Oh, boy, here we go again with the Lip Oils.
THE BACKSTORY: I seriously need to reflect on my addiction to Lip Oils. This offering from Etude, launched locally very recently, had me buying them the moment they went live on the e-commerce website. I really ought to reel it in.
THE PRODUCT: I like that the packaging of these, while quite similar to other Lip Oils in the market, is molded in such a way that they stand out. The clear plastic components are weighted and look good. The applicator is your average doe-foot, though, which is something I’m not too fond of when applying Lip Oils.
The formula of these is strange. They’re not as plush-feeling as some other, more popular Lip Oils (think Clarins, Dior etc.) but they don’t skew towards being those filmy lip gloss hybrids either. They have some body to them but aren’t as rich and thick as I’ve come to appreciate my beloved Lip Oils being.
They go on smoothly and deliver instant hydration, all while smoothening out your lip-lines and nourishing whatever chapped lip situation you might have going on. But it’s not moisturising. It’s just there. On your lips. It doesn’t penetrate. Nor last very long.
While they are comfortable, I wouldn’t really reach out to these if I were in need for some TLC for my lips. I’d just use them over a tint, for the juicy and glossy finish that they give.
While it isn’t sticky, it does feel a tad bit too slippy for my liking (as a chronic lip-smacker). One layer is usually enough for the look as I find multiple layers of it too annoying. I just find myself smooshing my lips together even more, whenever I have more than one layer on. It’s weird that you can feel you’ve put on multiple coats. One layer. One layer is lightweight and does the job.
They also aren’t long-wearing, of course. Re-application is easy but I would’ve preferred a different applicator.
They also have a pleasant, non-offensive floral scent. I like that the scent is non-offensive because sometimes lip products are so heavily perfumed that I’m miffed at the thought of using them (cough, Milani Lip Oils, cough).
If I ever get these at a lower price-point during a sale, I am open to trying out their other variants with more intense pigments.
Swatches of Etude Dear Darling Lip Oil Tints in ’05 Red Oil’ and ’06 Pink Oil’.
SWATCHES AND SHADES AVAILABLE: There’s 6 shades available in the current line-up, each pair varies in intensity (as seen in the brand’s infographic above).
- 05 Red Oil – Translucent warm red.
- 06 Pink Oil – Translucent fuchsia pink.
PRICE: $13.20 USD (retails for 750 INR locally)
QUANTITY: 4.2 grams
AVAILABILITY: Etude Global, Nykaa, Tira, Myntra etc.
♥ OVERALL: I think these are a good gateway Lip Oil. Not too thick, not too thin. Just okay. Grab them on sale.
Etude Dear Darling Lip Oil Tints.
$13
Pros
- Easy to use. Beginner-friendly.
- Comfortable.
- Glossy finish.
- Livens up the lips.
- Hydrating.
Cons
- Not long-wearing.
- Can feel a bit uncomfortable if multiple layers are on.
