You’ve seen the TikToks. The ones where someone swipes on a thick, gloopy gloss and calls it a "skincare revolution." It's everywhere. But honestly, most of those high-end lip oils feel like nothing more than overpriced syrup. That’s why the recent surge in interest around the No7 lip oil—specifically the Pro Artist Lip Shine Oil—is actually worth talking about. It isn’t just another tube taking up space in your vanity; it’s a bit of a bridge between heavy-duty lip care and that mirror-like finish we all want.
I’ve spent years tracking beauty launches. I’ve seen No7 go from a "reliable brand my mom likes" to a powerhouse that’s actually out-performing luxury brands in blind clinical trials. Their approach to the lip oil trend isn’t flashy. It’s calculated. They didn’t just throw some mineral oil in a bottle and call it a day.
What exactly is the No7 lip oil?
To be clear, No7 currently leans heavily on their Pro Artist Lip Shine Oil. For a while, people were confusing it with their HydraLuminous Lip Balm, which is great but totally different. The balm is waxier. It's a barrier. This lip oil, however, is all about that "glaze" finish.
It’s a 6.1ml tube of what I’d call "intelligent shine."
The texture is the big seller here. Most oils are either too thin (disappearing in ten minutes) or too sticky (hair-glued-to-face disaster). No7 landed somewhere in the middle. It’s got that "cushion" feel. When you press your lips together, there’s no tackiness. It just feels... wet. But in a good way.
The ingredients that actually do the work
Look, the marketing says "nourishing," but what does that mean? I checked the label. You're looking at a base of Polybutene and Octyldodecanol. Sounds like a chemistry project, right? Basically, these are emollients that create that silky slip.
But the real heroes are:
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- Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate): This is the classic antioxidant. It helps with lip health over time, not just immediate shine.
- Jojoba Oil: You’ll find this in the High Shine Gloss variant especially. It mimics the skin's natural oils.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Often tucked into the HydraLuminous line, this pulls moisture into the lips to prevent that shriveled look after the gloss wears off.
Honestly, it’s the lack of certain things that makes it better for sensitive skin. It’s dermatologist-tested. It doesn't have that aggressive "plumping" sting that feels like you've rubbed a habanero on your mouth. It’s just comfort.
No7 Lip Oil: What Most People Get Wrong
People often buy this expecting a lip stain. Let’s set the record straight: this is not a stain. If you buy the "Clear Glaze," it is crystal clear. If you grab the "Berry" or "Peach" shades, you get a "natural flush."
Think of it as a 10% tint.
It’s meant to enhance your natural lip color, not mask it. If you have very pigmented lips, the lighter shades might just look clear on you. I personally think it shines best when layered over a matte lipstick that’s feeling a bit too dry. It breathes life back into a flat color without making it migrate all over your chin.
The Applicator Drama
We have to talk about the wand. No7 switched things up a while ago, moving from brushes to those large, pillowy doe-foot applicators (sponges).
Some people hate it.
They say it doesn't pick up enough product.
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I actually disagree. The sponge applicator is "hygienic" in a way brushes aren't—brushes tend to splay out and get gross after three weeks. The No7 sponge is designed to hug the curve of your bottom lip. Yes, you might need two dips to get that "maximum glaze" look, but it prevents you from over-applying and looking like you just ate a greasy slice of pizza.
How it compares to the "Big Names"
Is it a Dior dupe? Kinda.
The Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil is the gold standard for many, but it’s also $40. The No7 version usually sits around the $14-$16 mark (often less if you catch a Boots or Walgreens sale).
- Dior: Thicker, more "gel-like," very expensive.
- No7: Thinner, more "oil-like," much more affordable.
- e.l.f. Glow Reviver: A solid budget competitor, but sometimes feels a bit "minty" or thinner than No7.
No7 feels more "mature." It’s scented with a subtle, sweet vanilla that isn't cloying. It feels like a product made for adults who want to look polished, not like they're headed to a middle school dance.
Is it actually "Good Intent"?
No7 recently launched their "Good Intent" range, which focuses on that "glass skin" aesthetic. This lip oil fits perfectly into that. It’s about looking hydrated, not "made up."
One surprising detail?
The longevity.
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Most lip oils are gone the second you take a sip of water. The No7 lip oil has a bit of staying power. It won't last through a burger, obviously. But for a mid-morning coffee? It holds its own. The shine dulls into a soft sheen, but the moisturized feeling stays for a few hours.
Actionable Tips for Using No7 Lip Oil
If you’re going to pick one up, don't just swipe and go. To get the most out of the formula, try these steps:
- Exfoliate first. Since this is a high-shine oil, it will highlight every bit of dry skin. Use a damp washcloth or a sugar scrub.
- The "Center Pop." If you're wearing a full face of makeup, only apply the oil to the center of your lips. It creates an optical illusion of fullness without the mess.
- Overnight Mask? I’ve seen people use the clear glaze as an overnight treatment. It’s actually not bad for that. Because it’s non-sticky, it won't ruin your pillowcase, and you’ll wake up with much softer lips.
- Mix your shades. Since they're sheer, you can layer the Berry over a nude liner to create a custom "your lips but better" mauve.
The beauty industry is currently obsessed with "clean girl" aesthetics and "quiet luxury." The No7 lip oil fits right into that. It’s effective, it’s backed by the Boots heritage of science, and it doesn't require a loan to purchase.
Whether you’re dealing with the drying effects of a cold winter or just want a quick way to look "put together" for a Zoom call, this formula hits the mark. It’s one of those rare products that actually delivers on the promise of being "non-sticky" while still giving you that high-gloss drama. Just keep your expectations in check regarding the color payoff—it's a glow, not a paint job.
If you want healthy-looking, luminous lips without the 2010-era stickiness, this is probably the best drugstore-adjacent option on the shelves right now. It's a solid 8.5 out of 10. Grab the Clear Glaze if you’re a minimalist, or the Berry if you need a tiny bit of life in your complexion.