Lip oil wasn’t always considered a makeup staple. It may be hard to believe now but go back just 10 years, and oils weren’t even among the most popular products for achieving glossy lips. But somewhere between the rise of skincare-makeup hybrids and the (valid) obsession with getting an effortless-looking glow, lip oil found its moment. Today, there are approximately 800,000 searches about lip oil each month, and this popularity is only expected to continue to grow throughout 2025 and beyond. With so much interest, it’s no surprise that you might want to know more about these high-shine formulas. Ahead, we’ll answer common questions like “what does lip oil do to your lips” and “what’s the difference between lip oil vs. lip gloss?” Plus, we’ll explain why it’s become a makeup essential and how to use it for a hydrated pout. Keep reading for all the glossy details.What Is Lip Oil? Lip oils are a type of lip product that combine the nourishing benefits of a lip balm with the high-shine finish of a gloss. As the name hints, lip oil formulas feature lightweight oils like jojoba, rosehip, or squalane. Some also contain pigments to provide a subtle hint of color or shimmer. What sets lip oils apart from lip gloss and other lip products is the emphasis on care. Yes, they enhance your lips’ appearance, but lip oil is also good for your lips. The right oil will go beyond the visual and help soften and smooth your pout. The texture is another difference between lip oil and lip gloss. Lip oils don’t have the sticky, tacky consistency that is sometimes associated with gloss. Instead, they’re silky and glide on effortlessly.4 Benefits of Lip Oil There’s no shortage of reasons to start using lip oil, but if you’re wondering what lip oil is used for, here are a few of our favorite benefits that will have you clicking “add to cart.” Deep hydration and moisture: Many lip oils are packed with nourishing ingredients to provide long-lasting hydration. They help prevent lips from becoming parched while addressing existing dryness. Non-sticky shine: If you want glossy lips, a lip oil will deliver. The oil-infused formulas offer intense shine, without any of the stickiness you might get from some glosses. Lightweight, comfortable wear: Our favorite makeup products tend to be the kind that doesn’t feel like you’re wearing anything at all. Lip oils don’t feel heavy, so you can comfortably wear one all day, every day. Versatility: Wear a lip oil alone for a no-makeup makeup effect or layer it over your favorite matte lipstick to transform your look. Lip oils are equally as fit for low-maintenance days as they are full-glam moments. How to Use Lip Oil Applying lip oil is delightfully easy. Simply swipe and go—chances are you won’t even need a mirror. With that said, there are a few different ways you can put your lip oil to work. As a daily lip treatment: Smooth it on every morning to nourish your lips and complete your look. Their oil-based formulas tend to make lip oils long-wearing, but you can reapply occasionally throughout the day to re-up the shine. Before lipstick for a smooth base: Apply lip oil under your lipstick, and it can act as a primer. It can also help diffuse the color of your lipstick, creating a more muted, blotted lip. Over lipstick for a glossy finish: If you own a number of lipsticks (or even lip liners), you can create many different looks by adding a lip oil to your collection. Press whichever lipstick you like into your pout, then top with the oil for a whole new, glossy look. As an overnight lip mask: Face oils are great for locking in moisture overnight, and the same can be said of lip oils. Try applying a classic lip balm and layering it with your oil to give your lips a nighttime treat. How to Choose the Right Lip Oil for You With the rising popularity of lip oils, there are more and more options available. You can find a good lip oil everywhere from the drugstore to luxury department stores these days. And there are all sorts of options, from ones that provide a real punch of color to ones with a plumping effect. There are three main things to consider when picking out an oil: color (or lack thereof), texture, and hydration level. Color: Lip oils come in both clear and tinted options. If you plan to layer your oil, or like a truly natural look, a clear formula is a great pick. It’ll add shine and moisture without changing the color of your lips. Tinted lip oil, on the other hand, is excellent if you love an all-in-one product. There are tints that range from faint to more bold, so you can find one that suits your makeup style. Texture: While most lip oils are lightweight, some are a bit thicker and more emollient. For a weightless feel, opt for a lightweight oil. But if your lips need a little extra care or protection, a thicker variety may suit you better. Hydration level: If your lips aren’t particularly dry, look for oils with ingredients like grapeseed oil or squalane. Drier lips can benefit from formulas with jojoba, rosehip, or coconut oil. You can also pay attention to how long the hydration lasts—this is often touted right on the packaging. Some oils offer just a few hours of nourishment and will need to be reapplied more often, while others provide all-day hydration. Balancing these three factors can help you find the right lip oil for you.Our Favorite Lip Oils If you have dry lips…try the NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip. While there are differences between lip gloss vs. lip oil, some of our favorite products blend the attributes of both. Like this lip oil gloss, which offers all the shine of a lip gloss with none of the stickiness, along with 12-hour hydration. It has a hydrating, comfortable formula starring ingredients like cloudberry oil, raspberry oil, and squalane. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free. If you want a plumper pout…try the YSL Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss. Lip products with a glossy finish can make lips appear fuller, but for a more prominent effect, you’ll want a plumping formula. This one, which is powered by ginger and pepper oils, makes lips look puffier and bouncier with a smackable, non-sticky feel. If you like a natural finish…try the Saltair Lip Oil Balm. According to the brand, this oil-balm hybrid with coconut oil, murumuru, shea butter, and plant-derived esters nourishes while offering a subtle sheen. They note that it comes in clear (our pick for a truly natural-looking finish) as well as 10 sheer yet buildable shades. Next Up: How Best to Apply Lipstick in 5 Easy Steps
