired our dry skin and plumped our lips into pillowy pouts, leaving a trace of color behind for that effortless look we all aspire towards. Plus, we loved how soothing that cool, metal applicator felt on our lips.
Though the product was a little thick, it was very comfortable on our lips and never feathered or migrated onto our skin after applying it. It also never left a stinging or tingling feeling that some lip plumpers tend to do. The treatment felt like a gloss without feeling greasy, and totally absorbed into our skin within 20 minutes — leaving only a light wash of color and an ultra-hydrated skin barrier behind.
We don’t think we’d need to re-apply this too often throughout the day, as the hydration components of this oil are strong enough to keep our lips feeling soft and looking plump for a good chunk of time. And if the price is a little too high for you, there's also an option to join the U Beauty subscription plan to receive the treatment tube for $54.
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Peptides, alpha hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, beeswax, ceramides, poly-hydroxy acid, shea butter | Fragranced: Yes | Finish: Shiny | Shades: 4
What We Think Now
After two months of use, we still love this lip oil — our tester said she has even been complimented on her noticeably fuller lips.
Best Multitasker: Ami Colé Lip Treatment Oil
Pros
This product can do it all — add a bit of color, a lot of shine, and even more hydration.
We found the sheer hues helped to enhance our natural lip color.
Our lips felt hydrated all day after applying this lip oil, which meant less time we had to spend reapplying.
Cons
Since this only adds a sheer tint, there isn't as big a color payoff as some other options we tested.
The tube tends to leak if not closed tightly.
Similarly to the U Beauty plumper, this treatment from Ami Cole has a few other tricks up its sleeve besides a shiny finish. Where the U Beauty lip made our lips fuller, the Ami Cole treatment acted as a deep conditioner for our skin barriers — nourishing dry, chapped lips with a blend of baobab seed, camellia, and passionfruit seed oil. We loved this product not only for its comfortable feel and glass-like shine but also for its healing properties (you could even use this as an overnight mask for supple lips by morning).
The oil left behind a slight hue on our lips, which makes each of its five color options incredibly versatile due to their sheer pigmentation – practically our own lip color, just better. And the formula kept our lips feeling hydrated for a while throughout the day, which cut back on the amount of times that we felt like we needed to reapply (which will save you money in the end). The only complaint is that the tube tended to leak if placed on its side. For the quality and versatility of this product, however, we were surprised to discover that this lippie was only $20.
Size: 0.15 oz. | Key Ingredients: Baobab seed oil, camellia seed oil, passionfruit seed oil | Fragranced: No | Finish: Shiny | Shades: 5
What We Think Now
After two months of use, this lip oil continued to exceed our expectations in nourishing the lips and providing a comfortable, non-sticky shine.
Best Nourishing: Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss
Pros
During our testing, we found that it still felt glossy and hydrating hours after applying.
It is formulated with a blend of hyaluronic acid, peptides, evening primrose, and avocado oil.
In addition to hydrating benefits, it also provides a subtle plumping effect to the lips, thanks to the peptides.
Cons
It does feel a bit thick and too goopy immediately following application, but this sensation is short-lived.
If you thought the viral Kosas concealer may have forever changed your makeup routine, then just wait until you add the Wet Lip Oil Gloss to the mix. With eight romantic shades to choose from, there’s a plumping hue ready to complete any look you’re going for.
This formula stands out from the rest with its intricate blend of hyaluronic acid for water absorption, peptides for subtle plumping, and evening primrose and avocado oils to lock in moisture, which our dry-lipped tester appreciated during our testing.
We did find that it felt goopy when first applied, but after a few minutes, that feeling subsided and we were just left with shiny, hydrated lips. Because of the thickness, we found we didn't have to keep reapplying it throughout the day like with some other lip oils and glosses we tested. With its non-sticky feel and the healing benefits of hyaluronic acid, this lip oil and gloss combo is definitely worth the price.
Size: 0.15 oz. | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, avocado, and evening primrose oil | Fragranced: Yes | Finish: Glossy, shimmery | Shades: 8
What We Think Now
After having this in our arsenal for two months, this lip oil continued to deliver — not as much for its plumping effects, but for its nourishing feel and shimmery colors.
Best Hydrating: Ilia Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil
Pros
A little bit really goes a long way, meaning it'll save you some reapplication time (and money).
It is formulated with salicornia extract, an ultra-moisturizing sea succulent.
It feels thick on the lips without being sticky or tacky and is comfortable for all-day wear.
Cons
It has a creamier consistency compared to others we tested, so it won't give you that high-gloss look.
Don’t get it twisted, this Ilia Balmy Gloss is fully a lip oil — just with the ultra-nourishing benefits of a nutrient-rich lip balm, too. Choose from a variety of six pigmented shades to find the color that feels right for you (but don’t think too hard, because each of these hues is sheer enough to create a custom color for your skin tone).
But fun color options aren’t the only standout qualities of these oils — this hydration level comes straight from the sea, with its hero ingredient being salicornia, an ultra-moisturizing sea succulent that is said to boost hydration up to 6,000 percent.
This oceanic element is accompanied by hyaluronic acid for plumpness, meadowfoam seed oil for barrier protection, and a medley of other dermatologist-approved ingredients for a product that not only looks gorgeous but feels like a spa treatment. Is it a creamy liquid lip, a balm, or an oil? It doesn’t need labels — it’s an all-in-one (newsflash: you must have it).
Size: 0.14 oz. | Key Ingredients: Salicornia herbacea extract, hyaluronic acid, meadowfoam seed oil | Fragrance: No | Finish: Tinted, glossy | Shades: 6
What We Think Now
After two months of use, we continue to enjoy this moisturizing formula and love how buildable it is, from a sheer, casual tint to a more dramatic look for an evening out.
Best Lightweight: Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil
Pros
This featherweight gloss melts into the skin for weightless wear.
The key ingredient is honey, which is naturally packed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
It feels comfortable on the lips without being tacky (which is surprising for honey!).
Cons
There's no tinted shade available, just a subtle honey gold or shimmer option.
Your lips will feel as sweet as honey once they meet the Honey-Infused Lip Oil from the influencer-founded beauty brand Gisou. Born of hive-grown honey from creator Negin Mirsalehi’s family bee garden, this lip oil has become an internet (and writer)-loved favorite thanks to its silky results and healing properties.
“I find myself reaching for this oil several times throughout the day, morning and night — not because I need it (my lips have truly never been more hydrated), but because of how luxurious it is and feels,” says PEOPLE Shopping Writer Alyssa Brascia.
Infused with hyaluronic acid and the natural actives found in the Mirsalehi bee garden oil blend (Omegas 3, 6, and 9), this mixture forms a skin-loving serum that targets dry, flaky skin. “I often experience super chapped lips in the winter, and since employing this lip oil into my routine, especially as a mask at night, I’ve seen huge improvements in the overall appearance and feel of my lips,” Brascia adds.
During our testing, we found that the Gisou lip oil provided a lightweight layer of moisture and nourishment without feeling sticky or tacky (which we were surprised about since it's made with honey!). A little bit goes a long way, too, and it spreads super easily across the lips during application, which only adds to the value of the product. You should note that there are no tinted shades available, only honey gold or a shimmer.
Size: 0.27 oz. | Key Ingredients: Honey, hyaluronic acid, Omegas 3, 6, and 9, Buriti fruit, blueberry seed oils | Fragranced: No | Finish: Glossy | Shades: 2
What We Think Now
After two months of testing, this product continued to be our go-to; however, because it's so lightweight, you may need to reach for a heavier lip balm or oil if your lips get really dry in the winter months.
Things to Consider When Buying Lip Oils
Purpose
Lip oils are quite versatile beauty products, so the purpose for which you want to use them will help narrow your choices. Each will consist of hydrating ingredients, but are you looking to use it solely as a moisturizing product, or do you want to add it as a finishing touch to your makeup routine? Why not both?
You can easily utilize lip oils as skincare by applying them before bed to seal in those remedial properties, or you can swipe them on as you do your makeup to soften your lips into a smooth base (healing oils like the Clarins Lip Comfort Oil in shade “Honey” or the Gisou Honey-Infused Lip Oil are great for this). Think about your intended end use of this product, and you’ll have a solid foundation to start your search on.
Shades
Some oils are created in clear shades only, to act as a skincare product or lipstick topper all in one, while others are tinted or made to provide a rich hue for a gloss alternative. Clear oils (like our pick from Kopari Tri-Peptide Lip Cloud) have the most versatility, as they can be worn on their own or in addition to other lip products.
On the other hand, tinted oils, such as the Merit Shade Slick, can provide that same level of moisturization and serve as a lip color. Each will provide that glossy result, but hues will differentiate one product from another.
Ingredients
As alluded to in the name, lip oils are made from just that – oils. However, there are different healing properties to each ingredient being used, and some are objectively better than others.
“Look for ingredients that are nourishing such as single-sourced oil extractions,” Aguilar advises. “Vitamin E works as a natural preservative, so most clean, hydrating and minimal ingredient products have vitamin E oil.”
Aguilar notes that her favorite oils for moisture include rose, grapeseed, and nut oils, which are all rich in omegas and beneficial for proper hydration — a combo you can find in plenty of our picks.
People / Jessica Juliao
How We Tested
To find the absolute best lip oils, we conducted extensive research on the market and narrowed it down to 19 popular lip oils we wanted to try ourselves. We brought these to the PEOPLE Tested Lab and spent the day experimenting with each one against a variety of attributes, including feel, hydration, wear/longevity, and overall results.
Feel and Applicator: To begin the test, we first used a makeup wipe to remove any residue or product build-up on our lips. Then we applied a lip scrub to ensure our lips started off smooth and ready for application. After that, we took each lip oil and applied it to our lips, taking note of the quality of the applicator and how it felt during the application.
Longevity: To evaluate the staying power, we ate some snacks and drank from a white cup to see how much product we were left with and if it could survive a day's activities.
Texture and Wear: We also noted how it felt on our lips, whether that was sticky and tacky, lightweight or thick and heavy, comfortable enough to wear as an everyday lip oil, and more.
After our tests concluded, we rated each oil's performance on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the best) against the aforementioned attributes. The products that earned the highest average scores earned a spot on this PEOPLE Tested list of the best lip oils.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lip oil the same as lip gloss?
Though it can be easy to confuse the two with how many lip products are on the market today, lip oils and lip glosses are actually quite different from one another.
Glosses typically consist of a thicker formula, are made to be worn as a beauty product, and are usually non-moisturizing, whereas lip oils toe the line between makeup and skincare, offering both moisturization and a glossy shine.
Which essential oils are good for lips?
There are many plant-derived substances that are healing for our lips, but which are the oils that we should look for in our lip products? Aguilar is a self-proclaimed devotee of pure organic grapeseed oil, mixing this natural ingredient into almost all of her skincare products and even using it alone.
“Grape seed oil is rich in omega fatty acids, especially linoleic acid and vitamin E, which help maintain healthy moisture levels in skin,” she explains.
Dr. Nazarian agrees with her statement about vitamin E, sharing that she recommends products that include rose oils, jojoba oils, and aloe as well.
However, there are some substances that should be avoided in your lip oil selection, which Dr. Nazarian helps us pinpoint. “I recommend avoiding ingredients such as menthol or alcohols [as they] often lead to loss of moisture and drying of the lips with chronic use,” she says.
Nazarian also recommends the use of SPF in conjunction with your lip oil as well, as most formulas are engineered without it.
Are lip oils better than balms?
While it’s not a competition, we do think that both lip balms and lip oils bring different qualities to the table. “The specific lip [products] which contain hydrating oils that improve the skin barrier can replace your everyday lip balms and moisturizer,” explains Dr. Nazarian, referring to the aforementioned natural oils that she recommends.
While balms are nourishing in and of themselves, the waxy formula can hinder their staying power and even dry the lips out if they are concocted with alcohols. Oils are typically a gentler approach, offering fast-absorbing serums that are rich in natural ingredients for more hydrating (and immediate) results — but if you want a happy medium between the two, your best bet would be the Ilia Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
PEOPLE Shopping Writer Alyssa Brascia compiled her research, insights given by our testers and editors, and recommendations from medical professionals and estheticians to write this comprehensive guide. We took the recommendations and guidance of celebrity aestheticians, dermatologists, and our own editorial research to uncover and rank the best lip oils that every beauty and skincare lover should have in their kits.
Meet Our Experts
Natalie Aguilar is a dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician to Sofia Vergara and Rita Ora.
Dr. Dendy Engelman is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on People.
