Oils are having a big moment in beauty right now. From face to hair to body, these slick saviours are becoming an integral part of many routines, proving to do wonders for the skin. And the newest avenue for oils to tap into is the pout. Enter lip oils! Think of them as the love child of a balm and a gloss. It’s a two-in-one kind of deal, providing you with the nourishment and hydration of a lip balm along with the pop of colour and shine of a lip gloss. Lip care oils literally give you the best of both worlds. What makes this lip product so special that it’s suddenly found on everyone’s wishlist? We break it down for you.
What exactly are lip oils?
If you’ve ever found yourself torn between a mild lip balm and heavy lip gloss, you’re not alone. The former is functional, while the latter amps up the glam. Hydrating lip oils bridge that gap and give you the best of both. It’s beauty, with a purpose.
What do lip oils do?
Formulated with nourishing natural oils such as jojoba, coconut, rosehip, hazelnut, or olive, to name a few, the job of a lip oil is mainly to intensely moisturise your lips.
Fun fact: unlike the skin on your face and body, the skin on your lips does not host sebaceous glands, meaning it does not produce oil on its own. That’s probably why dried and chapped lips are common across the year, not just in winter. Applying lip oil for dry lips adds a layer of moisture and protects your lips from harsh external factors.
The best lip oils for dry lips also contain skin-loving ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or vitamin E, that replenish moisture and nourish your lips, even hours after you’ve worn and rubbed off the product. And that’s not where it ends. The amalgamation of infused oils leaves your lips with a shiny finish and hint of colour sans stickiness. This means wear a colour while caring for your lips with just one product that doesn’t dry, flake, or feel too heavy.
What makes lip oils different?
Lip balms are formulated with a waxy base and are a temporary fix for dryness. Essentially, they moisturise in the moment, but the minute they come off, their job is done.
Lip glosses, on the other hand, are aesthetically driven and can often be stickier and heavier on the lips. They often just add shine without benefits that will alter the texture or state of your lips.
Lip oils are more of a long-term treatment. Think of them as a skincare essential, but for your lips. The natural oils penetrate deep into the skin, replenish lost moisture, hydrate, and heal your lips all at once. Consistent use improves the overall health of your lips and enhances their natural appearance.
How to make the most of your lip oil
If you want to treat your lips to some extra hydration, it is recommended that you pair your lip oil with an occlusive lip balm. Apply the lip balm and then top it off with the oil––this works especially well overnight and leaves you with soft and plump lips the next morning.
Lip oils also pair well with lipsticks. Prep your pout with a hint of lip oil just before applying a matte lipstick. This creates a hydrating base, especially if you’re wearing a lip product that might be drying. You can also apply lip oil over the lipstick you’re wearing. This will leave you with a glossy and shiny finish.