Review and swatches of Gisou lip oils on dark skin

Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil Review (Pictures Included)

If you have spent any time on Pinterest or TikTok lately, you have definitely seen the viral Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil. To be honest, I was a massive skeptic. To me, Gisou and Rhode are essentially the same brand in different fonts. They both lean heavily into a very specific social media lens: the younger Millennial or Gen Z “Clean Girl” who lives on Pinterest, drinks a matcha latte after Pilates, and rocks a slicked-back bun with a matching Lululemon set.

From their social media messaging to their lack of representation, I felt like I was nowhere near their target demographic. I lowkey figured this product would be all social media hype, much like the Summer Fridays tinted lip balms I reviewed previously. However, after testing Sticky Toffee and Milky Mocha, I found that this formula offers a stunning vinyl finish and genuine hydration that caught me by surprise.

The Instagram Representation Gap

My hesitation with the Gisou brand came down to a lack of “mirrors.” When I scrolled through their Instagram page, the representation was quiet. You might see a Black person once every 15 posts, which sends a clear message about who they expect to see using their products.

The Color Theory Struggle for Deeper Skin

I have followed iluvsarahii for almost 10 years, and even though we are different hues, her makeup skills are undeniable. She posted a reel showcasing these lip oils that piqued my interest, but I didn’t buy them on a whim. As we know, color theory is vital because your natural lip color and skin tone affect how a sheer product actually looks. I searched TikTok for swatches on Black girls but found a total void. Without seeing how they translated on deeper skin, I wasn’t willing to risk it. The turning point was a random walk past the Gisou stand in Sephora. I decided to give Sticky Toffee a quick swatch and I was sold immediately. Gisou originally released three specific lip oil shades for fall: Milky Mocha, Sticky Toffee, and Vanilla Glaze. While the full range now includes 10 shades, I picked the two that looked most promising for my skin tone. The biggest win? I didn’t even need a lip liner to make them work.

The Gisou Lip Oil Vibe

The Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil comes in a unique, curvy bottle made of a heavy glass, which is incredibly rare for lip products today. It is a luxury statement piece for your vanity or IG stories. I also love the thoughtful touch of the color-matched caps made of a soft, velvety plastic.

The Perfect Wand Does Exist

The artistry doesn’t stop at the glass bottle; the wand itself is a game-changer. Instead of a basic flat tip, it is slim and intentionally contoured with a unique curve to perfectly “kiss” your lips. It is designed to hug the natural shape of your mouth for a failproof application every time.

The wand has two specific sides that do the heavy lifting:

The “Hug” Side : The part that curves inward is made to cradle your bottom lip perfectly.
The “Lift” Side : The outer curve glides seamlessly over the peaks of your top lip.

I have full lips, and I was impressed that just one swipe covered almost my entire mouth. While the applicator holds enough product that you could honestly just smack your lips together to distribute the oil, I personally prefer a more opaque look, so I like to do a dedicated swipe for both the top and bottom.

Texture, Scent, and the “Parisian” Experience

The moment I applied it, my lips looked like they had been coated in liquid vinyl. It is high-gloss and incredibly plump without any stickiness. When I smack my lips together, they feel bouncy and buttery. It also smells divine! Like you have been teleported directly into a cozy pastry shop in Paris.

Real Hydration That Lasts

Infused with Mirsalehi honey and jojoba oil, this product actually delivers on the promise of moisturized lips. During my YouTube first impressions video, I removed the oil with a makeup wipe and my lips still felt buttery and soft. It isn’t just a gloss that sits on top; it actually conditions the skin.

Gisou Lip Oils: From Cozy Nudes to Sultry Glam

The “Cozy Girl” Aesthetic with Sticky Toffee

Sticky Toffee is the ultimate companion for that “Latte Makeup” or “Espresso Girl” look that has been everywhere lately. It is a warm, caramely nude that feels like the lip version of a cashmere sweater. On its own, it gives you that polished, “your lips but better” look that is perfect for a day of running errands or a casual brunch. If you want to lean into the trend, pair it with a brown eyeline and a soft bronzer for a warm, toasty makeup that looks completely effortless.

The Sultry “Date Night” Lip with Milky Mocha

While Sticky Toffee is your everyday staple, Milky Mocha is the undisputed star for a more elevated, sultry vibe. This shade is a masterclass in balance: it is a deep, warm brown but infused with just enough pink to keep it from looking flat or muddy. It perfectly complements the “Nineties Supermodel” aesthetic that is currently having a major moment. Because it has that vinyl-like shine, it catches the light beautifully, making your lips the focal point of your makeup. For a nighttime look, I love pairing this with a slightly smoked-out eyeliner and a soft matte base. It adds a touch of “grown-up” glamour without feeling heavy or overdone.

Why They Work Without a Liner

What makes these shades stand out is the pigmentation. A lot of viral lip oils are so sheer they practically disappear on deeper skin tones, but these hold their own. You don’t need a lip liner to define your mouth or make the color work. However, overline your lips with a dark brown liner if you want to really take your makeup look to the next level. Gisou lip oils have enough pigment to stand alone, which is a rare and welcome surprise for a product that initially felt like it wasn’t made with our hue in mind.

Are Gisou Lip Oils Worth It?

After putting these to the test, I can honestly say the Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil has earned its spot in my purse beauty pouch. I really went into this thinking it would be another “pretty for Pinterest” product with no substance, but the quality caught me off guard. While the brand’s digital aesthetic might not always feel inclusive, the formula itself is undeniable.

Is it a splurge? Absolutely. But for roughly $30, you are getting more than just a name. You are getting a heavy glass bottle that feels like a piece of art, a scent that transports you to a Paris patisserie, and a vinyl finish that actually treats your lips instead of just sitting on top of them. Between the non-sticky texture and the way Milky Mocha elevates my entire look without needing a liner, I can confidently say these are worth every penny of the price tag.

MalianaC

Beauty curator and globe trotter with a mission: testing endless products so you don't have to ! My journey started with my own struggles like dealing with oily skin and hyperpigmentation. It inspired me to dive deep into understanding what works best for us. That’s why I created my platform, a space where I can share my tips, tricks, and experiences. But more than that, it's a community where we can support and inspire each other every step of the way.