How to properly select a tinted lip oil for your lips?

Tinted lip oils are hybrid formulations, positioned halfway between the gloss and the balm. They impart a tint while caring for the lips, nourishing them, shielding them from environmental aggressors and helping to alleviate sensations of tightness.

From a formulation standpoint, a tinted lip oil is a single-phase oily system, that is to say it contains only lipophilic compounds. It generally contains several plant oils, waxes to structure the product, pigments for colour, as well as small amounts of actives and preservatives. The plant oils nourish the lips while depositing a protective film that prevents dehydration and shields them from external aggressors such as wind, cold and pollution. The added actives can fulfil various roles: plumping the lips, smoothing the fine lines around the mouth...

It is also important to pay attention to the nature of the ingredients. Certain tinted lip oils contain mineral oils or waxes derived from petrochemicals. These compounds, although often used for their texture, provide no cosmetic benefit and their production is harmful to the environment. On INCI lists, they are identified under the following names: Paraffinum Liquidum, Petrolatum, Cera Microcristallina, Ozokerite, Ceresin, Mineral Oil, as well as terms ending in -methicone and -siloxane. We also recommend avoiding tinted lip oils that contain colourants in the form of nanoparticles, such as titanium dioxide (CI 77891), which the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies as a “possible human carcinogen” when inhaled – a scenario that can occur when a product is applied to the lips.

The selection of a tinted lip oil also depends on your specific requirements:

• To revive the radiance of your lips and protect them from oxidative stress, favour lip oils containing antioxidants such as vitamin E.

• To plump your lips, choose lip oils formulated with active ingredients that boost microcirculation, such as menthol or chilli extract.

• To combat chapping, select lip oils rich in nourishing lipid compounds, such as shea butter or mango butter, capable of restoring the hydrolipidic film.

By carefully analysing the composition of your tinted lip oil, you ensure effective care while avoiding ingredients that could be potentially harmful to your health or the environment.

Before choosing a tinted lip oil, it is advisable to determine the finish you wish to achieve.

• If you are seeking a natural, luminous effect, opt for pale, rosy or slightly translucent shades. These oils enhance the natural colour of the lips while leaving a delicate glossy film on the surface. This optical shine amplifies the perceived volume of the lips without any heavy texture, making it perfect for a discreet make-up finish. Some lip-oil formulations even contain pearlescent pigments to boost light reflection.

• However, if your objective is to enhance the colour of your lips and add depth to your makeup, favour more pigmented shades such as red, coral, raspberry or plum. These richer hues intensify facial expression without compromising comfort or hydration of your lips. That said, it is important to note that tinted oils do not replace traditional lipsticks and provide lighter coverage.

The selection of the lip oil’s colour hinges equally on your aesthetic preferences and the product’s intended application: whether you seek a subtle everyday sheen or a more vivid, colourful statement.

Even though it is often overlooked, the applicator plays a significant role in the sensory experience and the precision of applying tinted lip oils. It affects not only the ease of application but also the amount of product delivered and the consistency of the finish on the lips. Several types of applicators can be identified:

• Soft foam applicator tips : These are the most common applicators. Their slightly inclined shape follows the natural curve of the lips, allowing precise, even application, including along the contours. They are ideal for fluid or highly pigmented textures, as they hold a sufficient amount of product. Their softness also provides a pleasant sensation upon contact with the lips.

• Built-in brushes : Some models feature small, built-in brushes. Finer and more flexible, they offer enhanced control during application, especially for redefining the edges or laying down just a sheer veil of colour at the centre of the lips.

• Roll-ons : Very convenient to use, roll-on lip oil formulations allow lip hydration and tinting whilst delivering a gentle massage. However, roll-ons often provide slightly less precision, which can be problematic when applying highly intense shades.

The choice of applicator is primarily dictated by your application habits. Foam tips and brushes offer superior precision, whereas roll-ons prove more convenient.

Our emollient lip oil is comprised of 98% naturally derived ingredients and is available in six different shades. It is formulated without nanoparticles, without mineral oils, without silicones and without beeswax, delivering light coverage and a glossy, non-sticky finish to the lips. Regarding its composition, the emollient lip oil contains several natural lipophilic ingredients, such as squalane, which prevents lip dehydration, and plum oil, which nourishes the lips while imparting a subtle, pleasant fragrance. This treatment also contains jojoba oil, which forms a protective, hydrating film on the lip surface, and vitamin E, which shields them from external aggressors. Our emollient lip oil is applied with a foam applicator designed to deposit a generous, enveloping film on the lips.

• NOVAK S. & al. Titanium dioxide in our everyday life; is it safe? Radiology and Oncology (2011).

• BARBAUD A. & al. Mineral oils and waxes in cosmetics: An overview mainly based on the current European regulations and the safety profile of these compounds. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2019).

• ADHIKARI R. & al. Vegetable oils-based cosmetics. Vegetable Oil-Based Polymers and their Surface Applications (2024).