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Why Lip Oil Should Be At The Top Of Your Beauty To-Buy List

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Chances are you’ve already added a face oil and maybe even a hair oil to your daily routine, but there’s a new kind of beauty oil that’s bound to become a next can’t-live-without: lip oil. 

Don’t worry if you're confused about what exactly this new beauty product is. You're not alone. Keep reading for everything you need to know about lip oil, plus Ipster picks for the best lip oils that give the perfect moisturizing shimmer.

So What is Lip Oil, Exactly?

While face and hair oils are all about moisturizing, lip oil does so much more. This makeup must-have also boasts the benefits you can expect from your favorite skincare. It can treat, soothe, and nourish that delicate skin, all while helping your lips look juicy and plump. That’s because lip oils are typically made with a high concentration of hydrating oils like jojoba, rosehip, and coconut oils, all of which are amazing at soothing dry lips.

Aside from the hydration component, lip oil is a high-shine addition to your makeup stash. One swipe will give you an amazing pop of color with long-lasting shine that you used to only get from your fave lip gloss (only more nourishing and without the stickiness of traditional gloss). You can also layer a lip oil over or under other lip products. Pair it with a lip stain to up the shine, or swipe it on under your favorite lipstick as a nourishing base layer.

What’s the difference between lip oil, lip gloss, and lip balm?

If you have ever had dry lips (or feel like you’re battling them constantly), you probably have a pretty epic stash of lip balm. But what if we told you that lip oil could also help revive your chapped lips? Hear us out: Unlike the rest of your body, your lips don’t have any sebaceous (aka oil) glands, meaning they’re seriously lacking in both nourishment and protection.

Most balms have a wax base, which does coat your lips for temporary relief, but it doesn’t do much in terms of long-term hydration. Lip oils, on the other hand, are made from...well, oil (reminder, your lips don’t make their own). Oil can go much deeper into your skin to heal your lips from within.

Plus, do you ever feel like you need to constantly reapply your lip balm to no avail? You can thank the waxy nature of lip balm for that one. A few swipes of lip oil should be enough to treat your dry skin and wear for hours.

The Best Lip Oils, Ever

Love the look of glossy lips but desperately craving hydration? It’s time to add lip oil to your routine. If you’re ready to try one out but you’re not quite sure where to start, check out some of our personal favorites based on glowing reviews from Ipsy staffers and Ipsters.

INNBEATY PROJECT GLAZE #1 Lip Oil in Candy Apple

1. INNBEATY PROJECT GLAZE #1 Lip Oil in Candy Apple: Not only does this lip oil smell amazing, it’ll give your lips an epic shine. The naturally colored and flavored oil has a juicy red tint and mouth-watering candy apply scent that’s straight-up delicious. Swipe it on bare lips for an instant plumping and hydrating effect that lasts for hours.

CIATÉ LONDON Watermelon Burst Hydrating Lip Oil

2. CIATÉ LONDON Watermelon Burst Hydrating Lip Oil: Can’t decide between a lip balm and a lip gloss? Swipe on this hybrid lip oil and you won’t have to. It deeply hydrates (thanks to watermelon extract and jojoba and avocado oils) and gives lips a glossy sheen that doesn’t feel sticky either.

TPSY Lip Crush Lip Oil

3. TPSY Lip Crush Lip Oil: This hydrating oil is like a mood ring for your mouth, changing color based on your lip’s pH levels. “It makes your lips look lush and healthy,” raves one Ipster. Swipe it on to make your makeup look instantly more interesting. Best of all, it's cruelty-free and vegan.

JELLY PONG PONG COSMETICS Lip Oil in Watermelon

4. JELLY PONG PONG COSMETICS Lip Oil in Watermelon: If you’re after a pretty hint of color, look no further than this nourishing lip oil. Made with safflower, tomato, and coconut oils, it also provides a much-needed dose of hydration. One Ipster raves: “Juicy and liptastic!” Need we say more?

STEVE LAURANT BEAUTY Lip Oil in Orchid

5. STEVE LAURANT BEAUTY Lip Oil in Orchid: Whether you use it alone or layer it over lipstick, this multitasking product works wonders. Wear it on bare lips for a dose of hydration, layer it over a matte hue to create a high-shine finish, or even dab it on your cheekbones for a dewy beauty look that lasts (without stickiness). “I keep smudging my lips together because it feels so nice,” says one Ipser.

YENSA Super 8 Lip Oil

6. YENSA Super 8 Lip Oil: This nourishing blend is loaded with both antioxidants and superfoods, and it creates a moisturizing barrier against harsh elements that normally leave your lips feeling dry and chapped. Bonus: the sheer pink is the perfect glossy shade to take from desk to drinks. 

When it comes to our beauty routine we love a good multitasker, which is why the nourishing benefits combined with the gorgeous glossy look of a lip oil is our new go-to. Do you share our latest obsession? If so, show off your pretty pout and let us know which lip oil you’re loving. Want in on all the Glam Bag fun? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. And don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

About the author
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Maddie Aberman
Maddie is the senior manager of editorial at IPSY. She’s been covering beauty and wellness for more than nine years. Her work has appeared in Allure, Cosmopolitan, Popsugar, Women's Health, Good Housekeeping, and Seventeen, among other publications.
About the author
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Katrina Mitzeliotis Lanza
Katrina is a freelance writer and on-air correspondent with over a decade of experience covering beauty, fashion, and entertainment. When she isn't freelancing, you can catch her on QVC or chasing after her two-year-old son.
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Article Last Updated April 30, 2020 12:00 AM