Honestly, the makeup world has a serious obsession problem. Every few months, a product comes along that everyone insists is a "total game changer," and half the time, it's just a mediocre gloss in a fancy tube. But when the e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil dropped, the internet didn't just talk; it went into a full-blown meltdown. For eight bucks, you’re basically getting a formula that challenges everything we thought we knew about drugstore quality versus department store prestige.
It’s good. Really good.
But is it actually a "dupe" for the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil? That’s the question everyone keeps asking. Having swatched, worn, and reapplied this stuff until my lips were basically made of peppermint oil and squalane, I’ve realized the answer isn't a simple yes or no. It’s actually better than the expensive stuff in some ways, and different in others.
The Texture Reality Check: It Isn't Just "Oil"
Most people hear "lip oil" and think of something thin, runny, or maybe even a little greasy. That’s not what’s happening here. The e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil has what I’d call a "gel-oil" hybrid consistency. It’s got weight to it. When you pull that oversized doe-foot applicator out of the tube—which, by the way, feels surprisingly sturdy for a budget brand—you’re getting a thick, cushiony layer of product.
It’s comfortable. It hugs the lips.
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Unlike some cheaper oils that disappear after twenty minutes of talking, this formula hangs out for a while. It’s infused with squalane, apricot oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil. These aren't just buzzwords. Squalane, specifically, is a molecular match for the oils our skin naturally produces, meaning it actually sinks in rather than just sitting on top of your dry patches like a shiny coat of paint.
Why the "Minty" Factor Matters
One thing that surprises people is the cooling sensation. It’s not a sting. It's not one of those "lip plumpers" that feels like you’ve rubbed a habanero on your face. It’s a gentle, fresh peppermint kick. Some users love it because it makes their mouth feel clean and refreshed; others find it a bit distracting if they’re sensitive to menthol. If you hate mint, this might be a dealbreaker for you. But for most, it adds to that "luxury experience" vibe that e.l.f. is clearly aiming for.
e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil vs. The High-End Competition
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the Dior comparison because that's why most people are looking at this product in the first place. Dior’s Lip Glow Oil retails for around $40. e.l.f. is $8. That is a massive price gap.
Dior’s version is famously sheer. Like, almost invisible. e.l.f., on the other hand, actually gives you some pigment. If you pick up the shade "Jam Session," you’re getting a gorgeous, moody black cherry tint that actually shows up on your lips. "Rose Envy" gives a perfect "your lips but better" flush.
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- The Applicator: Both have that chunky, plush "fat" applicator. Honestly? They feel identical on the lips.
- The Stickiness: Dior is slightly thinner and more "oily." e.l.f. is slightly stickier, which helps it last longer but might catch your hair if the wind blows too hard.
- The Scent: Dior has a vanilla-mint scent; e.l.f. is pure peppermint.
Is the Dior one "nicer"? Sure, the packaging is heavier and it looks pretty on a vanity. But does it perform five times better? Absolutely not. In a blind test, most people would struggle to tell which side of their mouth has the $8 oil and which has the $40 one.
A Shade Breakdown for Every Vibe
One of the coolest things about the e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil range is how the shades actually look on different skin tones. Because the formula is translucent but pigmented, it’s very forgiving.
- Honey Talks: This is the warm, caramel-beige of your dreams. It’s the perfect nude for medium to deep skin tones, or a "90s lip" vibe for fairer skin.
- Red Delicious: Don't be scared by how bright it looks in the tube. It shears out to a healthy, post-popsicle stain.
- Pink Quartz: Almost clear with a tiny hint of baby pink. This is the one you keep in your car for mindless reapplication.
- Crystal Clear: Exactly what it sounds like. No tint, just high-shine glass.
What Nobody Tells You About the Packaging
We need to talk about the leak factor. High-end lip oils are notorious for leaking in purses. It’s a nightmare. Interestingly, the e.l.f. tubes have a pretty tight wiper (the little plastic part that scrapes off excess product). This keeps the mess down, but it also means you might have to "pump" the applicator once or twice to get enough product for a full coat.
Also, the bottle is plastic. It’s lightweight. It won’t shatter if you drop it on your bathroom tile. While it doesn't have the "clink" of a glass Dior bottle, it’s practical for someone who actually lives their life and doesn't just take aesthetic photos of their makeup bag.
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Addressing the "Dryness" Myth
You’ll occasionally see a review online where someone says lip oils made their lips drier. This usually happens because they’re using an oil that only has occlusives (things that trap moisture) but no humectants (things that pull moisture in). Because the e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil contains glycerin and squalane, it actually does some of the heavy lifting for hydration.
However, a lip oil is not a replacement for a heavy-duty nighttime lip mask. If your lips are already peeling and cracked, an oil might just sit on top of the flakes.
Pro Tip: Apply a tiny bit of your facial moisturizer or a damp cloth to your lips first to get them hydrated, then "seal" it in with the lip oil. That is how you get that juicy, plump look that lasts all day.
Is it Worth the Hype?
Look, in the world of beauty, we often pay for the name. We pay for the heavy gold cap and the logo. e.l.f. has basically stripped all of that away and focused on a formula that feels high-end. It’s vegan and cruelty-free, which is more than some of the legacy luxury brands can say.
It’s not perfect. The shade range could be even wider, and the peppermint might be a bit much for the scent-sensitive. But for $8? It’s arguably the best value-for-money product in the drugstore right now. It provides a high-shine, non-sticky, nourishing finish that makes your lips look like they’ve never known a day of dehydration in their life.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Lip Oil
- Layer it: Use it as a topper over a matte lipstick to add dimension without the "goopy" feeling of a traditional gloss.
- Prep is key: If you have dead skin, use a quick sugar scrub first. Oils highlight texture, so you want a smooth canvas.
- Mix shades: Since they are sheer, you can layer "Jam Session" over "Pink Quartz" to create a custom mauve.
- Check the shelf life: Because of the natural oils like avocado and jojoba, these can go rancid faster than purely synthetic glosses. If it starts to smell like old crayons, toss it. Usually, you’ve got about 12 months.
The reality is that the "clean girl aesthetic" or the "no-makeup makeup" look relies heavily on products that look effortless. The e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil fits that brief perfectly. It gives you the shine of a gloss with the benefits of a balm, and you don't have to feel guilty if you lose it at a concert or leave it in a taxi. You just go buy another one. That, more than anything, is the true luxury of drugstore makeup.