This or That: What’s the Difference Between Lip Oil and Lip Gloss?

Find out which product can achieve the full and plump lips you want.

Published on Jun 2, 2025

Plump lips can reflect a healthy and youthful look, and adding some sheen to them is one way to achieve this. High shine adds dimension and volume to the lips as they attract and reflect light. The hydrated appearance can enhance their natural shape, too, and give a subtly vibrant look. Delivering such is something that both lip oils and lip glosses have in common.

The two can share overlaps in terms of ingredients, plumping capabilities, and other factors that lead to full lips. They’re both easy to use as they can be applied by themselves or layered on top of other products, and they deliver their respective promises within only a few seconds after swiping them on. However, despite their resemblance, they still have their own individual characteristics that make them stand out and differ from one another.

What Is a Lip Oil?

Did you know that the lips don’t contain oil glands? This is why lip oils put skin care first and are driven with the purpose of nourishing and protecting your pout. They provide hydration with their vitamin-rich and naturally-derived ingredients like coconut, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid that can rescue dry and chapped lips.

While each formula is unique, lip oils are generally known to be more hydrating than lip glosses. They penetrate the lips deeper, making way for healing and hydration. Lip oils mostly have a lighter weight, stickiness, and consistency, too. They can leave a sheer wash of color while softening the lips and providing a shiny and juicy look.

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The Best Lip Oils to Try

What Is a Lip Gloss?

If higher shine and richer color payoff are your priority, lip glosses are the way to go. They’re usually packed with waxes and butters that result in a texture that’s thicker and richer as compared to lip oils.

A wide range of lip glosses are available, with some giving a natural sheen to others, unlocking a shiny, almost vinyl-like look. The potential intensity of the lip glosses’ shine factor can lead to a plumper appearance. Some even contain flecks of glitter or holographic pigments, delivering bolder and more vibrant lips. Since they don’t get absorbed by the lips as much as oils, lip glosses are likely to have better wearability.

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The Best Lip Glosses to Try

TLDR:

So Should You Go for Lip Oil or Lip Gloss?

If your list of characteristics contains lightweight consistency, nourishing properties, and a sheer wash of color, then lip oil is what checks all the boxes.

Meanwhile, lip gloss is the one to bring on thicker texture, higher shine, and greater color payoff.

Either way, you can’t really go wrong with lips that look plump and full!

Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.