Review of NYC Ultra Moisture LipWear in 308 Retro Red

Since my first high-end makeup brand was MAC, I have always gravitated more towards their products. How could I not? Their lipsticks? To die for. In a recent swap, I received an extra that I was relieved to have: a red lipstick. I didn't want to spend the $14 at MAC before knowing if red would even look good on me. Luckily, this was the perfect bright red I had been looking for, at a drugstore price. I have now discovered that NYC Ultra Moist LipWear lipstick is a really great alternative to a MAC Lipstick.

COLOR

308 Retro Red is the classic, bright red. There is no better way to describe it. There is no shimmer, no undertones, no extras. Just a perfect red lipstick. In the tube, it is kind of intimidating. On the lips? It is also kind of intimidating. But isn't that the point of a classic red? Turning heads? This lipstick could not be any purer of a red than if it was pure red pigment itself.

FORMULA

Having chapped lips, I first had a few problems with this. It stuck to the dried skin in the middle of my lips and applied unevenly because of how jacked up my lips were. However, if you apply some lip balm before this lipstick, your lips will look phenomenal. It is a Ultra Moisture lipstick, so it will be moisturizing once it is on correctly. But, in order to get the perfect, luscious lips, you need a balm or salve beforehand.

FUNCTIONALITY

Unfortunately, this has to lose points here. How often are you going to wear the classic red lip? Date nights? The occasional Friday or Saturday? It is ultra portable, but the color is nowhere near versatile enough to be worn every day, in my opinion.

PACKAGING

The Ultra Moisture LipWear lipsticks are in black tubes with a clear lid and silver twisty part. The NYC logo is on the swivel part, and it does have a very good lid that clicks shut. Overall, the packaging does look a little cheap, but it is an excellent product inside. Your lips look like water, no wrinkles or lines whatsoever.

PRICE
This is where this lipstick becomes an epic win. This NYC product is only $0.99 at participating retailers such as Target, Wal-Mart, etc. This is a truly incredible product that lasts a long time on the lips, and I think $0.99 is almost criminal.

FINAL OPINIONS

Even if you don't want red, NYC has some other great colors in the Ultra Moisture LipWear line and they really are worth every penny and more. I super highly recommend these as they are extremely moisturizing for a drugstore lipstick. They are matte, it would seem, but if you want that amazing shine, put a clear gloss over this and your lips will be breathtaking.