Trying Out Lip Oils

Suddenly, it seemed like last year, brand after brand starting putting out their version of the lip oil. Whereas the super popular liquid lipstick seemed like it could be drying, the lip oil seemed more moisturizing and thus, more appealing to me.  I decided to just dive right in and basically pick the two with the most hype and the prettiest packaging, the Lancôme Juicy Shaker in Berry Tale and the Clarins Lip Comfort Oil in Raspberry.  I didn’t really do any major research on either lip oil, but made the decision pretty much on some favourable reviews on Youtube.

How They Look

Lancôme Juicy Shaker after initial application (left photo), after half and hour (middle photo) and Clarins Lip Oil after initial application (right photo)

Judging from their ad campaigns, I assumed that the shine from these lip oils was equal to a high-shine lip gloss! I guess, that is the power of photography.  I do think that these lip oils impart a lovely low-key shine.  However, the shine does fade pretty quickly.  The Lancôme Juicy Shakers fade pretty within a half an hour whereas the Clarins Lip Comfort Oils probably lasts about an hour.

Here’s where these lip oils differ tremendously.  The Clarins Lip Comfort Oil dulls down in shine after a few hours, but it still leaves the lips moisturized.  In contrast, the Lancôme Juicy Shaker fades pretty quickly and leaves a matte stain on your lips.  Neither of them are super pigmented, but I would say the Juicy Shaker leaves a subtle tint of colour (it would also depend on what shade you got).  This isn’t a Korean style lip tint in that the stain doesn’t last after eating.  The Clarins Lip Oil almost looks clear with a sheer hint of colour. However, since I have really pigmented lips, it almost looks just like a clear gloss on me.  Also, one other thing to note is that when the Lancôme Juicy Shaker dries down, you do see more of your lip lines.

How They Feel

I think one of the great things about these lip oils are that they aren’t sticky.  I would say that the Juicy Shaker really feels like you have oil on your lips.  I could see that this might not be the most appealing to some people.  On the other hand, the Clarins Lip Oil feels thicker and more like a gloss.  That is perhaps why I feel that the Clarins lip oil is overall more moisturizing.  After using the Lancôme Juicy Shaker all day, my lips did feel a bit dry.

One of my favourite aspects of these two lip oils are their applicators.  The Lancôme Juicy Shaker’s applicator feels like a soft latex sponge that hugs your lips.  Of course, the “funnest” part though, is shaking the cocktail shaker shaped packaging to mix the oil with the pigment in the product.  The Clarins applicator is also a joy to use.  The “cocoon” applicator grips the perfect amount of product when pulled out of the tube. This larger than average doe-foot applicator also fits comfortably on your lips during application.

How They Taste

Even though no one has any intention of eating these oils, you do accidentally taste them sometimes.  They both don’t have any taste I find.

How They Smell

Both of these lip oils smell like fruit, which I love!  The Lancôme Juicy Shaker smells more like raspberries and the Clarin lip oil smells like cherries.  The scents don’t linger, which I prefer.

VERDICT:  Overall, I enjoyed trying out these lip oils.  I realized though, as a category, there is a lot of variety.  These are two difference products and which one you purchase will depend on what you are looking for.  The Lancôme Juicy Shaker gives you a beautiful sheen and leaves a subtle tint. In contrast, the Clarins lip oil is more of a lip treatment that not only moisturizes your lips, but gives a more natural hint of colour.  Neither are super long lasting on the lips, so you do have to reapply after a few a hours.