Why Lip Oils Have Become a Makeup Staple
Right this way to soft, shiny, and supple lips.
You’re likely already familiar with lip gloss, lipstick, and lip balm—but there’s a chance that lip oil hasn’t made it onto your radar quite yet. This relatively new lip makeup product is quickly rising in popularity, thanks (in large part) to social media, which begs the question: What does lip oil do that lip glosses and balms don’t?
The answer, it turns out, is quite a bit. Lip oils blur the line between makeup and skincare, offering the benefits of both in one convenient package. If you’re a fan of hybrid, multi-tasking products, lip oil is one you’ll definitely want to keep in mind. Read on for a run-down on lip oils, including what they are, how they differ from other lip makeup products, and why adding a hydrating lip oil to your routine is definitely a good idea.
Hi everyone I'm Erin Nicole and today I'm going to show you how to achieve the perfect luscious lips using all 10 shades of the L'Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil As someone who struggles with chronically dry, chapped lips and happens to love the shine of a lip gloss lip oils have become a makeup collection staple for me but what really stands out about this formula is the silky smooth non-sticky formula They're infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Tripeptides for instantly smoother plumper looking lips and up to 24 hours of hydration We have the perfectly tapered pillowy doe foot applicator and a very light scent hmm they almost smell like a vanilla peppermint treat There are 10 stunning shades we're going to try them all on the lips together Starting with number 101 Cristal Clear, here we go first shade oh that feels so nice now the beauty of a lip oil versus a lip gloss is that it's really meant to just enhance your natural lips now I am a gloss girl through and through and I love a light tingly plumping moment but the treatment, the Hyaluronic Acid really just takes this to the next level this is a triple threat lippie I absolutely love this and we're only on the first shade Next we have a gorgeous baby pink this is number 201 Milky Nu My lips still feel a little tingly from the clear now this is my type of shade I love a light pink, the perfect slightly milky nudey pink, everyday type of shade Let me tell you something number 201 Milky Nu is giving Ballerinacore, Pilates Princess, Barbie Girl, French Manicure very classic, feminine and chic Next we have shade 601 Worth It now we're getting a little more intense still sheer I love how tapered the doe foot applicator is it's so pillowy and cushiony it feels nice on the lips but the tip is very precise see now this is the shade I wish my lips were naturally, so gorgeous It looks very effortless, yet stunning it's going to be really difficult choosing a favorite but I can say Worth It is definitely worth it Now this is for all of my true nude lovers this is number 641 Latte Glacé, I can already tell you this has the potential to be my No. 1 favorite shade let's see oh yeah I love, lips look smooth hydrated, naturally pigmented such a beautiful color, this shade will be stunning with all of your nude lip liners but you don't need a combo this is the combo it's beautiful on its own This is number 650 Nude Macaron Give me all of the peachy nudes I feel like I just found my summer shade it's a bit warmer this shade is definitely giving me summer vacation spring break, very happy go lucky sunshine vibes I see myself wearing this shade with bronze glowy skin maybe neutrals on the eye a bright pop of peach on the cheeks I think this would be the perfect lippie Shade number 380 Rouge in Love is a vibrant fire engine red it looks very romantic let's see what it looks like on the lips Ooh this isn't as red as I thought it was going to be it's more on the sheer side which I prefer, it gives a beautiful candy-coated very glossy sort of candy apple look, for a red shade this is incredibly wearable I love how it gives a pop of color to the lips you don't have to fuss with lip liner you don't have to worry about it smudging all over the place or getting a little bit messy Red lipstick can sometimes be high maintenance but this red lip oil is perfection This is shade 390 Cherry Cherie oh it's a bit deeper than the previous shade of red but this is stunning, it's more of a cool toned cherry red which I absolutely love I would say this is more of a blue-based red very pretty on the lips again looks very natural like your lips but better, very glossy very hydrating, this would be perfect for a date night or a weekend girls night out Next we have shade 510 Le Nuit Sparkle anything with sparkle in the name is enticing definitely has a bit more sparkle in the tube very Mocha Mousse it's a light chocolatey brown with a hint of sheen and sparkle to it it has sparkle in the name and it has sheen in the tube but it doesn't feel gritty or you can't feel little sparkle specks on your lips it still feels incredibly smooth and like a lip oil The sparkle is very subtle this is such an elegant sophisticated evening shade Next we have shade 485 Wine O'Clock it's our second to last shade but my lips are still feeling phenomenal oh and it's a goodie it looks so smooth, this is a gorgeous color I don't typically wear a lot of deeper berry tones I am so impressed with this lip oil I think because it goes on a little bit more sheer and glossy even the deeper colors are so wearable so versatile Last but certainly not least we have shade 490 Berry Jolie it looks more intense in the tube I'm excited about this one oh yeah way more pigment it definitely has more color payoff than the previous shades but it was still so easy to apply Now this is a beautiful berry It's official I cannot choose a favorite I love all 10 shades, let's quickly recap and you can let me know which one is your favorite and there you have it if you want to learn more about these products and find out where to buy head to lorealparisusa.com links are down below
What Is Lip Oil?
A lip oil is exactly what it sounds like—an oil (or oil-based) product designed specifically for the lips. It’s a cross between skincare and makeup, offering intense hydration while giving your lips a glossy, shiny finish, sometimes with a sheer or buildable tint of color.
The best lip oils on the market tend to include additional benefits, too, such as plumping, smoothing, and mega hydration. As noted, there are even tinted versions, which have all the same features and a sheer wash of color for the perfect clean girl aesthetic. One example of such a formula is the L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil. The hyaluronic acid and tripeptide-infused oil gently volumizes lips, drenches them in 24-hour hydration, and provides a glass-like shine. You can choose from ten caring colors that range from lightly pigmented to crystal clear.
A lip oil is exactly what it sounds like—an oil (or oil-based) product designed specifically for the lips. It’s a cross between skincare and makeup, offering intense hydration while giving your lips a glossy, shiny finish, sometimes with a sheer or buildable tint of color.
The best lip oils on the market tend to include additional benefits, too, such as plumping, smoothing, and mega hydration. As noted, there are even tinted versions, which have all the same features and a sheer wash of color for the perfect clean girl aesthetic. One example of such a formula is the L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil. The hyaluronic acid and tripeptide-infused oil gently volumizes lips, drenches them in 24-hour hydration, and provides a glass-like shine. You can choose from ten caring colors that range from lightly pigmented to crystal clear.
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Lip Oil vs. Lip Balm: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between lip oils and balms is their function: The former is typically designed to help hydrate your lips and give them a shiny or glossy appearance (and, sometimes, color), while the latter is primarily meant to help alleviate the feeling of chapped lips. Their ingredients vary, too. Lip oils are fluid in consistency and may contain non-greasy oils such as squalane or lightweight hydrators like hyaluronic acid. Balms, meanwhile, have a more solid texture, and often contain ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter, or petrolatum.
Their final finishes also set them apart. Lip balm, whether tinted or untinted, normally has a more matte finish than lip oil. If you want a more subtle, no makeup-makeup look, lip balm may be your best option. For an innovative balm to add to your routine, consider the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract. The formula marries the saturation of a lipstick with the nurturing benefits of a cushiony balm. Using it continuously for four weeks can help bare lips feel noticeably smoother.
Lip Oil vs. Lip Gloss: What’s the Difference?
A lip oil is a skincare-makeup hybrid, while a lip gloss is strictly a cosmetic product. The two may seem similar at first glance, but each serves a different purpose in your beauty routine.
As mentioned, lip glosses are a makeup formula. They’re primarily formulated to enhance the look of your pout rather than boost hydration or soften your lips. In addition, glosses are usually more pigmented than oils and leave behind an ultra-reflective finish. Tinted lip oils, meanwhile, can give you a similar sheer-colored, glossy look but also drench your lips with intense moisture. This is why you may see the terms lip oil and lip gloss used interchangeably, but the two are not quite the same.
Their texture and consistency differ, too. Lip oils generally boast a light, silky formula that absorbs easily into the lips without sticky residue. Glosses are on the heavier side, particularly if they’re full-coverage—but not all of them are made to feel tacky. Take the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss with Pomegranate Extract, for example, which boasts a lightweight, non-sticky formula that instantly moisturizes lips and offers sheer, buildable color.
What Is Lip Oil Used For?
Lip oils are used for many reasons as a way to nourish and protect the lips and subtly enhance their appearance. Their fast-absorbing ingredients (think vitamin E, jojoba, coconut, or avocado oils) sink effortlessly into the lips to add shine and moisture without the tacky residue of a gloss. And, depending on the type of oil included in your chosen formula, lip oils can help create a barrier over your lips to help lock in hydration and protect your delicate lip skin from environmental stressors. Not to mention, tinted options give you the versatility of adding subtle color to your lips without sacrificing the nourishment they need to feel soft and supple.
Put simply, if you're wondering, “Is lip oil good for your lips?” this combination of hydration, shine, and protection makes the answer a resounding “yes.”
How Often Should You Use Lip Oil?
How often to use an oil on your lips ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. Generally speaking, lip oils can be used several times a day, or whenever your lips are feeling parched. Your relative climate can also play a role: If you're in a dry environment or exposed to cold weather, you may find yourself reaching for an oil more frequently. For an added boost, consider slathering on lip oil before bed to wake up with softer, more nourished-feeling lips. Play around with your favorite oil and see how it works best in your routine.
How To Use Lip Oil
Now that you’re familiar with lip oils and their benefits, you’re probably wondering how you can add one to your beauty routine ASAP. Don’t worry, we have you covered with the steps below, which are as easy as one-two.
Step 1. Prep your lips
Just as you’d prep your skin before applying a serum or moisturizer, it’s a good idea to prep your lips to help your lip oil absorb as it should. Specifically, we recommend exfoliating your lips to help remove dead skin cells and other buildup. To do so, apply a pea-sized amount of lip scrub to dry lips, massage it in circular motions with wet fingers, and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. If you don’t have a lip scrub on hand, very gently rub your lips with a damp washcloth to help slough off old skin.
Step 2. Smooth on lip oil
Now it’s time to apply your lip oil. After exfoliating your lips, grab the aforementioned L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil. Roll the cushiony pillow applicator over your pout, starting in the center of your upper lip. Work from the center to the outer edges of your lips and then glide across the entire bottom lip. Wait for the gentle tingling sensation to subside to assess if you need more. Reapply throughout the day as needed.
Next Up: How to Get Glossy Lips
Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris
