Lip oils are one of the oldest forms of lip care, going back thousands of years, where humans would use different plant oils (such as saffron or brazilwood) to color and soften their lips. In the modern era, they’ve made a come-back due to their ability to soften, boost and deeply hydrate lips. Majority of formulas are simple extracts (such as coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil or honey) that can come with a simple color tint for easy application and use. Where a lip balm may just sit on the surface, lip oils come as smaller molecules that can penetrate the thicker outer layers of skin to create a better hydration.  

A lip balm is best to prevent water loss, but a lip oil is a great on-the-spot hydration. A study found the ultimate hydration comes from a combination; with olive oil providing the best hydration, followed by coconut oil and then other fruit oils. 

Fun fact! Your lips have a soft pink hue as the skin there is much thinner than the rest of your body, meaning your capillaries are visible (giving a red tint). It also means you need to give your lips a little extra care - as the thinner skin is more likely to dry out and crack.

Lip oil can be used the same as a lip balm – put in your pocket and used as needed on the go. If you find lip balms to be drying, chances are a lip oil will be the secret to maintaining your lip moisture and plumpness. If you are still finding a lip oil too drying – the ultimate is to start your day with a lip oil, then seal it with a lip balm to create a two-layer seal which is long-lasting.  

For the brighter side of life, a lip oil is perfect under all your favourite lip tints and will help them spread more easily and for a ‘blurred effect.’ Lip oil can also be used before lipstick – as the oil will help fill in the cracks of dry lips, providing a smoother base for lipstick. If the lip oil makes your lipstick more mobile, don’t forget to set with a translucent setting powder for the perfect shade. 

As K-beauty is our specialty – this was the very question we set out our team to find out. Through testing, love and research – we've found the top 5 lip oils in Korean beauty, for hydration, longevity and refreshment! 

Tocobo Juicy Berry Plumping Lip Oil 

Tocobo is a big fan of hydration and this lip oil is no difference (packed with jojoba oil, olive oil and shea butter). It contains a menthol-like compound and chemical extracted from vanilla to boost plumping effect of lips (which tingles), along with brightening fruit extracts. Although it comes in a variety of colours – these don’t really come across when you use the product (at most they have a mild reddish tint, which is characteristic of most lip oils). Some people can be irritated by the plumping effect (so don’t use if you have sensitive or damaged lips!) but it's a fun addition and creates a clear, smooth surface for lip tints.

Apieu Honey&Milk Lip Oil 

Looking for something natural, no tint, that is made up of homemade, caring ingredients? This humble lip oil is made of honey and milk protein (to boost skin health) to create a sticky, honey-like barrier that boosts your lip health with each use. It’s gentle, scentless and has a soft shine that is great for day-to-day or as part of your bedtime lip care. It’s thicker than the other oil tints here; but if you are a honey-fan this is a solid addition to your routine! 

TIRTIR My Glow Lip Oil 

TIRTIR are Queens of make-up and skincare; so I was excited when they released a lip oil range. The tint is so mild, but it is there so take that into account when selecting between green, purple, red and clear. If you are just after that hydration, the Honey lip oil is for the best. The oils are infused with vitamin C and turmeric for lasting care and repeated use helps lift cracks and hydrate. It’s best under other lip tints or lipstick (I would not recommend it on its own for daily use as it wears away quickly with use). 

Hince Vita Barrier Nourishing Lip Oil 
This lightweight lip oil is a perfect plant-based addition to cracked and dry lips. It has a cheeky scent of fresh strawberry, with blended pomegranate and sea buckthorn to be deeply rich in vitamins for improved skin healing. It’s vibrantly soothing and perfect to help heal damaged lips (especially where lip balm and lip masks have not been useful). It also is stable under lip tints, ensuring you have a flawless lip each time you glam up.

Axis-Y Vita Glow Lip Oil 

This new release from Axis-Y is a lovely addition to the lip-care game. Rich in natural fruit extracts, this lip oil has a base of hydrating meadowfoam, blended with sunflower oil for lasting hydration. It is the absolute tastiest lip oil on this list – as each tube has the smell of a decadent berry dessert and will have you feeling super hungry. Similarly, the tint is not strong on its own, but it has an immediate hydrating effect and will keep your lips feeling soft and smooth. 

It’s healing, soothing and has boosting ceramides for lasting lip health. It’s a strong recommendation for daily use and for under other lip tints for a smooth glow. It’s the pricier lip oil on the list, but it is my absolute favourite. It’s quality, hydrating and has a long-lasting shine (with a delicious scent that makes you excited to re-apply). 

Lip oils are a wonderful skincare tool to help obtain softer, more luscious lips (especially where lip balms may be failing you). Korean lip oils are great due to their natural formulas and great compatibility with make-up and other products. Check out our lip oil range on Arktastic, where we source quality Korean skincare for purchase in Australia.