It is everywhere. You’ve seen it on your TikTok feed, tucked into a Chanel vanity bag, or held up against a sunset in a blurry aesthetic photo. The Gisou Honey Lip Oil is, by all accounts, the "it girl" of the lip care world. But does it actually do anything for your lips, or are we all just paying for the gorgeous custom bottle and the association with Negin Mirsalehi’s incredibly shiny hair?
I’ve spent months testing this. Honestly, the first time I held the bottle, I didn't want to like it. It felt too trendy. Too much like a prop. But after the third or fourth application, something shifted. It wasn't just the shine—which is, frankly, glass-like—it was the way my lips felt three hours later. Most oils disappear. This one lingers, but not in that tacky, hair-getting-stuck-in-your-mouth kind of way.
The Science of Mirsalehi Honey
We have to talk about the bees. Gisou isn't just a random brand name; it’s rooted in a six-generation legacy of beekeeping. The star of the show here is the Mirsalehi Honey. Honey is a natural humectant. If you aren't familiar with skincare chemistry, a humectant is basically a moisture magnet. It pulls water from the air into your skin.
It's not just sugar and water, though. The Mirsalehi Bee Garden in the Netherlands produces honey rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. These aren't just "feel-good" ingredients. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and on your lips—where the skin is notoriously thin and lacks oil glands—they help maintain the barrier.
Then there is the Mirsalehi Bee Garden Oil Blend. It's a heavy-hitter list:
Sweet Almond Oil.
Rosehip Seed Oil.
Evening Primrose Oil.
These are rich in Omega-3, 6, and 9. If your lips are constantly peeling or feeling tight, your lipid barrier is likely compromised. These oils step in to patch the holes, so to speak. Most cheap lip oils rely heavily on mineral oil or thin silicones that provide a temporary "slip" but offer zero long-term repair. Gisou feels different because it actually is different.
Texture and That Famous "Non-Sticky" Claim
Everyone claims their lip oil isn't sticky. Most of them are lying.
Gisou Honey Lip Oil is thick. Let’s be real about that. If you’re expecting a water-thin consistency like a Clarins oil, this will surprise you. It has a weight to it. It’s more of a "gel-oil" hybrid. When you first swipe the curved applicator across your bottom lip, it feels substantial. But here is the magic trick: it doesn't string. You know that annoying thing where you open your mouth and the gloss creates tiny bridges between your lips? That doesn't happen here.
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It’s smooth. It’s lush. It feels like a treatment.
Comparing the Scents: Original vs. The Flavors
The original Gisou Honey Lip Oil has a very specific scent. It’s floral. It’s honey-ish, but not like a jar of Manuka from the grocery store. It’s more sophisticated, almost like a light perfume. Some people hate this. If you are sensitive to fragrance or prefer your lip products to taste like candy, the original might throw you off.
However, the brand listened to the feedback.
They released the "Honey Infused" flavored editions—Watermelon Sugar, Mango Passion Fruit, and Strawberry Sorbet. These are a different vibe entirely. The Strawberry Sorbet gives a tiny, sheer pink tint that looks incredibly healthy. The scent is reminiscent of childhood lip smackers but grown up. It's less "perfume-y" and more "juicy."
But the original? That’s for the purists. It’s the one that gives that crystal-clear, high-shine finish that makes your lips look twice their actual size without any of the stinging irritation of a traditional plumper.
The Problem With the Packaging
We have to be honest. No product is perfect.
The bottle is a work of art. It’s undulating, curvy, and looks expensive on a nightstand. But the seal? It’s been a point of contention in the beauty community for years. If you throw this haphazardly into a hot bag and leave it there, you might notice some seepage.
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The formula is dense, and sometimes the wiper inside the bottle doesn't catch every drop on the wand. My advice? Keep it upright. Don’t treat it like a rugged chapstick you toss in your gym bag. Treat it like the luxury item it is.
Is It Actually "Clean" Beauty?
The term "clean" is thrown around so much it has almost lost all meaning. However, Gisou leans heavily into the 92% natural origin ingredient story. They avoid sulfates and parabens, which is great, but more importantly, they focus on bee-friendly sourcing.
In an era where we are increasingly aware of the ecological impact of our cosmetics, knowing that the honey is sustainably sourced from a family garden adds a layer of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) that many lab-grown brands lack. Negin Mirsalehi didn't just hire a chemist; she used her father's expertise. That matters.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Lip Oil
Don't just slap it on over dry, crusty lips and expect a miracle.
- Step 1: Exfoliate. Use a damp washcloth or a gentle sugar scrub first. If the oil is sitting on top of dead skin, the honey can't do its job of pulling moisture in.
- Step 2: Layering. I love wearing this over a matte lip liner. It transforms a flat, drying look into something editorial and juicy.
- Step 3: Overnight. Use it as a lip mask. Apply a thick layer before bed. You will wake up with lips that feel significantly softer than if you used a standard petroleum-based ointment.
The Price Tag Debate
It's not cheap. You’re looking at roughly $32 for a bottle.
You can buy a drugstore lip oil for $8. Why spend the extra $24? It comes down to the longevity of the hydration. With cheaper oils, I find myself reapplying every 20 minutes. With the Gisou Honey Lip Oil, I can go two hours without feeling the need for more. Over time, you actually use less product.
Plus, there is the psychological aspect of luxury. Sometimes, the ritual of using a beautiful product makes the self-care routine feel more intentional.
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Common Misconceptions
People think this is a lip plumper. It isn't.
There is no capsicum or peppermint oil to irritate your blood vessels and cause swelling. The "plumping" effect is entirely optical. Because the shine is so high and the formula fills in fine lines so effectively, your lips look fuller. It’s a trick of the light, not a chemical reaction. This is actually a huge plus for people with sensitive skin who can't handle the "spicy" feeling of traditional plumpers.
Another myth is that it’s just honey in a bottle. It isn't. Pure honey on your lips would actually be quite sticky and would dry out eventually. This is a sophisticated emulsion of oils that happens to be infused with honey.
Actionable Steps for Your Routine
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on this, here is how you should handle it:
Check the ingredients list if you have specific nut allergies, as the Sweet Almond Oil is a primary component. If you’re clear, start with the original formula to experience the true texture of the Mirsalehi blend.
Store the bottle in a cool, dry place. Heat can thin out the natural oils and lead to the leaking issues some users report. If you’re traveling, consider putting it in a small zip-top bag just in case.
Finally, use it as a "topper" for your favorite sun-protective lip balm. The Gisou oil doesn't typically contain SPF, and the high-shine finish can actually attract sun rays, so layering it over an SPF 30 balm ensures you get the aesthetic look without the sun damage.
The hype is real, but it’s not magic. It’s just very, very good chemistry mixed with a lot of tradition. It won't change your life, but it will probably become the only thing in your purse that you're genuinely excited to pull out at a dinner table.