By will-buy
Whether in a stick, pot or tube, lip balm is really a staple you'll find in most handbags, on desks and by bedsides. However it may be time for a texture switch-up.
'Skin can self-moisturise everywhere but the lips,' says Fiona Brackenbury, a leading skin expert that has trained beauty consultants from Decleor to QVC.
She states that while balms produce a protective barrier to stop hydration evaporating, oils are blended for deeper nourishment and plumping.
'The membrane of the lip lines are delicate so needs replenishment to help prevent wrinkles and dryness,' she says. 'While balms sit on the surface, oils are rich in emollients that complete gaps within the skin, nourishing it and making it smoother.'
Updated from the 1980s teen essential but with no cherry taste, lip oil targets this vulnerable area in a way that's lightweight, comfortable and non-tacky.
By including sheer colour pigments it provides an immediate hit of hydration having a pretty, tinted sheen.
From anti-chap to retro rollerball
For frequent re-appliers, switching to an oil means no messy fingers in pots. Even if choosing colour-free versions, the texture leaves lips coated in a water-like sheen that makes them look fuller and more juicy. It's a finish that's elegant and grown-up in a way that gloss is just not.
Versed Silk Slip conditioning lip oil
You'll find myriad fans online swearing through the anti-chap capabilities of Versed Silk Slip conditioning lip oil.
The hydrating trio of jojoba, sunflower and camellia oils blends with protective antioxidant e vitamin inside a vegan, non-sticky formula that combats flakiness fast.
Buy it for lb9 at Boots.
ESPA Nourishing Lip Treatment
For impressive anti-ageing benefits, ESPA Nourishing Lip Treatment packs in smoothing Indian gentian leaf extract, plumping acid hyaluronic and line-fighting konjac root, encouraging a softer, more even surface.
It has a delicate, uplifting scent too, due to anti-inflammatory oils from lemon and bergamot peels.
Buy it for lb21 at ESPA Skincare.
Colour with care
Perfect for injecting a laid-back look with a put-together upgrade, tinted oils give a wash of glistening colour that's more pigment-rich than expected.
Typology's brush-on Tinted Lip Oil
With squalane (based on olives) and jojoba oil, Typology's brush-on Tinted Lip Oil gives lips a smooth skin finish (launching April 27).
It's available in five shades – apply in layers until your required colour depth is achieved.
Tinted oils also come in solid stick form, that is ideal if you want to define lips with a soft outline.
Buy it for lb15.90 at Typology.
Deck Of Scarlet Threeway Solid lip oil
Deck Of Scarlet Threeway Solid lip oil in Fuchsia Shock adds a punchy, hot-pink tone with a glassy finish because of reflective pearl pigments, while watermelon and cucumber seed oils help heal and firm.
Buy it for lb25 from Deck of Scarlet.
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Ruby Hammer Lip Serum Balm
For a bare effect that's far from basic, Ruby Hammer Lip Serum Balm in Nude is really a suits-all latte shade with subtle pink undertones and pearly sheen. The velvety finish is boosted by meadowfoam seed oil to secure moisture and a liquorice leaf extract for smoothness.
Buy it for lb18 from Ruby Hammer.
Vegan and gluten-free SANN Nourish + Tint lip serum
Also boasting plumping ingredients is vegan, gluten-free SANN Nourish +
Tint lip serum, alongside cocoa butter for slick application with silicones and a dewy finish.
To create a delicious raspberry stain, try the colour tone Wild.
Buy for lb24 from Sann Beauty.
