Last week, I walked into Sephora for the first time in months on a mission to find a new lip product—and instantly felt overwhelmed. Even with years of experience as a beauty editor, the endless displays of glosses, balms, oils, and stains can feel like too much. Between crowded aisles, limited testers, and shelves filled with nearly identical tubes, picking the right formula isn’t simple. That’s exactly why we do the testing for you. At Cosmo, we try countless products to cut through the clutter and highlight what’s truly worth it, including the best tinted lip oils that make your routine easier.
Tinted Lip Oils That Do It All
While many viral lip looks rely on layering liner, balm, and gloss, a tinted lip oil delivers everything in a single swipe. These multitasking formulas combine skincare-level hydration, glossy shine, and just enough pigment for an effortlessly polished finish. After testing nearly every option available, Team Cosmo narrowed down standout picks that deliver instant color, luminous shine, and hydration that lasts for hours.
Why We Love It
Saie’s Glossybounce makes lips look plush, cushiony, and glassy without any sticky feel. The shade “Bounce,” a warm mauve, is universally flattering and easy to wear. Its nourishing formula keeps lips soft and smooth for hours, making it perfect for tossing into your bag for quick touch-ups.
One Cosmo editor says: “The way this makes my lips feel so soft and juicy is unreal. It’s the ideal blend of lip oil, sheer tint, and high-shine gloss.” —Lauren Balsamo, Beauty Director
Why We Love It
Gisou’s Honey Lip Oil has earned cult-favorite status for good reason. The deeply moisturizing formula is known for keeping lips nourished, and the tinted versions add a subtle wash of color that lasts. It’s an easy choice for low-makeup days when you still want a healthy, put-together look.
One Cosmo editor says: “I loved the clear version, but the tinted shades took it even further. The medium and deep browns work beautifully with liner and feel incredible on the lips.” —Beth Gillette, Beauty Editor
Why We Love It
This unique formula glides on like a stick but melts into the lips like an oil. The texture feels lightweight and silky, leaving behind a glossy finish with just enough tint to enhance your natural lip color, making it ideal for everyday wear.
One Cosmo editor says: “This is the ultimate hybrid. You get juicy shine, buildable color, and real hydration thanks to mango oil and hyaluronic acid.” —Jasmine Hyman, Assistant Beauty Editor
Why We Love It
Dior’s iconic lip oil went viral for a reason. The updated formula delivers richer pigment and longer-lasting hydration while maintaining the plush, high-shine finish fans love. It continues to be a top favorite among Cosmo readers year after year.
Why We Love It
This under-$10 option proves you don’t need to spend big for great results. With a luxurious feel, glossy shine, and nourishing ingredients, it rivals many high-end formulas at a fraction of the cost. Team Cosmo is collectively obsessed.
Why We Love It
While the brand’s balms get plenty of attention, Dream Lip Oil is the real standout. It hydrates, protects, and softens lips while delivering a sheer, modern tint that works beautifully for daily wear.
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Why We Love It
Merit’s lip oil has become a long-term favorite thanks to its sleek packaging and feather-light texture. Infused with squalane, it hydrates without heaviness, and the sheer tint can be built up for a more noticeable look.
Why We Love It
Kulfi’s formula reimagines what a lip stain can be. Packed with nourishing oils, it delivers long-lasting color with real hydration, so there’s no need to layer on a separate gloss.
Why We Love It
This lip oil also works as a subtle plumper, using hyaluronic acid and peptides to instantly smooth and volumize lips. Unlike traditional plumpers, it hydrates instead of drying.
Why We Love It
Tarte’s Maracuja lip oil stands out for its extended wear time and intense hydration. With a blend of plant-based oils, it feels almost like a lip mask while still delivering rich shine and tint.
One Cosmo editor says: “It’s thicker than most lip oils, but that’s why it lasts so much longer. I grab it when I don’t want constant reapplication.” —BG
Why We Love It
The iconic Orgasm shade translates seamlessly into a lip oil. The soft peach-pink shimmer enhances natural lip color with a subtle glow that feels polished yet easy to wear.
Lip Oil vs. Lip Gloss: What’s the Difference?
A lip oil is typically skincare-focused, formulated with nourishing oils and emollients that hydrate and condition the lips. The finish is glossy but lightweight, and lips often remain soft even after the shine fades.
A lip gloss, by contrast, is makeup-first. Its main purpose is shine and pigment, with hydration as a secondary benefit. While many modern glosses feel comfortable, the moisturizing effect usually fades once the gloss wears off.
