AS an avid lipstick fan, I have around five lip products in my bag at all times . . . and loads more tucked away at home.
But I’ve noticed how some last for ages while others are gone in weeks – even though, from the packaging, they all seem around the same size.
Here, I look at eight lipsticks costing less than £10, weighing them to see which are the best value, and giving the cost per gramme of each.
Plus, read my verdict on the quality of each lippy and how easy it is to apply.
Additional reporting: Kirsten Jones
THE second-cheapest we tried, and it did show.
The lid was secure so no spillage – but it was fiddly to open. The bullet’s shape means you can easily apply it without lip liner – perfect to top up a bold red lip.
But there was a tiny amount of product visible, owing to how thin the bullet is. So not the best value.
THE packaging on this Maybelline lippy was fun and very on-brand – and although plastic, the transparent red lid still looked classy.
The product was smooth to apply and includes lanolin oil to stop your lips from drying out.
There’s also a tonne of shades to choose from and you won’t feel precious about throwing it in your bag as you can hear the lid make a satisfying click when closed, for safety and reassurance.
THIS Revolution lippy was a dark horse – the packaging felt as luxury as its pricier contenders despite it costing just half as much.
There was plenty of product inside, and the formula was nice with a satin finish.
The cute embossed lip on the bullet also added a nice touch.
BY far the most eye-catching out of the line-up – the gold metal casing instantly makes reapplying your lipstick feel like a special moment, while the locking lid adds to the upmarket feel, along with the carved lipstick bullet.
Out of the eight we tested, it was equal first in terms of the amount of product it actually contained.
And with more than 30 shades to pick from, it’s well worth snapping up.
THIS had a slightly thicker texture and because of the matte finish it didn’t glide quite as effortlessly as some of the others.
But it packed a punch in terms of colour.
The bullet of the lipstick is embossed with the signature Max Factor logo, adding a luxe feel. For the price and weight, it’s one to try out.
ON the pricier side, but this had a smooth application and stayed firmly in place on my lips. And it didn’t dry them out, thanks to the added squalane in the formula.
It also came with more product inside than they estimated to be in the bullet.
Plus, it has a magnetic lid to ensure it doesn’t open up when you’re on the go.
WHILE this was relatively expensive, it felt the cheapest in terms of its packaging.
The white plastic is a bit outdated and the lid seemed to come off rather too easily
The product itself was super-hydrating but you can get similar products for cheaper.
THE Revlon lipstick in Coral had a smooth texture with a satin finish and had a nice glide to it.
While the see-through lid may help you find this more quickly in your drawer, the plastic materials felt cheap.
The larger bullet also means it is tricky to apply without lip liner. For the price, I’d expect more.
By Tara Ledden Beauty Editor
WHEN trying to work out which lipstick represents best value for money, size isn’t everything.
Most lippies expire after nine to 18 months. The pack’s “period after opening” symbol – an open jar with a number inside – shows how many months the lippy will last.
After this time, the preservatives no longer work properly so, at best, the lipstick will be less effective (dry, crumbly, the colour changing or not lasting). At worst, you could end up with irritation or an infection.
So any product not used in time is wasted, regardless of the price tag.
For most of us, ingredients lists on beauty products are beyond baffling, but there are three easy ways to gauge the quality of your lippy:
1. TEXTURE: Does it glide across the lips easily, or feel rough and grainy? Is there any sweating or cracking on the bullet, which could indicate the formula is breaking down?
2. STAYING POWER: How long does the formula last on your lips? Does it smudge easily and bleed over the lip line? Does it wear off evenly, or does it go patchy?
3. COLOUR DENSITY: How many swipes does it take to get a good pigment coverage? Is the shade vibrant or dull? Does it stay the same colour as it wears off?
Remember, with lighter shades, it’s harder to get the pigment opacity than it is for bright colours like red and orange, so often more is needed – pushing the cost up.
You can also look at things like the mould quality of the lipstick. Does it have a shiny surface and distinct lines that could be used to line the lip?
Does it have any embossing on the bullet, or is it more run of the mill – and likely cheaper?
Assess the quality of the packaging, too. Does it feel flimsy?
Low cost doesn’t always mean low quality, either.
Global brands can afford to buy ingredients or packaging parts in huge bulk from wholesalers, which brings the cost down per item, allowing them to keep prices lower while still offering quality formulas.
