I Tried 10 Budget-Friendly Drugstore Lipsticks And Here's My Review
Throughout my adolescent life, my mother would constantly tell me as she looked at my incomplete made up face, to “go put some lipstick on." I was a ChapStick girl for years! I've always loved wearing makeup and would do up my eyes, face, and cheeks, and finish it with lip balm.
Fast forward years later as a young professional, lipstick has become a staple in my makeup bag, as well as, my signature look along with bronzy clean skin and manicured brows. If I went into my bathroom and counted how many lipsticks I currently have, I wouldn't be surprised if the count exceeded 30. I know, lol.
As a beauty blogger, it's been a part of my job description to test and collect. But like most women, I like to have room to spend my money elsewhere and not break the bank due my slight obsession over makeup. So, I've rounded up 10 budget friendly, drugstore lipsticks from different brands, tested them out, and included an honest review on how they stand up next to some of our pricier favorites. Enjoy!
Wet & Wild Megalast Lip Color
Shade: 902C Bare It All
Price Tag: $1.99
Application: Initially goes on like a matte texture, but reapplied throughout the day it goes on creamier.
Pigment: Great pigment!
Tips: This is one of my favorite cheapie brands. I literally have every single color. I would recommend wearing a light lip balm underneath before you apply the lipstick.
Gripe: Some colors can be “stickier" than others after application, which could be due to the ingredients of the lipstick. You get what you pay for, right?
Worth It?: Definitely! Overall, the payoff is major and it's worth every bit of your $2. Thank me later.
Shop here
Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick
Shade: In Love With Ginger
Price Tag: $5.49
Application: Glides on very smooth and creamy. I did not need to wear a lip balm underneath.
Pigment: The color is buildable which I love. More swipes equals more pigment. You don't even need a liner underneath.
Worth It?: Yes! I would compare this lipstick consistency with Dolce & Gabbana lipstick. Dolce smells better, but Rimmel London gives off max color for your dollar.
Shop here
Rimmel London Lasting Finish Matte Collection by Kate Moss
Shade: 103
Price Tag: $5.49
Application: Creamy application and dries with a matte finish.
Pigment: Incredibly pigmented.
Gripe: As it wears throughout the day, it fades away and leaves a ring of color around the outer edges of the lips.
Tip: For longer wear, apply a light balm, fill in your lips with with a lipliner, then apply the lipstick.
Worth It?: This shade is hot right now. I would definitely say it compares to some of your favorite MAC lipsticks.
Shop here
Milani Color Statement Moisture Lipstick
Shade: Matte Flirty
Price Tag: $5.99
Applications: Goes on smooth but matte
Pigment: Pretty good color.
Gripe: The color was a little uneven when applying. A lipliner underneath would help with even application. It also stained my lips a little after removing with a makeup wipe.
Tip: You have to be sure your lips are exfoliated before applying this lipstick. It will show every imperfection if you don't.
Worth It?: It's a hit or miss with this line depending on the color. I have colors from Milani with great pigment and others that just don't give me enough punch, but I still give it a thumbs up.
Shop here
Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color
Shade: Rich Ruby
Price Tag: $8.29
Application: Goes on smooth and creamy. Felt very soft with a satin finish feel, dries matte.
Pigment: Amazing color pay off! The kind that makes you say wow the moment it hits your lips.
Tip: You can apply a light balm first, but it wasn't drying at all.
Worth It?: LOVE LOVE LOVE this collection! This shade may be the runner up to my favorite NARS matte lip pencil this Fall. Total dupe to MAC Ruby Woo.
Shop here
Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color
Shade: Burgundy Blush
Price Tag: $8.29
Application: Applies satin and smooth, dries matte
Pigment: Another enviable shade with great pigment. Buildable color and you don't even need a liner underneath.
Worth It?: Another bomb shade from the same collection. There are so many colors to choose from, so you are bound to find something you love for Fall.
L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Matte Lip Pen
Shade: 100 Matte For Me
Price Tag: $8.99
Application: This lipstick applies more like a lip liner and was very easy to use. It goes on creamy with a satin feel and dries matte.
Pigment: The color is vibrant which I loved!
Tip: I would recommend for women with two-toned colored lips to use a liner the same shade for even color. My lips are a little darker around the edges and pink in the middle and I could still notice the darker edges of my lips.
Worth It?: Totally! If anything, this could double solely as a liner under your favorite shade of lipstick for maximum staying power
Shop here.
L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Last Lip Color
Shade: 111 Passionate Petal
Price Tag: $12.99
Application: You apply this product using the gloss first, then top it off with the balm. As a gloss alone, it was very tacky and does not feel good on your lips. When I applied the balm over it, it moved the gloss around and made it uneven. It was just weird.
Pigment: The color wasn't bad.
Gripes: For it to be $13, it smelled cheap. It was also the hardest lipstick to get off and dried with an awkward ring around my lips. When they say long lasting they mean it. I had to scrub vigorously to remove this product with a makeup wipe.
Worth It?: No, I did not like this product at all. Not only is it the most expensive, but there are so many negatives behind it, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
Shop here
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss
Shade: Sky Pink
Price Tag: $7.99
Application: For my girls who prefer gloss as opposed to a lipstick, you will love this line. It's light and applies more balm like than a sticky thick gloss (cough…MAC).
Pigment: Pretty soft color.
Tips: Great to wear alone or over your favorite baby pink or nude shade.
Worth It?: Yes, it's not quite as pigmented as the enviable MAC “Snob" yet, but a great runner up that won't leave that weird white ring on the inside of your lips.
Shop here
Black Radiance Perfect Tone Lip Color
Shade: Plum Orchid
Price Tag: $1.99
Application: Glides on smoothly and feels moisturizing.
Pigment: This specific color has ok pigment. It's a mild take on a purple lip.
Tips: For more pigment and punch, layer this lipstick over a purple liner.
Gripe: The consistency of this lipstick is soft, which makes me worry that it may break in half or melt down easily.
Worth It?: Yes. While there are competitive purple shades out there, I do have a red from Black Radiance that looks awesome. Just like Wet & Wild, it's definitely worth the two dollars.
Shop here
Now that I've sampled all these lippies for you ladies, which ones are you feeling? There are so many amazing brands in drugstores and I'm sure I left a couple of your favorites out, but hey, hopefully I was able to introduce you to some new faves as well!
What are some of your favorite drugstore lipstick brands and shades?
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Playa del Carmen is the perfect vacation getaway for anyone who loves beautiful beaches, delicious food, and fun activities. Located on the Caribbean Sea side of Mexico, PDC is nestled right between the spring break hub Cancun and the growing hotspot Tulum. Oftentimes overlooked for some of the other popular cities, I found Playa del Carmen to have just as much in terms of vacation necessities, with a more local and authentic Mexican feel.
The Ultimate Guide to Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is perfect for a solo traveler looking to spend a few days in paradise or the group chat that wants to hang on the beach all day and turn up at night. I found the area to have a little bit of everything for everyone, so here’s my guide on where to eat, stay, and play for the ultimate Playa del Carmen vacation.
Getting Around
The easiest way to get to Playa del Carmen is to fly into Cancun Airport and then make your way south. You can rent a car and drive the one hour down to PDC, take a taxi, or you can catch the ADO bus, which will cost you less than $40 roundtrip. Overall, Playa del Carmen is an easy and safe city to navigate. If you stay on or close to Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue), you’ll be within walking distance to a ton of stores, restaurants, and nightlife. Most taxi rides were between 100 and 150 pesos, which is less than $10 USD. Renting a car is also an option, but with things being very walkable and taxis being fairly inexpensive, it’s not a necessity. Another great way to get around is bikes, which you can rent to use throughout the city.
Stay
The Thompson Hotel is for the folks who know that where you stay on vacation absolutely does matter. This luxury property offers chic rooms and upscale suites, onsite restaurants, and a spa for those who are looking to pamper themselves. One of the standout features of this property is the rooftop infinity pool, which has 360-degree views of the city and is absolutely stunning. This is your type of hotel if you value immaculate views, delicious eats, prime location, and live DJs.
Grand Hyatt offers a prime beachfront location, while also being steps away from the mix on Quinta Avenida. I like that this property allows you to take in the calm beauty of the Caribbean, while also being in close proximity to the action within the city. You get both authentic Mexican food and some international fare at the resort restaurants, and this property also has an infinity pool that gives views of the ocean.
Airbnb
If you don’t have the funds to spend on a hotel stay, but still want clean and comfortable accommodations, do not overlook Airbnb. You can find super reasonably priced apartments close to the strip that will leave you in the heart of all the action. Many of these buildings feature 24-hour security, infinity pools, top-notch gyms, and rooftop bars. This is a great way to save some money, while not sacrificing the quality of the accommodations you like.
Eat
One of the best parts of being near the Caribbean Sea is having access to fresh seafood, and Ictio Fish House is the place to go for it. Located just a block off of the 5th Avenida strip, this small seafood restaurant is a quieter change compared to some of the busier and more touristy restaurants located directly on the strip. They have both indoor and outdoor seating available, but if you can snag a spot at the bar, the service is top notch and you can watch the bartender put together your craft cocktail.
Everything they serve is delicious and tastes authentic, so you really can't go wrong when ordering. But to start, the crispy jumbo shrimp and calamari are perfect for sharing. Other must-try dishes are the garlic butter catch of the day and the adobo-styled octopus.
El Fogon
Ask anyone for a recommendation for the best tacos in Playa del Carmen, and I promise you they will point you to El Fogon. You know a spot is good when it’s filled with just as many locals as tourists, and there’s a line outside at 1 p.m. This no-frills spot serves up authentic Mexican favorites like el pastor tacos, chicken quesadillas, guacamole, and margaritas. Every dish comes with the fixings and is not only super filling but extremely affordable. You can easily get a full meal and a drink for less than $20 USD. They have more than one location, so you can taste some of their delicious tacos no matter what part of PDC you stay in.
L&L by Lara&Luca
Before you hit the beach for day drinking, you need a hearty breakfast from L&L to start your day. This cute cafe is the smaller “sister” restaurant to Lara&Luca, another popular breakfast and lunch cafe in Playa. I liked that L&L is less busy and more laid back than the other location. They serve up typical breakfast and lunch items such as eggs, coffee, sandwiches, and French toast.
My favorite item was the ham and cheese croissant, which could be enjoyed on their outdoor seating or taken to enjoy on the go. They also have yummy pastries, but these sell out quickly, so be sure to go early.
El Pirata
If you’re a fried fish lover like me and appreciate sea-to-table service, El Pirata is the place to go. This restaurant is tucked away towards the end of the main 5th Avenida strip, so you might miss it if you aren’t looking for it. The restaurant serves up a plethora of tasty dishes like fresh ceviche, garlic shrimp, and shrimp empanadas, and has a full beverage menu for your libation needs. However, the fried fish is truly the star of the show.
When you order, they bring to your table a few of the fresh fish that were caught that day and allow you to choose which lucky one you want them to fry for you. And let me tell you, picking your own fried fish just hits different! It was one of my favorite meals in Playa del Carmen.
Play
Food Tour
There are so many delicious places to eat in Playa del Carmen so taking a local food tour is the best way to try a little bit of everything. I love taking food tours when I travel because not only is it a great way to try a range of different local dishes, but the tour guides usually give you a history lesson during the tour where you learn more about the history of certain dishes and the country as a whole. In Playa Del Carmen, I took a local food tour with GetYourGuide, where we stopped at several different locations for tacos, fresh fruit juice, tamales, and more.
I value it when there’s a local leading the tour because it’s a way to support the locals and also learn things that only people native to the location would know. While we walked, the guide shared a lot of insight about Mexico and Playa del Carmen, while giving recommendations for places to eat during our trip.
Cenotes
Cenotes are natural sinkholes or underground caverns that have pools of water in which you can explore, dive, and swim in. You will find cenotes all around Mexico, but there are several in the Playa del Carmen region. Cenotes vary in size and also the depth of water, so even if you don’t know how to swim, you can find a cenote to explore at your own comfort level. Two beautiful cenotes you can explore near PDC are Cenote Azul and Cenote Dos Ojos.
Cenote Azul is perfect for snorkeling because of the crystal clear waters that allow you to see the colorful fish and plant life underneath. Cenote Dos Ojos is perfect for explorers due to the mesmerizing underground caverns and rock formations throughout. You can take a trip to the cenotes on your own or book a tour that may take you to several different cenotes.
Beaches
Playa Del Carmen has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, so beach hopping is a must while vacationing in the area. Whether you want a chill, relaxing beach day or you are thinking of jet skiing on the blue waters, there is a beach for you. There are several beaches along the coast of Playa del Carmen, some that are within walking distance of most hotels, and others that you may need to travel to get to but are totally worth it.
Playa Mamitas is one of the most popular beaches in PDC due to its location near the heart of the city, and also because of the crystal clear waters and white sand. Playa Mamitas is also a great spot for entertainment and the occasional beach party for the folks wanting to turn up. Playacar Beach is another great option that is located in the upscale Playacar neighborhood, south of downtown Playa del Carmen.
It is known for its pristine beauty and laid-back atmosphere, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking relaxation and seclusion. Other beaches to consider are Punta Esmeralda and Xpu-ha Beach, so you’ll have an option for every day of your trip, depending on your mood.
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