Struggling with dry lips? These nourishing lip oils will be your new beauty saviour

We never leave the house without one

a picture of a woman with glossy lips - best lip oils
(Image credit: Caroline Tompkins Refinery29 for Getty Images 1140452305)

Forget matte lipsticks and bold lip liners, as glossy lips are the perfect low-maintenance make-up trend for summer 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.  

If you're not yet familiar with these clever products, we're here to give you the full lowdown on our new make-up must have. Keep on scrolling for everything you need to know, and for more inspiration, don't forget to check out our edits of the 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

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil - best lip oils

(Image credit: Dior)

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil

Specifications

Number of shades: 8

Reasons to buy

+
Chic packaging
+
Pigmented colour
+
Hydrating
+
Leaves a glossy shine

Reasons to avoid

-
A little pricey

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.

2. Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil

Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil - best lip oils

(Image credit: Gisou)

Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil

Specifications

Number of shades: 2

Reasons to buy

+
Chic packaging
+
Intensely hydrating

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn't add colour to the lips

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. It is formulated with both honey and hyaluronic acid for intense hydration, and lets your natural lip colour shine through. 

3. R.E.M. Beauty Lip Essential Drip Lip Oil

R.E.M. Beauty Lip Essential Drip Lip Oil - best lip oils

(Image credit: R.E.M. Beauty)

R.E.M. Beauty Lip Essential Drip Lip Oil

Specifications

Number of shades: 4

Reasons to buy

+
Cooling applicator
+
Hydrating
+
Leaves you with a natural-looking shine

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavily scented

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

Clarins Lip Comfort Oil - best lip oils

(Image credit: Clarins)

Clarins Lip Comfort Oil

Specifications

Number of shades: 8

Reasons to buy

+
Contains three organic natural oils to hydrate
+
Leaves lips looking shiny and plump
+
Colourful shade range

Reasons to avoid

-
Large applicator

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 Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir - best lip oils

(Image credit: Charlotte Tilbury)

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir

Specifications

Number of shades: 1

Reasons to buy

+
Easy applicator
+
Really nourishing

Reasons to avoid

-
Only available in one shade

Who doesn't love a bit of Charlotte Tilbury? The brand's 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.

6. Typology Tinted Lip Oil

Typology Tinted Lip Oil - best lip oils

(Image credit: Typology)

Typology Tinted Lip Oil

Specifications

Number of shades: 5

Reasons to buy

+
Adds a subtle hint of colour
+
Formulated without mineral oils and silicones

Reasons to avoid

-
Packaging can be a little messy

Not only is this product great to look at, but it's great to use, too. Available in five beautiful shades, it adds a subtle pop of colour to the lips that has impressive lasting power. The formula contains squalane, jojoba oil and vitamin E, so you won't be left with a dry, flaky pout.

7. Beauty Pie Wondergloss™ Collagen Lip Oil +

Beauty Pie Wondergloss™ Collagen Lip Oil + - best lip oils

(Image credit: Beauty Pie)

Beauty Pie Wondergloss™ Collagen Lip Oil +

Specifications

Number of shades: 6

Reasons to buy

+
Sleek packaging
+
Adds a slight shimmer
+
Hydrating

Reasons to avoid

-
A little pricey if you're not a Beauty Pie member

This lip oil looks exactly like a lipgloss, without that sticky, dry feeling that some can leave. It contains cherry and hibiscus oils for plump, nourished lips, and it gives a shimmery, dewy finish. What more could you want?

Grace Lindsay

Grace Lindsay is currently Junior Beauty Editor at Who What Wear UK and previously was Marie Claire UK's E-Commerce Writer.  With over three years of experience in the fashion and beauty industry, she covers everything from the best make-up and skincare deals to how to shop the stand out trends of the season. When she's not typing away at her laptop, Grace can be found shopping her favourite vintage markets IRL, or catching up on her never-ending list of books to read.