The $8 Lip Oil Canadians Can’t Stop Raving About

If you love the look of a luxe $40 lip oil but not the price tag, meet the Montreal beauty brand rewriting the rules. Sona Cosmetics, founded by Lauren Mezzaluna, has officially entered the chat with its Glowy Lip Oil—an ultra-hydrating, ultra-shiny, ultra-affordable $8 gloss that’s already winning over beauty lovers nationwide. With four juicy shades and a formula packed with jojoba and macadamia oils, it’s the little Canadian lip treat making big waves. We caught up with Lauren to find out how she’s redefining “premium” beauty for the rest of us. —Noa Nichol

What inspired you to create Sona Cosmetics—and specifically, a Glowy Lip Oil that rivals luxury favourites at just $8?

Sona was created to challenge the idea that great beauty has to be expensive. We wanted to offer high-quality, trend-driven products with the same quality formulas and finishes as luxury brands, but at prices that are truly accessible. The Glowy Lip Oil quickly became a hero for us because it delivers that indulgent, glossy feel people love—without the traditional markup.

Lip oils have become the beauty must-have of the year. What makes Sona’s formula stand out in terms of texture, hydration, and finish?

Sona’s Glowy Lip Oil is silky, lightweight, and never sticky, making it comfortable enough for all-day wear. It’s infused with nourishing oils like jojoba and macadamia nut oil to deeply hydrate and give lips a long-lasting glow. The finish creates a glowy, naturally plump look that layers perfectly over lip liner or lipstick.

As a Montreal-based, women-owned brand, how does Sona reflect Canadian values of inclusivity, quality, and accessibility in beauty?

Canadian beauty is rooted in authenticity, inclusivity, and intentional quality—values that are at the core of Sona. As a Montreal-based, women-owned brand, we focus on creating well-made, high-performing products at accessible prices so that great beauty never feels out of reach. We create products that feel premium but are priced so people can enjoy beauty without overthinking it.

Can you walk us through the development process—how did you choose the four shades (Rose, Berry, Amber, and Aura), and what mood or moment does each one capture?

We started by developing a lip oil focused on delivering a glowy, ultra-hydrating formula—and once we perfected the texture, the shades followed. Rose is a fresh everyday pink, Berry adds depth and juiciness, Amber brings warmth, and Aura gives a soft, luminous glow. These oils are intentionally not overly pigmented; they’re designed to enhance your favourite lip liner or lipstick with a natural, glossy finish rather than overpower it.

With the holidays coming up, what are your tips for creating a simple but stunning lip look—and why do you think the Glowy Lip Oil makes the perfect under-$10 gift?

A defined lip liner paired with Sona’s Glowy Lip Oil instantly creates a polished, effortless holiday look for gatherings, dinners, or parties. It adds shine without being sticky and enhances whatever shade you already love. At under $10, it’s a thoughtful, high-quality, festive gift—and with all the sipping and snacking during holiday events, it’s the perfect product to keep in your bag for easy touch-ups.