Comparing the Internet’s Favourite Lip Oils: Which are Really Worth the Money?

Lip oils have gained so much traction over the past year or so… and it’s not hard to see why. A gloss-like lip product with the hydrating benefits of a balm – who could say no to that?

I’m a sucker for a good lip oil and, since I noticed my collection building up, I felt there was no better time for a comparison.

I’ve tried to go for lip oils that are all in similar(ish) shades so you can see the differences in pigmentation (except of course with the Gisou one!).

I truly believe you don’t need to splurge on lip products. And, while I do love an occasional luxury makeup purchase, I don’t often think they’re needed – especially when the drugstore makeup selection is so strong these days!

Have a read of my thoughts below and see if you agree with the lip oils I think are worth the money… and those that aren’t so much.

Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip

The drugstore has been ruling the lip oil scene at the moment. There hasn’t been a drugstore lip oil launch that I haven’t liked recently… and NYX’s Fat Oil is no exception!

I really love the shade selection they’ve gone for – there’s a great mix to suit all skin tones. And the formula carries quite a bit of pigment. It’s still sheer but it actually shows up quite a bit on the lips. There’s a couple of sparkly shades in there too which I think is great.

I’ve got the shade 02 Missed Call – a true pink that’s sweet, shiny and long-lasting.

Texture-wise, I’d describe this as a lip oil that’s almost verging on a gloss, so it does feel a tiny bit sticky. The formula is thicker than a few other lip oils I’ve tried and I’m not sure I notice quite so many of those moisturising benefits, but it’s still a really lovely product.

Verdict: A super affordable option that delivers on pigment and shine.

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil

The Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil is the most expensive of the bunch. I usually wouldn’t be able to justify spending £32 on a lip oil but I wanted to see what all the hype was about!

Infused with cherry oil, this has a high-shine finish that’s super glossy. I’ve got the shade 001 Pink which gives a really subtle wash of pink to the lips. It’s not majorly noticeable but it does show up more than the similarly coloured E.l.f lip oil (see below).

You might be surprised to discover, given the inclusion of cherry, that this is actually mint-flavoured. Don’t worry though, it’s minty but not so much so that your lips tingle or burn.

I love the large doe-foot applicator and the packaging does feel really luxurious. All in all, it’s a lip oil I reach for often and I do really enjoy using it. However, I’m not sure it’s worth the £32 spend when there are other cheaper lip oils that work just as well.

Verdict: Choose this luxury lip oil if you’re looking to treat yourself.

Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil

If you want a clear oil that’s sure to smooth, plump and hydrate dry lips, this one’s a winner. It contains honey, hyaluronic acid and various plant oils to rescue sore, chapped skin.

Unlike the other lip oils on this list (except maybe the Fenty one), Gisou’s Honey Infused Lip Oil feels more like a skincare product than it does makeup. It makes a great lipstick topper or a sleeping mask, so you can get use out of it at practically any point in the day.

This lip oil has a slight yellow hue but it doesn’t really show up this colour on the lips. It’s ultra-shiny, non-sticky and gives great results – my lips feel noticeably softer after I use it.

Gisou has recently come out with a glitter version so be sure to pick that up if you love a bit of sparkle!

My only gripe with this one is that the bottle leaks so much! It’s been reserved for at-home use only because any time I chuck it in a bag (or lie it horizontally), oil ends up everywhere!

Verdict: A good choice if you’re looking for an non-tinted lip oil that gets the job done.

Pair this with: Glossier’s Generation G. If you want to add some shine to your favourite matte lipstick, apply this Gisou lip oil over the top for a hydrating boost that doesn’t cover or change the shade you love.

Fenty Skin Lip Conditioning Oil

I have such a soft spot for this lip oil – I think it’s the taste! I’m not usually a fan of cherry lip products, but I don’t know if I’d necessarily pinpoint this as cherry-flavoured, it’s just got a general berry/fruity scent to it!

This lip oil is on the sheer side so don’t expect it to impart a lot of colour. There’s just enough of a tint there, though, to give a subtle pink sheen and make the lips look fresh and healthy.

Like the Gisou lip oil, this does have a ‘skincare feel’ to it because, according to the Fenty website, it is meant to strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture. However, I tend to reach for this one as part of my morning makeup routine, while the Gisou mostly makes an appearance at the end of my evening skincare routine.

If cherry isn’t really your thing, or you want something sweeter, check out the new limited edition Kalahari Melon flavour. This duo is perfect for splitting with a friend or gifting to someone you love at Christmas.

Verdict: A sheer, fruity lip oil that will suit you down to the ground if you love sweet things.

Pair it with: Fenty’s Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain. The lip oil isn’t super pigmented by itself, so add a lip stain underneath for a bright, bold look.

E.l.f Glow Reviver Lip Oil

The Glow Reviver Lip Oil is one of E.l.f’s newest releases and I can see why many of the shades have already sold out!

This has a chunky doe-foot applicator which means it can be applied in just a couple of swipes. The packaging feels sturdy and (hopefully!) leak-proof too, so it’s a great one to take on the go. And it has a refreshing mint scent – what more could you want in a lip oil?

Shade-wise, there’s a decent selection, though the first three shades are quite similar. Pink Quartz and Coral Fixation are almost transparent when applied, so I wouldn’t really say it’s worth getting both shades – especially if you already own Crystal Clear.

From the colour in the tube, I initially thought Pink Quartz would be a good dupe for Dior’s Lip Oil in 001 Pink, but the pigment is just not there with the E.l.f one unfortunately. Honey Talks, Rose Envy, Red Delicious and Jam Session, on the other hand, definitely deliver on colour. And the shades are different enough to grab one of each!

Verdict: Go for the darker shades (unless of course you’re looking for a clear lip oil!)

Pair this with: E.l.f’s new Cream Glide Lip Liner. Pinky Swear is a perfect match for Pink Quartz, and Baddest Beige looks so good with Honey Talks. You really can’t go wrong for £2!

Clarins Lip Comfort Oil

I almost feel like the Clarins lip oils are in a category of their own since, even when the shine has worn off, these leave such an intense colour on the lips. I’d actually go as far as saying that they’re almost like a cross between a lip oil and a lip tint. The only shade this doesn’t apply to is 01 Honey, which is of course colourless!

I’ve got the shades Honey and Pitaya (pictured) and I get so much use out of both of them. Pitaya is great if you’re looking for something bright and juicy. The swatch above doesn’t really do it justice as it’s definitely the most pigmented lip oil on this list!

Honey, like Gisou’s Honey Infused Lip Oil, is the perfect overnight lip treatment. And, dare I say, it tastes way better than the Gisou one! It’s sweet but not overpoweringly so, and delivers the perfect amount of shine.

Verdict: Worth the splurge if you want a wash of colour that lasts all day.

Which lip oil would be your pick? Let me know in the comments!