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Over the past few years, oils have taken over the skincare industry. Chances are, you regularly use these occlusive elixirs on your face, body and hair, with the myriad of beauty oils dominating the industry; all specifically designed to cater to different skin types and concerns. The newest to the lineup that’s fast becoming a skincare kit must-have? The lip oil.
So, what are lip oils and how are they different from facial oils?
The skin on our lips is different from our faces. It is more delicate, dries and chaps easily, and needs a lot of extra nourishment. Lip oils, with emollient ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba, shea, argan and cocoa, help keep them supple. As per a study, lip skin barrier function and lip hydration were significantly improved after the application of an oil-based lip care product.
As the name suggests, this rich elixir has a different texture to that of creamy or waxy lip balms. Balms are great to nourish your lips temporarily but need re-application after you drink or eat. Think of lip oils as a potent deep conditioning treatment – something that will help heal dryness and lock the moisture in when used as part of your morning or nighttime routine.
When do you use lip oils?
You can use them overnight and wake up to moisturised, plump and soft lips in the morning. You can also use them before you apply your makeup to prep your lips, especially if you’re using a matte formula – just remember to wipe off completely before you apply makeup to prevent it from slipping. Another great way is to use it on top of your lip colour instead of lip gloss for a high-shine, glossy look.
If your lips are desperately craving hydration and you’re looking for a long-lasting solution, we’ve lined up some delightful formulations for you to begin the ultimate lip-pampering routine. But first, read our easy-to-follow lip care guide to prep your lips for lip oil or lipstick application.
The Ultimate Lip Care Guide For Soft, Supple Lips
Before wearing a lip formulation, you must prep your pucker for seamless application. A quick and effective lip care routine – featuring a lip scrub, lip oil, and lip mask – can work wonders. Apply some scrub onto your lips and massage the exfoliator in gentle circular motions to slough off dead skin. Ensure that you aren’t harsh, as it may cause micro-tears on your skin. Next, apply lip oil to boost hydration and instantly quench your skin’s thirst. An overnight lip mask boasting soothing ingredients can intensify moisturisation. If you suffer from severely dehydrated lips, consider consulting a professional and using a medicated lip balm.
The Difference Between Lip Oil, Lip Balm and Lip Gloss
While these terms may be used interchangeably, they certainly aren't the same thing. Lip balms are made from a wax base, whereas lip oils are made from natural oils that penetrate deep into your pucker to aid in moisturisation sans the hassle of reapplying. Conversely, a lip gloss may deliver shine like a lip oil, but needn’t include beneficial ingredients that can boost moisturisation or improve lip health. Hence, make an informed decision before buying a lip formula.
The Best Lip Oils To Buy On Nykaa
Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Nighttime Lip Oil-Serum
Enriched with naturally derived camellia, rose and lavender oils, this weightless overnight formula will help you get the baby-soft lips of your dreams.
Mcaffeine Coffee Lip Polishing Oil For Pigmented & Dry Lips - 100% Vegan
If you’re looking for an oil that will hydrate, nourish, as well as even out any pigmentation on your lips, this polishing lip oil, with shea, coffee, and rosehip oils, is all you need.
Indulgeo Essentials Pout It Lip Oil
This ultra-nourishing lip oil is designed to perfect your lips before you apply makeup. Packed with cinnamon oil, jojoba, and evening primrose oils, and 24k gold flakes, it’s a luxe addition to your makeup prep routine.
Butter London Sheer Wisdom Lip Oil - Dusty Mauve
Crafted with a blend of hydrating oils like coconut, prickly pear seed, chia seed, and cloudberry, this product also has a sheer hint of colour, perfect for days when you want to sport a fresh, low-effort makeup look.
Deve Herbes Plum & Pink Lip Oil
With lemon essential oil and chamomile oil, this roll-on, easy-to-apply lip oil tends to chapped lips instantly, leaving them plump, moisturised and glossy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do lip oils actually work?
- Can I sleep with lip oil on?
- Does lip oil change colour?
Yes, lip oils contain ultra-hydrating ingredients that can maximise lip moisture to give you a smooth and supple pucker. Clinical assessments have also shown significant improvements in key lip condition parameters after the use of topical lip treatments.
Lip oils are touted to be one of the best overnight lip treatments. They are a better investment than a lip balm, as they provide long-lasting hydration.
While a conventional lip oil may not contain colour-changing ingredients, the new range of formulations features a pH colour-changing technology that adapts to the unique pH level of your skin. Try the Nykaa Gloss It Up! pH Lip Gloss Oil.
