6 lip oils that will work wonders for long-lasting smooth lipstick

Imagine if there was something that nourished, protected, and softened your lips while giving them the colour and shine that lip gloss does! Lip oils are the ultimate package. Easy to apply, light, and glossy, and they can be part of your daily skincare routine. Whether you want to go to the beach (some lip oils also provide protection from the sun) or just an evening out with your friends, toss your gloss to bring lip oil into your life. Many high-end brands are providing lip oils besides their regular cosmetics products, but here are some budget-friendly oils that work perfectly with your look! 

Kiehl's Love Oil for Lips
So perfectly glossy, so perfectly colourful! My first brush with Kiehl’s was in 2015, when I browsed through their wide range of body lotions, moisturisers, and of course, skincare! I was definitely surprised when Kiehl’s announced their ‘Love Oil for Lips’ lip oil selection. I was not disappointed. This oil looks a lot like the coloured lip balm that we squirt and apply. The colours range from cherry-red to midnight orchid, for everyday and party use. With these shades, inspired by the famous ‘Summer of Love’ movement of the 1960s, unleash your entire ‘hippie’ or just your ‘free-love’ girl. 

₹1,399

MAC Sized to Go Lipglass 
Available in six different interesting shades and equally interesting names, MAC’s Sized to Go Lipglass is every airport beauty’s dream kit. Made in 30ml ‘airport ready’ bottles, this easy-to-handle lip oil is the perfect fit to dab and run. The colours are on the nude to pink spectrum, with some interesting ones such as Nymphette, a sunny golden pink shade for your beach evening, or ‘C-thru’ a peach beige with shimmer, perfect for your daily meetings. My favourite is ‘Oyster girl’, a freshwater pink. It reminds me of cotton candy on a sunny day or the pink dresses I used to wear as a kid. Even though this is purely cosmetics, there is still jojoba oil in all the ‘lipglasses’. Best part? You can apply some after your 12-hour flight and look like a queen for your airport shots!

₹825

Simply Nam 
Somewhere between an oil and a gloss, this vegan formula made with jojoba—our ultimate nourishment ingredient—macademia, avocado, and cocoa butter by Simply Nam provides great hydration for dry and chapped lips. And it promises to increase natural moisturisation with smoother lips that are sure to make a perfect canvas for your lipstick.

₹999

Ras Luxury Tinted Lip Balm Duo
Along with beautiful colouring that can be used for various occasions—ranging from sophisticated dinners to every day—this set has ingredients that focus on moisturising and hydrating. Made with jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, kokum butter, and vegetable glycerin—the ingredient that makes your lip plump!—this lip oil will leave your lips feeling better than before. You won’t feel the usual lipstick stickiness or dryness. Think colour with healing! You can also use this on the cheeks and eyes for a “dewy” look and change the vibe!

₹1,320

Shankara Soothing Lip Oil 
Ok…this lip gloss is more protective than colour, but trust it to protect! There’s protection against the sun, super nourishment, and deep moisturising. I know you’re thinking, why not buy an SPF50 lip balm for all of this? I would be likely to choose this because of the texture. Lip balms, no doubt, are effective, but lip oils tend to be more glossy and are easier to apply. This lip oil is made with jojoba, avocado, almond, coconut, and carrot oils, along with cocoa butter, vanilla, turmeric, and algae. With so much goodness comes Vitamin C and beta carotene, both essential to hydration and nourishment. A long-time lip balm user such as myself can see myself turning to Shankara lip oil in some time. 

₹590

Zara Nourishing Jelly Lip Oil
Ah, Zara! My go-to brand never disappoints. I won’t lie, half my closet is currently filled with Zara, so I’m not against filling my skincare with it as well! The oil has two variants, the 141 Decadent, a light, glossy pink and the 990 Exquisite, the clear formula with ‘4k’ gloss. Even so, this jelly lip oil is made with various nourishing ingredients—including cocoa Nucifera oil—made to nourish and keep your lips soft through the appliance. The simplicity of this lip oil is perfect for every-day occasions. Sometimes, when you don’t want to go through the trouble of putting on lipstick, hydrate and pout!

₹790

Ruby Organics Lip Oil Gloss 
Made with various oils, including jojoba, castor, argan, almond, and three types of butter—kokum, mango, and cocoa—this lip gloss is your hydration package. Completely paraben and petrochemical free, vegan and cruelty-free, this is the ‘good stuff’. There are five different shades, with very interesting names (sangria is a thing!). Each of these shades is unique and is known to smell great. The formula is non-sticky and easy to apply, so you’ll achieve lip care with amazing colour. It is suitable for all skin types, so don’t worry about any irritation or residue dryness/oiliness from this lip oil. 

₹720

Feature and Square Image: @casey_manganelli / Instagram