If you’ve ever walked into a beauty store like Sephora, only to be overwhelmed by endless options of glosses, balms, oils, and stains, you’re not alone. Even as a seasoned beauty editor, I can understand the challenge. With crowded aisles, limited testers, and shelves full of nearly identical tubes, finding the right lip product can feel like a daunting task. That’s why we’re here to help. At Cosmo, we test countless formulas to help you cut through the noise and highlight the best tinted lip oils that simplify your beauty routine.
Tinted lip oils are the perfect hybrid, offering skincare-level hydration, the shine of a gloss, and a touch of pigment all in one swipe. After testing nearly every option available, we’ve curated the top formulas that provide instant color, shine, and long-lasting hydration—without the need for layering. Here’s our list of the best lip oils that will give you effortless, polished lips.
Why We Love It: Saie Glossybounce
Saie’s Glossybounce delivers the ultimate plush, pillowy lips with a glassy finish, minus the sticky feeling. The shade “Bounce,” a warm mauve, is universally flattering and perfect for daily wear. This moisturizing formula keeps lips soft and silky for hours, making it a must-have for your handbag.
One Cosmo editor says: “The way this makes my lips so soft and juicy is unreal. It’s the perfect mix of lip oil, sheer tint, and high-shine gloss.” —Lauren Balsamo, Beauty Director
Why We Love It: Gisou Honey Lip Oil
Gisou’s Honey Lip Oil has earned a cult following thanks to its deeply nourishing formula. The tinted versions add just the right amount of color, while keeping your lips hydrated for hours. It’s ideal for those no-makeup days when you want a natural, polished look with minimal effort.
One Cosmo editor says: “I loved the original clear version, but the tinted shades took it to another level. The medium and deep browns pair perfectly with liner, and they feel amazing on the lips.” —Beth Gillette, Beauty Editor
Why We Love It: Bite Beauty Agave Lip Oil
Bite Beauty’s Agave Lip Oil applies like a stick but melts into the lips like an oil, offering a lightweight, smooth texture. It provides just enough tint to enhance your natural lip color while leaving behind a glossy finish—ideal for everyday wear.
One Cosmo editor says: “This is the ultimate hybrid. It gives juicy shine, buildable pigment, and real hydration thanks to mango oil and hyaluronic acid.” —Jasmine Hyman, Assistant Beauty Editor
Why We Love It: Dior Lip Oil
Dior’s iconic lip oil went viral for a reason. The formula now boasts richer pigment and longer-lasting hydration, while still maintaining the plush, high-shine finish that fans adore. It remains a standout favorite among Cosmo readers year after year.
Why We Love It: e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine
For those on a budget, e.l.f. proves that you don’t need to splurge for quality. This under-$10 option offers a luxurious feel, glossy finish, and nourishing formula that rivals high-end competitors without breaking the bank. Team Cosmo is collectively obsessed.
Why We Love It: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Heat
Fenty’s Dream Lip Oil is the real standout from the brand’s iconic balms. It hydrates, protects, and softens lips while delivering a sheer, modern tint. This versatile lip oil is perfect for a polished yet effortless look every day.
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Why We Love It: Merit Signature Lip Oil
Merit’s lip oil is a longtime favorite thanks to its sleek packaging and ultra-light texture. Infused with squalane, it hydrates without feeling heavy. The sheer tint is buildable, allowing you to create a subtle or slightly bolder look, depending on your mood.
Why We Love It: Kulfi Beauty Lip Oil
Kulfi’s lip oil redefines what a lip stain can be. Packed with nourishing oils, it delivers lasting pigment with real hydration, so you don’t need a separate gloss to complete your look. It’s a two-in-one product that nourishes while adding color.
Why We Love It: Too Faced Lip Injection Oil
This lip oil does double duty as a subtle plumper, using hyaluronic acid and peptides to smooth and volumize lips instantly. Unlike traditional plumpers, it moisturizes and hydrates, leaving your lips looking fuller without drying them out.
Why We Love It: Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Oil
Tarte’s Maracuja formula stands out for its long wear and intense hydration. It feels almost like a lip mask, providing deep nourishment while delivering rich shine and tint—ideal for a more long-lasting look throughout the day.
One Cosmo editor says: “It’s thicker than most lip oils, but that’s why it lasts so much longer. I reach for it when I don’t want constant touch-ups.” —BG
Why We Love It: NARS Orgasm Lip Oil
The iconic Orgasm shade looks just as beautiful in a lip oil as it does in a blush. This shimmery peach-pink tint enhances natural lip color, providing a soft glow that’s polished yet easy to wear every day.
Lip Oil vs. Lip Gloss: What’s the Difference?
So, what’s the real difference between a lip oil and a lip gloss? Lip oils are typically formulated with nourishing oils and emollients that hydrate and condition the lips. The finish is glossy but lightweight, and your lips often stay soft even after the shine fades.
On the other hand, lip gloss is makeup-first, with its main focus on shine and pigment. While modern glosses can feel comfortable, the moisturizing effect tends to disappear once the gloss wears off.
