Byrdie Before and After: Which Lip Oils Deliver Hydration, Shine, and a Juicy Finish? (2024)

Our Top Picks

Highlighted Ingredients: Cherry oil | Shades: 8 | Scent: Minty vanilla | Size: 6 ml

In our humble opinion, the TikTok virality that this product reached is justified. Aside from the luxe packaging and oversized doe-foot applicator that makes applying it an elevated experience, the formula is what stands out. Unlike some lip oils that are so lightweight they almost seem to dissipate in a matter of minutes, this one has a thick (but not goopy) cushion to it, making it feel pillowy and nourishing on the lips. The formula is infused with cherry oil to soften the lips, and we love that the rich texture helps to smooth the appearance of lip lines.

During our test, we were impressed by how well it held up while eating, and we appreciated that the minty vanilla scent was refreshing but not overpowering. We also love that it’s offered in eight semi-sheer shades, though some of them pack a bit more punch in terms of color than others. I’s everything we could ask for in a lip oil and more: It’s hydrating, ultra-glossy, wears well, and looks beautiful on bare lips or layered over a lip stain or lipstick. We know it’s pricey, but if it’s in your budget and you’re looking to indulge in a great lip oil, this one from Dior has our stamp of approval.

Highlighted Ingredients: Jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid | Shades: 6 | Scent: Vanilla | Size: 5.4 ml

If you like a clear, shiny topcoat with a hint of sparkle as a finishing touch on your lips, this is the lip oil for you. Though it comes in a totally clear shade, five out of the six shades feature a translucent base with tons of fine sparkle running through it that looks beautiful and reflective on the lips. We didn’t notice a gritty texture from the glitter, but it’s worth noting that some online reviewers have said they can feel the fine glitter particles on their lips.

As for the formula and wear, we were quite impressed. The texture is lightweight and moisturizing, thanks to the inclusion of jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid. It feels gel-like and comfortable and lasted pretty well through eating with just minimal transfer. Between the light and moisturizing formula, large applicator, shiny finish, and impressive wear, this one is easy for us to recommend.

Highlighted Ingredients: Squalane, avocado oil, apricot oil, jojoba oil | Shades: 7 | Scent: Subtle mint | Size: 7.6 ml

When this lip oil from e.l.f. initially launched, it went ultra-viral on TikTok—and we understand why. It costs a fraction of the price of luxe options and it delivers a similar look on the lips. It has a high-shine finish that blurs the appearance of lip lines and comes in six shades (plus a clear option) that offer a subtle hint of color. The texture is incredibly smooth and gel-like with a bit of a creaminess to it, and it's formulated with squalane and a blend of hydrating oils to quench dry lips.

We adored how it felt on our lips throughout testing. It's not greasy, sticky, or heavy, rather it feels plush and smooth. We also appreciated that it layered beautifully on top of lip liner without pilling or making the liner bleed. As is the case with most oils, it doesn't last long on the lips and will fade significantly when eating, but we don't mind this since it's easy to reapply on the go.

Highlighted Ingredients: Squalane | Shades: 8 | Scent: None | Size: 4.8 ml

Available in eight semi-translucent shades, this affordable pick you can grab at your local drugstore is hydrating, thick, and incredibly smooth. The large doe-foot applicator makes coating the lips quick and easy, and we loved how creamy but not goopy the formula felt on the lips. It contains squalane for a boost of moisture, and we found that it kept lips feeling soft and nourished for a few hours before needing to reapply.

We did notice that it got just a tad bit sticky as it faded throughout the day, but swiping on another coat easily remedied that sensation. We also appreciated that there’s no strong scent or flavor, making it a great choice for those who are sensitive to fragrance.

Highlighted Ingredients: Baobab seed, camellia seed, and passion fruit seed oils | Shades: 6 | Scent: Vanilla | Size: 4.5 ml

Lip oils are not known for being long-wearing, that’s just the nature of oily formulas. However, because this one is thick and quite moisturizing thanks to a blend of nourishing plant oils, we found that it kept the lips hydrated for several hours and the glossy finish lasted longer than others we tested. The caveat to this is that it does feel a bit more like a traditional gloss, meaning that it has a subtle tackiness to it and it does transfer a bit, but we think the wear and the moisturizing benefits outweigh this.

We loved that with just one swipe using the large doe-foot applicator, it applied a generous coat of the super-glassy formula, leaving the lips looking healthy and plump. It comes in five beautiful tinted shades as well as a clear version, and each one offers next-level shine. If you like a bit of a thicker texture, and you want the moisturizing benefits of a lip oil as well as the wear and high-shine finish of a gloss, this is the one for you.

Highlighted Ingredients: Quinoa seed oil, squalane | Shades: 4 | Scent: None | Size: 7 ml

If you don’t like the feeling of any product sitting on your lips, you'll love this formula from Merit. The gel-like oil texture is completely weightless—it applies smoothly and works to subtly hydrate the lips (you can thank the inclusion of squalane for that) without adding the slightest bit of weight or stickiness to your mouth. Just one layer adds a nice hint of color, but what makes this pick special is that it doubles as a subtle lip stain. Even as the oil fades off, the color stays behind in the form of a wearable stain that creates a bitten look. It’s worth noting that the four shades look pretty similar once applied though.

In terms of wear, we found it to be pretty consistent with others on this list. It keeps the lips smooth and comfortable for a few hours, though it’s not as long-wearing as thicker, more emollient formulas. Overall, this one impressed us, especially for those seeking a tint with a shiny finish and an undetectable feel.

Highlighted Ingredients: Plant oils, fatty acids | Shades: 10 | Scent: Varies by shade | Size: 7 ml

Chances are, you’ve heard of this popular product—it was one of the first lip oil formulas on the market. Available in 10 lightly-tinted shades that each feature a unique, subtle scent (like cherry and chocolate), it’s an excellent formula for popping into your bag and applying on the go. It’s lightweight, smooth, and easy to swipe on using the large doe-foot applicator, and we appreciate that it’s not gloopy. Though some shades are more pigmented than others, most of them leave a hint of healthy-looking color on the lips without being so pigmented that you need to be super careful while applying. It looks beautiful on bare lips or applied over a lip liner.

The thin formula feels like a true oil without being drippy, and it contains a blend of nourishing plant oils and fatty acids to keep the lips hydrated and comfortable. Because it’s such a thin and non-tacky formula, it doesn’t wear as long as other, more plush options, but it’s easy to reapply throughout the day.

Highlighted Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides | Shades: 11 | Scent: None | Size: 4.6 ml

A lot of lip oils on the market come in limited shade options, many of which look the same on the lips—but this one is an exception. The formulation is nice, but what makes this pick stand out from the rest is the shade range. It comes in a variety of neutral hues as well as pops of pink, red, and champagne. The shades aren’t completely opaque, but they offer semi-opaque coverage in just a layer or two.

The formula is a gloss and oil hybrid, meaning that it feels like a combination of the two: not as lightweight as most oils and not as thick as most glosses. It’s packed with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and evening primrose oil, which create a fairly rich texture that makes the lips feel smooth and moisturized. It is a bit stickier than other lip oils we tested, so if you’re sensitive to that, this likely isn’t the one for you. But if you’re in the market for a pigmented lip oil that delivers a wet-looking shine, we think you’ll be pleased with this one from Kosas.

Highlighted Ingredients: Jojoba seed oil | Shades: 8 | Scent: None detectable | Size: 3 ml

Most lip oils don’t offer a whole lot of color payoff, but if you’re looking for a product that provides pigmentation and even staining, this will give it to you. While it doesn’t feel emollient or super plush, the weightless formula is smooth and mildly hydrating thanks to the inclusion of jojoba oil. It keeps the lips feeling comfortable and soft for a few hours. We love that, in addition to the initial color payoff you get when you apply it, it leaves behind an even stain that lasts all day. It’s easy to reapply without it bunching up, and you can also layer a gloss or lip balm on top of the stain for added shine.

It’s different from other options because it’s not super glossy and doesn’t create a wet-looking finish—it feels more like a lightweight lip cream than a true oil. But just like a standard oil, the consistency is not at all sticky. If you’re not pressed about the fact that the shine is only subtle and you’re more focused on finding a weightless lip color, we think this is a fantastic pick.

Highlighted Ingredients: Peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, coconut oil | Shades: 1 | Scent: Mint | Size: 5 ml

We've finally entered a time in the beauty industry when not all lip-plumping products cause intense tingling or burning. This plumping lip oil utilizes peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to minimize the look of lip lines and add moisture, which helps to create the appearance of fuller lips. Although it has a slight cooling sensation along with a subtle minty scent and flavor, it doesn’t sting or feel uncomfortable, rather it feels smooth, lightweight, and hydrating while you wear it.

It features a large doe-foot applicator for quick and easy application. Once applied, it wore well without noticeable fading and no bleeding for at least an hour. While we didn't clock it drying out the lips, several online reviewers have shared that using it consistently makes their lips feel dry. If you’re concerned about dryness, we recommend applying a lip balm first and topping it off with this formula for the plumping benefits.

Highlighted Ingredients: Jojoba oil, fermented pomegranate, fruit extracts | Shades: 10 | Scent: Varies by shade | Size: 6 ml

If you like fun-scented lip products that feel like an ode to the Smackers days of your past, these lip oils are right up your alley. Available in ten tinted shades that each feature a unique fragrance—like fruity cereal, berry jam, and cookie to name a few—applying them is a full-on nostalgia trip.

Aside from the delicious scents, we enjoyed the creamy formula, the oversized applicator, and the high-shine finish. The texture is fairly thick which actually helps a bit with longevity, though we did find that these oils can be tacky if you over-apply. And while they certainly didn’t dry out the lips, we found other formulas to be a bit more moisturizing than this one. But that doesn't detract from how fun they are to wear.

Highlighted Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Shades: 6 | Scent: None | Size: 4.3 ml

Tinted lip oils can be a nice two-in-one option when you’re looking for a moisturizing product that also provides a bit of color. We enjoyed this one because it comes in six romantic and wearable shades and feels lightweight and moisturizing on the lips. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid for a boost of hydration and leaves the lips feeling soft and comfortable without being greasy. The smooth, creamy texture glides on with ease, and doesn’t feel the least bit sticky. It wears well while eating; we found that there was just minor fading after having a snack. If you have dry lips and you’re in the market for a tinted oil, we recommend checking out this one.

Highlighted Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, honey | Shades: 2 | Scent: Honey | Size: 8 ml

Craving that super high shine lip look? This honey-infused lip oil is the way to go. The consistency feels just like you’d think an oil would—lightweight, thin, and hydrating. Despite it feeling oily on the lips, it’s not overly greasy and it doesn’t slip and slide or migrate around your mouth. Just one layer creates the most stunning, glassy finish that instantly blurs the look of fine lines and creates the appearance of juicy-looking lips.

We loved how smooth and hydrating it felt, though we did notice that it faded quickly—this is likely due to the super thin, oily formula. However, it’s easy to re-apply without it pilling or getting thick, so this isn’t a dealbreaker for us. We also adore the subtle honey scent that’s derived from the natural ingredients.

Highlighted Ingredients: Vitamin E, vegan oil complex | Shades: 4 | Scent: None | Size: 4.4 ml

Think of this as the cool younger sister to the beloved Butter Balms by the brand. It's in the same hydrating family but it's got a totally different texture. It has a plush, gel-like consistency that feels incredibly soft, cushiony, and smooth on the lips. It does a nice job of smoothing over lip lines, and we love that it's not sticky or greasy feeling. With a blend of vitamin E and vegan oils, like avocado and apricot, it gives lips the boost of hydration they crave. It's offered in four sheer shades that can be built up slightly to offer a hint of noticeable color, but what really makes this lip oil stand out is the texture.

One thing to note is that when we applied it directly on top of a lip liner, it did cause the liner to bleed and break down. So, we suggest wearing it on its own or just applying it in the center of the lips for added shine when layering it with other products. But if you're in the market for a super-smooth, easy-to-apply product, keep this one in your bag.

Highlighted Ingredients: Apple water | Shades: 7 | Scent: Varies by shade | Size: 3.5 ml

Those with mature lips or significant lip lines know how frustrating it can be to apply a lip product that settles into lines and emphasizes them rather than smoothing their appearance. This one does the opposite thanks to a thick, moisturizing texture that smooths over lips to give them an even, full-looking finish. The consistency can feel slightly heavy, but considering how beautiful it looks and how moisturizing it feels, we can easily look past that.

We loved that the tint shows up and leaves a bit of a stain behind, meaning that you won’t have to continuously re-apply throughout the day to maintain your color. Once you pop on one coat, you’re good to go for a few hours—the color and high-shine finish remain intact.

Watch Us Test the Best Lip Oils

FAQ

• Is lip oil good for your lips?

  Lip oils that contain nourishing ingredients can help to moisturize dry lips. “Lip oils are just as hydrating [than lip balms], if not more so," shares Shahzada. "Some ingredients in lip oils have the ability to penetrate the lips adding a deeper layer of moisture.”

• Is lip gloss or lip oil better?

  Neither is better, they’re just different. “The key difference between lip gloss and lip oil is that lip gloss tends to have a thicker and tackier consistency whereas lip oil has a thinner consistency while infusing a higher concentration of moisture in the lips,” explains Shahzada. Which one is better for you ultimately comes down to a matter of preference and what you’re looking for in a lip product.

  
  “If someone is looking for a shine with heavier pigment, I would suggest using lip gloss. A lip oil will still give a lot of shine and subtle color payoff, but in addition to that, it’s moisturizing the skin much more than a gloss would,” she says.