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!).
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.
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 OilLip 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.
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.
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Best for Shimmer
Clarins Lip Comfort Shimmer OilAnother 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!
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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.
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Best for Mature Lips
Hourglass Lip Treatment OilAn 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.
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This FAQ will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about lip oils, including their benefits, how to use them, and more.
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.
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 OilLip 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.
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.
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.
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.
From winter’s cold dry air to summer’s sun and wind, harsh elements can leave your lips in a state of dehydration. Certain lip products, such as long-wearing lipstick, can really dry out your lips, too. Unfortunately, lip balm often isn’t enough to keep dryness and cracking away.
Instead of reapplying your lip balm or lip gloss over and over, consider reaching for a lip oil instead. Lip oils not only give your lips a beautiful glossy shine, but they also nourish, soften, and protect your lips from dehydration and cracking.
So, what is lip oil and how is it used? In essence, it’s a hybrid multitasking product that blurs the lines between makeup and skincare. Here’s everything you need to know about lip oil, its benefits, and how to use it.
Lip oils are made with natural oils and other beneficial ingredients that nourish and hydrate the lips. They have a consistency somewhere between a lip gloss and a lip balm. Lip oils add a glossy shine to the lips and can be worn alone, under lipstick or on top of lipstick to protect the lips against dryness and cracking.
Unlike the skin on the rest of your body, the lips don’t have sebaceous oil glands. That’s why they’re so much more vulnerable to dryness and damage.
Lip oils provide deep hydration while adding a layer of protection against harsh elements. Natural lip oils like Gisou’s Honey Infused Lip Oil also contain beneficial ingredients like honey to bring chapped or cracked lips back to a healthy and balanced state.
We’ve all had dry lips at one time or another and reached for a lip balm to get relief. Unfortunately, most lip balms are made from a wax base. They coat the lips and provide temporary relief, but they don’t provide any long-lasting benefits.
Lip oils are different because they are made from natural oils that can penetrate deep into the lips to add moisture that lasts for hours without reapplying. Natural lip oils also offer healing properties that improve the health and appearance of your lips over time.
So, what’s the difference between lip oil and lip gloss? Well, lip gloss generally has a sticky, heavy consistency that sits on the surface of your lips. While lip gloss adds glossy shine, it doesn’t generally include any beneficial ingredients to improve the health of your lips.
On the other hand, lip oils have a lightweight finish that adds a beautiful shine without being sticky. You won’t have to worry about your hair getting stuck to your lips. Natural lip oils are also made with nourishing ingredients that protect your lips and enhance their natural appearance.
Gisou’s Honey Infused Lip Oil is formulated with natural lip oil ingredients that work together to smooth, plump, and define your lips while enhancing their natural color. Here are the key ingredients you’ll find in our lip oil formula:
Our proprietary oil blend is rich in omega fatty acids for deep hydration and long-lasting moisture. This antioxidant-rich blend also nourishes and strengthens the skin’s surface.
Hyaluronic acid penetrates deeply into the surface of the skin for intense hydration. The effects are amplified by Konjak Glucomannan Spheres, which hold up to 200 times their weight in water to smooth and plump the lips.
This is another skin-loving oil that contains Omegas 3 and 6 to reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier and protect against moisture loss.
Buruti Fruit Oil is rich in potent antioxidants and Omega 9 to regenerate the skin’s lipids and restore chapped lips.
Our Lip Oil formula also includes skin-loving ingredients like Vitamin E, calendula, and natural oils such as grape seed, sunflower, and evening primrose. We avoid ingredients like menthol, camphor, and salicylic acid, which could disrupt the delicate moisture balance of your lips, leading to dryness and inflammation.
Chances are, you’re already a loyal fan of Gisou’s Honey Infused Face Oil and our Honey Infused Hair Oil, but maybe you’re not sure exactly how to use our new Honey Infused Lip Oil. Just like our face and hair oil, our lip oil does so much more than simply moisturize the lips.
Our lip oil can be used as a lip treatment to soothe, nourish, and heal the delicate skin on your lips. It can also be used much like a gloss. One swipe will leave your lips looking juicy and plump, and we’ve provided a convenient applicator you can use on the go.
Gisou’s Honey Infused Lip Oil can also be layered over or under your favorite lip color to add hydration and shine. Try pairing it over your favorite lip stain to give it a glossier finish, or use it as a nourishing base layer under long-wearing lipstick for extra hydration.
No matter how you want to use our lip oil, you’ll get the softest and smoothest results if you apply it to clean, exfoliated lips. Just one swipe with the provided applicator will provide long-lasting hydration and protection any time of day.
Our Honey infused Lip Oil can be worn any time of year to protect your lips from the elements. Apply it whenever you want to add moisture, shine, and plumpness to the lips. Or, use it as a lip treatment before bed, so its beneficial ingredients can heal and moisturize your lips while you sleep.
You can use our Honey Infused Lip Oil as often as you like. However, you will find that its moisturizing benefits last a lot longer than lip balm, so you won’t need to reapply as often. That’s because our skin-loving oils penetrate the lips to provide lasting relief and hydration.
There’s no wrong way to use this multitasking product. Gisou’s Honey Lip Oil can be used on its own for hydration, plumpness, and shine. It can also be layered under or over your favorite lipstick shades to add moisture or provide a glossy finish.
When it comes to your beauty routine, there’s nothing better than a versatile multitasker. With every use, your lips will be softer, smoother, and plumper with a naturally healthy shine. That’s what makes Gisou’s new Honey Infused Lip Oil an essential part of your daily beauty routine.