The beauty world in the UK is shifting. While once dominated by matte lipsticks and thick glosses, the latest obsession is something far simpler. Lip oils and balms have become the most wanted items on the shelves. Beauty lovers, skincare enthusiasts, and even influencers are praising their benefits. They offer comfort, shine, and health for the lips all in one small tube.
These products are not just having a moment. They are changing what people want in a lip product. With more options now available, and brands racing to meet demand, lip oils and balms are set to stay at the top of every beauty wish list.
What Are Lip Oils and Balms?
Lip oils are a cross between skincare and makeup. They use nourishing oils like jojoba, argan, or coconut to hydrate and protect the lips. Unlike sticky gloss, they give a high shine while feeling lightweight and smooth. Some also include tints to give color.
Lip balms, on the other hand, are designed to heal and protect. They use ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or lanolin. Many are fragrance free and offer relief for dry or cracked lips. In recent years, balms have been upgraded to include colour, SPF, and even collagen boosting ingredients.
Read Also>>>What Are the Benefits of Lip Therapy?
Why the Shift From Lipsticks to Lip Care?
There are several reasons why lip oils and balms have taken over. First, people want comfort. After years of drying matte lipsticks and sticky gloss, soft and healthy lips became a priority. Balms and oils offer a soothing experience while still giving shine and sometimes color.
Second, skin care has influenced makeup trends. Consumers are now more aware of ingredients and how products affect the skin. Lip products that hydrate, protect, and improve texture are now preferred.
Third, the rise of natural looks has made people move away from bold, heavy makeup. Soft tints and glossy textures fit better with the fresh skin trend seen across the UK.
Celebrity Influence on Lip Oils and Balms
Many celebrities are helping drive this trend. Hailey Bieber has been seen using tinted balms in her everyday makeup. Her own brand, Rhode, features hydrating lip products. Other stars like Zendaya, Florence Pugh, and Emma Chamberlain have also shared their love for lip oils on social media.
When these figures post their beauty routines, fans take notes. It is not rare for a product to sell out within hours of a post or video. The fact that many celebrities choose oils and balms shows the shift is not just about function but also style.
Social Media and the Rise of Lip Oil Reviews
On TikTok, the hashtag #lipoil has millions of views. Users post side by side tests, swatches, and wear tests. They compare popular brands like Dior, NYX, and Clarins to find which oil gives the best result. The glossy finish, soft texture, and juicy shine are top features people look for.
Instagram reels also show daily makeup routines with soft tints and glossy lips. The posts feel real and achievable, which attracts more people to try the products. Online buzz continues to fuel sales and create demand for new launches.
Why UK Shoppers Love Lip Oils and Balms
UK beauty shoppers have always been smart buyers. They want products that feel good, look nice, and also work well. The country’s changing weather, from dry winters to wet summers, can be harsh on lips. Oils and balms are perfect for protecting against both dry air and chilly winds.
British shoppers also care about clean formulas. Many look for vegan, cruelty free, or paraben free options. Lip oils and balms often use simple, nourishing ingredients which appeal to these values. Brands like Dr PawPaw, Burt’s Bees, and Glossier are gaining loyal UK fans for this reason.
Lip Oils With a Hint of Colour
Tinted lip oils offer a mix of makeup and care. Brands like Clarins and Rare Beauty offer versions that hydrate while adding a soft wash of color. These are perfect for days when people want to skip heavy lipstick but still add polish to the look.
They are ideal for everyday wear, work, casual outings, and even gym days. Some popular shades include rose pink, berry, peach, and warm nude. The oils add shine without looking overdone, which fits the current clean beauty look.
Luxury and Drugstore Options
Luxury brands like Dior and Hourglass have helped make lip oils popular. The Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil is one of the most searched items in the UK beauty space. It promises hydration, shine, and color in one swipe.
At the same time, drugstore brands have responded with affordable versions. NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip, Revolution Juicy Bomb, and e.l.f. Tinted Lip Oils give budget friendly options without cutting back on quality. This means everyone can take part in the trend no matter the price point.
Healing Lip Balms With More Benefits
Lip balms are no longer boring tubes of wax. They now come with tinted formulas, added SPF, plumping effects, and even skincare benefits like ceramides. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is one example that went viral for its rich, overnight hydration. It now comes in multiple flavours and is used both as a night mask and daily balm.
Another popular option is Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, which uses shea butter and vegan waxes for deep moisture. These products not only heal dry lips but also improve texture with continued use.
Ingredients to Look For in Lip Oils and Balms
Shoppers are getting more ingredient-aware. Here are some top ingredients found in high performing lip products:
-
Jojoba oil: Matches natural skin oils, deeply hydrating
-
Shea butter: Repairs dry and cracked lips
-
Vitamin E: Adds antioxidants and supports healing
-
Hyaluronic acid: Attracts moisture and plumps lips
-
Beeswax: Creates a protective barrier
These ingredients offer both comfort and care, making the product a true mix of skincare and makeup.
Products Gaining Popularity in the UK
Several products are leading the trend right now:
-
Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil
-
Clarins Lip Comfort Oil
-
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
-
Glossier Balm Dotcom
-
Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment
-
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
-
NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip
-
e.l.f. Tinted Lip Oil
-
Dr PawPaw Tinted Balms
Each one has fans who swear by their shine, texture, and feel. These are often top items in beauty boxes and gift guides across the UK.
The Appeal of Multi-Use Products
Modern beauty shoppers want products that do more than one thing. Lip oils and balms meet that need. They hydrate, add shine, deliver colour, and heal damage. For many, they also replace glosses and lipsticks altogether. Fewer steps and more results mean these products are not just trends but smart choices.
Clean Beauty and Lip Oils
Many buyers are also drawn to products with ethical sourcing, clean ingredients, and cruelty free testing. Lip oils and balms check many of these boxes. They are often packaged in recyclable materials, made without harsh chemicals, and produced with transparency.
This has helped the trend grow not just as a style but as part of a conscious beauty routine.
Lip Care as Part of Self Care
For many people, lip care has become part of a wider self care habit. Applying a soft, nourishing oil or balm feels calming and simple. It takes seconds, adds a glow, and protects the skin. In a busy world, small acts like these make people feel more grounded.
Beauty brands are now marketing these products not just as makeup, but as wellness tools. That shift helps explain why demand continues to grow in the UK and beyond.
What the Future Looks Like for Lip Oils and Balms
Experts predict more innovation in this space. Hybrid lip products will combine tint, treatment, and sun protection. We will likely see new textures, refillable tubes, and even skincare ingredients like peptides or collagen boosters included.
With rising awareness of skin barrier health and ingredient safety, more people will seek out multi use lip products. The UK market, always fast to adapt, is expected to keep growing in this category.
Lip oils and balms have become the UK’s beauty staples. They reflect what modern users want: comfort, care, and style. From the texture to the tint, they offer everything in one easy swipe. As social trends lean toward clean looks, ethical choices, and skincare first habits, these products are not just trendy. They represent a long-term change in how we define lip care and beauty.
