The early aughts brought us high-shine lip gloss, and in the (er, many) years since 2002, those goopy throwback tubes have evolved into some of the best lip oils your cosmetic case has ever seen. We’re talking hydrating, glossy formulas with dreamy sheen and none of the stickiness that plagued your hair way back when. And now that the matte lip look has finally taken a backseat, more people are favoring these pretty lip oils that catch the light just right. (You can also think of them as gloss’s much cooler, low-fuss sister that’s less lacquered and way more lightweight.)
Our top picks:
“Lip oils create a protective barrier that helps seal in moisture, which is essential for protecting the delicate skin on your lips,” says Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology in New York City. However, not all lip oils contain humectant properties, which means they might not add significant hydration on their own.
For an extra hit of moisture, experts like to recommend using oils in combination with a lip balm that contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid—which draws water into the skin—ceramides, dimethicone, or shea butter. According to Dr. Levin, additional nourishing ingredients worth looking out for include peptides, squalane, castor seed oil, and hemp seed oil, the latter of which is rich in nutrients and fatty acids to keep your lips soft and supple.
Before using any new makeup or skin care product, it’s a good idea to do a patch test to check for potential reactions or irritations (especially if you have sensitive skin). “Opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products that can cut down on irritation,” Dr. Levin advises.
With so many high-shine options out there, it’s no surprise that TikTok is totally obsessed—and a bunch have been popping up on our FYP left and right. From the very viral Dior Lip Glow Oil to the classic Clarins Lip Comfort Hydrating Oil and other budget-friendly picks you can find at your local drugstore, these are the very best lip oils to swipe on right now.
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