13 best lip oils I’ve tried for enhanced hydration and shine

Perfect your pout with the nourishing qualities of a balm and the glossy finish of a gloss

Best lip oils we've tried and tested

by Arabella Horspool |
Updated on

If, like me and most of the planet, you suffer from dry lips from time to time, it's worth having one of the best lip oils in your beauty arsenal. Whether I'm creating a full face of makeup or embracing a more natural look, I'll always use some lip oil to add some much-needed hydration and shine.

Unlike traditional lip glosses, which can feel sticky, or lip balms, which can lack the shine factor, lip oils strike the perfect balance of moisturisation and glow. Plus, you can wear some under lipstick like a base coat to prevent your lips from drying out and cracking or slather some on top to give them a volumizing shine.

"Lip oils serve two purposes: number one, they give your lips a blush of colour and number two, they can also hydrate your lips." says Amish Patel, Leading Aesthetics Trainer, Award-Winning Aesthetics Practitioner and Skincare Expert at Intrigue Cosmetic Clinic. "Rather than drying out the lips with the application, their formulation will hydrate".

The best lip oils at a glance:

In the end, the best lip oil for you will depend on your preferences and needs. Whether you're after a burst of hydration, a pop of colour, or a long-lasting gloss, there’s something out there that fits your style. So, I’ve put together a guide to help you find the best lip oil for your needs. Let’s dive in!

One of our testers before and after using lip oil ©Natalie Knowles/Yours.co.uk

How we tested the best lip oils

Our writer, Arabella Horspool, has carefully chosen the lip oils on this list, with a selection to suit all budgets and preferences. Other members of the Yours team also tested the same lip oils in different shades, so we could get a diverse range of opinions and experiences.

To ensure a thorough and unbiased review, we tested each lip oil for a full week, paying close attention to key factors such as the hydration level of her lips, the consistency of the product, its feel during wear, and ease of application. She also noted whether any re-applications were necessary and the presence of any noticeable scent.

For tinted lip oils, we focused specifically on how long-lasting the colour was throughout the day.

The best lip oils UK:

Best overall lip oil

Expert rating:
5.0
Arabella Horspool/Yours.co.uk

As a regular user of Revolution products, I was excited to try the Revolution PRO Eternal Rose Lip Oil in the shade Rosy, and I must say, it did not disappoint! First, it's cruelty-free, which is a big tick, and second, it looks lovely on.

The silky formula feels incredibly comfortable to wear. The light pink shade offers a soft, natural tint that enhances the lips without being too overpowering, making it perfect for daily wear. It’s lightweight and not sticky, which is a huge plus for me, as I’ve tried other lip oils that can feel heavy or leave a greasy residue. Instead, this lip oil provides a smooth, hydrating finish, keeping my lips soft and moisturised throughout the day - with the help of rose and jojoba oils.

The packaging is sleek and practical, and while the applicator is easy to use, I would prefer a fatter one. The current applicator is thin and at an angle, which isn’t a huge issue, but a fuller applicator would make it feel a bit more effortless to apply.

Pros

  • Light tint for a natural look
  • Cruelty-free, vegan product

Cons

  • Applicator is long and curved, which can cause an uneven application
Scent:Rose
Applicator:Flocked

Best glossy lip oil

Expert rating:
5.0
Arabella Horspool/Yours.co.uk
Price: $5.24 (was £6.99)

www.lookfantastic.com

I picked up a Rimmel Oh My Gloss! Lip Oil when shopping for other makeup, and I'm so glad I did! It's available in different shades, but I use 003 Berry Pink, which has a sweet strawberry scent that is a bit artificial. However, it adds just a touch of colour to create the illusion of plumpness, which makes it great for everyday use.

The applicator is doe-shaped (like a deer's foot), so it glides onto your lips with ease and as it's a cross between an oil and gloss, it's smooth but not at all sticky! The ingredients include antioxidants that help your skin retain moisture. You can leave it on overnight or reapply throughout the day.

Pros

  • Slick formula that glides onto lips
  • Contains antioxidants to retain moisture

Cons

  • Scent smells artificial
Scent:Strawberry
Application:Doe-foot applicator

Best elf lip oil set

Expert rating:
5.0
e.l.f Glow Reviver Quad Goals Lip Oil KitArabella Horspool/Yours.co.uk

A perfect gift for beauty lovers, the e.l.f Glow Reviver Quad Goals Lip Oil Kit contains three shades and a glimmer finish lip oil which are perfect for special occasions or just because.

The formula is so smooth and comfortable on the lips, and it gives a beautiful, non-sticky shine. I love that it’s not heavy or greasy but still feels super hydrating throughout the day. However, I did need to reapply it several times throughout the day.

Pros

  • Lightweight feel
  • Non-greasy texture

Cons

  • May need multiple reapplications
Scent:Mint
Application:Ultra plush, XXL cushion applicators

Best long-lasting lip oil

Expert rating:
5.0
Akhila Thomas / Yours.co.uk
Price: $30.00
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The Clarins Lip Comfort Oil is perfect for keeping your lips moisturised and nourished. It is lightly tinted and gives you a glossy effect. This lip oil was tested and reviewed by Akhila Thomas, digital writer for Yours.co.uk and she found it to be quite effective and long-lasting as well. “I applied the Clarins Lip Comfort Oil before heading out to the gym and it stayed on, keeping my lips hydrated and soft even after my workout. I tend to sweat a lot while exercising, so-it is quite impressive to find a product that stays on throughout,” she said.

The formula is made of 93% natural ingredients such as organic sweetbriar rose oil that strengthens the barrier function, hazelnut oil to prevent dryness and organic jojoba oil that gives it a soothing texture. ”The only thing I noticed was that it has a strong fragrance and I would have preferred a lighter scent. But once you apply it, the scent is not very prominent,” Akhila adds. It promises 8 hours of protection and 6 hours of hydration and nutrition and according to our reviewer the product delivers well on this promise.

Pros

  • Stays put, even during exercise
  • Natural ingredients which strengthen the skin on your lips

Cons

  • Scent weakens once applied
Scent:Honey
Application:Plush

Best shimmer lip oil gloss

Expert rating:
4.5
Too Faced Kissing Jelly Lip Oil Gloss - Birthday KissToo Faced
Price: $17.85 (was 21)

www.boots.com

Super sweet, the Too Faced Kissing Jelly Lip Oil Gloss is an amalgamation of two lip products, as the name suggests, making it the ideal consistency. Upon seeing the purple, glittery, cake-scented concoction, I was worried about what it might look like on my lips, but I needn't be.

It adds a gorgeous shimmer and a delectable scent (which may be a bit sickly for some), hence the shade name 'Birthday Kiss'. I don't wear this everyday, as it's more of a fun one for a night out or an exciting day trip.

Pros

  • Adds a shimmer to your lips
  • Hybrid of an oil and a gloss

Cons

  • Vanilla birthday cake scent can be sickly
Scent:Vanilla birthday cake
Applicator:Doe foot

Best hydrating lip oil

Expert rating:
4.5
Arabella Horspool/Yours.co.uk

Upon opening the product, you can smell a fruity watermelon scent, that’s reminiscent of sweets but not sickly! There’s a large applicator which makes it easy to apply the formula to your lips, but be careful when pulling the lid off as it does require a small bit of force which may cause a little drop of the oil to fly out.

I love the consistency of the oil; it’s more like a lip balm than a runny liquid, and the formula felt light on my lips. It's fast absorbing, too, and even on particularly dry lips, I only needed one application to keep them smooth and revitalised for 24 hours. Result!

Pros

  • Fast-absorbing
  • Not too runny - lip balm texture - makes for easy application

Cons

  • Lid can be fiddly to remove
Scent:Watermelon and peppermint
Application:Flocked lip wand

best lip oil plumper

Expert rating:
3.5
Arabella Horspool/Yours.co.uk

As one of the best collagen lip oils on the market, its powerful blend of pawpaw, olive oil, and aloe vera works to firm and visibly enhance elasticity for a smooth, hydrated pout. It doesn't sting or tingle like other plumping lip products do.

When applying it, I found that this lip oil's consistency was runny yet stayed it in place. My lips are already quite plump, so I didn't notice a significant change there. I liked that the product produced a lovely, dewy sheen on my lips, but it's has a loose and runny consistency, soapply less than you think you'll need. However, they look shinier, even after it had worn off.

Pros

  • Adds a dewy shine to lips
  • Doesn't sting or tingle

Cons

  • Very loose consistency
Scent:Fragrance-free
Applicator:Squeezy tube

Best natural lip oil

Expert rating:
5.0
Arabella Horspool/Yours.co.uk

For a more natural offering, I chose the Evolve Bio-Retinol Glossy Lip Oil, which is formulated with 80% organic ingredients. Packed full of plant power: apricot, macadamia, raspberry seed oil, and Kalahari Melon, it promises age-defying results and leaves my lips feeling plump. Peppermint and lime essential oils are also included to provide a wonderful, natural fragrance, and unlike other lip oils, it doesn't leave you with an artificial taste.

I keep this in my handbag as it's perfect for everyday use. I liked that it enhances my natural lip colour nicely and adds a slight shine, to give me some confidence even on those non-makeup days. It comes in a squeezy tube, which is easy to apply (just use gentle pressure as you don't need too much!), although I do have to reapply it regularly, which I didn't mind as it smells lovely.

Pros

  • Healthier for your skin as it contains mostly organic ingredients from 100% natural origins
  • Suitable for all ages, including mature skin

Cons

  • Squeezy tube so can be easy to overapply
Scent:Peppermint and lime oil
Application:Squeezy tube

Best lip oil for sun protection

Expert rating:
5.0
REHAB. UV Hair Oil & SPF Lip Oil BundleREHAB.
Price: $31.50 (was £42)

rehabyourhair.com

If you’re heading off on holiday or just soaking up some sunshine, the REHAB SPF Lip Oil is an absolute must-have. I love the cool metal applicator; it feels so soothing on your lips, and the squeezable tube makes it super easy to apply without any mess.

I’m totally obsessed with the formula; it’s really soft and comfy without that sticky or oily feeling you sometimes get and it has a lovely pink tint to it. The only thing? The orange scent is pretty subtle, so if you’re expecting a strong zing, you might be a bit disappointed. This one comes as a bundle with their protective UV Hair Oil, which is also fantastic for sun protection.

Oh, and if you follow Stacey Solomon on social media, you’ve probably seen REHAB popping up as she's now a co-owner, so it it’s definitely worth checking out!

Pros

  • Cool metal applicator feels soothing on the lips
  • Protects from the sun with SPF 15

Cons

  • Orange scent is lacking
Scent:Orange
Applicator:Metal

Best tinted lip oil

Expert rating:
3.5
Catrice Glossin' Glow Tinted Lip OilNatalie Knowles/Yours.co.uk

If you’re looking for an affordable tinted lip oil with great colour impact, Catrice Glossin' Glow Tinted Lip Oil is a good choice. Enriched with cherry and pomegranate oils, it nourishes like a lip balm. I'm obsessed with using the shade 060 Party Crasher when I'm going out in the evening as it has specks of glitter which sparkle when they capture the light.

Our Commercial Content Writer Natalie Knowles also tried the Catrice Glossin' Glow Tinted Lip Oil, but in the shade 070 Make A Move. She said it created a glossy, plum-toned tint that is "perfect for my olive skin and dark hair."

Just like me, she found it easy to create the perfect look: "I love how easy it is to apply with the applicator."

It is important to note that this product does feel slightly sticky when it's on, but it’s long-lasting and stays put without feeling greasy. At this price point, it’s a winner, especially as it’s also cruelty-free, vegan and free from gluten, parabens and microplastic particles. Result!

Pros

  • Suitable for vegans
  • Applicator makes it easy to apply

Cons

  • Feels sticky
Scent:No
Applicator:Flocked

Best double lip oil

Expert rating:
3.0
Akhila Thomas / Yours.co.uk

These lip oils from P.Louise are great to carry around and add a touch of colour, gloss and hydration from time to time. Our reviewer, Yours digital writer Akhila Thomas, loved the packaging where both the oils click into place in a lid-like container that makes it easier to carry around and not lose it. “The Black Cherry one smells heavenly, and the scent is gentle enough to not feel overpowering. I also liked how the Cherry oil adds just a hint of colour to my lips,” she said.

The flavours embody the vibrant and enticing aroma of ripe cherries and it keeps your lips hydrated and glossy. The results are long-lasting and a few things highlighted by our reviewer are – the cherry-flavoured one (rose-coloured) has a scent that can feel a bit synthetic or artificial to some. “I would have liked the applicator to be a bit sturdier as well; they bend while using it to apply the product and that is not ideal,” she added.

Pros

  • Useful packaging - holds two detachable lip oils in different scents
  • Provides a subtle lip tint

Cons

  • Bendy product applicator
Scent:Cherry and Black Cherry
Application:Thin, flexible plush

Best lip oil with SPF

Expert rating:
3.5
testing Essence Hydra Kiss Lip OilArabella Horspool/Yours.co.uk

A great pick for the warmer months, this lip oil includes SPF25 to shield your lips from the sun. I tested the shade Pocketful of Sunshine, a sheer warm orange that subtly enhances your natural lip tone, which does live up to the brand's claim that it "matches any skin tone".

The formula is lightweight and loose, yet it doesn’t drip or run. While it's tricky to apply just a small amount without blotting, it leaves a glossy, comfortable finish. It's got a blend of hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, meadowfoam oil and vitamin E, which left my skin feeling supple. There's also a citrusy flavour, reminiscent of orange, which is quite overpowering.

Pros

  • Contains SPF25 to protect lips from UV rays
  • Hint of colour to match many skin tones (according to Essence)

Cons

  • Very loose formula, so easy to overapply
Scent:None
Application:Doe-foot applicator

Best lip oil set

Expert rating:
3.5
Arabella Horspool/Yours.co.uk
Price: $34.99 (was £44.95)

www.houseofamor.co.uk

Why have one lip oil when you can have five? This House of Amor Lip Thirst Lip Oil Collection comes with raspberry, watermelon, strawberry, cherry, and coconut tubes enriched with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and Argan oil, which soften dry lips. If you like to rotate your handbags, you could pop one in each to perfect your pout on the go!

They smell fabulously fruity, but I wasn't keen on the cherry fragrance, as it was very pungent. My favourite is the raspberry one, which has a sensational scent and leaves a rich pink tint (the others are clear).

Pros

  • Fruit flavours and scents
  • Enriched with vitamin E for hydration

Cons

  • Cherry flavour has a pungent scent
Scent:raspberry, watermelon, strawberry, cherry, coconut
Applicator:Doe-foot applicator

Lip oil FAQS

Is lip oil good for you lips?

Lip oils can provide deep hydration and many of them contain natural ingredients. "Most lip oils on the market are formulated around natural plant-based oils such as almond, jojoba or argan oil", says Amish Patel. "These oils are rich in vitamins and fatty acids, which can help repair and protect the delicate skin of your lips.

However, he does say that "Lip oils are not designed to help chapped lips, so choose a nourishing oil balm if you suffer from dried lips".

For those with more mature lips, he recommends keeping them extra hydrated. "The more hydrated the lips are, the more volumized they will be and ultimately more youthful in appearance.

"Lip oils can give the lips a blush of colour and sheen, and unlike most lip gloss and lipsticks, they tend not to bleed on more mature lips."

How to use lip oil

To use lip oil, simply apply a small amount directly to your lips using the applicator or a clean fingertip. Start at the centre of your lips and work your way outwards for even coverage.

You can use it on its own for a natural, hydrated look or layer it over lipstick or lip liner for added shine and moisture.

Reapply throughout the day as needed to keep your lips feeling soft and nourished.

What is the difference between lip oil and lip gloss?

Lip oils are generally thinner and less sticky than lip glosses. While glosses are often made from thicker ingredients like wax or petroleum jelly, which are meant to alter the appearance of the lips, lip oils are formulated to provide nourishment.

Meet the expert

Amish Patel is a Leading Aesthetics Trainer, Award-Winning Aesthetics Practitioner and Skincare Expert at Intrigue Cosmetic Clinic. He was featured as a leading expert on BBC, ITV’s ‘The Tonight Programme ‘Botched Fillers’.

Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV, film and theatre. She enjoys cooking, cinema trips, playing board games and walking her dogs.

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