It’s pink. But not that pink.
When e.l.f. Cosmetics launched their Glow Reviver Lip Oils, the internet collectively lost its mind because they looked exactly like a certain $40 designer bottle. But then everyone actually started wearing them, and one specific shade—Rose Envy—rose above the rest of the pack. Honestly, it’s the color that makes the most sense for 90% of the population. It isn't a bright, neon fuchsia or a muddy brown. It’s that weirdly perfect "your lips but better" rosy mauve that somehow looks different on everyone but looks good on everyone.
If you've ever spent thirty minutes in the drugstore aisle staring at five different shades of "nude" only to realize they all look like concealer on your face, you get the struggle. Rose Envy is the antidote to that. It's subtle. It's juicy. And it’s arguably the most wearable product e.l.f. has released in years.
The Texture Reality Check
Most people expect a lip oil to be, well, oily. But e.l.f. Rose Envy is a bit of a hybrid. It’s got that high-shine finish you’d expect from a gloss, but it doesn't have that sticky, hair-stuck-to-your-face-in-the-wind vibe. If you’ve tried the Dior Lip Glow Oil, you know that thick, almost cushiony feeling. This is remarkably close. It’s formulated with squalane, apricot oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil. These aren't just buzzwords. Squalane, in particular, is a powerhouse for skin barrier repair, which is why your lips don't feel like sandpaper three hours after the shine wears off.
The applicator is massive. Some call it a "doe-foot," but it’s more like a "deer-hoof." It’s oversized and plush. One swipe covers your entire bottom lip. It feels expensive, which is a weird thing to say about an $8 product, but here we are. The minty scent is there, too. It’s not an aggressive, "my lips are burning" plumping mint, but a soft, cooling sensation that fades after about ten minutes.
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Why the Rose Envy Shade Specifically?
Colors are tricky. Honey Talks is great if you want a warm beige. Jam Session is killer for a deep berry look. But Rose Envy sits right in the pocket of neutrality. It has a cool undertone, but there’s enough warmth in the rose pigment to keep it from looking grey on deeper skin tones. On fair skin, it looks like a soft, healthy flush. On rich skin tones, it acts more like a clear gloss with a hint of tint that cancels out any dullness.
I’ve seen people compare it to the "Black Honey" phenomenon. It’s that universal flattering tint.
It’s sheer. Don't go into this expecting the pigment of a liquid lipstick. If you’re looking to cover up hyperpigmentation or want a bold, opaque look, you’re going to be disappointed. This is meant to enhance what you already have. You can layer it over a lip liner—MAC Whirl or e.l.f.’s own Creamy Lip Liner in Mauve are classic pairings—to give it more structure. But on its own? It’s the "clean girl" aesthetic in a tube.
The Ingredients That Actually Matter
Let's talk about the chemistry for a second without getting too boring.
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- Squalane: Usually derived from olives, this mimics your skin’s natural oils. It’s why this product feels more like skincare than makeup.
- Apricot Oil: High in fatty acids. It smooths out those tiny little lip lines that show up when you’re dehydrated.
- Jojoba Oil: This is technically a liquid wax. It creates a barrier so the moisture doesn't evaporate the second you step into an air-conditioned room.
The "Dupe" Discourse
Is it a Dior dupe? Kinda. In terms of packaging and the "feel" of the applicator, absolutely. The Dior version is perhaps a bit more "gel-like" and has a stronger color-reviver technology that reacts to your pH. e.l.f. Rose Envy doesn't change color based on your chemistry; what you see in the tube is pretty much what you get on the lips, just sheared out.
But for $8? The performance gap is negligible.
The longevity is exactly what you’d expect from an oil. It lasts about two hours if you aren't eating or drinking. If you’re drinking coffee, it’s gone in thirty minutes. That’s just the nature of the beast. Lip oils are not stains. They are meant to be reapplied. Luckily, the Rose Envy shade is so forgiving you don't even need a mirror to put it back on. You can just slap it on while walking to your next meeting.
Addressing the Viral Hype and Scarcity
For a while, Rose Envy was impossible to find. Target shelves were empty. Ulta was sold out. This led to a lot of "is it worth the hunt?" videos. Honestly, if you already have ten rosy lip glosses, you probably don't need this. But if you are looking for one reliable, daily-driver lip product that keeps your lips hydrated while looking put-together, then yes, it's worth the $8.
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Some users have complained about the bottle leaking. It’s a valid critique. Because the applicator is so large, it displaces a lot of product when you push it back into the tube. If you’re messy with it, the oil can gunk up the threads and eventually leak into your purse. Pro tip: wipe the neck of the bottle occasionally. It takes five seconds and saves your handbag from a greasy mess.
How to Style Rose Envy
- The Minimalist: Bare lashes, groomed brows, and Rose Envy. It makes you look like you drank a gallon of water and slept ten hours.
- The 90s Throwback: Use a brown lip liner (like e.l.f. Spill the Tease), blend it slightly toward the center, and top with Rose Envy. It creates a soft, contoured pout that isn't too harsh.
- The Night Out: Layer it over a matte lipstick. Matte lipsticks can be drying and flat. Adding a layer of this oil adds dimension and comfort without changing the base color too much.
The Verdict on Value
e.l.f. has mastered the art of making "cheap" makeup feel like a luxury experience. The Glow Reviver Lip Oil in Rose Envy is the peak of that strategy. It’s accessible, it’s effective, and it’s genuinely pleasant to use. It’s not a miracle cure for chronically chapped lips—you still need a thick balm at night for that—but for daytime wear, it’s hard to beat.
It’s easy to get cynical about viral beauty products. We’ve all bought the "next big thing" only to have it sit in a drawer. But Rose Envy is one of those rare items that actually lives up to the noise. It’s simple. It works. It’s eight bucks.
Actionable Steps for the Best Results:
- Prep your canvas: If your lips are flaky, the pigment in Rose Envy can settle into the dry patches. Use a damp washcloth or a sugar scrub to gently exfoliate before applying.
- Manage the "Leaking" Issue: Always store the tube upright in your makeup bag. When closing, don't just shove the wand in; twist it slowly to allow the air to escape without forcing the oil out of the sides.
- Check the Batch: e.l.f. frequently updates formulas. If yours smells "off" or like plastic, it might be an old batch or a storage issue from the retailer. A fresh tube should have a light, sweet mint scent.
- Layer for Longevity: For a look that lasts through a lunch date, apply a lip tint or stain first, let it dry completely, and then top with the lip oil for the shine and hydration.