Lip Oils vs Glosses: Which One’s Better for Summer?
If there’s one thing we all want for summer, it’s lips that look juicy, healthy, and effortlessly gorgeous.
![]() |
| Lip Oils vs Glosses Which One’s Better for Summer? |
But lately, the beauty world is divided: are you Team Lip Oil or Team Gloss?
Both give you that shiny finish, both are perfect for a swipe-and-go look — but they’re not the same.
And if you’ve ever wondered which one’s better for hot, sunny days, we’re breaking it all down for you.
🌴 The Basics: What’s the Difference?
Lip Gloss
The classic. Glosses have been around forever, from early-2000s sticky tubes to the modern, buttery formulas we have now. They’re usually thicker, shinier, and come in every shade imaginable.
Pros: Intense shine, color payoff, variety of finishes (sparkle, glassy, sheer).
Cons: Can feel heavy, sticky hair-in-your-lips moment, needs reapplying.
Lip Oil
Lip oils are newer on the scene, and they’re more skincare-meets-makeup. They’re usually packed with nourishing oils (jojoba, almond, argan) that hydrate while adding a soft, glossy finish.
Pros: Hydrating, comfortable, lightweight, can improve lips over time.
Cons: Shine is usually more subtle, wears off faster, limited pigment in most formulas.
☀️ How They Perform in Summer
Heat + Humidity Test
Lip Gloss: Still delivers that intense shine, but in heat, thick glosses can feel heavy or melty. If it’s windy, you might be catching your hair in it all day.
Lip Oil: Feels lighter and more comfortable when it’s hot out, especially if your lips tend to get dry from sun exposure.
Beach & Pool Days
Lip Gloss: Gorgeous for quick photos, but doesn’t hold up well after water or sweat.
Lip Oil: Gives a natural, hydrated look — perfect for “no-makeup” makeup days. You can even use it under your SPF lip balm for extra moisture.
💄 Which One Looks More Expensive?
Here’s the fun part — lip gloss can give that ultra-luxe, vinyl-shine look, especially with richer pigments. Lip oil, on the other hand, gives you that understated, effortless French-girl vibe. It’s more “I woke up like this” and less “full glam.”
🛍 Recommendations for Summer 2025
Best Lip Glosses:
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb – Non-sticky, juicy shine, perfect colors for summer.
Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly – Hydrating gloss hybrid with bold shades.
NYX Butter Gloss – Affordable, feels comfortable, endless shade range.
Best Lip Oils:
Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil – High-shine + nourishing oils + slight tint.
Clarins Lip Comfort Oil – Packed with plant oils, great color payoff for an oil.
Milani Fruit Fetish Lip Oil – Budget-friendly and smells like summer fruit.
🏆 The Verdict
For summer? Lip oils win for comfort, hydration, and easy wear. They’re perfect for hot weather, light makeup days, and keeping lips soft after sun exposure.
But gloss still has a place — especially for night outs, special events, or anytime you want that statement shine.
If you’re really a beauty lover… just get both. Swap depending on your mood, outfit, or occasion.
💬 What about you? Are you Team Lip Oil or Team Gloss? Drop your pick in the comments and let’s settle this summer beauty debate.





