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.” 
  

Reasons Why You Need Lip Gloss

By Oreoritse Tariemi

Lip glosses add some shine to your lips. These lip glosses aren't just beauty products; they also contain hydrating and moisturising benefits that keep your lips looking great all day.  Need to know about lip glosses? These are only a few reasons you should use lip gloss today.  Amps Up Your Look In Minutes  Need…

Lip glosses add some shine to your lips.

These lip glosses aren’t just beauty products; they also contain hydrating and moisturising benefits that keep your lips looking great all day. 

Need to know about lip glosses? These are only a few reasons you should use lip gloss today. 

1. Amps Up Your Look In Minutes 

Need a quick makeup fix? Grab a lip gloss. Applying a thick layer of gloss on your lips adds a glam, chic look to your look. 

It works great for both no makeup looks and full glam looks. `

2. Comes In a Variety 

Lip glosses are versatile and come in a wide range of colours. Whether it’s a neutral colour, nudes, reds or metallics, these glosses compliment all of your looks. 

Nude glosses add the needed effect to a full makeup look, and on days you want to show off, a bold red lip gloss would be perfect.

3. Highly Moisturing:

With lipglosses, it’s bye to chapped lips and hello to moisturised lips. Lip glosses moisturise and protect the lips from wind penetration, cold temperatures, and ultraviolet radiation, reducing inflammation and allowing the healing of the lip tissue.

4. Pocket Friendly: 

Compared to many lipsticks, lipglosses cost far less and do the work just as well.