Every Shade Swatched: Finding Your Perfect Rare Beauty Lip Oil Colour

Hello, beauty lovers! It’s Sarah here, back in my London flat and absolutely surrounded by lip products. If you’re anything like me, you’ve seen the stunning Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil all over your TikTok and Instagram feeds. They’re shiny, they’re juicy, and they promise a pop of colour that feels comfortable, not sticky.

But with so many beautiful shades to choose from, how do you possibly pick the right one? Buying makeup online can be a bit of a guessing game, especially when you can’t see the colours in real life.

That’s where I come in! As a blogger, I’ve got my hands on every single shade. I’ve swatched them, worn them, and put them to the test. This guide is your one-stop shop to finding your perfect Rare Beauty Lip Oil colour. We’ll look at real swatches, talk about who each shade is best for, and I’ll even share some tips on how to make the most of your lip oil.

Also Read: How To Use Huda Beauty Setting Powder For a Flawless, Filter-Like Finish

So, grab a cuppa, get comfortable, and let’s find your new favourite lip product!

What Exactly is a Lip Oil? (And Why You’ll Love It)

Before we dive into the colours, let’s talk about what makes this product so special. If you’re wondering, “Is this just a gloss with a fancy name?” – the answer is a firm no!

A lip oil is a brilliant hybrid product. It gives you the high-shine gloss look, but it feels much lighter and more comfortable. Instead of being sticky like some old-school glosses, it’s packed with nourishing oils that hydrate and care for your lips.

Also Read: Testing Krave Beauty’s Minimalist Approach to Glowing Skin

The Rare Beauty ones are infused with:

• Jojoba Oil: To moisturise.
• Sunflower Seed Oil: To soften and condition.
• Apricot Extract: For a comfortable feel.

They give you a beautiful tint of colour, a fantastic shine, and they treat your lips at the same time. It’s like a treatment and colour all in one sleek tube. You can read more about the benefits of these ingredients on the National Eczema Association’s guide to skin-friendly oils.

Meet the Rare Beauty Lip Oil Shades

The collection has eight core shades, each with a beautiful, positive name. I’ve broken them down into groups to make it easier for you to find your match.

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Versatility with Beauty Creations

The Nudes & Neutrals

These shades are perfect for everyday wear. They enhance your natural lip colour for a “my lips but better” look.

1. Serenity (Clear Pink)

• What it is: This is the lightest, most subtle pink in the collection. It’s a sheer, wash of colour that looks incredibly natural.
• Who it’s for: Absolutely perfect for those with fair to light skin tones. If you’re new to lip colour or you love a minimal, no-makeup makeup look, this is your go-to.
• My verdict: A beautiful, safe choice for every day. It’s effortless and pretty.

2. Honesty (Nude Beige)

• What it is: A warm, creamy nude beige. It’s more opaque than Serenity and gives a proper nude lip effect.
• Who it’s for: This is a dream for light to medium skin tones with warm undertones (think golden or olive). It’s a classic 90s-style nude.
• My verdict: The ultimate cool-girl nude. It’s sophisticated and goes with every makeup look.

3. Truth (Soft Brown)

• What it is: A deeper, neutral brown nude. It’s not too warm and not too cool.
• Who it’s for: This shade is stunning on medium to deep skin tones. It provides a beautiful contrast that looks very natural. On lighter skin, it gives a 90s brown lip effect.
• My verdict: A rich, warm nude that feels very modern.

The Berries & Mauve

These shades offer a bit more colour payoff. They’re perfect for adding a healthy, flushed look to your lips.

4. Hope (Mauve Pink)

• What it is: This is the most popular shade for a reason! It’s a neutral mauve-pink that is incredibly flattering on a huge range of skin tones.
• Who it’s for: Honestly, everyone. It’s a true universal shade. If you can only buy one, make it this one.
• My verdict: The superstar of the collection. You can’t go wrong with Hope.

5. Grace (Soft Berry)

• What it is: A muted, soft berry shade. It’s like the colour of blackberries mixed with a touch of pink.
• Who it’s for: This looks beautiful on light to medium skin tones. It gives a “just bitten” effect that is very romantic and pretty.
• My verdict: A gorgeous, wearable berry for those who find dark shades intimidating.

6. Affection (Deep Berry)

• What it is: The deepest, richest shade in the line. A true, vibrant berry.
• Who it’s for: This shade pops beautifully on medium to deep skin tones. It’s bold and statement-making while still being wearable because of the glossy formula.
• My verdict: A stunning winter berry shade that is full of life.

The Peaches & Reds

These are your go-to shades for a pop of warmth and energy.

7. Wonder (Soft Peach)

• What it is: A warm, soft peachy shade. It’s cheerful and sunny.
• Who it’s for: Best on fair to light skin tones with warm or peachy undertones. It gives a lovely, healthy warmth.
• My verdict: The perfect summer lip. It makes you look bright and awake.

8. Delight (Warm Red)

• What it is: A vibrant, warm-toned red. It’s not a true fire-engine red; it has hints of coral and orange that make it feel fresh and fun.
• Who it’s for: This warm red is fantastic for light to medium skin tones with warm undertones. It’s a great entry-point into red lips because the oil formula makes it less bold than a matte red.
• My verdict: A playful, juicy red that feels youthful and energetic.

How to Apply Your Lip Oil for the Best Results

Getting that perfect, non-sticky juicy look is easy!

1. Prep your lips: Gently exfoliate your lips with a soft toothbrush or a gentle sugar scrub (I love the Lush Lip Scrubs) to remove any dry skin. This helps the oil apply evenly.
2. Use the applicator: The doe-foot applicator is designed to pick up the perfect amount of product. Glide it over your lips.
3. Don’t rub your lips together: For the most even colour and shine, try not to rub your lips together after application. Just let it settle on its own.
4. Reapply as needed: The shine will fade after an hour or two as the oils sink in, but the tint will remain. Keep it in your bag for a quick top-up throughout the day!

Lip Oil vs. Lip Gloss: What’s the Difference?

This is a common question! Here’s a quick breakdown:

Think of a lip oil as a more comfortable, treatment-focused version of a gloss. For a deeper dive into the science behind these formulas, Byrdie has a great explainer article.

Final Thoughts: Which Shade is For You?

Choosing your shade is all about what you feel most comfortable in!

• For a safe, everyday shade: Go for Hope or Honesty.
• For a pop of colour: Try Delight or Affection.
• For a natural, barely-there look: Serenity or Wonder are perfect.
• For a deep, romantic look: Grace or Truth are gorgeous.

The best part about these lip oils is that they are incredibly easy to wear. They’re low-maintenance, feel amazing on, and give you that healthy, juicy lip look we all want.

You can shop the full range of Rare Beauty Lip Oils at Space NK or Cult Beauty.

I hope this giant guide has helped you find your perfect match! Let me know in the comments which shade you’re choosing.

Happy shopping!

Love, Sarah xx

P.S. Keep an eye on Look Fantastic for sales—they often have great deals on Rare Beauty!

Frequently Asked Questions: Your Rare Beauty Lip Oil Guide

Navigating the world of lip oils can bring up a lot of questions, especially when you’re trying to find your perfect match without seeing it in person. This FAQ is designed to address the most common queries we encountered during our deep dive into swatching every Rare Beauty Lip Oil shade.

1. What exactly is a lip oil, and how is it different from a gloss or balm?
A lip oil is a hybrid product designed to deliver the best of multiple worlds. Unlike a traditional gloss, which often prioritizes high-shine, sometimes sticky finish, a lip oil focuses on treatment. It’s infused with nourishing oils (like jojoba and sunflower seed oil in Rare Beauty’s formula) to hydrate, condition, and repair the lips. Unlike a balm, which can be waxy, a lip oil has a lighter, non-sticky texture that provides a glossy shine but with a more comfortable, breathable feel. Think of it as a treatment product that also delivers beautiful color and shine.

2. I have pigmented lips. Will these lip oils show up on me?
Yes, but the level of opacity depends on the shade. The Rare Beauty Lip Oils are designed to be buildable. Lighter, more neutral shades like Honesty or Serenity will provide a wash of glossy color that will tone down your natural lip pigment for a “my lips but better” effect. The deeper and brighter shades, such as Affection (berry) or Delight (warm red), have stronger color payoff and will effectively cover most natural lip pigmentation, especially with two layers. Our swatches specifically noted how each shade performed on various skin tones and lip pigmentation levels.

3. How long does the color and shine typically last?
This is a product designed for comfort and hydration, not all-day wear. You can expect the glossy shine to last for about 1-2 hours before it dissipates into a more natural, hydrated look. The tint, however, will linger longer. Most shades will leave a soft, stained effect for 3-4 hours after the initial oil has worn off. This is especially true for the berry and red tones. Reapplication is necessary for continuous shine, which is beneficial as it means you’re consistently adding moisture back to your lips.

4. Are these lip oils sticky or tacky?
One of the standout features of the Rare Beauty Lip Oils is their remarkably non-sticky formula. They have a smooth, slippery texture that glides on easily and feels lightweight on the lips. Your hair won’t get stuck to your lips on a windy day. This sets them apart from many traditional glosses that use thicker polymers for shine, which often result in that unwanted tacky feeling.

5. Do they taste or smell like anything?
Yes, they have a light, sweet, fruity scent and flavor, reminiscent of berries or soft candy. It is not overpowering or medicinal and fades quickly after application. If you are sensitive to fragrance in lip products, it’s something to be aware of, but most users find the scent to be pleasant and subtle.

6. Can I wear this over a lip liner? Absolutely!
Using a lip liner is a fantastic way to enhance the wear and shape of your Lip Oil. For a natural look, choose a liner that matches your natural lip line or the shade of the oil. You can also use a liner to slightly overline or correct your lip shape before applying the oil for a plumper, more defined look. The oil’s glossy texture will blend seamlessly over most liners without causing any dragging or patchiness.

7. What’s the best way to choose a shade for my skin tone online?
Our article provides extensive swatches on multiple skin tones, which is your best tool. As a general rule:

• Fair to Light Skin: Serenity (clear pink) and Honesty (nude beige) are perfect for everyday. Wonder (soft peach) adds a warm pop.
• Light to Medium Skin: Hope (mauve) is a universally flattering berry, and Delight (warm red) is vibrant yet wearable.
• Medium to Tan Skin: Affection (deep berry) and Delight make a bold statement. Honesty offers a beautiful neutral nude.
• Deep Skin: Affection is stunning and rich. Truth (soft brown) provides a warm, subtle contrast, and Delight offers a classic red shine.

8. Are these lip oils hydrating enough for chronically dry or chapped lips?
Yes, they are exceptionally hydrating thanks to their core ingredients of jojoba and sunflower seed oil, which are known emollients. They will provide immediate relief and continuous moisture to dry lips. However, if your lips are severely chapped or cracked, you might want to first use a dedicated, intensive lip treatment (like a thick balm or ointment) to heal the damage, and then use the lip oil for maintenance and color. The lip oil is a fantastic preventative product.

9. How does the applicator work?
The Rare Beauty Lip Oil features a unique and innovative plush velvet applicator. It’s not a traditional doe-foot; it’s shorter, wider, and has a slightly fuzzy texture. This design is intended to hold the perfect amount of product and apply it evenly and smoothly to the lips without over-applying. It conforms to the shape of your lips for a precise and comfortable application.

10. I’m a makeup minimalist. Are these worth it for me?
Absolutely. In fact, this product might be perfect for you. The Rare Beauty Lip Oils are the epitome of effortless beauty. They offer a low-maintenance way to look polished and put-together with minimal effort. A single swipe enhances your natural features with a healthy dose of shine and a hint of color, all while actively improving the health of your lips. It’s a product that feels good and looks good without feeling like “makeup.”