Review Day: The Lip Oil Worth Buying in January

Lifestyle

Jan 22

(Featuring the Essence Hydra Kiss Lip Oil – Shade 06 Cranberry Is Back)

January beauty upgrades should feel practical, comforting, and quietly elevating — not experimental, not complicated, and definitely not high-maintenance. When the weather is cold, routines are full again, and lips are constantly dry and dull, the products we reach for most are the ones that work hard without asking anything from us.

That’s precisely where the Hydra Kiss Lip Oil by Essence earns its place as a hero product — and why it deserves a proper Review Day moment.

This is not a trend-driven purchase. It’s a January essential.

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What It Is (And Why It’s a January Upgrade)

The Hydra Kiss Lip Oil in shade 06 Cranberry Is Back is a makeup product that behaves like skincare. It nourishes, protects, adds shine, and enhances your natural lip color thanks to its pH-reactive formula.

Why January?
Because winter lips need care first, beauty second — and this product manages to deliver both at the same time. It’s the perfect 2-in-1 solution for hydrated lips, a healthy glow, and zero decision fatigue.

You apply it once and move on with your day.

My Starting Point

I have naturally dry, dull lips, especially in winter. Lip oils are my go-to because they’re the only format that genuinely works for me during cold months. I also carry lip products everywhere — office, bag, coat pockets — so running out of lip oils means I immediately have to search for a replacement.

When I spotted this one by Essence (a brand I genuinely love and trust), buying it was instinctive.

Two months later? Stress test completed ✔️

How I Actually Use It

This lip oil is incredibly versatile — to the point where you could pair it with one lip pencil and call it a complete starter lip kit.

Here’s how it fits into my daily routine:

On its own, when I’m in a hurry or want a very natural finish
→ The pH-reactive color adapts beautifully, making my face look instantly more alive.
Layered over a lip pencil for a polished look
→ I use a pinky-nude pencil to define the contour or fill in the lips, then add the oil on top for a glossy, elegant finish.

Office days, working from home, errands, aperitivo — this lip oil is always with me. If you love glossy lips that still feel refined, this becomes a non-negotiable.

Review Framework: The Honest Breakdown

Let’s talk numbers — because this is where it gets impressive.

Ease of use: 10/10
Quality & performance: 15/10
Aesthetic & design: 10/10 (fun, pop packaging that doesn’t take itself too seriously)
Price vs value: 3,79€ → 10000/10
Longevity: 100/10 (there’s a lot of product, and it lasts)
Slow, elegant life compatibility: 10/10

A product that merges skincare and makeup is precisely what a slow, intentional routine needs—one swipe, nourished lips, natural color, glossy-but-elegant finish — no overthinking required.

What Truly Surprised Me

Comfort.

Many lip oils feel heavy or overly slick. This one doesn’t. The texture is perfectly balanced: nourishing without being thick, glossy without being sticky. It settles beautifully on the lips and dries down smoothly enough that you can wear your hair down without fear.

That alone makes it exceptional.