You’ve seen the TikToks. You’ve probably scrolled past the side-by-side swatches on Instagram three times today. The internet is losing its collective mind over the elf summer fridays dupe, specifically the Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm. For years, the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm was the undisputed queen of the "clean girl" aesthetic. It has the minimalist aesthetic, the cult-following scents like Vanilla Beige and Brown Sugar, and that specific $24 price tag that makes it feel like a "treat yourself" purchase.
Then e.l.f. stepped in.
They didn't just release a lip balm; they released a heat-seeking missile aimed directly at Summer Fridays. The Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm retails for $9. That is less than half the price. But does it actually hold up? Or are we just being swayed by the serotonin hit of a good bargain?
The Texture Tussle: Butter vs. Melt
Summer Fridays built its reputation on a very specific texture. It’s a "lip butter" that feels almost like a thick, silky cushion on the lips. It’s not sticky—never sticky—but it has enough "cling" to stay put for a couple of hours.
The e.l.f. Glow Reviver is a bit of a different beast.
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When you first apply it, it feels thinner. Some users on Reddit have actually complained that it’s too thin, almost like a hybrid between a traditional balm and a lip oil. It’s incredibly "slippy." If you like that feeling of your lips sliding together effortlessly, you’ll love it. If you want something that feels like it’s actually coating and protecting your lips from a dry office environment, you might find yourself reapplying the e.l.f. version every twenty minutes.
Let’s Talk About the Applicator
It sounds petty, but in 2026, the applicator is everything. Summer Fridays has that famous, squishy silicone tip that perfectly hugs the curves of your lips. It feels expensive. It’s hygienic and easy to wipe clean.
The e.l.f. version? It has a firm plastic tip. It’s functional, sure. It gets the job done. But it doesn't have that "luxury" tactile experience. Is that worth a $15 price difference? For most of us, probably not. But for the makeup enthusiasts who care about the ritual of application, it’s a noticeable downgrade.
Shade Comparison: Do the Colors Match?
This is where the elf summer fridays dupe really shines—or falters, depending on what you’re looking for.
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- e.l.f. Vanilla Toffee is the clear rival to Summer Fridays Vanilla Beige.
- e.l.f. Blackberry Sorbet mimics the deep, moody vibe of Summer Fridays Cherry.
- e.l.f. Strawberry Shortcake is a dead ringer for Summer Fridays Pink Sugar.
Honestly, once they are on the lips, the color payoff is nearly identical. They are sheer. They are meant to be sheer. If you are buying these expecting the pigment of a lipstick, you’re in the wrong aisle. However, the e.l.f. shades tend to have a bit more "true" pigment, whereas Summer Fridays leans more into the "wash of color" territory.
The Ingredient Breakdown
We have to look at what’s actually inside these tubes. Summer Fridays leans heavily on vegan waxes and seed butters (Shea and Murumuru). It’s designed to be a treatment as much as a cosmetic.
The e.l.f. Glow Reviver contains 10% hydrating butters, including Mango Seed Butter and Jojoba Oil. It also lists Cocoa Seed Butter and Shea Butter. On paper, they are remarkably similar. Both are vegan and cruelty-free.
But there’s a catch.
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Some users have noted that the e.l.f. formula contains a bit more fragrance or a slightly different "flavor" profile that can be a bit polarizing. The "Wild Cherry" scent from e.l.f. is... aggressive. It’s very 2000s drugstore, whereas Summer Fridays scents are more sophisticated, like something you’d find in a high-end bakery or a spa.
Why the Price Gap Matters (And Why It Doesn't)
It's easy to say "just buy the $9 one," but let’s look at the math of 2026 beauty. Summer Fridays gives you 15ml of product. e.l.f. gives you roughly 7.6ml.
Wait. Did you catch that?
The e.l.f. tube is actually significantly smaller. While it's cheaper upfront, you’re getting about half the product. If you’re a heavy re-applier, you’re going to burn through that e.l.f. tube in a month. When you calculate the price per ounce, the "dupe" is still cheaper, but the gap isn't as massive as the $9 vs $24 stickers suggest.
The Verdict: Which One Should You Actually Buy?
If you are someone who loses their lip balm every two weeks, buy the e.l.f. It’s a fantastic product for the price. It gives you the look, the shine, and a decent amount of hydration without the "omg I just lost my $25 lip balm" panic.
However, if you use lip balm as a night mask or if you have chronically dry lips that need a thick, occlusive barrier, the Summer Fridays original still holds the crown. There is a richness to the SF formula that e.l.f. hasn't quite replicated yet. The "melting" part of the e.l.f. name is literal—it melts away quite fast.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Beauty Run
- Check the ml: Don't just look at the price tag. If you're buying the e.l.f. dupe, buy two. You'll need the backup sooner than you think.
- Scent Test: If you're sensitive to smells, try to find a tester for e.l.f. "Wild Cherry" before committing. It’s much stronger than the subtle Summer Fridays scents.
- Mix and Match: Use the Summer Fridays at night for deep repair and keep the e.l.f. in your car or gym bag for a quick, glossy touch-up during the day.
- Watch the Patchiness: The darker e.l.f. shades (like Blackberry Sorbet) can sometimes settle into lip lines because the formula is so thin. Apply a very thin layer first to avoid the "ring" effect.