LootList

Beauty / Reviews

Beauty review roundup

The best lip glosses and lip oils, in plain English

Shiny, easy and one of the best small gifts. We read editor-tested reviews and boiled them down: what testers liked, what felt sticky, and which ones last.

  • Last reviewed October 19, 2026
  • 4 lip glosses and oils
  • 5 expert reviews read

We didn't test these ourselves. We read reviews from experts who test products hands-on, then summed up where they agree and where they don't. Every source is linked. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Short on time? Start here

Our top pick in each group. Tap one to jump to the details.

Best overall Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil $24–$26 Rich color that lasts, and comfortable to wear. See details Best under $10 e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil $8–$10 Shiny and comfy for about $8. See details Best budget gloss NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss $5–$7 Lots of colors for about $6. See details Shiniest NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip $9–$10 Glossy like a gloss, light like an oil. See details

Before you buy: 3 quick checks

A quick guide for picking one, or picking one as a gift.

Gloss or oil?

Lip oil is lighter, softer and usually more sheer (see-through). Lip gloss is shinier and can carry more color, but often feels a little sticky.

Sheer or full color?

Sheer and lightly tinted shades flatter almost everyone, which makes them safe gifts. Bold colors look great but are more personal, so stick to their favorite shade if you know it.

Stickiness and wear

Shiny products wear off with eating and drinking, so expect to reapply. Stickier glosses can catch hair on windy days. Oils feel lighter but fade sooner.

Compare at a glance

On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see every column.

ProductBest forTypical priceTypeFinishColor
1. Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil Best overall $24–$26Lip oilShinyTinted
2. e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil Best under $10 $8–$10Lip oilHigh shineSheer tints
3. NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss Best budget gloss $5–$7Lip glossButtery shineLots of colors
4. NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip Shiniest $9–$10Lip oilGlossyTinted

The 4 best lip glosses and oils, explained

Best overall first. Prices are typical ranges, not live prices, so check Amazon for today's price.

#1Best overall

Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil

  • Lip oil
  • Shiny
  • Tinted

$24–$26typical price

Rich color that lasts. NBC Select calls it the longest-lasting lip oil it tested, and Who What Wear picks it for the best color.

What testers liked

  • Lasts longer than most lip oils.
  • Glides on easily with strong color.
  • Comfortable to wear, with no taste.

Common complaints

  • Pricey for a lip oil.
  • Chunky packaging, and only a few shades.

Skip it if: You want a cheap stocking stuffer. The e.l.f. Glow Reviver (#2) is about a third of the price.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from NBC Select, Who What Wear.

#2Best under $10

e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil

  • Lip oil
  • High shine
  • Sheer tints

$8–$10typical price

A shiny, comfy lip oil for about $8. NBC Select names it the best budget lip oil, and PureWow picks it as the best drugstore one.

What testers liked

  • Under $10.
  • Very shiny, with a slight plumping look.
  • A soft, cushy applicator.

Common complaints

  • Doesn't last as long as pricier oils.
  • A little sticky.

Skip it if: They want color that lasts through lunch. Summer Fridays (#1) wears longer.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from NBC Select, PureWow.

#3Best budget gloss

NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss

  • Lip gloss
  • Buttery shine
  • Lots of colors

$5–$7typical price

A drugstore favorite with lots of colors. Who What Wear names it the best budget lip gloss, and Business Insider picked it as the best drugstore gloss.

What testers liked

  • Very affordable.
  • Lots of colors, with good color payoff.
  • Moisturizing and glossy.
  • Cruelty-free (not tested on animals).

Common complaints

  • Can feel a little tacky.
  • Few very sheer shades for layering over lipstick.

Skip it if: They dislike any stickiness. A lip oil like e.l.f. Glow Reviver (#2) feels lighter.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from Who What Wear, Business Insider.

#4Shiniest

NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip

  • Lip oil
  • Glossy
  • Tinted

$9–$10typical price

Glossy like a gloss but hydrating like an oil. NBC Select names it the best glossy lip oil, and PureWow calls it a TikTok favorite.

What testers liked

  • Very glossy and still hydrating.
  • Smells great.
  • Affordable, with a light tint.

Common complaints

  • Sticky.
  • Small bottle.

Skip it if: They want something light and non-sticky. Try the e.l.f. Glow Reviver (#2).

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from NBC Select, PureWow.

How we pick

More beauty reviews