The New Balm: Three Lip Oils We Love

Oil has officially blown up in the beauty world—we now use them on our skin, hair, and body. But what about oils for the lips? Suddenly, lip oil products are popping up everywhere, so we decided to investigate (and test-drive!).** **

What we learned is that lips don’t have oil glands in them like the rest of our skin does, so oil-based treatments help to restore moisture and form a protective barrier against environmental stressors. “No matter your age, the skin on your lips is extremely delicate and in constant need of moisture,” says Hourglass Cosmetics founder and CEO Carisa Janes. “[Oil] hydrates, rejuvenates and regenerates the lip area by improving the shape, volume, and softness of the lips.”

We found three lip oils worth giving a whirl, each with distinctive properties. Give these a try, and let us know what you think below!

The Hydrator: Aquafina Lip Oil

Apparently we were the last to know that Aquafina doesn’t just produce bottled water. This inexpensive little secret weapon has been around since 2006. Housed in a clear plastic squeeze tube, the deeply moisturizing formula comes in three flavors: original (with a hint of mint), raspberry, and wild berry. The formula feels soothing and hydrating without being sticky—that’s the oil working its magic! Try it over lipstick for a custom gloss shade.

The Plumper: Bite Beauty Cinnamon Lip Oil

Bite Beauty is known for its natural, innovative approach to lip products. “You eat what you put on your lips, so your lipstick should be good for you,” says founder Susanne Langmuir. Bite’s Cinnamon Lip Oil is 99.9% natural and contains food-grade ingredients—while wearing it, you can literally lick your lips without worrying about icky chemicals. Cinnamon bark, pink pepper, and peppermint oil stimulate circulation for a rosy flush and noticeably plumper lips, and trans-resveratrol, an antioxidant, provides an anti-aging punch. Plus, the product tastes a bit like Red Hots! If your lips are very dry, however, you may want to go with one of the brand’s more hydrating products (like the Honey Lip Lacquer), or try one of our other two picks here.

The Improver: Hourglass No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil

It’s immediately obvious that Hourglass No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil is the Cadillac of lip oils. You dispense product through a 24-karat gold tip (similar to the palladium packaging in many eye treatments) for a cooling sensation. Once applied, fourteen essential oils including ylang ylang, cedar, and lavender soften while exuding a pleasant, herbal scent. There are also ten lipid-rich plant oils like olive, jojoba, and kukui nut that contain fatty acids for plushness, plus vitamins A, B5, C, and E. The rich oil makes it a perfect nighttime treatment (the ingredients will absorb better when you’re not eating, drinking, or talking), and the anti-aging, hydrating, and protective formula is also vegan!