Ranking Every Lip Oil That I’ve Made This Year
If 2025 had a beauty mascot, it would absolutely be lip oil. Somewhere between lip balm and gloss, these shiny little tubes became everyone’s obsession. And yes, mine too.
I spent this past year making (and testing) my own lip oils because honestly, I couldn’t find the perfect one. Some formulas were instant “holy grails,” while others… well, let’s just say my cat looked shinier than my lips.
So here it is, my official ranking of every lip oil I made this year. I’ve tested, tweaked, and worn them through morning coffee runs, dinner dates, and chaotic Zoom meetings.
Consider this your ultimate guide to what’s worth recreating and what belongs in the “nice try” drawer.
1. The Gloss Boss (My Ride-or-Die Formula)
Texture: Silky, buttery, just-right shine
Main Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and a touch of peppermint
This one is the standard: glossy without being sticky, moisturizing without feeling greasy. The almond oil keeps my lips soft all day, and the hint of peppermint adds that fresh, just-brushed feeling. I wear this constantly, whether I’m running errands or filming content.
Why it wins: It hydrates and gives that glassy finish that looks expensive. If Dior Lip Oil had a chill, natural cousin, this would be her.
2. Sunset Glow
Texture: Lightweight and glowy
Main Ingredients: Argan oil, coconut oil, and rosehip oil
I wanted this one to feel like summer in a tube, golden, warm, effortless. It gives that subtle sunlit sheen that looks perfect over a nude liner. My only regret? The coconut scent is a little too strong for mornings.
Why it works: The argan oil gives long-lasting hydration, while rosehip adds a natural tint. It’s beachy, glowy, and perfect for low-makeup days.
3. Vanilla Cloud
Texture: Soft and plush
Main Ingredients: Castor oil, shea butter, vanilla extract
This one feels like a lip mask disguised as a gloss. It’s rich, maybe too rich for humid weather, but absolutely dreamy in winter. The vanilla scent is nostalgic, cozy, and pairs beautifully with a sweater and coffee mug aesthetic.
Why it works: It keeps your lips hydrated for hours, even after the shine fades.
4. Berry Blush
Texture: Lightweight tint with medium gloss
Main Ingredients: Grapeseed oil, beetroot pigment, vitamin E
I created this one because I wanted something that could double as a lip stain. It’s gorgeous for that “just-bitten” look. Fresh and natural, like you’ve been sipping berry tea.
Why it works: The beetroot gives it a pretty flush, and grapeseed oil absorbs quickly, leaving your lips soft but not slippery.
Why it’s not higher: The tint can stain unevenly if you’re dry-lipped, so prep with balm first.
5. Glass Drop
Texture: Super glossy, borderline slick
Main Ingredients: Squalane, jojoba, and a pinch of mica shimmer
Let’s be honest, this one is for the drama. It’s insanely shiny, catches light beautifully, and photographs like a dream. But it’s not something you wear on a windy day (trust me, hair + gloss = chaos).
Why it works: The shimmer is so fine it looks natural, not glittery. Great for photoshoots, nights out, or whenever you want to feel extra.
6. Peach Crush
Texture: Thin and fruity
Main Ingredients: Apricot oil, peach extract, sunflower oil
This one smells divine but it’s more of a short-term gloss than a true treatment. It’s cute, light, and looks great for quick outings, but you’ll need reapplication every hour.
Why it works: Easy shine, pretty scent, very “girl-next-door.”
Why it’s not higher: The hydration just doesn’t last long enough.
7. Velvet Petal
Texture: Thick and waxy
Main Ingredients: Castor oil, cocoa butter, and rose essential oil
I wanted a rose-scented moment, something romantic and soft. Instead, I got “grandma’s vanity in a jar.” The texture’s too heavy, and the rose oil is overpowering. It does moisturize, but it’s not pleasant to wear for long.
Verdict: Lovely in theory, not in reality.
8. Citrus Pop
Texture: Greasy and uneven
Main Ingredients: Lemon oil, coconut oil, olive oil
This was my experiment gone wrong. I was aiming for a bright, energizing formula, like something that wakes up the lips. Instead, it separated quickly, smelled like a cleaning spray, and stung my skin.
Verdict: Great for polishing wood furniture… not for lips.
Lessons Learned and What’s Next for 2025
Making lip oils taught me two things:
- Simple formulas work best. You don’t need ten oils in one blend. Pick two or three quality ingredients and let them shine.
- Texture is everything. The goal is a glossy finish that feels nourishing, not sticky, not greasy.
Looking ahead, I see 2025 being all about hybrid lip products: balms that act like skincare, tints that feel like serums, and glosses that double as treatments. Beauty is heading toward minimalism with a touch of luxury and I’m so here for it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to DIY lip oils, start simple. Use pure jojoba or sweet almond oil, add a tiny drop of essential oil for scent, and shake it in a small roller bottle. That’s it, no fancy ingredients required.
Making beauty products has taught me that confidence doesn’t come from a label or a brand, it comes from creating something that feels uniquely yours. And that’s the kind of glow no product can replicate.
Here’s to another year of shiny lips, messy experiments, and discovering what makes us feel beautiful.
