Amelia Yeomans
Forget matte lipsticks and bold lip liners, as glossy lips are the perfect low-maintenance make-up trend for summer 2025 and beyond. We love nothing more than throwing on a clear gloss to pull our whole look together, and topping it up throughout the day couldn't be easier.
That being said, lipgloss is not the most nourishing option, and can often leave your lips feeling a little dry and flaky. But fear not, as the best lip oils are here to save us—and transform your makeup look in one simple step.
If you're yet to try out one of these clever products for yourself, we're here to give you the full lowdown on our new make-up must have, as well as the formulas the MC UK team wear on repeat. Keep on scrolling for everything you need to know, and for more inspiration, don't forget to check out our edits of the best berry lipsticks, best foundation and the best mascara. Don't say we don't treat you.
What is a lip oil?
Simply put, lip oils marry the best parts of a colourful lipstick, the moisturising benefits of a lip balm and the high-shine finish of a gloss. The best bit about them is that they often contain nourishing oils such as jojoba or cherry, which cushion dry skin and help keep your lips looking and feeling great all day long.
Sound good? We thought so. Luckily for you, we've tried our fair share of lips oils and we've rounded up our top picks below. Trust us, you're going to want to give one of these a go.
The best lip oils to buy now
1. Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil
The Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil is one of our beauty writer's favourite products of all time. So much so, that she wrote a whole article about it. "Its intense lip care formula is infused with cherry oil," says Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Dior Make-up. "Its flattering shades and its mirror shine leave lips radiant." We can definitely agree with that. There are several shades on offer and you're guaranteed plenty of hydration, so it's a brilliant option if you want to treat yourself to a chic lip oil that performs well too.
2. Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil
Gisou was founded by Negin Mirsalehi, and the brand started out as a hair oil that was infused by honey from her family's bee garden. Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength, releasing a range of nourishing products including an incredible lip oil that now has seven shades. It is formulated with both honey and hyaluronic acid for intense hydration, and lets your natural lip colour shine through - and it's one of my personal favourites.
3. R.E.M. Beauty Lip Essential Drip Lip Oil
Okay, we know this product looks a little scary, but it's seriously cool. First, we have to talk about the applicator. As you can see from the picture, it comes with a refreshing metal ball that instantly makes your lips feel brand new. The formula itself contains coconut oil to hydrate, and leaves you with a very natural-looking shine. Our favourite shade is 'Mint Condition', which although looks blue, goes on completely clear (and helps make teeth look whiter).
4. Clarins Lip Comfort Oil
There’s a lot more to this lip oil than meets the eye. First, there are eight stunning shades to choose from. Second, all of them contain not one, not two, but three oils that make this feel more like a mini treatment for your lips. Finally, the glossy shine it leaves you with will have everyone asking what product you have on.
5. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir
Charlotte Tilbury's nourishing lip oil comes in a handy tube so it's easy to throw in your handbag, and thanks to ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and sqisandryl, your lips will feel (and look) instantly plumper and hydrated. It only comes in this clear shade, so isn't one for colour, but it's a gorgeous and lightweight lip balm alternative.
6. Fresh Sugar Treatment Lip Oil
This glossy, tinted treatment is fresh’s first-ever lip oil, which offers smoothing and conditioning benefits as well as a hit of colour. The omega-rich fruit extracts provide a soothing finish that adds instant hydration, and it's formulated with squalane which helps to restore and replenish moisture to the lips by mimicking oils naturally produced in the lips’ lipidic barrier. It offers long-lasting shine without any stickiness, so it's a great alternative to gloss for those (like me) with parched lips.
7. VIEVE Lip Dew
This lip oil looks exactly like a lipgloss, without that sticky, dry feeling that some can leave. It's easily one of my most worn lip oils as it provides a great amount of colour despite having a shiny, semi-sheer finish, and I love the sweet scent. The small tube also lasts a surprisingly long time - I've had mine for about a year and wear it at least a few times a week, and it's still going strong.
