The last time I stepped foot into Rite Aid, they were having killer sales on all things unnecessary but pretty. Wet n' Wild products were 40% off and the new Mega Last lipsticks were calling my name. Being that each one was $2.99, I figured if I got all four colors I was itching to try, one would be free, considering the discount. For $3 a pop I honestly would have tried them without the sale as well, but a brand can normally slip under the radar if they don't make some kind of money saving commotion to land in the weekly paper.

Lips take center stage! This 4-hour, longwearing lip color leaves a semi-matte, crème finish in one stroke. Glides on easily with rich, velvety color that doesn't cake, feather, or bleed. Made with hydrating skin-care ingredients: Hyaluronic Microspheres provide extraordinary adhesion to lips, an exclusive polymer complex offers cushion-like feel and texture, and natural marine plant extracts Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamins A & E help smooth lips. (source)

I got the following colors:

Usually, customers don't expect the same color payoff and product performance from a product that is so cheap, but ladies and gents of the jury. When I tell you these lipsticks baffled me?! How can the company afford something so good for so cheap a price?!

These swatches are after one swipe. The description does not lie! The pigmentation was jam packed with bright goodness. For the most part, the colors I chose were a good match for me, and I dare say universally flattering as well.

So I was venturing around the Southstreet Seaport on my lunchbreak today to find that Claire's has stepped up on their makeup! (Or is that just me?)

Their palettes are very reminiscent of LA Colors palettes in both packaging and pricing (their 40+ color palettes don't go over $14, but I have yet to see the quality.

Their website has also undergone an upgrade with makeup tutorials.



Did you already know this? Whatcha think?

Glamour did it first, but I decided to take it up one step. Glamour's Girls in the Beauty Dept posted about 8 items under $10 and preached the good quality of cheapie items.

I would also like to add to that - the fact that a set, especially one that can fit in your handbag, can save any night out. Personally, living in a city where all I do is ride the subway 80% of the time that I travel, a lot of that is spent saving time by multitasking and makeup/nail polish (oh yes I did and do!) application on the train. So then what's one to do when strapped for cash and has a teeny handbag to travel with?

Behold my list of sets under $25. Most are makeup, but I threw some skincare in as well - because ya always gotta prep to be perfect, or darn near.

Enjoy!