If you’re a Pinterest Queen like me, then I’m sure you’ve seen popular pins like these below of the MAC lipstick drugstore duplicates.
(I don’t have the name of the creator of these charts to give photo cred)
These are amazing charts, but they only show the color of the products in the tubes, not what they actually look like on and let’s be honest ladies.. Lipsticks almost never look the same on your lips as they do in the tube. So I decided to do a little test.
On my trip to Walmart this past weekend I picked up a few new lipsticks & a lip liner to review for you guys. I also included an elf lipstick that I ordered online last week.
Below are photos of the lip products I’m reviewing. The lighting used in these photos is artificial interior lighting meant to give the same effect as natural outdoor lighting.
First up, let’s talk lip liner. I’ve been using MAC Stripdown lip pencil for several years now. It’s the perfect nude liner with a touch of peach. I picked up Rimmel’s lip liner in 030 Natural (I paid $4.76 at Walmart). It’s very comparable to Stripdown ($15). It’s a super versatile color at 1/3 of the MAC price. I’ll absolutely use this color again and again.
I’d rate Natural a 5/5.
Just an FYI, I used Rimmel’s Natural lip liner in all of the following photos except the last look, Revlon 005.
Now on to the lipsticks. I’m new to the e.l.f. fan club.. And boy have I been missing out! I’m a major nude lip fan. I’ve always used MAC lipstick in Equality ($15) but it doesn’t look like you can buy this color online. I also use Sephora in 02 Golden Girl ($12).
Pictured above I’m wearing e.l.f. Mineral Lipstick in Natural Nymph ($5). Natural Nymph is known to be the drugstore dupe for MAC Creme d’nude. I really love Natural Nymph, it’s literally the perfect nude! Layer it with a little gloss and it’s simply gorgeous. The lipstick goes on very smooth, is tasteless and seems to last as long as MAC lipsticks. Natural Nymph will be my go-to nude lipstick from now on. When I bought this online, I found a coupon code for 50% off any products over $3 so I actually only paid $2.50 for it.. What an awesome deal! Even at full price it’s still 1/3 the price of the MAC lipsticks. This product is the absolute best value for the price. I highly recommend this lip color.
I’d rate Natural Nymph a 5/5.
Next up is Maybelline 015 Born With It ($5.50). It’s compared online to MAC Angel ($15) or MAC Creme Cup ($15). I’ve never worn Creme Cup but I’ve been an Angel fan ever since Kim K. turned me onto it a few yeas ago. Born With It goes on super smooth and is conditioning. It has a slight bitter taste. The color is definitely buildable and I like to wear several coats of this to give it a bolder appearance. Born With It is just about 1/3 the price of the MAC dupes. I’ll absolutely wear this color again. I’m actually wearing this lipstick here and here.
I’d rate Born With It a 4/5.
Pictured here is Revlon 245 Smoky Rose ($4.97). It’s compared online to MAC Midimauve ($15) which I’ve never tried. The color appears more red in the above photo than it looks in person. It’s actually a very nice copper for fall. The consistency is very smooth and it has no taste (bonus!) I haven’t worn Smoky Rose long enough to test the length of wear. It goes on nicely in one coat and doesn’t require layering. Smoky Rose is 1/3 the price of the MAC dupe. I’d also recommend this lipstick.
I’d rate Smoky Rose 4/5.
Pictured here is Revlon Sugar Frosting Lip Butter ($6.48). I’ve read rave reviews about Revlon Lip Butters so I decided to give it a try. Sugar Frosting is super conditioning with very little taste. There’s virtually no color to this lip butter however it does have a gorgeous iridescent sheen. If you’re looking for a very natural lip product with no color but a beautiful shine, then Sugar Frosting is the lip butter for you! Personally, I’d be just as happy wearing my fave, Rosebud Salve.
I’d rate Sugar Frosting 3/5 because it didn’t wow me. The lack of color was disappointing.
If you have any drugstore brand cosmetics or even hair products that you would like me to review/test, please leave the specific product brand and name info in the comments below! xo
OMG the nude is amazing! Ordering it now! 🙂