Last week, I stepped into Sephora for the first time in months hoping to find a new lip product—and instantly felt overwhelmed. Even as a seasoned beauty editor, the sheer volume of options was dizzying. Between crowded aisles, half-used testers, and endless finishes and formulas, it’s hard to know where to start. How do you choose from hundreds of lip products? What actually separates a lip balm from a lip gloss? At Cosmo, answering these questions is part of the job. Our team cuts through the clutter by testing dozens of formulas to identify what truly works.
While many popular lip looks rely on layering liners, balms, and stains, tinted lip oils simplify everything with one easy swipe. These hybrid formulas combine nourishing skincare benefits, the high-shine finish of a gloss, and a soft wash of color. The result is a multitasking product that delivers effortless, polished lips. Team Cosmo has tested nearly every tinted lip oil available to pinpoint the best options for long-lasting hydration. Ahead are the standout picks that offer instant shine and pigment while keeping lips comfortable over time.
Saie Glossybounce Delivers Plush Shine Without Stickiness
Saie’s Glossybounce creates a pillowy lip feel with a smooth, non-sticky texture. The shade “Bounce,” a warm mauve, is especially versatile and flattering for daily wear. Its glassy finish enhances the lips instantly, while the moisturizing formula helps maintain softness for hours. A single swipe provides noticeable hydration and a silky finish that lasts well before reapplication is needed.
One Cosmo editor says: “The way this makes my lips so soft and juicy is unreal. It perfectly balances a hydrating lip oil, sheer tint, and high-shine gloss.” —Lauren Balsamo, Beauty Director
Gisou Honey Lip Oil Offers Deep, Lasting Hydration
Gisou’s Honey Lip Oil earned its reputation by delivering true lip hydration from the first use. Now available in tinted shades, it offers everything from subtle mauves to richer reds. One swipe leaves lips feeling plush and nourished for hours, making it ideal for low-makeup days when a natural boost is all you want.
One Cosmo editor says: “I loved the original clear version, but the tinted shades made me fully obsessed. They’re lightweight, smell great, and pair perfectly with lip liner for everyday wear.” —Beth Gillette, Beauty Editor
YSL’s Oil-in-Stick Blends Balm Comfort With Glossy Tint
This innovative stick formula applies like a balm but performs like a lip oil hybrid. It melts effortlessly onto the lips, leaving a soft glossy finish with just enough pigment to enhance natural color. The lightweight texture makes it perfect for everyday, low-effort wear without looking patchy or heavy.
One Cosmo editor says: “It’s the ultimate multitasker. You get buildable pigment, a juicy shine, and real hydration thanks to mango oil and hyaluronic acid.” —Jasmine Hyman, Assistant Beauty Editor
Dior Lip Oil Evolves With Richer Color and Longer Wear
Dior’s viral lip oil reshaped the beauty landscape when it launched, inspiring countless dupes. The updated formula now features enhanced pigment, a slightly thicker texture, and improved hydration. These upgrades help the oil wear longer while maintaining its signature shine. It has also earned repeated recognition in Cosmo’s Readers’ Choice Beauty Awards.
One Cosmo editor says: “I keep this with me at all times. The upgraded version feels even better, with a gentle minty tingle and a plush applicator that makes application effortless.” —BG
e.l.f. Glow Reviver Proves Great Lip Oils Can Be Affordable
This under-$10 option delivers impressive performance at a budget-friendly price. Available in multiple shades, it features a nourishing formula, minty freshness, and a cushiony applicator. The quality rivals far pricier products, making it a standout value.
One Cosmo editor says: “From the sleek packaging to the ultra-soft feel, this lip oil feels luxurious. It keeps my lips soft and glossy all day.” —Julee Wilson, Beauty Editor-at-Large
Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil Perfects the Minimal Look
While the brand’s balms are well-known, Dream Lip Oil stands out for its all-in-one performance. The formula hydrates, protects, and softens while delivering a sheer, shiny tint. With a curated range of pinks, nudes, and browns, it suits everyday wear effortlessly.
One Cosmo editor says: “It feels like a light lip serum with just the right amount of color. Perfect for no-makeup makeup days.” —JH
Merit Lip Oil Keeps Things Lightweight and Chic
Merit’s lip oil combines minimalist packaging with a thin, comfortable formula. Powered by squalane, it delivers hydration without heaviness. The tint is sheer but buildable, allowing for customizable color intensity.
One Cosmo editor says: “I love layering it over lipstick for a hydrated finish and subtle shine. It’s lighter than most lip oils, which makes it easy to wear.” —LB
Kulfi Lip Oil Stain Merges Long Wear With Nourishment
Kulfi’s formula bridges the gap between lip stain longevity and lip oil hydration. Infused with mango seed oil and coconut oil, it conditions lips while leaving behind lasting color.
One Cosmo editor says: “It somehow manages to be both a lip stain and a juicy oil. My lips stay glossy, and the tint lasts even after it dries down.” —BG
L’Oréal Paris Lip Oil Adds Subtle Plumping Power
This tinted lip oil pairs hydration with a temporary plumping effect. The blend of hyaluronic acid and peptides smooths lips while enhancing volume. Unlike many plumpers, it keeps lips comfortable and moisturized.
One Cosmo editor says: “It stayed on for hours and felt incredibly hydrating. The light tingle fades quickly without irritation.” —JH
Tarte Maracuja Lip Oil Offers Mask-Level Moisture
Tarte’s Maracuja line continues to expand with new shades while maintaining its deeply hydrating formula. A blend of 15 plant oils and vitamin E delivers moisture comparable to an overnight lip mask. The wide shade range adds versatility.
One Cosmo editor says: “It’s thicker and slightly tacky, but that gives it longer staying power. I reach for it when I don’t want constant touch-ups.” —BG
NARS Orgasm Lip Oil Brings Iconic Glow to Lips
The famous Orgasm shade now comes in a lip oil format, offering a peachy-pink shimmer that enhances natural lip color. The subtle shimmer creates a soft glow effect without feeling overdone.
One Cosmo editor says: “I’ve loved the blush for years, and the lip oil version lives up to the hype. It’s effortlessly flattering.” —LB
Lip Oil vs. Lip Gloss: What’s the Difference?
A lip oil is primarily skincare-focused, formulated with nourishing oils, emollients, and hydrating ingredients that absorb over time while leaving a natural shine. A lip gloss, on the other hand, prioritizes pigment and shine, with hydration often fading once the gloss wears off.
Are Lip Oils Hydrating?
Yes. Lip oils are packed with plant-based oils, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, which work together to support the lip barrier and maintain softness. These ingredients help lips feel smooth and comfortable both during wear and after the shine fades.
