There is no such thing as "too much makeup" the same way there is no such thing as "too expensive" at the drugstore.  Feeling TGIF-ey? Had a good week?  Ate a salad with vinaigrette instead of ranch?  Celebrate by treating yourself to a cheap treat at the drugstore. 

L'Oreal Infallible Lipgloss in Rebel Red, $9.99

Allure readers, you know this already: This stay-put gloss just won the magazine's Beauty Breakthrough award not only for lasting 6 hours, but for feeling soft and staying glossy.  6 hours!  I have regular lipstick that can't even touch that.  Especially when you're talking about red or dark hues, a stay put that stays put is major. Although, L'Oreal?  What's with the crummy triangular-shaped wand that actually hurts if you poke yourself?

L'Oreal HIP Shine Struck in Turbulent, $12

Like everything in the HIP collection, this is heavily pigmented.  And when I pucker up and paint on red lips, that counts double (I hate red lipsticks that fade to hot pink, like you, Rimmel Shock Gloss in Amp!!).  I also like how creamy the formula is, and how non-sticky and non-tacky it feels on.  No Elmer Gluelip here!

Revlon LipGlide in Ruby Slippers,  $6.99

Confession: Even if I never had another event to wear this color to, I'd still stash it in my purse.  Because now that I've found you, LipGlide, you can never leave me.  Here's what makes me swoon:  The color is the equivalent of sunshine (or, depending on your preference, pharmaceutical happy pills) - it's a bright, cheery true red--no pink, orange, or coral undertones--so it works on everyone.  And even if it doesn't so what?  The whole formula's made with skin-softening vitamins and antioxidants. Everybody wins!

NYC Liquid Lip Shine in Sheer Ruby, $1.72

This picture?  It's a decoy - you can't actually buy Sheer Ruby online, that's how Old School this lipgloss is.  This elusive little tube of gloss can only be found at Rite Aid and, on a good day, Target.  But for $1.72, it's worth the hunt.  You get a super-high gloss finish, just a little hint of "I've been snackin' on berries" red, and it's not too sticky.  And did I mention it's $1.72?

Covergirl Wetslicks Amazemint in Red Riot, $6.25

It is with great regret that I post a favorable review of anything that's CoverGirl and lip-related.  Why am I down on CG?  Because whoever is in charge of the color additive "pink" needs to settle down.  Even their hues in the coral range tend to be overly-pinky.  But apparently, all it takes to make me happy is a little splash of mint, because Red Riot went right home with me.  Suddenly, a red that fades straight into CoverGirl Pink! (tm) is fine by me, so long as it tastes good.