Rare Beauty Lip Oil Dupe -

?Have I finally found a Rare Beauty Lip Oil dupe, or have I merely taught my mirror an elaborate, flattering lie?

I have an admission: I once bought a dozen lip products because one of them made me feel like I had secret, highly photogenic lips. Rare Beauty’s lip oil — the one everyone mentions in that hushed, conspiratorial tone beauty editors use when they’re describing something they’d secretly like to marry — promised glassy shine, a hydrating feel, and an almost artful simplicity. I wanted the look without the price tag, so I went hunting for a dupe. What follows is the account of that hunt, the tests I put products through, the tiny catastrophes, and the surprisingly satisfying winners.

What is Rare Beauty Lip Oil?

I need to start by being clear about what the product is that I’m trying to dupe. Rare Beauty Lip Oil is a glossy, hydrating lip product designed to give shine and subtle tint while nourishing the lips. It sits somewhere between a balm and a gloss — more emollient than a slick gloss, less heavy than a balm.

If you’re picturing something that melts into your lips like a caramel you don’t intend to eat, you’re close. The appeal is that you get shine without a sticky drag, and a lightweight cushion of moisture. I’ll describe texture, finish, and what to look for in a dupe in more detail below.

Texture and finish

Rare Beauty’s lip oil typically reads as glassy, non-sticky, and slightly slippy on application. It’s the kind of product you’ll catch yourself reapplying more often than you need because it’s pleasant, not because it’s wearing off.

I found this texture very forgiving. It smooths over fine lines, doesn’t pill with lip liner, and tends to sit in place rather than migratory-slide into the corners of my mouth.

Hydration and ingredients (general)

Most lip oils — Rare Beauty included — rely on a blend of lightweight emollient oils (think jojoba, sunflower, squalane) with antioxidants like vitamin E and sometimes humectants such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. These ingredients give instant slip and some measurable hydration.

I won’t insist that Rare Beauty’s formula is miraculous, but it combines oils and films in such a way that your lips look as if they’ve had a spa-like treatment. That’s the feeling I tried to replicate when searching for dupes.

What I mean by “dupe”

When I say “dupe,” I’m not insisting on exact replication. I’m asking for the same illusions: the feel, the shine, the slight tint, the ease of wear, at a better price or broader availability.

Some products will match the texture and fail on tint. Others will nail the sheen but feel sticky. I graded dupes based on several criteria: finish, weight, hydration, pigmentation, staying power, scent, and price.

How I tested products

I have a ritual. I remove all lip product for 30 minutes, apply a thin swipe, walk around the house, drink two cups of anything (tea is my villain of choice), eat a very careless cracker, and then check for transfer, bloom, and comfort. I also tested over lipstick, over bare lips, and layered with a lip liner.

If you’re doing this at home, try not to spill tea on the carpet. Also, don’t let anyone watch you take notes like you’re on a very boring cooking show.

Key features to look for in a Rare Beauty Lip Oil dupe

Finding a dupe isn’t only about a glossy finish. Here is what I prioritized when I was sniffing through options.

Non-sticky, cushiony feel

This is crucial. Nothing kills the illusion faster than sticky gloss hair-clinging. I looked for products that glide and sit like a weightless cushion.

Glass-like shine without tack

Shine should be crisp and reflective but not syrupy. Your lips should look hydrated, not lacquered.

Lightweight hydration

A good lip oil softens and plumps slightly without feeling occlusive. I wanted something my lips would thank me for later.

Subtle tint options

Rare Beauty favors modest tints — sheer washes that enhance your natural lip color rather than mask it. The dupe should offer similar tonality.

Affordable price or wide availability

Dupes should be accessible — either cheaper or easier to find. I included a range of price points to suit different budgets.

Shortlist: My top dupe candidates

I narrowed a long list to a concise set that matched the Rare Beauty feel across the criteria above. Below I present a curated list, along with why each deserves consideration.

Product	Finish	Hydration (light/medium/strong)	Tint options	Price range	Best for
Clarins Lip Comfort Oil	Glassy, non-sticky	Medium	Multiple sheer tints	Mid-high	Classic lip oil lovers
Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Oil	Sheer glossy tint	Light-medium	Several warm tints	Budget	Natural ingredient preference
Milani Moisture Lock Oil-Infused Lip Treatment	Glossy balm-like	Medium-strong	Sheer to medium tints	Budget-mid	Affordable, nourishing
e.l.f. Lip Oil (or similar budget lip oils)	Lightweight shine	Light	Limited tints	Budget	Value seekers
Drugstore hydrating glosses labeled “lip oil” or “oil-infused”	Varies	Light-medium	Varies	Budget	Quick, inexpensive options

I’ll be candid: Clarins often wins on experience because they were pioneers in the lip oil world. But the budget options are surprisingly satisfying and closely mimic the Rare Beauty experience for a fraction of the cost.

Why Clarins is often suggested

Clarins’ Lip Comfort Oil has been around for years and essentially created the modern lip oil niche. Its texture, the balance of oils to film-formers, and its tint choices make it a frequent touchstone for comparison.

If you’re looking for an experience closest to Rare Beauty in terms of elegant slip and lasting comfort, Clarins often gets the nod — albeit at a higher price point.

Why Burt’s Bees and Milani are strong contenders

Burt’s Bees taps into natural oils and offers tinted lip oil that feels lightweight and nourishing. Milani’s offerings provide moisturizing oils with richer color payoff while maintaining the oil vibe.

They’re affordable, widely available, and often pleasantly surprising if you expect drugstore mediocrity and receive cultured competence instead.

Detailed comparisons and impressions

I won’t bore you with every swatch, but I will offer specific impressions that helped me choose a “dupe winner” for different intents: everyday hydration, tinted gloss, and best value.

Everyday hydration dupe: Clarins Lip Comfort Oil

Clarins’ formulation is silkier and a touch more luxurious than most. It blends oils in a ratio that resists migration and offers a clean shine.

Feel: Cushiony, non-sticky, lasts a while.
Finish: High gloss with gentle movement.
Tint: Sheer but buildable.
Price: Higher, but the bottle lasts and feels like a splurge.

If you want the Rare Beauty vibe with a slightly more classic lip oil personality, Clarins is your friend.

Natural ingredient dupe: Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Oil

Burt’s Bees focuses on recognizable oils and botanical extracts. The finish is glossy without being heavy, and the tints are flattering.

Feel: Lighter than Clarins, comfortable.
Finish: Glossy, with a softer shine.
Tint: Sheer warm tones.
Price: Very accessible.

Budget dupe: Milani Moisture Lock Oil-Infused Treatment

Milani lives in the sweet spot: decent formulation, good feel, and excellent price. The Moisture Lock line has that oil-infused balm feeling that performs well under a mask and with the careless cracker test.

Feel: More slip, slightly more substance.
Finish: Glossy but with a balm’s comfort.
Tint: Sheer to moderate.
Price: Budget-mid.

Milani often comes the closest on price-to-performance ratio, which is where I spent most of my money like someone who believes in value and shame.

Application tips to get Rare Beauty-like results

If you already have a decent oil or gloss, technique can make it feel farther up the brand ladder than it actually is.

Tip 1: Start with exfoliated lips

A soft scrub (sugar + honey works) removes dry skin that can break the glassy illusion. I do this once or twice a week and sometimes feel morally superior afterward.

Tip 2: Use thin layers

A single thin layer gives the glassy look. If you want more color, dab pigment in the center and blend outward. Over-application is the most common reason a gloss goes from elegant to child’s birthday.

Tip 3: Layer over balm or lipstick strategically

If you want the shine over color, thinly apply a balm or creamy lipstick, blot, then gloss. The oil will sit prettily and extend wear without the goodness bleeding.

Tip 4: Watch the applicator

A doe-foot applies gloss more precisely. Wands that pick up a lot of product are fine if you blot excess on the tube; otherwise, you’ll be wiping your chin like a very well-groomed raccoon.

Longevity and transfer: real-world performance

Lip oils rarely have the tenacity of matte liquid lipsticks. They’re meant to refresh and beautify, not to survive a marriage proposal. Expect transfer, but not catastrophic sliding.

Rare Beauty-style oils generally require reapplication after eating greasy food.
Clarins and mid-range options hold a little longer because they balance oils with film-formers.
Cheap versions might disappear faster but are easy to reapply.

If you want something low-maintenance: keep it in your bag and accept the ritual of reapplying. It’s less of a chore than it sounds — more like a tiny pause for your mouth.

DIY lip oil recipe (for the adventurous)

If you’re into making things and enjoy the minor terror of heating oils in the kitchen, this homemade lip oil gets you close to a simple, nourishing formula. Remember: I am not a chemist. I am a person who likes to smell cocoa butter and fail gracefully.

Ingredients (small batch):

1 teaspoon sweet almond oil (or jojoba oil if you prefer)
1/2 teaspoon castor oil (for sheen)
1/4 teaspoon coconut oil (for texture) — optional for more solidity
1 small vitamin E capsule (pierce and squeeze) — antioxidant
Tiny pinch of mica or a small amount of lipstick for tint (optional)
Small lip gloss container or rollerball bottle

Method:

Warm the oils gently in a heat-safe bowl over hot water (double-boiler method). Don’t microwave like I did once and then pretend nothing happened.
Add vitamin E and mix. If using color, add a minuscule amount and mix thoroughly.
Pour into your container and allow to cool.
Test on the back of your hand then lightly on your lips.

This will give you a simple oil with good shine. It won’t be an exact dupe for a formulated product (lab glosses have stabilizers), but it’s a comforting alternative.

Price considerations and where to buy

I don’t like to obsess over price, but I enjoy bargaining like a very polite raccoon. Here’s how I see the options.

Luxury/mid: Clarins, higher-end boutiques. Good for gifts and if you want packaging that feels ceremonial.
Mid: Rare Beauty when on sale or direct from the brand. If you like cult brands, buy directly or at authorized retailers.
Budget: Milani, Burt’s Bees, e.l.f., and many drugstore brands. They’re widely available at drugstores, Amazon, or brand websites.

Always check authorized retailers for returns and authenticity.

Common questions I asked while testing (and my answers)

I ran into many small anxieties while testing, and if I’m honest, I asked the mirror complicated questions. Here are the ones that mattered.

Will a dupe be as hydrating as Rare Beauty?

Possibly. Hydration depends on oil blend and occlusive agents. Many dupes are comparable, especially those touting squalane or multiple botanical oils.

Do cheaper options get sticky?

Some do. Look for “oil-infused” over “syrupy gloss.” Ingredient lists with castor oil, jojoba, or squalane usually indicate better slip without tack.

Can I layer lip oil with lip liner?

Yes. Keep the oil light and use a creamy liner. For long wear, fill in lips with liner lightly and put the oil on top.

How noticeable is scent?

It varies. Some are fragrance-free; others have a sweet scent. If you’re scent-sensitive, check ingredients or try in-store samples.

My top picks by priority

Best overall feel (closest to Rare Beauty): Clarins Lip Comfort Oil
Best natural/clean-inspired option: Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Oil
Best value: Milani Moisture Lock Oil-Infused Lip Treatment
Best DIY: My simple oil recipe above (if you like making your own products)

If I had to make a single recommendation for most people — someone who wants shine, hydration, and affordability — I’d point to Milani as the most balanced pick.

Final thoughts and personal confession

I once applied a lip oil before a virtual meeting and spent ten minutes apologizing to my cat because she refused to acknowledge my existence. Lip oils make me behave as if my lips have a private life. They’re tactile, harmlessly indulgent, and they can transform a face from “I had six hours of sleep” to “I practiced contouring before sunrise.”

A Rare Beauty Lip Oil dupe isn’t just about saving money. It’s about finding the particular recipe of shine, slip, and comfort that makes your mouth feel a little less like a tool and a little more like an accessory. In my tests, there are several excellent dupes — some luxurious, some frugal — that can deliver that feeling. If you prefer brand-new packaging and the small thrill of a high-end bottle, Clarins and Rare Beauty are excellent. If you prefer something practical and cheerful, Milani and Burt’s Bees will likely make you grin at your reflection.

If you want, I can narrow these picks into a shortlist based on color preference (nude, rose, clear) or create a shopping checklist you can print and tape to the inside of a purse like a secret lip oil map. But for now, I’ll leave you with this: buy one, wear it often, and don’t be surprised if you catch yourself reapplying just because the action is, honestly, pleasing.