Last week, I stepped into Sephora for the first time in months to hunt for a new lip product—and instantly felt overwhelmed. Even as a seasoned beauty editor, the endless rows of glosses, balms, oils, and stains can feel like too much. Between crowded aisles, limited testers, and shelves packed with nearly identical tubes, choosing the right lip product isn’t easy. That’s where we come in. At Cosmo, we test countless formulas to cut through the noise and spotlight what’s truly worth your time, including the best tinted lip oils that simplify your routine.
While many trending lip looks rely on layers of liner, balm, and gloss, a tinted lip oil delivers everything in one swipe. These hybrids blend skincare-level hydration, the shine of a gloss, and a touch of pigment for effortless, polished lips. After testing nearly every option on the market, Team Cosmo narrowed down the top formulas that provide immediate color and glow—plus hydration you’ll actually feel hours later.
Why We Love It
Saie’s Glossybounce leaves lips looking plush, pillowy, and glassy without any stickiness. The shade “Bounce,” a warm mauve, is endlessly wearable and flattering. The moisturizing formula keeps lips soft and silky for hours, making it easy to toss in your bag and reapply as needed.
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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’s Honey Lip Oil earned its cult status for a reason. Known for its deeply hydrating formula, the tinted versions add a soft wash of color while keeping lips nourished for hours. It’s ideal for low-makeup days when you want a healthy, polished look without 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
This innovative formula applies like a stick but melts into the lips like an oil. The texture is lightweight and smooth, leaving behind a glossy finish with just enough tint to enhance your natural lip color—perfect 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’s iconic lip oil went viral for a reason. The updated formula offers richer pigment and longer-lasting hydration while maintaining the plush, high-shine finish fans love. It remains a standout favorite among Cosmo readers year after year.
Why We Love It
This under-$10 option proves you don’t need to splurge for quality. With a luxurious feel, glossy finish, and nourishing formula, it rivals high-end competitors at a fraction of the price. Team Cosmo is collectively obsessed.
Why We Love It
While the brand’s balms get plenty of hype, Dream Lip Oil is the real standout. The formula hydrates, protects, and softens while delivering a sheer, modern tint that works beautifully for everyday wear.
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Why We Love It
Merit’s lip oil is a longtime staple thanks to its sleek packaging and ultra-light texture. Infused with squalane, it hydrates without feeling heavy, and the sheer tint is buildable for a subtle or slightly bolder look.
Why We Love It
Kulfi’s formula redefines what a lip stain can be. Packed with nourishing oils, it delivers lasting pigment with real hydration, eliminating the need for a separate gloss.
Why We Love It
This lip oil doubles as a subtle plumper, using hyaluronic acid and peptides to smooth and volumize lips instantly. Unlike traditional plumpers, it moisturizes instead of drying out the lips.
Why We Love It
Tarte’s Maracuja formula stands out for its longer wear time and intense hydration. With a blend of plant oils, it feels almost like a lip mask while delivering rich shine and tint.
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
The iconic Orgasm shade translates beautifully into a lip oil. The shimmery peach-pink tint enhances natural lip color with a soft glow that’s polished yet wearable.
Lip Oil vs. Lip Gloss: What’s the Real Difference?
A lip oil is typically skincare-first, formulated with nourishing oils and emollients that hydrate and condition the lips. The finish is glossy but lightweight, and lips often stay soft even after the shine fades.
A lip gloss, on the other hand, is makeup-first. Its primary focus is shine and pigment, with hydration playing a secondary role. While modern glosses can feel comfortable, the moisturizing effect usually disappears once the gloss wears off.
