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Lip oils have made a real splash of late, don’t you think? Where once we just turned to lip balms for nourishing dry lips, now lip oils have taken centre stage thanks to their ability to both soothe lips and give a shiny finish minus the stickiness we often get from lip glosses.
In case you’re new to the concept, lip oils are very different to balms. Where lip balms coat lips to create a barrier against irritants like wind and cold, working within this barrier to repair damaged lips, lip oils visibly plump and smooth lips while also providing some barrier protection. They’re a great choice for anyone who likes a wash of colour without the dryness lipstick can sometimes bring, or if you love the shine of a gloss but find your hair sticks in it all the time.
Is Lip Oil Better Than Lip Balm?
Not necessarily, it really depends on what you need. We love lip oils as an alternative to lip tints with added nourishment, so if you’re looking for a light wash of colour that will also help protect and nourish your lips, try a lip oil. If you need intensive repair, you might prefer a lip balm as the barrier is thicker, and will prevent further environmental damage.
Below you’ll find our favourite lip oils for all budgets, from affordable must-haves to luxury picks you’ll cherish.
Naked Sundays
Naked Sundays Glow + Go Lip Oil SPF 50+
This luxe lip oil is a real winner for us because it’s also sun-protective. Perfect for a no-makeup look at the beach or in high summer, this lip oil by Naked Sundays ($30) is comfortable to wear all day but also gives you the reassurance that your lips are protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Revlon
Revlon Kiss Glow Lip Oil
Revlon has also entered the lip oil game with its super pretty Kiss Glow product, which comes in eight shades ranging from nudes to washes of colour, like Berry Brilliant ($12), the darkest shade on offer. This colour will give your lips a just-bitten look. A really affordable choice if you’re still unsure about lip oils.
Lys Beauty
Lys Beauty Speak Love Glossy Lip Treatment Oil
Want shine without the stickiness? This lip oil by Lys Beauty ($18) is for you. While the product is relatively new to Sephora in Australia, overseas fans have raved about the product, saying it’s their favourite lip treatment. “It is thick, glossy, has a slight pink tint that makes my lips glow, and it even has a plumping feeling to me,” one writes on the US Sephora site.
Tarte
Tarte Maracuja Glossy Lip Oil
Tarte is such a cult beauty brand, so it makes complete sense that they have a hugely popular lip oil in their repertoire. This poppy pink buy ($24) contains not one, but four different nourishing oils (maracuja, safflower, macadamia and olive fruit), and can be layered over lipstick to give extra moisture, or worn alone for a light pink tint.
Estée Lauder
Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Nighttime Rescue Lip Oil-Serum
If you’re after a great overnight treatment for your lips, a lip oil is a good choice. Lips regenerate the most at night, so applying something that will nourish them as we sleep is key to keeping them flake-free. Estée Lauder’s Pure Color Envy Lip Oil-Serum ($50) is packed with naturally-derived oils and marine collagen to help smooth and fill lines and keep lips highly moisturised. It’s also weightless, so you won’t feel it on your lips as you sleep.
Clarins
Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil
Enriched with hazelnut oil, this juicy treatment works as an all-day protectant and light wash of colour, or as a rich overnight fix. Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil ($37) is available in four sheer shades, and fans on Adore Beauty tend to favour the red berry colour for its just-bitten finish and delicious scent, however, a fanbase is growing for the mint option thanks to its plumping abilities, too.
