It happened slowly. One day we were all obsessed with matte liquid lipsticks that felt like literal desert sand on our faces, and the next, everyone decided that looking like you just ate a very expensive popsicle was the only vibe that mattered.
The lip oil craze isn't new. You've seen the luxury brands charging $40 for what basically amounts to scented mineral oil. But then there’s the iNNBEAUTY PROJECT lip oil—formally known as the Glaze Lip Oil. It’s one of those rare products that actually lives up to the TikTok hype without making your wallet cry. Honestly, it’s kind of a weird product if you think about it. It isn't quite a gloss, but it definitely isn't just an oil either. It’s this hybrid beast that manages to be thick enough to stay on your lips for more than five minutes while remaining totally, completely non-sticky.
If you’ve ever had your hair get stuck in your lip gloss on a windy day, you know that’s the ultimate test of a formula.
The Science of Why Your Lips Feel So Dry
Most people don't realize that the skin on your lips is incredibly thin. It doesn't have sweat glands or sebaceous glands. That means your lips can't lubricate themselves. When you use a "hydrating" product that is mostly wax or petroleum, you're just putting a lid on a dry pot. You aren't actually adding moisture back in.
The iNNBEAUTY PROJECT lip oil works differently because of the fermented botanicals. This isn't just marketing fluff. They use a fermented desert milk complex. Fermentation breaks down the molecular structure of ingredients, making them easier for that thin lip skin to actually absorb. It’s like pre-digesting the nutrients for your face.
Then you have the Red Root Oil and Pomegranate. These aren't just for a cute scent. They are antioxidants. When you’re walking around outside, your lips are getting hammered by UV rays and pollution. These ingredients act like a tiny, shiny shield.
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What’s Actually Inside the Tube?
Let's get specific. Most "clean" beauty brands leave out the good stuff because they're afraid of chemicals, but iNNBEAUTY keeps the heavy hitters.
- Vegan Squalane: Derived from olives, this mimics your skin's natural oils.
- Plumping Complex: It uses a botanical blend that creates a natural swell. It doesn't use that stinging capsicum (pepper) or cinnamon that makes your lips feel like they're on fire. It’s more of a "gentle fullness" than a "bee sting" look.
- Jojoba Oil: This is the gold standard for hydration because it’s the closest thing in nature to human sebum.
The scent is another thing entirely. The Candy Apple or Glazed Donut flavors don't smell like that cheap, synthetic perfume that gives you a headache. They’re subtle. It feels like a treat, not a chemistry experiment.
Comparing the Glaze to the Competition
Look, we have to talk about the Dior Lip Glow Oil. It’s the elephant in the room. Everyone wants it, but it’s expensive.
Is the iNNBEAUTY PROJECT lip oil a "dupe"? Sorta. But in some ways, it's actually better. The Dior oil is very thin. It feels luxurious, sure, but it disappears in about twenty minutes. The iNNBEAUTY Glaze has more "grip." It’s a bit thicker, which sounds scary, but that thickness is what keeps the moisture locked in while you're drinking your third coffee of the morning.
Also, the applicator. The iNNBEAUTY "oversized" doe-foot is massive. It’s satisfying. One swipe and you're done. No fishing around in the tube for more product.
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There are plenty of other options out there. Versed has a great one, and Summer Fridays is always a contender. But Summer Fridays is a balm-gloss hybrid. It’s heavier. iNNBEAUTY sits in that sweet spot where it provides the high-shine finish of a gloss with the long-term health benefits of a treatment.
The Controversy: Is It Actually "Clean"?
The term "Clean Beauty" is basically the Wild West. There’s no government regulation on it. However, iNNBEAUTY PROJECT follows the Sephora Clean standards, which means no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
Some people argue that synthetic dyes are a problem. iNNBEAUTY does use some synthetic colorants to get those vibrant reds and pinks. Honestly, if you want a lip oil that actually shows up on your lips and doesn't just look like clear grease, you usually need a tiny bit of synthetic pigment. Natural pigments from beets or berries tend to brown or fade very quickly. It’s a trade-off. If you are a 100% "all-natural or nothing" person, this might not be your holy grail. But for the rest of us who want performance, it’s a fair compromise.
How to Use It (Beyond Just Swiping It On)
Most people just throw it on and go. That's fine. But if you want to get the most out of it, there are a few tricks.
- The Overnight Mask: Use the clear "Glazed Donut" shade before bed. You'll wake up with lips that feel twice as thick.
- The Lip Liner Hack: Line your lips with a neutral brown pencil, smudge it slightly toward the center, and then flood the middle with the "Cookie" or "Candy Apple" glaze. It gives a 3D effect that looks much more natural than overlining with a matte lipstick.
- The Blush Trick: In a pinch, the pinker shades (like "Mystery" or "Berry") work incredibly well as a dewy blush. Just tap a tiny bit onto the apples of your cheeks. Since it’s oil-based, it blends into the skin rather than sitting on top of your foundation.
Dealing With the "Leaky Cap" Issue
We have to be real here. If you look at reviews from a year or two ago, a lot of people complained about the tubes leaking. It was a whole thing on Reddit.
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The brand actually listened. They redesigned the packaging. The newer batches have a tighter seal and a better wiper inside the tube to prevent the "goop" from escaping. If you’re buying from a reputable retailer like Sephora or their direct site, you’re likely getting the new version. If you find one at a deep discount at a liquidator, just be aware it might be the old, leakier packaging.
Sustainability and Ethics
The brand is Plastic Negative. This is a big deal that most people gloss over. For every piece of plastic they sell, they fund the removal of two pieces of plastic from the environment through a partnership with rePurpose Global.
They’re also cruelty-free. In 2026, that should be the bare minimum, but it’s still worth noting. The formula is vegan, meaning no beeswax or carmine (which is made from crushed bugs—look it up, it’s gross).
The Final Verdict on iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Lip Oil
Is it worth the $18? Yes.
It solves the problem of "lip gloss mouth" where your lips feel sticky and gross after an hour. It actually improves the texture of your lips over time. If you use it consistently for a week, you'll notice you're reaching for your Chapstick less often.
The range of shades is wide enough that there’s something for every skin tone, but they’re sheer enough that you don't have to worry about being "perfect" with the application. It’s a low-maintenance, high-reward product.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your current stash: If your current lip balms contain camphor or menthol, they might actually be drying your lips out more. Look for squalane-based alternatives like this one.
- Start with "Candy Apple": If you're overwhelmed by the colors, this is the universal shade. It looks bright in the tube but goes on as a perfect "your lips but better" flush.
- Store them upright: Even with the new packaging, oil is thin. Keeping your lip oils upright in your makeup bag or on your vanity is just good practice to ensure the seal stays clean.
- Exfoliate first: For the smoothest finish, use a damp washcloth to gently buff your lips before applying the oil. This allows the fermented ingredients to penetrate deeper without being blocked by dead skin cells.