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Image Credit: Subman/Getty ImagesUnlike lipstick, which offers a creamy or matte texture with vibrant color, and lip gloss, which provides a shiny, translucent hue, lip oil delivers a natural tint while deeply nourishing your lips. This results in a fuller, hydrated appearance with a subtle, beautiful color.
"Lip oils are a favorite of mine because they combine aesthetic appeal with skincare advantages. They offer a glossy, glass-like finish similar to lip gloss but with a lighter, less sticky texture,” explains renowned makeup artist Bryan Cantor.
What’s the Difference Between Lip Gloss, Lip Oil, and Lip Balm?
Lip glosses, lip oils, and lip balms are fantastic additions to any makeup routine, each offering distinct benefits and differing in texture and consistency.
Lip Gloss
Lip gloss provides a thicker, stickier, and more adhesive finish compared to lip oil. When colored, it delivers a more vibrant hue due to its higher pigment concentration.
Lip Oil
Lip oil has a lighter, thinner consistency due to its lower viscosity, offering a subtle hint of color. “Unlike lip glosses, lip oils double as skincare, providing both a beautiful finish and long-lasting hydration even after the product fades,” explains Cantor.
Lip Balm
According to cosmetic expert Ron Robinson, lip balms are the thickest in texture, creating a protective barrier on the lips. They are typically colorless and lack a glossy finish.
What Should You Look for in a Good Lip Oil?
When choosing a lip oil, carefully examine the ingredients to ensure maximum benefits. Robinson advises picking formulas with moisturizing components such as jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or cherry oil. Makeup artist Jessica Candage also recommends lip balms infused with argan oil for its anti-inflammatory effects and rich vitamin E content, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines.
How Often Should You Apply Lip Oil?
Lip oils, unlike lip gloss, absorb into the lips rather than sitting on the surface, offering extended hydration. Robinson suggests applying lip oil just a few times daily for optimal results.
The Benefits of Lip Oil
Still unsure about lip oil? These advantages might just convince you to make it your next purchase.
Seriously Hydrates
According to makeup artist Aimee Carr, one of the standout advantages of lip oils is their ability to maintain hydration and smoothness. “They’re an excellent choice for anyone struggling with dry lips, offering much-needed moisture,” she explains.
Softens and Plumps
Carr mentions, “Lip oils also work to keep lips soft and fuller, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
Nourishing Formula
The oils in the formula hydrate, smooth, and plump, but many lip oils go a step further. “They often include additional skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, enhancing their benefits,” says Cantor. Carr also highlights that some lip oils contain antioxidants, which shield lips from free radical damage.
Long Lasting Shine
“Lip oils provide a lasting shine and deep hydration, while also rejuvenating the lips,” Carr explains. “They combine the benefits of a treatment and makeup in one, restoring the skin’s natural balance and offering protection against environmental factors.”
Beautiful and Layerable
Beyond their skincare benefits, lip oils are visually stunning. Their glossy finish adds a subtle sparkle and enhances the appearance of fuller lips. Carr also notes that they can be layered over balms or lipsticks for a shiny effect and added moisture retention.
