elf Hydrating Core Lip Shine review

elf Hydrating Core Lip Shine Review, Swatches

In This Article

All products are independently reviewed and tested. Clicking on any links may result in The Aesthetic Edge earning a commission. Read our disclosure here.

elf Hydrating Core Lip Shine At a Glance At A Glance


The e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shines are a shiny lip balm with a sheer wash of color.

• Shades: 8 available at $7 each.

• Packaging: Retractable bullet with a melting heart-shaped core.

• Key Ingredient: Vitamin E to nourish, condition, and moisturize.

• Finish: Soft shine with a sheer tint of color.


The latest balm on the chopping block is the elf Hydrating Core Lip Shine line. I am reviewing and swatching all eight shades to assist you in finding the right hue for you. Plus, we will find out together if these are any good and meet their claims before you buy.

Details & Claims

We are going to start by discussing where you can buy this collection. Most drugstores that carry the brand will have these lip balms. Besides going to elf Cosmetics directly, you can check out Ulta, Target, and Amazon.

See On elf CosmeticsSee On UltaSee On TargetSee On Amazon

Next are the claims. They state that the formula is a melting balm with a heart-shaped core that moisturizes the lips. You should get a sheer tint of color with a soft shine. The key ingredient is Vitamin E that nourishes, moisturizes, and conditions.

Swatches & Shades

Here is a breakdown of the eight shade names with their color descriptions:

  • Joyful – pink rose
  • Happy – dusty rose
  • Blissful – caramel brown
  • Delightful – mauve
  • Lovely – light red
  • Cheery – coral
  • Ecstatic – deep berry
  • Giddy – orange
elf Hydrating Core Lip Shine swatches

Joyful

elf Hydrating Core Lip Shine joyful

Happy

elf Hydrating Core Lip Shine happy

Blissful

elf Hydrating Core Lip Shine blissful

Delightful

elf Hydrating Core Lip Shine delightful

Lovely

elf Hydrating Core Lip Shine lovely

Cheery

elf Hydrating Core Lip Shine cheery

elf Hydrating Core Lip Shine Ecstatic

elf Hydrating Core Lip Shine ecstatic

Giddy

elf Hydrating Core Lip Shine giddy

Review

I am providing a close-up of the core so that you can see it is clear. These do provide a sheer tint, or wash, of color. A soft shine is present, but nothing glossy like a lip gloss. These are not heavy or sticky, but they feel moisturizing. Ultimately, they are lip balms and they look, wear, and feel just like other lip balms in elf’s lineup.

Do I think that you need to own all of the shades from all three collections? No, it comes down to the swatches and key ingredients that speak to you. These balms do clearly meet their claims and are a perfectly good choice.

I want to throw in that these are not meant to be long wearing. Just like any balm, these will transfer and wear off, so you may re-apply as desired. Lately I find myself reaching for tinted balms when I am short on time, and they are perfect for work at home video calls!

elf hydratng core lip
{ “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “Product”, “name”: “elf Squeeze Me Lip Balm”, “review”: { “@type”: “Review”, “author”: { “@type”: “Person”, “name”: “Amanda Vitale” }, “reviewRating”: { “@type”: “Rating”, “ratingValue”: “4.0”, “bestRating”: “5”, “worstRating”: “1” }, “positiveNotes”: [ { “@type”: “PositiveNotes”, “reviewAspect”: “Color”, “positiveAspect”: “Provides a sheer tint and soft, natural shine” }, { “@type”: “PositiveNotes”, “reviewAspect”: “Texture”, “positiveAspect”: “Feels moisturizing, lightweight, and non-sticky” }, { “@type”: “PositiveNotes”, “reviewAspect”: “Application”, “positiveAspect”: “Easy to reapply and comfortable for everyday use” }, { “@type”: “PositiveNotes”, “reviewAspect”: “Performance”, “positiveAspect”: “Delivers on product claims and works like a standard balm” }, { “@type”: “PositiveNotes”, “reviewAspect”: “Use Case”, “positiveAspect”: “Perfect for minimal makeup routines and video calls” } ], “negativeNotes”: [ { “@type”: “NegativeNotes”, “reviewAspect”: “Wear Time”, “negativeAspect”: “Not long wearing and wears off like typical balms” }, { “@type”: “NegativeNotes”, “reviewAspect”: “Transfer”, “negativeAspect”: “Transfers easily with use” }, { “@type”: “NegativeNotes”, “reviewAspect”: “Variety”, “negativeAspect”: “No need to buy every shade—choose based on swatches or ingredients” } ] } }

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Clear core and sheer tint create a soft, natural look
  • Provides light shine without a glossy finish
  • Moisturizing, non-sticky, and lightweight feel
  • Comfortable to wear throughout the day
  • Easy to reapply as needed
  • Meets its product claims
  • Ideal for quick routines and work-from-home days
  • Offers variety across multiple shades and collections

Cons

  • Not long wearing
  • Transfers easily like most balms
  • Not necessary to buy all shades—choose based on ingredients or tone preference

Frequently Asked Questions

What is e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine?

e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine is a tinted lip balm with a heart-shaped moisturizing core that delivers sheer color and lasting hydration in one swipe.

How is Hydrating Core Lip Shine different from a regular lipstick?

Unlike traditional lipsticks, Hydrating Core Lip Shine combines sheer pigment with nourishing skincare ingredients for a balm-like texture and glossy finish, offering comfort and shine rather than full coverage.

What shades are available in the Hydrating Core Lip Shine range?

The Hydrating Core Lip Shine shades include Delightful, Joyful, Lovely, Blissful, Ecstatic, Cheery, Happy, Giddy, and Delight. Each shade provides a subtle tint with a moisturizing feel.

Shop The Balms

The range of eight shades suits mosts tastes and skin tones. However, they are not unique to the brand or to the drugstore. If you are interested in them, you cannot go wrong. Do you have a favorite shade (or two)? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.

Discover More elf Cosmetics Lip Reviews:

elf Sun Boss Gloss Review elf Squeeze Me Lip Balm Review elf Glossy Lip Stain elf Pout Clout Lip Plumping Gloss Review
elf Love Triangle Lip Filler Liner elf Lip Exfoliator Review elf O FACE Satin Lipstick Review elf Glow Reviver Lip Oil Review
elf Cream Glide Lip Liner Review

Our Reader's Experience With The Product(s)

Share your experience with the product(s) using the contact form below. Your reviews and photos will be featured in this article.

One Response

Leave a Reply

In This Article

Picture of Amanda Vitale
Amanda Vitale
Hi, I am Amanda Vitale, the owner of The Aesthetic Edge. I am a beauty and style expert who has been writing reviews and advice for 10 years. I have had the pleasure of testing hundreds of products, and I have published countless lookbooks. You can see my expertise quoted in top authoritative publications such as Bustle and Real Simple. I have also worked with your favorite brands, such as CurrentBody and AXIS-Y.
Now Trending
Connect
Email Newsletter
  • 10% off coupon for the shop
  • Notifications on new and updated articles
  • Exclusive content

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. By continuing to browse on this website, you accept the use of cookies for the above purposes.