As Glamour’s senior beauty editor, I’m constantly testing new beauty products for skin, hair, face, body, and everything in between. But with so many options available, it’s not often that I come across something that feels genuinely unique. This makes my latest beauty obsession all the more fitting: Rare Beauty’s new Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil is truly rare, no pun intended.
I was instantly intrigued when Rare Beauty founder Selena Gomez debuted the Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil on her Instagram page in March. The texture looked smooth and glossy, and created the perfect kiss of color, while making some game-changing claims. According to Gomez, the formula is “an innovative lip jelly that transforms into a lightweight oil” that feels “comfy” and is “never sticky.”
I clearly wasn’t the only one influenced by Gomez—the Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil nearly sold out on both sephora.com and rarebeauty.com; only select shades are still available at the moment.
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It’s not surprising to me that a lip jelly that claims to be “never sticky” is a hit. Ask any lip gloss connoisseur: It’s nearly impossible to find one that gives luscious and shiny lips and doesn’t result in strands of hair stuck in clumpy lip gloss goo. But as Serena van der Woodsen famously said in Gossip Girl, “Lipstick lasts longer, but gloss is more fun.”
That’s where Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil comes in. Not only does it have the same fun and glossy shine as regular lip gloss, but it also has zero stick. Yes, zero.
I was finally able to put this claim to the test after a package from Rare Beauty landed on my desk. Upon applying the formula with the doe-foot applicator, I was immediately impressed. The formula felt unlike anything I’d ever tried on my lips. The oil is extremely lightweight—it almost feels as if you’re applying nothing—but creates a gorgeous wash of color. It’s also buildable so you can work up the intensity, but a little goes a long way. I actually put on way too much my first time because the oil was so lightweight that I thought I hadn’t put on enough. This backfired, as I immediately got the product all over my teeth. So, learn from my mistake: Start small; you can always add more.
Just as Gomez promised, the Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil is indeed “comfy.” The key ingredients are jojoba seed oil and sunflower oil, which are rich in antioxidants and protect the skin barrier to seal in hydration. The oil really does melt into your lips and creates a cushiony and hydrated feel that isn't sticky or clumpy.
It’s a texture I’ve never felt before on my lips. While it is certainly an oil, it doesn’t feel thin or oily. At first application, it feels a bit more viscous and more similar to a slick gloss, but eventually the formula begins to dry and transform into a shiny tint. Other lip oils have felt similar at first, but they’ve always absorbed too quickly, been too oily, or left my skin feeling dry not long after application.
The shine does fade after some wear, but the color stays intact and gives your lips that just-ate-a-Popsicle look. So if you want to boost the glossy effect without piling on the color, I’d recommend topping it off with your favorite lip treatment or clear lip gloss.
The shade range is also super flattering on my tan skin. The eight colors include muted berry, warm rose, cool pink, muted peach, rose brown, nude mauve, rose mauve, and nude brown. My personal favorite shade is Honesty, a nude brown that compliments my olive undertones for a true nude match.
At $20, it’s clear why this innovative lip oil is already flying off shelves. If you’ve been wondering if the Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil hype is real, consider this a resounding yes—and a sign to turn on notifications for the next restock.
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Ariana Yaptangco is the senior beauty editor at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @arianayap.
