Everyone loves (or SHOULD love, IMO) a great matte lip color. One that is highly pigmented, goes on smoothly, and stays without drying your lips out. One of my all-time favorite matte formulas is Wet N Wild’s Mega Last Lip Color ($2.99). Yes, WET N WILD. See, I’m a firm believer in trying out drugstore brands in formulas/colors that interest you before breaking the bank with higher-end products. Sure you can swatch all day long at the counter at department stores but a lot of times, things look completely different once you get them home and really put them to the test. With drugstore brands, some of the formulas may be a little different, but wouldn’t you rather know before you spend the big bucks if you prefer warm or cool tone reds, or if matte foundation is really right for skin? And in a lot of cases, you wind up finding products that do everything you need. Such was the case with the Megalast lipsticks. The formula is actually semi-matte, so while there’s no shine, the color isn’t flat. It contains Vitamins A & E, and marine plant extract Coenzyme Q10 so lips stay soft and smooth. It lasts up to 4 hours, but some colors (the bright reds and orange) IMO last a little longer than that. There are 26 shades but depending on where you shop, the count available may vary. I own about 7 of them but my top pick is Purty Persimmon (the color pictured up top). I’d been looking for a coral that wasn’t too bright for my skin, and one night my friend Ava let me try hers. It was love at first swipe and I immediately went out and bought it the next day lol. Many of the colors are dupes for M.A.C. colors as well so have some fun and play around! Have you tried these products? What did you think? Shopping Local | Downtown Candle Company Must See | Bijoux Parisiens Exhibit at The Dixon