Lip oils have officially replaced glosses in makeup bags from London to LA and once you try them, you’ll understand why.
What started as a backstage secret has become beauty’s most covetable category. These formulas bridge the gap between treatment and makeup, giving lips the cushion of a balm, the shine of a gloss, and the care of a serum — all without that tacky, sticky feeling traditional glosses are known for.
Formulated with nourishing oils like jojoba, rosehip, and almond, alongside actives such as vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, lip oils work to hydrate, protect, and plump the delicate lip area. The result: a soft, glazed finish that looks chic, feels weightless, and leaves lips genuinely healthier over time.
Dry lips from central heating? Long-haul flight? Or just after that perfect glossy-but-not-trying-too-hard look? This is what lip oils do best.
How to Get More From Your Lip Oil
Dry lips from central heating? Long-haul flight? Or just after that perfect glossy-but-not-trying-too-hard look? This is what lip oils do best
Over lip liner – Shape and define first, then add gloss on top. You get the best of both without any stickiness.
As a cheek tint – In a pinch, tap a little onto the apples of your cheeks for a dewy, fresh flush.
Mixed into matte lipstick – Got a dried-out favourite? A drop of lip oil brings it back to life and makes it easier to apply.
Overnight treatment – Slick on a thick layer before bed. You’ll wake up to noticeably softer lips.
Throughout the day – Toss one in your bag for whenever your lips need a drink. Beats reapplying lipstick every few hours.
Why Makeup Artists Love Lip Oils
But beyond everyday tricks, makeup artists are embracing lip oils in their kits too and their insights explain why this trend isn’t going anywhere.
“ As a professional bridal makeup artist, I’ve noticed an increased demand for lip oils and balms over lipsticks. They’re a fantastic alternative for those who don’t love the texture of lipstick or gloss but still want their lips to feel nourished and hydrated while looking glossy and tinted.
The Dior Lip Glow Oils are a great choice — they even offer complimentary engraving, making them the perfect present for your bridal party or friends.
If you prefer a touch more colour, try the VIEVE Lip Dew. With new shades like Socialite and Supermodel, they deliver that perfect ’90s-inspired nude lip that’s trending right now. Apply them over lipstick or pair with a liner for a modern, lustrous pout.
Adding to this, New York makeup artist Natalie Dresher says lip oils have become a go-to even in full-glam looks.
“ I often use lip oils in place of balm because they hydrate the lips so effectively. I love layering them over lip liner — or liner and lipstick if my client wants a fuller, more glam finish. I’ll usually apply a thin layer at the start of makeup, then top up again at the end for that fresh, plumped look.
The Best Lip Oils to Shop Now
Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil, The Ultimate Luxury Splurge
MUA Favourite
A cult favourite for a reason. Infused with cherry oil, this glow boosting formula reacts to your natural lip tone, leaving a soft tint and mirror-like shine. It feels nourishing, never sticky, and looks effortlessly polished, a Dior icon in every sense.
Available in: 8+ shades | Formula: 100% vegan
Where to buy: dior.com – £33
Clarins Lip Comfort Oil, The Iconic Favourite
We are obssessed with this lip oil. A blend of plant-based oils delivers hydration with a plush, non-sticky finish that feels more like skincare than makeup. It’s the one to keep in your bag for all day comfort and subtle shine.
Available in: 10 shades | Formula: 93% natural-origin ingredients
Where to buy: clarins.co.uk – £27
Gisou Honey-Infused Lip Oil, Hydration with a Hint of Shine
Powered by sustainably sourced honey, this silky oil locks in moisture and smooths lips while adding a luminous glaze. It’s sweet, lightweight, and indulgent, like a honey treatment with a high gloss twist.
Available in: 10+ shades | Formula: Clean beauty with sustainably sourced honey
Where to buy: cultbeauty.co.uk – £24
Fenty Treatz Hydrating + Strengthening Lip Oil, The Celebrity Favourite
Rihanna’s take combines skincare and shine. With Barbados cherry, squalane, and vitamin E, it cushions lips with a glossy veil that’s both hydrating and flattering on every skin tone.
Available in: 6+ shades | Formula: Vegan & clean beauty
Where to buy: lookfantastic.com – £21
Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Oil, Lux with a Natural Twist
Honey, propolis, and royal jelly give this oil its rich, comforting feel. It softens and tints lips with an elegant glow and a hint of honey scent, refined, nourishing, and quietly indulgent.
Available in: 6 shades | Formula: 92% natural-origin ingredients with bee-derived actives
Where to buy: guerlain.com – £35
Merit Beauty Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil, Clean Beauty Gloss With a Wash of Colour
A clean, lightweight formula that blends nourishing oils with a soft wash of colour. It hydrates, smooths and adds a natural glossy finish, perfect for everyday wear.
Available in: 12+ shades | Formula: Vegan & clean beauty
Where to buy: meritbeauty.com – £21
e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil, Budget Hero Under £10
This viral favourite delivers gloss-level shine and real hydration for less than a tenner. Non-sticky and softly tinted, it leaves lips smooth, juicy, and perfectly polished.
Available in: 10+ shades | Formula: 100% vegan, Leaping Bunny certified
Where to buy: elfcosmetics.co.uk – £9
VIEVE Lip Dew, The 90s Inspired Nude Gloss
MUA Favourite
A glossy, nourishing lip oil–gloss hybrid that gives a soft wash of colour and a plump, juicy finish. Shades like Socialite and Supermodel make achieving that modern 90s nude lip effortless.
Available in: 9 shades | Formula: Vegan & cruelty-free
Where to buy: vievebeauty.com
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Lips Healthy Glow Nectar Oil, The Glow-Getter
Charlotte Tilbury’s nectar-like formula delivers instant plump and high-gloss shine without the stickiness. Infused with nourishing oils and peptides, it leaves lips looking visibly fuller and healthier with each swipe.
Available in: 6 shades | Formula: Contains hyaluronic acid microspheres and vitamin E
Where to buy: charlottetilbury.com – £21
Revolution Pout Lip Oil, High-Street Staple
At just £7, this vitamin E infused oil smooths, softens, and adds a pretty sheen. It’s an affordable handbag staple that feels luxe far beyond its price.
Available in: 7 shades | Formula: Vegan & PETA-backed
Where to buy: lookfantastic.com – £7
With formulas that hydrate, tint and shine in a single swipe, lip oils have become more than a trend, they’re the new everyday essential. Your lips will thank you.
