Discover wet and wild vamp it up, the bold deep plum lipstick loved for its affordable price, long wear, and confidence-boosting look.
If you ever wander through the makeup corridor in Walmart or Ulta, you’ve probably seen those rows of affordable Wet n Wild lipsticks. I still remember the first time I spotted their sleek black bullet-style packaging , it felt like discovering a hidden gem in a sea of overpriced beauty products. One shade in particular grabbed my eye: wet and wild vamp it up.
Now let me tell you, I am not usually the kind of person who reaches for bold, gothic-inspired colors. Most days I’m more of a “neutral mauve with a hint of gloss” type of girl. But there was something about this lipstick that whispered, “Go ahead. Be bold.” And so I did. What followed wasn’t just a new lipstick purchase , it was a little journey into self-expression, confidence, and realizing that sometimes makeup is more than just makeup , it’s a vibe.
In this post, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about wet and wild vamp it up, from how it looks on different skin tones, to its formula and wear test, to the best dupes if you can’t get your hands on it. I’ll also share my personal experiences (the good, the bad, and the slightly smudged). So grab a coffee (or maybe a glass of red wine, because this shade deserves it) and let’s dive in.
What You'll Discover:
What Exactly Is Wet and Wild Vamp It Up?
For those new to the brand, Wet n Wild has been a go-to for budget-friendly, cruelty-free cosmetics since the 1980s. Their products are known for being surprisingly good quality despite the low price tag, and wet and wild vamp it up is part of their Megalast Lip Color line.
This lipstick isn’t your everyday pink or nude. It’s a deep, blackened plum , almost bordering on black in certain lighting, but with enough purple undertones to keep it vibrant and edgy. Think: vampy chic meets runway drama.
Here are the quick facts:
- Brand: Wet n Wild
- Line: Megalast Lip Color
- Shade Name: Vamp It Up
- Finish: Semi-matte (not overly glossy, not flat matte)
- Price Range: $2–$5 (yes, you read that right!)
- Cruelty-Free: Absolutely
- Vegan: Mostly, but always check packaging since formulas update
It’s the kind of shade that makes people stop and ask, “Wow, what lipstick are you wearing?” , which happened to me at least three times the first week I wore it out.
Swatches: How Does Wet and Wild Vamp It Up Look?
One of the biggest questions people have when searching wet and wild vamp it up is: “But how does it look on me?”
Since this shade is so dark, it does appear differently depending on your skin tone:
- Fair skin: Comes across as a dramatic, almost gothic purple-black.
- Medium skin: Pulls slightly warmer, more like a rich wine or deep plum.
- Deep skin: Gorgeous and striking, balancing perfectly without washing you out.
💡 Tip: Because it’s such a bold shade, it pairs best with a minimal eye look , think simple liner and mascara. Let the lips do the talking.
When I first swiped it on, I admit I was nervous. But once I paired it with a sleek ponytail and a black outfit, it felt… intentional. Like I had just stepped off a New York fashion week runway (okay, maybe more like a downtown jazz bar, but still).
Wear Test: Longevity and Formula
No lipstick is perfect, especially one that costs less than your morning latte. So here’s the honest truth about wet and wild vamp it up.
Longevity
- Lasts about 5–6 hours with minimal eating.
- If you’re eating oily foods (think pizza or burgers), expect fading.
- Stains slightly, which can be good or bad depending on your preference.
Formula
- Semi-matte, which means it has less shine but isn’t completely dry.
- Can feel a bit drying after a few hours (pro tip: layer a balm underneath).
- Very pigmented , you don’t need multiple coats.
Personal Experience: I wore it to a late-night café study session once. I sipped cappuccino after cappuccino, and while the center of my lips did fade a little, the color held surprisingly well. When I caught my reflection, I actually liked the slightly worn-in look , kind of like effortless chic.
Key Takings
- Sometimes wet and wild vamp it up can be hard to find, especially if it’s sold out or discontinued in your area. Luckily, there are some fantastic dupes:
- MAC Cyber – A slightly glossier finish, but very close in shade.
- NYX Transylvania (Soft Matte Lip Cream) – A liquid version with a matte finish.
- Fenty Beauty I Quit – More brown undertones, luxe formula.
- ColourPop Tarantino – Affordable and bold, with similar vampy vibes.
- I’ve tried both Vamp It Up and NYX Transylvania, and honestly, the Wet n Wild version feels just as impactful , at a fraction of the cost.
Additional Resources
- Temptalia – Wet n Wild Vamp It Up Product Info: Detailed product breakdown, shade description, formula notes, and suggested dupes from one of the most trusted beauty review platforms.
- Beautylish – Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color Vamp It Up: Covers longevity, finish, and real user experiences, giving honest insights into wear time and comfort.
