It’s a tube of lipstick that costs less than a fancy latte. Seriously. You walk into a CVS or a Walgreens, head to the bottom shelf where the "value" brands live, and there it is—a silver tube with a clear cap. But don't let the price tag fool you into thinking it's garbage. Wet n Wild Silk Finish Lipstick in Cinnamon Spice is one of those rare beauty unicorns that has survived decades of trend cycles, brand re-brandings, and the rise of "prestige" makeup influencers.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a legend.
If you’ve ever gone down a Reddit rabbit hole looking for "90s grunge lipstick" or "MAC Del Rio dupes," this specific shade name pops up every single time. It's a deep, brownish-red with a hint of terracotta that looks different on everyone but somehow works on almost every skin tone. It’s moody. It’s warm. It’s exactly what people mean when they talk about "brick" tones.
The Chemistry of a Two-Dollar Icon
Most people assume cheap lipstick is just wax and crayon pigment. That’s a mistake. The Wet n Wild Silk Finish Lipstick in Cinnamon Spice formula is actually surprisingly sophisticated for the price point. We’re talking about a base that includes macadamia seed oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E.
Compare that to high-end brands. You’ll find similar emollients in sticks that cost $30. The "Silk Finish" moniker isn't just marketing fluff; it really does have a slip to it. It’s not a dry, chalky matte that makes your lips look like a topographical map of the Sahara. Instead, it’s a cream. It’s plush.
But here is the trade-off.
Because it’s so creamy, it moves. You’re going to get it on your coffee cup. It’s going to migrate if you don't use a liner. That is the reality of a silk-finish product. Wet n Wild isn't trying to sell you a 24-hour liquid lip that requires industrial-grade oil to remove. They’re selling you a comfortable, pigmented swipe of color that feels like a balm but looks like a power move.
Why Cinnamon Spice Hits Differently
Color theory is a weird science. Cinnamon Spice (shade 539A, for the nerds out there) sits in that perfect middle ground of the color wheel. It’s got enough red to be classic, enough brown to be edgy, and just a tiny whisper of orange to keep it from looking like a bruise.
On fair skin, it’s a statement. It’s bold.
On deeper skin tones, it’s the perfect "your lips but better" nude with a kick.
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It’s the "Cinnamon Spice" magic. Many brands try to do this shade. They usually end up too purple or too "clay-like." Wet n Wild nailed the saturation. It has this incredible ability to brighten the face without needing a full face of foundation to back it up.
The Cultural Longevity of Wet n Wild
Wet n Wild started in Brooklyn in 1979. Think about that. They’ve been around longer than most of the people buying their products on TikTok today. For years, they were the "budget" brand, the one you bought when you were thirteen and had five dollars in your pocket.
Then something shifted.
Beauty editors started realizing that the pigments in Wet n Wild were often superior to the luxury brands owned by the same parent companies. The Wet n Wild Silk Finish Lipstick in Cinnamon Spice became a "pro secret." Makeup artists would depot these cheap tubes into expensive palettes because the color payoff was so reliable. It became a staple in kit bags from New York to LA.
It’s also PETA-certified cruelty-free. In a world where consumers are increasingly hyper-aware of ethical sourcing, Wet n Wild has maintained a surprisingly clean track record for a mass-market brand. They don't test on animals. Period. That matters to people.
Is it a Dupe for MAC?
The short answer: Sorta.
The long answer: It’s complicated. For years, Cinnamon Spice has been touted as a dead ringer for MAC's Del Rio or even Spice It Up. While the colors are remarkably close—nearly identical to the naked eye once applied—the formulas are different. MAC’s satin finishes tend to have a bit more "grip."
But if you’re looking at a photo on Instagram? You can’t tell the difference.
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If you are a student or someone just trying to save a buck, paying $2.29 versus $23.00 is a no-brainer. You could buy ten tubes of the Wet n Wild version for the price of one MAC lipstick and still have change for a taco. That’s the economy of Cinnamon Spice.
How to Wear It Without the Mess
Look, we have to be real about the "Silk Finish" part. It’s slippery. If you just swipe and go, you might find it on your teeth ten minutes later. It happens to the best of us.
To make Wet n Wild Silk Finish Lipstick in Cinnamon Spice look like a million bucks, you need a strategy.
- The Blot Method. Apply one layer. Blot with a tissue. Apply a second layer. This drives the pigment into the lip while removing the excess oils that cause sliding.
- The Liner Hack. Use a brown or deep nude liner first. Not just on the edges—fill in the whole lip. This gives the creamy lipstick something to "hook" onto.
- The Powder Trick. If you want it to look matte, hold a single ply of tissue over your lips and dust some translucent powder through it. It turns the silk finish into a velvet finish instantly.
It’s versatile. You can sheer it out with a finger to make it look like a natural stain, or you can build it up for a 90s supermodel vibe.
The Reality of Budget Beauty
There is a certain snobbery in the beauty world. We’re told that if it doesn't come in a heavy glass component or have a designer logo, it isn't "good."
Wet n Wild Silk Finish Lipstick in Cinnamon Spice proves that's a lie.
Yes, the packaging is flimsy. The clear plastic cap will eventually crack if you throw it in the bottom of a heavy purse. The scent is a little "old school lipstick"—it has that faint, waxy vanilla aroma that reminds you of your mom’s makeup bag.
But the product inside? It’s gold.
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It reminds us that makeup is supposed to be accessible. It’s supposed to be fun. You shouldn't have to choose between paying your phone bill and having a killer lip color for your date.
What to Watch Out For
Is it perfect? No.
If you have very dry, peeling lips, the "Silk" finish can sometimes settle into those little flakes. It’s not as forgiving as a lip oil. You’ll want to exfoliate first. A quick scrub with a washcloth usually does the trick.
Also, keep an eye on the cap. Because it’s a budget item, the "click" isn't always super secure. If you’re traveling, maybe put a small piece of tape on it or keep it in a separate pouch. There is nothing worse than "Cinnamon Spice" smeared all over the lining of a white tote bag.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Makeup Run
If you’re ready to try this cult classic, don't just grab it and hope for the best.
- Check the Seal: Wet n Wild uses a perforated plastic wrap. Make sure it's intact. Drugstore makeup can be a wild west of "testers" that aren't actually testers.
- Pair with a Warm Liner: Grab a liner like Wet n Wild’s "Chestnut" or "Brandy Wine." They’re designed to work with this color family and cost about the same as the lipstick.
- Exfoliate: Use a simple sugar scrub before applying. This lipstick loves a smooth canvas.
- Layer it Over Balm: If you find the pigment too intense, swipe a clear balm first, then dab the lipstick on top. It creates a custom tinted balm effect that's perfect for the office.
At the end of the day, Wet n Wild Silk Finish Lipstick in Cinnamon Spice is a testament to the idea that great style doesn't have a barrier to entry. It’s a color that has outlasted hundreds of "limited edition" drops from luxury brands. It stays because it works. It stays because it’s beautiful.
Go get the silver tube. It’s the best two dollars you’ll ever spend on your face.