Lip gloss vs. lip oil: Which one is better for your lips?

If you’ve been debating whether to get your classic lip gloss or a lip oil that’s been trending in the market, here’s something that may help you.

At first swipe, they might seem like cousins, both glossy, both pretty, both promising to deliver that fresh, just-bitten look. But the truth is, lip gloss and lip oil are playing two very different games. One is all about high-shine nostalgia and drama, the other is a more modern take on lip care disguised as makeup. And depending on what you want be it hydration, sheen, or something in between, you might find yourself switching sides more than once.

Because let’s be real: your go-to gloss might look great in photos, but does it actually do anything for your lips? Meanwhile, lip oils are having a main character moment, offering just enough tint with skincare-level hydration. So which one deserves a permanent spot in your bag? We break it down below.

What’s the difference between a lip gloss and lip oil?

Both will give your lips that glassy, light-catching finish, but they’re built for different moods and different needs. Lip gloss is the classic: thicker, glossier, and unapologetically extra. It comes in punchy colours, shimmer-packed formulas, and often has that slightly sticky texture we’ve all come to associate with early-2000s glam. It’s the go-to when you want your lips to do the talking, whether that’s on a night out or in a well-lit selfie.

Lip oil, on the other hand, is the quiet overachiever. It’s thinner, silkier, and laced with skincare ingredients so it hydrates while it shines. The tint is usually more subtle, but the payoff is lips that actually feel better by the end of the day. Think of it as the no-makeup makeup version of lip gloss: a little more grown-up, a lot more nourishing.

Which one lasts longer?

Your lip oils usually last longer compared to the gloss. As lip oils provide your lips with nourishment and absorbs into your lips, they sit on your lips longer to hydrate them. They tend to need lesser reapplication throughout the day too compared to your lip glosses. With your lip gloss, they normally sit on the surface of your lips and requires more reapplication as they’re usually gone by the time you finish eating. Lip glosses are meant to give you that shine and colour, so they don’t last as long.

Can I use a lip oil everyday?

Absolutely, you can and probably should use a lip oil every day. Unlike heavier glosses, lip oils are lightweight enough to wear comfortably from morning to night, and their nourishing formulas actually do something while they sit pretty. With regular use, they help soften and smooth your lips, making them feel less like a canvas and more like the main event. Wear it solo for that effortless sheen or layer it over lipstick for extra glow and a moisture boost that doesn’t feel sticky.

Lip gloss

YSL Loveshine Gloss in Thunder Stealer, $63, YSL Beauty

Why we love it: The new YSL Loveshine Gloss is made with an innovative formula that ensures a non-sticky, ultra-thin, glass-like addictive texture that makes your lips plumper and smoother. It’s formulated with purifying detoxifying ginger oil and plumping spicy pepper oil, that helps you achieve fuller lips. It also provides you with 24 hours hydration as it’s infused with hyaluronic acid and fig pulp from YSL Beauty Ourika Community Gardens. The best part? It also comes in eight shades for you to choose from, to give your lips that glossy shine and care.

PhD Hybrid Lip Glaze in Fig, $42, Haus Labs by Lady Gaga

Why we love it: Think of the PhD Hybrid Lip Glaze as the multitasker your makeup bag didn’t know it needed, it’s a balm, gloss, oil, and plumper all in one swipe. Packed with Prickly Pear oil and vegan collagen, it doesn’t just sit pretty, it actually supports your lips’ moisture barrier while keeping them soft, hydrated, and plush. The tint is buildable too, so whether you’re going for a sheer wash or a bolder hit of colour, it layers effortlessly without feeling heavy.

Dior Addict Lip Glow Butter in 101 Glazed Pink, $62, Dior Beauty

Why we love it: A new addition to Dior’s lip range, the Dior Addict Lip Glow Butter offers you a glossy shine and juicy colour. With its buttery texture, it instantly enhances your pout and it’s formulated with peptide and ceramide, that preserves the skin barrier and collagen, to leave your lips plumped, hydrated, and smooth. What’s better? The Lip Glow Butter also comes in five different shades, with two shimmery frosted shades, one nude, and a bright pink, so there’s something to match everyone. What’s cuter? It even comes with the signature silver Dior Oblique, as we just can’t get enough of accessorising our things can we?

Gloss Bomb Ice Fruitz in Ice’D Pineapple, $40, Fenty Beauty

Why we love it: Part of Fenty Beauty’s limited-edition Ice Fruitz collection, this Gloss Bomb delivers the kind of high-shine payoff you’d expect, with a fruity scent and cooling peppermint twist to match. It’s everything you want in a gloss (juicy finish, non-sticky feel) without the usual drawbacks, no more hair-to-lip drama here. Bonus: it’s loaded with shea butter and vitamin E, so while it’s making your lips look glassy, it’s also keeping them soft, smooth, and hydrated underneath.

Pixi Lip Tone Gloss in Goldgleam, $13, Pixi Beauty

Why we love it: Pixi Beauty’s new LipTone is a pH reactive and pigmented gloss that comes in six shades. While it provides you with a glossy finish, it’s also infused with rosehip seed oil, shea butter, and mango butter that ensures your lips stay moisturised and nourished. There’s even a natural extract of tangerine which adds a zesty touch that’s blended into its moisturising vegan beeswax base. Simply glide it over your lips, and since its pH adaptive, it’ll provide a colour unique to you!

Lip Oil

PhD Hybrid Lip Oil in Tint, $42, Haus Labs by Lady Gaga

Why we love it: Haus Labs by Lady Gaga’s PhD Hybrid Lip Oil isn’t just another tinted lip oil, it’s skincare with a gloss finish. Lightweight and non-sticky, it hydrates while reinforcing your lips’ moisture barrier with every swipe. The best part? Its pH-adaptive formula shifts to a shade that flatters you, giving that “your lips but better” energy with zero effort. With regular use, expect softer, smoother lips that look as good bare as they do glazed.

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil in 012 Rosewood, $62, Dior Beauty

Why we love it: The Dior Addict Lip Glow is what you need if you love a good glossy lip oil that nourishes and enhances your lip colour. Infused with cherry oil, it promises to instantly nourish, soften, revitalise, and protect your lips. With the Lip Glow that’s combined with an intense lip care formula, you’ll get a natural and luminous finish for your pout and brings out a rosy glow. Most importantly, its non-sticky and non-greasy which is a major bonus! As you’ll still be able to get that mirror shine effect while providing nourishment to your lips.

Fenty Treatz Hydrating + Strengthening Lip Oil in Dragon Fruit, $40, Fenty Skin

Why we love it: Infused with decadent fruit oils and vitamin-rich cherry extracts, the Fenty Treatz Hydrating + Strengthening Lip Oil strengthens your lips to give you a more moisturised and kissable pout (who doesn’t love that?). Say bye to your dry and chapped lip as it plumps and hydrates them, and what’s better is that it’s suitable for all skin types while also being vegan, cruelty, and gluten-free! Formulated with jojoba seed and rosehip fruit oils, it locks in the moisture in your lips while helping to soothe your dry lips.

Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil in Honesty, $34, Rare Beauty

Why we love it: Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil is made with an innovative gel-to-oil formula that begins as a glossy finish but leaves your lips tinted all day. Most importantly, its non-sticky and stays on your lips comfortably all day. Your lips will stay smooth, nourished, and hydrated all day while looking plump and healthy (a win is a win!). If you prefer a lighter colour apply it once on your lips, or if you prefer something more intense you can build it up to get a bold, juicy colour.

Lip Treat Oil in Sunset Punch, $24, ROMI

Why we love it: Romi Beauty’s Lip Treat Oil is the kind of overachiever we love in a lip product, infused with nine peptides, 17 nourishing oils, and vitamin E, it delivers serious hydration while smoothing and plumping your lips in real time. It’s high-shine, deeply conditioning, and buildable in colour, so you can dial it up or down depending on your vibe. With four shades to choose from, there’s a glossy tint for every mood and yes, it’s made for on-the-go touch-ups that don’t sacrifice skincare.

This article was originally published in FEMALE.