This ’90s Girl Beauty Brand Makes an $8 Version of Rhode’s Lip Shape & I Can’t Stop Wearing It

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Whether it’s my closet or my makeup bag, I love mixing and matching high-low items. It allows me to play with trends, invest in tried-and-true staples, and keep within my budget. So, when I saw that the Hard Candy Lip Blur Lipstick and the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape have similar vibes, I had to give them both a try and see how they compare. 

Hard Candy Lip Blur Lipstick Review

Hard Candy Lip Blur Lipstick

$8 Buy Now

The Hard Candy Lip Blur Lipstick isn’t a Rhode Peptide Lip Shape dupe persay, but it does have some similar traits that are worth considering as an alternative—especially with such a low price tag. The formula is a little creamier compared to the Rhode lip liner crayon and features nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, grapeseed oil, and avocado oil, so it’s great for someone with dry skin or lips that are prone to chapping. 

It’s applicator size is also a little larger and rounder, allowing it to cover more surface area. I love this detail because it makes it easier to apply the formula all over as a lipstick rather than a liner. It also has a built-in mini sponge brush if you want to blur the lipstick, though I don’t feel like it’s entirely necessary. This Rhode Peptide Lip Shape Alternative doesn’t come in quite as many shades as its counterpart but all five shades have a more versatile and universal feel.   

Shades: 5
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, grapeseed oil, avocado oil
Size: 0.05 oz

Rhode Peptide Lip Shape Review

Rhode Peptide Lip Shape

$24 Buy Now

After trying the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape, I completely understand the hype. This multipurpose lip formula is both a lip liner and a lipstick crayon and features a sleek design, easy application process, and comfortable wear. I love that the formula includes nourishing skincare ingredients such as peptides and fenugreek extra to smooth, soften, and plump up the pout. Since it is more of a lip liner, it’s a little tricky to get full coverage, but I love how you can customize your lip look and wear it just as a liner, create a more blurred effect, or fill everything in. 

Shades: 11
Key Ingredients: Peptide, fenugreek extract 
Size: 0.026 oz

Rhode Peptide Lip Shape vs. Hard Candy Lip Blur Lipstick 

If I am being honest, there isn’t a competition between the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape and Hard Candy Lip Blur Lipstick—not because one is better than the other but because there is room for both in your makeup bag, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are a few key differences between the Rhode lipstick and Hard Candy lipstick. 

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Application

Both lipstick formulas have an easy application process, but were slightly different. Since the Rhode Lip Shape has a more slender tip design, it’s great for lining the lips and applying all over (though it does take some extra effort to get that full coverage). The Hard Candy Lip Blur has a larger applicator that covers more surface area and is easier to fill in the lips but doesn’t work well as a liner. 

Wear

Both lipsticks have a weightless matte finish and don’t feel drying. However, the Hard Candy lipstick transfers a lot more compared to the Rhode (but not as much as a traditional lipstick formula). So, if you want something that won’t budge, the Rhode Lip Shape might be the best choice for you. 

Shades

The Rhode lipstick is available in 11 shades while the Hard Candy lipstick comes in only five. I think all shades are more versatile and universal hues but if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to an exact Rhode Lip Shape shade, you won’t find it (unless Hard Candy releases more colors in the future, of course). 

Rhode Peptide Lip Shape Alternatives

In addition to the Hard Candy Lip Blur Lipstick, there are a few other budget-friendly Rhode Peptide Lip Shape alternatives out there, including the under $10 Milani Stay Put Matte Lip Crayon, ULTA Beauty Collection Gloss Stick Lipstick, and the ColourPop Lippie Stix Lipstick.

Milani Stay Put Matte Lip Crayon

$10 Buy Now

The Milani Stay Put Matte Lip Crayon is another cheap Rhode Peptide Lip Shape alternative. It’s not enriched with peptides, however, it has nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, argan, jojoba oil, and avocado oil to soften and hydrate the pout. It also comes in eight shades, including some gorgeous neutral tones, and has a more glossy finish for those who prefer a little more shine.

ULTA Beauty Collection Gloss Stick Lipstick

$10 Buy Now

With its larger applicator, the ULTA Beauty Collection Gloss Stick Lipstick is actually more of a Hard Candy Lip Blur dupe. It’s also a great option for those who love the easy-to-apply nature of this lipstick style but want something with a creamy, semi-gloss finish instead of the mattifying look of the Rhode and Hardy Candy formulas. 

ColourPop Lippie Stix Lipstick

$8 Buy Now

For a budget-friendly option with a matte finish, try the ColourPop Lippie Stix Lipstick. Whether you’re already a fan of the Rhode and Hard Candy formulas or are looking for something similar but cheaper than both options, this $8 lipstick is a great pick. It comes in six shades and is formulated with nourishing mango seed butter, avocado butter, and shea butter for a more comfortable wear.