Lip oils are the new kid on the skincare block – but what exactly are lip oils and what do they do? In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about lip gloss’ nourishing cousin. Read on to find out how lip oils can help you achieve soft, healthy lips and what to look for when choosing a lip oil.
Understanding Lip Oils
Lip oils combine the hydrating and caring properties of lip balm with the shiny finish of lip gloss to form one must-have lip product. Practical, multi-functional beauty products have risen in popularity over the past few years, and lip oils have emerged as an easy way to care for your lips while retaining an impressive pout.
What are Lip Oils?
Lip oils are a hybrid of lip balm and lip gloss. They provide more shine than lip balms and are typically more lightweight than lip glosses, making them a great option if you don’t like your lips to feel sticky.
Formulas are often made up of oils such as coconut oil, jojoba oil or almond oil, which all have nourishing properties and can help protect your lips from flaking or dryness. Some products are also infused with ingredients like vitamin E and calendula to provide extra lip goodness.
Just like lip glosses, lip oils are usually applied with a doe-foot applicator. The smooth formula glides on with ease when you’re on the go and is absorbed quickly into the skin so that you start feeling the benefits right away.
Benefits of Using Lip Oils
Lip oils bridge the gap between skincare and makeup, offering the nourishing benefits of a balm with the aesthetic benefits of a gloss. Here are some of the advantages of incorporating lip oils into your lip care routine.
Hydration and moisture retention
Lip oils can help your skin to retain moisture and improve hydration. Certain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil are humectants, which means they attract water from the air into the skin. Oils also form a protective barrier, keeping moisture locked into lips so that they feel plump and hydrated.
Nourishment from natural oils
Natural oils like coconut oil and argan oil have many skin-nourishing benefits. They’re especially useful when used in lip oils, as your lips do not contain oil glands and are therefore naturally more at risk of drying out. Some of the most common natural oils used in lip oil formulas are:
- Coconut oil is highly moisturising
- Argan oil helps heal and soothe dry skin
- Jojoba oil is hydrating and typically non-irritating on sensitive lips
- Almond oil contains vitamin E which helps keep lips feeling soft
- Castor oil can help protect your lips’ skin barrier
Enhancing lip texture and appearance
Lip oils don’t just nourish and hydrate – they can also enhance lip texture and overall appearance. By boosting hydration, lip oils can create plumper, healthier -looking lips. The natural oils help soothe chapped lips and reduce flaky skin, providing the appearance of smoother lips.
Lip oils provide a natural-looking sheen and range from completely clear to subtly tinted, giving you the option to inject some extra colour into your lips.
Clarins Lip Oil
Clarins Lip Comfort Oil is one of the most popular products on the market and is adored by beauty aficionados and newbies alike. It comes in a range of eight sheer shades to suit every skin tone and is often hailed for its staying power.
Key ingredients in the Clarins lip oil include a trio of plant oils – organic jojoba oil, sweetbriar rose oil and hazelnut oil – which create a silky texture while hydrating and softening the skin underneath.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lip Oil
There are various factors to consider when choosing a lip oil.
Skin type and sensitivities
Your skin type can impact which lip oils work best for you. Those with sensitive skin should avoid products with fragrances and synthetic chemicals that might cause irritation.
If your skin is particularly dry or you’re prone to chapped lips, make sure you select a lip oil with especially moisturising properties. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s best to look for a lightweight formula that won’t clog the pores around your lips, reducing the potential for breakouts.
Ingredients to look for
To get the most out of your lip oil, look for ones containing beneficial ingredients such as:
- Almond oil
- Jojoba oil
- Coconut oil
- Hyaluronic acid
- Vitamin E
- Peptides
There are also some ingredients that are best avoided, as they may be irritating or exacerbate dryness. These include:
- Parabens
- Alcohol
- Harsh acids
- Synthetic flavourings and scents
Purpose of use
When choosing a lip oil, it’s important to consider what you want to get from the product. Different products are best suited to different uses, whether you want to maximise shine, promote healing or ensure daily hydration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between lip oil and lip balm?
Lip balms are typically wax-based, whereas lip oils are oil-based. Both can protect and nourish lips, but lip oils also provide a luxurious sheen and subtle colour.
Can I use any oil on my lips?
A lot of natural oils can be used on the lips but not all are equally beneficial. The most hydrating and nourishing oils for lips include jojoba oil, rose oil, coconut oil, almond oil and argan oil.
How do I know which lip oil is best for my lips?
The best way to figure out which lip oil is right for you is to experiment! Look for products formulated to treat your specific lip care concerns and try out different shades to find what suits you best.
Are lip oils suitable for dry or chapped lips?
Yes, lip oils are generally suitable for dry or chapped lips. They can help moisturise and soothe chapped lips, as well as combat any dryness or flakiness.
How often should I apply lip oil?
You can apply lip oil as often or as little as you want. To keep your lips looking plump and shiny throughout the day, it’s a good idea to apply at least every 3-4 hours, as well as after eating or drinking.
Explore the range of Clarins lip oils available at NVS Pharmacy to find the perfect lip oil for you.