Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil Review: Worth the Hype?

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The Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil has been all over my TikTok feed for months, but I was skeptical. Another celebrity beauty brand promising miracle results? I finally caved and bought three shades to test against my current favorites.

After two months of daily wear, here's my honest take: it's genuinely good, but not perfect. The formula feels luxurious and the color payoff surprised me, but there are some quirks you should know about before spending $16.

What Is Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil?

This is Selena Gomez's take on the tinted lip oil trend that's been dominating makeup counters. It's positioned as a hybrid between a lip oil and a tint, promising hydration with buildable color that lasts longer than typical oils.

The formula contains jojoba oil, vitamin E, and rosehip oil. Unlike pure lip oils that disappear in an hour, this one claims to give you 4-6 hours of color and moisture. It comes in 12 shades ranging from subtle nudes to bold berries.

I tested three shades: Joy (a warm coral), Gratitude (berry red), and Patience (nude pink). The applicator is a standard doe-foot wand, nothing fancy but it gets the job done.

Key Features That Actually Matter

The Formula

The texture hits that sweet spot between oil and gloss. It's not as thin as pure oils like the Clarins Lip Comfort Oil, but not as thick as traditional glosses. When you first apply it, there's a noticeable slip that feels expensive.

The color builds nicely. One swipe gives you a subtle tint, two gives you proper color, and three layers create an almost lipstick-like intensity. This buildability is where it beats most drugstore options.

Longevity

Here's where things get interesting. The oil component wears off in about 2-3 hours (typical for this category), but it leaves behind a genuine stain. Not the patchy, uneven stain you get from cheap tints, but an actual even wash of color that lasts another 3-4 hours.

I tested this through coffee, lunch, and my usual lip-licking habits. The stain held up better than expected, though you'll need to reapply for the glossy finish.

Shade Range

The 12 shades cover most bases, but they lean warm. If you're cool-toned, your options are limited to maybe 3-4 shades. The nude shades (Patience, Kindness) are particularly warm-leaning, which won't work for everyone.

Joy became my daily driver. It's that perfect "your lips but better" coral that works with everything. Gratitude is gorgeous but intense, definitely an evening shade.

Pricing Breakdown

At $16, it sits in the middle of the pack. You're paying more than drugstore options but less than luxury brands. The price feels fair given the formula quality and packaging.

How It Compares to the Competition

vs. Dior Lip Glow Oil

I've used the Dior Lip Glow Oil for two years, so this was my main comparison point. The Dior has a thinner, more oil-like consistency and zero color payoff initially (it "reacts" to your pH over time, which is mostly marketing speak).

Rare Beauty wins on immediate color payoff and longevity. Dior wins on the luxurious feel and slightly better hydration. If you want actual color, go with Rare Beauty. If you want pure lip care with a hint of enhancement, Dior edges ahead.

The $22 price difference is significant. Unless you're obsessed with the Dior packaging, Rare Beauty offers better value.

vs. NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip

The NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip is half the price but feels like it. The formula is thinner, the color fades faster, and it doesn't leave the same quality stain.

NYX has more adventurous shades (including some gorgeous browns and deeper berries), but the staying power isn't comparable. If you're on a tight budget or want to try bold colors without commitment, NYX works. For daily wear, Rare Beauty is worth the extra $8.

vs. Clarins Lip Comfort Oil

This was the original luxury lip oil that started the trend. The Clarins Lip Comfort Oil has superior hydrating properties and a more refined texture, but minimal color payoff.

Clarins is pure lip care with a whisper of tint. Rare Beauty is makeup that happens to be caring. They're solving different problems. If your lips are very dry or damaged, Clarins is better. If you want color with care, Rare Beauty wins.

vs. e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil

The e.l.f. Glow Reviver surprised me with how good it is for $10. The texture is similar to Rare Beauty, and some shades have decent color payoff.

Where e.l.f. falls short is longevity and shade range. The stain it leaves is patchy and fades unevenly. The shade range is smaller and less sophisticated. But for the price, it's impressive.

If you're curious about tinted lip oils but don't want to invest much, start with e.l.f. If you know you'll use it daily, Rare Beauty is the better long-term choice.

The Pros and Cons

What I Love

• Buildable color: You control the intensity, from subtle to statement
• Genuine stain: Leaves behind even, natural-looking color
• Comfortable wear: Never feels sticky or heavy
• Good shade range: Enough options for most skin tones
• Reasonable price: Premium feel without luxury pricing
• Packaging: Sturdy, travel-friendly tube with clear window

What Drives Me Crazy

• Warm-leaning shades: Limited options for cool undertones
• Scent: Has a subtle vanilla scent that some might find cloying
• Applicator: Standard doe-foot works but isn't special
• Availability: Often sold out in popular shades
• Marketing: The "Soft Pinch" name is confusing (it's not related to their blush)

Who Should Buy This

You'll love the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil if you want low-maintenance color that actually lasts. It's perfect for people who find regular lipstick too high-maintenance but want more than clear balm.

It works especially well if you have warm undertones, prefer natural-looking makeup, or need something that survives coffee and casual eating. The buildable formula means it works for both casual and dressier occasions.

Who Should Skip It

Pass on this if you have cool undertones and struggle to find flattering warm shades. Also skip if you prefer completely clear lip products or want maximum hydration over color (go with Clarins instead).

If you're on a tight budget, the e.l.f. version gives you 70% of the experience for 60% less money. And if you want bold, editorial colors, NYX has more adventurous options.

Bottom Line

Is the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil worth it? Yes, if you want reliable everyday color with actual staying power. It's not revolutionary, but it executes the tinted oil concept better than most competitors at this price point. The staining effect alone makes it worth trying if you're tired of reapplying lip products every hour.