Hydrated, but not sticky: The lip oil phenomenon is Gen Z’s new obsession

The revolution of lip oils in the world of makeup is a fact, and with good reason: in contrast to traditional lipsticks, whose design is generally focused on color, lip oils also keep your lips hydrated, soft and healthy, multiplying shine immediately, with an effect similar to gloss.

Not to mention, lip oils stand out for their light and never-sticky texture, particularly compared to their two biggest competitors, balms and glosses. Many such products have been made with a special focus on color, perfect for adding that eye-catching touch to one’s look. It’s no surprise that social media influencers have been quick to show off the products they’ve got to have in their bag with the hashtag #lipoil, which is currently tagged to an almost infinite amount of videos that between them, have racked up more than 2.5 billion views with their coverage of the most viral lip oils.

What is the difference between lip gloss and lip oil?

Although it’s clear that lip oils are in competition with lip gloss, it’s often hard to know the difference between these two products. The contrast can be summed up by saying that lip glosses are designed to add a touch of shine and color to lips with a shiny finish, while lip oils focus on hydrating and repairing lips with nutritional ingredients, at the same time adding a shiny effect, but one that is more subtle and less sticky. It stands to reason that they’ve gone viral in the world of makeup.

Beauty brands, of course, haven’t been slow to catch onto the trend and make it their own by creating bestselling products that have become undisputed protagonists of this massive wave of viral videos. All you have to do is find your favorite. And so, here is a list of eight lip oils that are already must-haves, from brands like NYX, Dior, Clarins and Gisou (the most popular name on social media when it comes to lip oils), with which you’ll shine with shiny, hydrated lips. Here they are:

NYX Professional Makeup Fat Oil Lip Drip

NYX’s lip oil is one of the most popular, particularly because of its eight available shades and for its formula, enriched with plant oils like raspberry and blackberry. It provides hydration and shine for 12 hours, and stands out due to its fluffy XXL applicator, which makes application a comfortable, simple and dazzling experience.

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil

This is one of the most viral lip oils. It’s enriched with cherry oil, instantly nourishing, protecting, smoothing and revitalizing lips. It combines a formula for intense lip care with a flattering natural-color finish for an ultra-luminous result. It adapts to all lip tones, enhancing their pinkish hue, has a non-greasy texture, is long-lasting and available in four colors.

Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil

A lip treatment made from 99% natural ingredients and Mirsalehi honey, a blend of oils and hyaluronic acid that smoothes, plumps and defines the lips while enhancing their natural color. The result is completely natural, ideal for shining on a daily basis. It also stands out for its incredible design, with a curvy and transparent container that leaves the interior visible, shiny and eye-catching.

Clarins Lip Comfort Oil

A fantastic colored lip oil with long-lasting shine, nourishment and comfort. Its formula has been perfected and enriched with 93% ingredients of natural origin, including 30% ultra-nourishing botanical oils like extracts of organic jojoba, hazelnut and organic rose.

This lip oil also strengths the lip barrier function to protect against environmental stressors. It is available in a total of 10 different shades for all tastes! Influencers like Maria Pombo have gotten hold of it, and are showing it off on TikTok as the “number one” product in its class.

L.A. Colors Lip Oil

This lip oil is a more economic option made with an ultra-hydrating formula that helps your lips come alive, leaving them soft and supple. Each shade (it’s available in five distinct colors) is infused with gold flakes for just the right amount of shine, with a unique strawberry scent.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir

Lip hydrator by day, lip mask by night, such is the magic lip oil from cosmetics brand Charlotte Tilbury. It’s enriched with potent and innovative ingredients that hydrate, soften and improve the appearance of lips. What makes it special is that this lip oil contains Swertia leaf extract, an ingredient that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the lips. In addition, it enhances their volume and moisturizes them with an effect that lasts up to 24 hours.

Liposan Lip Oil Gloss Clear Glow

The new Liposan Lip Oil Gloss Clear Glow hydrates your lips’ skin instantly while at the same time giving them a shiny finish and transparent natural color effect. Its formula is vegan and made with 100% natural oils, like organic jojoba oil. Plus, it’s not sticky and supplies extra volume, for well-maintained, irresistible lips with an extra shine! It’s available in three different hues and costs less than $5.40!

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