I Tried e.l.f.'s $8 Lip Oil to See If It Was Worth the Hype—Here Are My Thoughts

We put the e.l.f. Cosmetics Glow Reviver Lip Oil to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

Lip oils have remained one of the buzziest categories in beauty, and tons of brands have launched one over the last few months. In October 2023, e.l.f. Cosmetics tapped into the market with its Glow Reviver Lip Oil. In true e.l.f. fashion, it generated tons of hype, especially on TikTok. After seeing the reviews, I knew I had to give the trending lip product a try. Ahead, read my full review of the Glow Reviver Lip Oil.

About My Lips: Prone to dryness

My lips tend to be a bit dry, especially in winter, so I have to use formulas with moisturizing ingredients. Typically, I keep a soothing balm handy, like Drunk Elephant's Wonderwild Miracle Butter. However, I'll often swipe on a lip oil or gloss to add a nice shine to my lips. Regardless of the type of lip product I use, I always look for formulas that have a nice texture and deliver tons of hydration.

The Feel: Lightweight, non-sticky formula

When it comes to the Glow Reviver Lip Oil, the texture is almost identical to lip gloss (minus the unwanted stickiness a gloss can have). Some lip oils are extremely thick in consistency, but I consider this one to have a medium viscosity. It’s incredibly smooth and glides very easily onto the lips.

The Ingredients: A mix of oils

The Glow Reviver Lip Oil is formulated with five hero ingredients. First up, squalane. This emollient helps to soften your skin, calm inflammation, and lock in hydration. The lip oil also contains avocado oil, a popular antioxidant, emollient, and anti-inflammatory ingredient. It helps to maintain hydration and minimize inflammation.

Similarly, apricot oil is present in the formula to support the skin barrier and boost moisture. You'll also find jojoba oil on the ingredient list, as the emollient helps keep your skin hydrated and calm. Last but not least, pomegranate oil. The superfruit is rich in antioxidants, hydrates your skin, and can help reduce fine lines.

The Results: Shiny and smooth lips

Applying this product is very simple—just glide the applicator across your lips. The brand notes you can wear it on its own or on top of another lip product to give it a glossy finish. I tested the Rose Envy shade on its own for a week, and every time I applied it, I immediately appreciated how glossy and hydrated my lips felt. As far as the pigment, all seven shades of the lip oil are sheer, but Rose Envy imparted a beautiful wash of rosy brown color on my lips.

Even after a few hours of wearing the lip oil, I still felt my lips were hydrated. However, I did find myself reapplying throughout the day solely to refresh the shininess of my lips. Naturally, the Glow Reviver Lip Oil's initial shine wears off as you eat or drink, but this isn't a total dealbreaker for me. Overall, I love how cushioned and glossy my lips are after using this lip oil.

The Value: Truly affordable

E.l.f. Cosmetics says its products are "made for every eye, lip, and face at an affordable price." Most items from the budget-friendly brand ring in under $20, and the Glow Reviver Lip Oil is priced at $8. Considering the formula, shade range, and results it delivers, this lip oil is such a steal.

Similar Products: You have options

Juvia’s Place Magic Lip Oil: If you're looking for another budget-friendly option, consider Juvia's Place Magic Lip Oil. The lightweight, non-sticky formula is enriched with vitamin E to ensure it keeps your lips soft and comforted while you wear it.

NYX’s Fat Lip Oil Drip: NYX recently entered the lip oil category as well, debuting its Fat Oil Lip Drip in February 2023. The tinted lip oil is available in eight shades, and each one is formulated with hydrating ingredients (like raspberry oil, cloudberry oil, and vegan squalane). In addition to delivering an intense shine, Fat Oil Lip Drip will keep your lips moisturized for 12 hours.