Meet lip oil—the love child of lip gloss and lip balm that the internet is obsessed with ATM

Lip oil is everywhere. From Bella Hadid singing its praises on her TikTok to Alia Bhatt’s makeup artist swearing by its hydrating properties, the beauty product is clearly having its moment. And why not—oils have perforated our skincare and makeup like never before, with special concoctions for face and even cuticles cropping up. If you are a 90’s child and loved the sexy sheen that lip glosses of the noughties brought but not their annoying tendency to attract strands of hair and rogue lint like a magnet, then lip oil should definitely be on your radar. 

Made with a cocktail of plant oils and other nourishing ingredients, lip oils work like a barrier for your pout by keeping all the hydration in and pollutants out. Their texture is a sweet spot between a lip balm and lip gloss—instead of being sticky or greasy, they are extremely lightweight and can be worn as is or on top of your favourite lipstick to prevent them from drying or cracking over the day. The oils bring together the best of both worlds—the mirror-like finish of glosses and the uber-hydrating quality of staid lip balms. And a lot of them feature potent ingredients, doubling up as skincare for your lips. 

Bazaar India searched for the most moisturising (and good-looking) ones that you need to add to your routine ASAP.

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil

 

This one has a cult following and might even be behind lip oil’s monumental rise in popularity. It comes in 11 shades (one of them is clear), but we have our eyes set on the ultra-trendy light pink. Infused with cherry oil, its unique colour reviver technology reacts with your lips’ moisture level to reveal a custom shade. 
₹3,400

Clarins Intense Lip Comfort Oil 

Another popular one on the list (Alia Bhatt uses it too!), Clarins’ version packs a powerful pigmented punch but stays feathery-light on the lips. Bolstered with organic oils jojoba, hazelnut, and cranberry, go for this when your lips are feeling extra chapped and you want to skip your regular matte lipstick. 
₹2,000

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir

Instead of the usual doe-foot applicator contraption, Charlotte Tilbury’s lip oil one comes in a handy tube, making it a breeze to carry and apply on-the-go. The formula is infused with powerful antioxidants and the beauty world’s favourite ingredient at the moment—hyaluronic acid, so pick this one up when intense lip hydration is your agenda.  
₹3,057

Hourglass No.28 Lip Treatment Oil

If actives are your favourite beauty buzz word, then Hourglass No.28 lip treatment oil should definitely be on your wish-list. It boasts of three active ingredients that promise boosted moisture levels and smooth-wrinkle free lips. Plus, the 24kt gold-plated tip glides on like a dream and keeps the germs at bay. 
₹4,100 (approx)

Inglot High Gloss Lip Oil 

Get that coveted glazed donut look on your pout with this ultra-glossy Inglot lip oil. Fortified with a mix of five organic oils in addition to shea butter and vitamin E, this one is a hydrating powerhouse. Pick from cherry-scented options that come in fun shades or the un-scented clear version if you want something simple. 
₹1,610

Lead image: Kylie Jenner/Instagram