It wasn’t really my intention to go out and buy a lip oil from Sigma Beauty. I do have a large number of things on my “To Buy” list — including the latest ColourPop Power Pout lipstick (thank you for draining my wallet again) and the new Singe Beauty Evocative Silk Blushes (I want to try all of them) — but a lip oil from Sigma wasn’t originally one of them. That all changed however when on the night I watched The Room for the first time, I decided to go for it and purchase a collaboration Favorites Set from Sigma. It was released that same week, and I bought it, and it included a lip oil.
Introducing the Sigma Renew Lip Oil
I initially bought the Influencer Set collab for the quad eyeshadow palette and the brushes — that is what I really wanted. But the package also came with a Sigma Switch (their brush cleaning tool) and the Renew Lip Oil in the shade Tint (described as a neutral nude sheen). Now, when I picked up the ColourPop Lux Lip Oil earlier this year, I totally loved it and thought it was awesome; very sheer in color but still hydrating. So trying this one out, I was very interested to see how it felt on the lips since this is only the second lip oil I’ve ever used.
Sigma Renew First Impressions
When I swatch the Renew Lip Oil, I immediately notice how thick the formula is. It has the texture and feel of a more substantial lip product, like a balm; it feels like a very thick lip gloss. While the color is sheer, the pigment is still very visible and noticeable on the skin and has color I can’t really describe — for some reason I’m having trouble describing the color but the imagery on the website is very accurate. Nearly exact. It’s not quite mauve, but more like a medium brown with a hint of mauve pink mixed in.
The bottle has a substantial sized doe foot applicator and feels very thick on the lips. Not thick like how a lipstick can feel — it’s not caked on the lips or anything — but a thick lip gloss. It’s not super sticky, notably, it’s not a super sticky formula (maybe just a little) and it does feel very hydrating. It’s like wearing makeup that you know is hydrating; it’s not like a balm where you put it on and you only feel the hydration; this is more of a product where you feel the glossiness and you feel like you’re wearing makeup, but it’s also hydrating. The color is a little sheer but very visible on the lips and is overall quite comfortable to wear.
Comparing ColourPop & Sigma Lip Oils
I have to say, putting on the Sigma formula was a shock to me after having worn the ColourPop first. I didn’t expect the Renew Lip Oil to be so thick and be more of your standard lip product.
Now, comparing it to the ColourPop Lux Lip Oil formula — that one has a much smaller doe foot applicator and is very, very lightweight compared to the Sigma. Not only is the pigment very sheer and difficult to pick up on, but it’s also very lightweight and feels like a soft, thin balm. You can read my full review for more detail but ColourPop is not sticky whatsoever and very much brings the oil in “lip oil.” It’s easy to apply for quick hydration and the same glossy look that Sigma provides.
My Beauty Review Verdict(s)
The formula you pick will depend on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for lightweight-on-the-lips, sheer, quick boost of hydration similar to a balm, then I’d go with the ColourPop Lux Lip Oil. Like I say in my review, the color doesn’t really come through and is only slightly noticeable (or at least the shade I got was). This one is more of a casual lip care product that you’d put on for the hydration (with a little bit of gloss).
But if you’re looking for a lip product that has the look, feel, and thickness of a lipstick (or a more substantial lip product) but doesn’t dry out your lips, then choose the Sigma Renew Lip Oil. This one is more of a beauty product, as in you’d wear it as part of a makeup look, but it has that underlying hydration so your lips aren’t dry when you go to take it off. Either way, I think both are great — but make sure to check the price tag because there’s a huge difference.
