* Spoiler! Brush On Block Protective Lip Oil came out on top!

Lip oils are everywhere right now, and honestly? I thought they’d be a passing trend, just glosses rebranded. But I stand corrected. These aren’t just shiny topcoats; they’re hydrating, comfortable, and in many cases, have replaced my lip balms entirely. Think of lip oil as face oil but for your lips. Here’s my ranking from best to last, based on formula, wear, shade range, and comfort.

Brush On Block Protective Lip Oil SPF 30  - 10/10

$25 | Mineral SPF 30 (Zinc)

This one checks every box. It's nourishing, comfortable, non-goopy, and, rarely seen in the lip oil space, has broad-spectrum SPF 30 via zinc oxide. Why more brands haven’t added SPF to their lip oils is beyond me. The shade "Fig" is a perfect “my lips but better” tone, very Charlotte Tilbury-esque. I reach for this constantly, and it lasts much longer than a traditional balm. Truly, this is the first lip oil I’d call a skincare product in its own right.

ILIA Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil  - 8.5/10

$26 | No SPF

The formula is flawless, smooth, cushiony, and hydrating without being sticky. But ILIA’s shade range is hit-or-miss for me. I find their colors lean too warm or too bold when all I want is something neutral and enhancing. Still, if you find a shade that suits you, this is a top-tier lip oil, and also balm-replacement worthy.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil- 7/10

$20 | Stain-like formula

This one’s been controversial online, with many saying it behaves more like a stain than an oil and I agree. It has a slick initial feel but quickly dries down and stains the lips. The idea is great, but the execution? A bit streaky. It’s not as hydrating or plush as ILIA or BOB, but I still like it enough to keep it in rotation.

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil - 5/10

$40 | Feels like a gloss

This is a “cult classic” I just don’t get. It looks beautiful in the tube but performs like a sticky gloss, not a lip oil. It feels thick, slightly drying over time, and doesn't do much in the color payoff department unless you already have super pale lips. It’s not bad, but at $40? I expected far more. If I’m spending this much, I want hydration, comfort, and performance, not just packaging.