Not just a passing beauty trend, lip oils are an essential prep step that deeply hydrate the lips. Going beyond hydration, lip oils are a multi-tasking product that deliver the moisturizing effects of a balm, the color kick of a lip tint, and the high shine of a gloss.

Lip oils also help prolong makeup wear, providing a preparatory step before lipstick, liner, and gloss that improves lipstick wear and performance.

Because well-hydrated lips hold color more evenly, using a lip oil first makes a measurable difference to the finished look. Read on for how to build a long-lasting lipstick look that stays smooth, patch-free, and hydrated from the first application.

What Lip Oil Actually Does for Your Lips

Lip oils are ultra-hydrating skincare-makeup hybrids enriched with oil-based ingredients that nourish the lips. They function as a lightweight alternative to a traditional gloss, delivering impressive shine and softness. 

Lip Oil Versus Lip Gloss: Why the Difference Matters for Layering

The lip oil vs lip gloss debate often holds that lip oil is just a rebranded lip gloss. But lip gloss is firmly a make-up product often added after lipstick and liner, while lip oil is an important part of makeup prep that delivers much-needed hydration.

Lip oil is also distinct from lip gloss because of its formula:

• Lip oil nourishes and absorbs easily into the lips

• Lip gloss sits on the surface and can cause just-applied lipstick to slip

• Lip oil deeply hydrates the lip tissue rather than coating it, making it a great pre-lipstick prep step in comparison to a gloss. 

Lip Oil Versus Lip Balm for Lip Prep

Lip oil and lip balm both hydrate the lips. A lip balm can sometimes be too hydrating for makeup because it creates a thicker occlusive layer that can cause lipstick to slide and break down if the product isn’t blotted. A lip oil is often a better pre-lipstick conditioning step for most lip types because lip oil absorbs into the lips faster and leaves less surface residue. 

Both lip balms and lips oils nourish and soften the lips when integrated into a carefully-planned routine. Hyper-moisturizing balms are a good choice for hydration so long as the balm is removed before lipstick or liner to prolong wear time. If rushed, lip oil is the perfect alternative to lip balm, supporting lip moisturization without breaking down makeup products. 

How to Apply Lip Oil Before Super Lustrous Ultra Lipstick

Lip oil before lipstick delivers hydrated lips that hold color with a series of preparatory steps including blotting and giving the lip oil time. 

Step One: Exfoliate First

Exfoliating is an essential preparatory step for dry lips. Dry skin cells on the lip surface prevent lip oil from absorbing evenly, which creates an uneven base for lipstick. To buff the lips smooth, use a gentle scrub two to three times per week. 

Skip this step if the lips are already smooth.

Step Two: Apply Lip Oil and Wait

Apply lip oil to immediately nourish and hydrate the lips after you exfoliate. Give the lip oil time to sink in in order to get the most out of its hydrating benefits. 

To use lip oil: 

• Apply a thin layer of Super Lustrous Glimmer™ Lip Oil using the applicator, starting at the center of the lips and pressing outward. 

• Wait 60 to 90 seconds for the oil to fully absorb. Don’t jump straight to applying your lipstick - going from oil to lipstick without waiting is the most common cause of lipstick sliding or pilling. 

Step Three: Blot Lightly Before Applying Color

If applying a matte rather than creme or satin lipstick, blot the lips to ensure adhesion and boost wear. To blot, grab a tissue and blot the lips with a single press to remove any excess oil without stripping the conditioning benefits of the lip oil. 

Step Four: Apply Super Lustrous Ultra Starting at the Center

The lips are now hydrated without being weighed down by too much product. This pre-prepped surface helps the coat of color glide on more evenly, preventing the patchy finish of unexfoliated lips. 

To finish the look:

• Apply Super Lustrous Ultra™ Lipstick from the center of the lip outward using the bullet's natural shape to fill in the Cupid's bow

• Apply lip liner before oil for added edge definition and to make the lipstick last longer

Can You Layer Lip Oil Over Lipstick Instead?

Some lip oils can be applied over lipstick depending on the formula of the oil. Some lip oils work perfectly over lipstick. Other lipsticks perform better if oil is applied before adding a slick of color. 

When Lip Oil Over Lipstick Works

Lip oil works well over a cream or satin lipstick formula. This order of application adds gloss and extends the hydrating feel of the oil without significantly disrupting the colors with a creamier finish. 

Oil over lipstick is also ideal for a mid-day comfort, moisture, and gloss refresh rather than a shine-building step from the start. Lip oil over day-time lipstick shifts the color of the lipstick slightly warmer and more translucent, giving a lived-in look. 

When to Avoid Lip Oil Over Lipstick

Applying lip oil over matte lipstick breaks down the matte finish and makes the color move and fade faster. To retain the matte finish all day, keep lip oil to the prep stage. Restricting oil application to early-stage prep delivers the moisture boost of the oil while keeping the matte color intact. 

Building a Complete Lip Routine With Revlon

Build out a complete lip routine with a product combo that delivers both hydration and color. Revlon’s lip product line builds on and enhances the benefits of other products in the range. Use lip oil for lip prep and optional hydrating touch-ups throughout the day and lipstick for a pop of lip-defining color. 

The Full Layering Order for Maximum Hydration and Color

Many people want maximum softness alongside defining all-day color. To achieve both, follow our multi-step layering routine for a complete lip-enhancing, hydrating sequence: 

1: Exfoliate the lips with an old toothbrush, lip scrub, or washcloth

2: Layer a thin coat of Super Lustrous Glimmer™ Lip Oil over your lips 

3: Wait 60 to 90 seconds for the lip oil to fully hydrate and sink into the lips

4: Blot lightly with a single press of a tissue

5: Apply lip liner (optional for added definition) 

6: Swipe on Super Lustrous Ultra™ Lipstick in the color of your choice

Choosing the Right Super Lustrous Ultra Shade After a Lip Oil Prep

Prepped lips make colors pop and deliver a higher level of saturation because the smooth, conditioned surface reflects more light. This smooth surface also helps lips look bigger and color look bolder. 

For dryer lips, try a slightly lighter shade of Super Lustrous Ultra™ Lipstick than usual when using the lip oil prep technique for the first time as lighter shades blend more forgivingly. Subtle shades also reflect light, helping lips look bigger, while bold colors give a more dramatic and defined high-glam look. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Find additional advice on how to perfect lip oil application alongside your regular lip routine. 

Does lip oil make lipstick slide off?

When it comes to the best lip oils on the market, a quality product will only make lipstick slide off if you apply the oil incorrectly. To keep the lip color strong, lip oil needs 60 to 90 seconds to absorb before you apply lipstick on top. 

A light blot after that window removes any surface excess, giving lipstick the chance to adhere cleanly and last throughout the day. 

Can I use lip oil before matte lipstick specifically?

You can use lip oil before you apply a matte lipstick if you make sure to blot. Matte lipsticks need a relatively dry surface to set correctly. Apply the oil, wait the full 90 seconds, blot lightly, then apply the matte color. Timed prep improves comfort without compromising on finish.

How often should I apply lip oil as part of my routine?

Apply lip oil once as a preparatory step before applying lipstick. Alternatively, as a standalone treatment, lip oil can be reapplied every two to three hours depending on how dry the lips are. 

There is no upper limit to lip oil applications because lip oil is fully absorbed by the lips unlike some occlusives (such as heavy lip balms) that build up on the surface.

Start With Revlon Lip Oil, Finish With Super Lustrous Ultra

Lip oil benefits include helping to create a smooth, hydrated base that helps make lipstick last longer and lip color pop. From our conditioning, shine-enhancing Super Lustrous Glimmer™ Lip Oil to our iconic Super Lustrous Ultra™ Lipstick, the Revlon lip line was designed to help you build a complete layering technique that emphasizes your lips and makes your color stand out.