LIP OIL
Lip oils are now A Thing. So: about time we included these in the Beauty Bible Awards, we figured, as recognition of this very new beauty category of skincare innovation. (We’re fans ourselves, for the instant mega-comfort factor, and as ever, quite as keen to discover recommendations from our 10-strong tester panels as you are).
It was Clarins who pioneered the concept of using an oil to treat, nourish and add a gleam to lips, but now there are dozens of options. Of 2023’s entries, a couple of worthy winners. Slick generously!
GOLD AWARD, BEST NATURAL and BEAUTY STEAL Aroma Active Laboratories Soothing Solid Lip Oil
This is actually a solid, rather than a liquid, melting on contact with the body heat of the lips to transform into a rich, nourishing oil. From Boots’ own affordable aromatherapy range, created in tandem with the legendary Aromatherapy Associates, this affordable oil is infused with the scent and flavour of neroli, a citrusy-floral oil which they describe as ‘calming the senses.’ The lip-soothing blend includes calendula, castor, soybean and jojoba oils, together with shea butter.
£4 for 4.5g - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘After using this, lips are shiny, glistening, full, youthful. I really enjoyed the look and feel of the lip oil; there is a beautiful aroma, reminiscent of when you enter an upper-class spa – but no taste whatsoever, which makes this a perfect blend’ • ‘I have multiple lip products on the go, as I feel I need them – at work, in my handbag, in the home (and a complete must for me is the car). Well, this is now my No. 1 go to product; I make sure I have it at home, I make sure I pack it in my handbag for when I'm out this also covers me for application in the car’ • ‘The feel of your lips after application is that they are protected and moisturised completely; it just goes on so easily’ • I have a cold and my lips are affected – extra dry, feel awful – but this is the product that I'm reaching for. So easy to apply, get a decent amount out and it WORKS! Lips look and feel hydrated and cocooned’ • ‘It’s made a big difference to the softness of my lips, and I haven't suffered from flaky lips since using this. I think it's the consistency that does it; it seems to stay on your lips for a good while, but even when it wears off, I don't want to reach for a top up – it has worked its magic with one application per day (or night).
£4 for 4.5g - click to buy
SILVER AWARD PIXI Glow-y Lip Oil (Mint-y)
This winner – from a brand that’s done so well in 2023’s Beauty Bible Awards across skincare and make-up – is applied via a rollerball, which glides over lips to deliver the silky formula. There are two options, but our testers trialled the Mint-y option, which they describe as being ‘for day’ (there’s a Calm-y version, for night-time application). The key botanicals include oils of jojoba, meadowfoam seed, avocado, camellia and grapeseed.
£14 for 5.5g - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘Where to begin? I have spent so much money over the years on gloss products that promise they aren’t sticky or tacky; I use them a couple of times, and it reminds me every time that I absolutely hate that feeling. Have always favoured a simple lip balm for moisturising my lips and even some of those have ended up in the bin. So, when I realised, I had a lip oil to test, my heart sank – but on first application, I simply couldn’t believe it…it’s FAB! I love the rollerball (although not easy to keep clean, if using the product over lipstick), I like that it’s not too glossy, just gives a hint of shimmer – plus, so importantly, it leaves lips feeling hydrated and glossy, without any stickiness, which hugely pleased me!’ • ‘My lips now feel well conditioned, my boyfriend has noticed they are softer with no dry bits – more kissable, I gather!’ • ‘I loved it, after being handed this to try by my mother (who is one of Beauty Bible’s testers but wasn’t so keen). No tingling and no heavy sensation of oiliness – it’s weightless. I much preferred it to balms that I sometimes find sticky’ • ‘Made my lips look fuller and smooth, thanks to the oil. I would say it smoothed out the lips slightly and gave an impression of "plumpness"’ • ‘Good all-rounder for natural looking lips. The rollerball applicator is really very easy to use, and good for controlling the amount needed.’
£14 for 5.5g - click to buy