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The 11 Best Drugstore Lip Glosses, Tested & Reviewed by Editors
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission. Lip gloss has always been a reliable beauty staple at the drugstore. Not only is it one of the most forgiving makeup products money can buy (usually no mirror is necessary), but the best drugstore lip glosses have evolved to compete with prestige formulas in lip-loving hydration, non-sticky comfort, and high-shine finishes. Still, the infinite assortment of affordable options can be hit or miss. More from WWD EXCLUSIVE: Meet SunsolveMD by the SolveMD, the SPF Brand for a 'Younger More Tech-savvy Crowd' Church & Dwight Acquires Touchland for Up to $880 Million EXCLUSIVE: Josie Maran Launches Fragrance Mists The sole objective of a lip gloss is to deliver a juicy finish to the lips, creating the illusion of a fuller pout — but beyond that, you've got options. Hydration is the most important factor in any lip gloss formula because otherwise, you'd be drawing attention to a dry and flaky smile (not so cute!). The increasing demand for lip care products on TikTok, like moisturizing lip balms and lip oils, has pushed drugstore brands to develop formulas with high-shine finishes and nourishing skin care ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, shea butter, or collagen, which allows affordable lip treatments to double as comfortable-wearing gloss. These days, glosses are seemingly more like balms, while lip oils are more like glosses. So, where to start? Consider your go-to lip combo. If you're a lipstick lover, a smooth and moisturizing gloss like the Maybelline Lifter Gloss or Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss is your best bet. These easy-to-layer glazes keep your lips from drying under the lipstick while enhancing the shade you've already applied. For added volume on bare or lined lips, the best plumping lip glosses from The Inkey List or E.l.f. softly boost and tint the lips — whereas reflective glosses from brands like Wet n Wild and Physicians Formula utilize fine shimmers for maximum shine. And, if you prefer to stick to a one-and-done lip product, you can't go wrong with pigmented options from Nyx or Naturium that deposit a fuss-free wash of color with lasting moisture. To curate our list of the best lip gloss formulas to shop at the drugstore, a team of four WWD Shop product testers closely evaluated 27 formulas during two testing periods that spanned 11 months total. We went shopping at local drugstores, placed countless online orders, and invoked our extensive repertoire of lip care product formulas to narrow down the 11 best drugstore lip glosses money can the realm of makeup, the perfect lip gloss formula is as subjective as it gets. So, it's important to select a lip gloss based on your desired finish and comfort, like whether you want the appearance of fuller lips, sheer or full color, or a two-in-one hydrator. For that reason, we selected the top three options for different preferences based on 11 months of extensive editor testing. Below, the best drugstore lip glosses that outshine the lot: Maybelline Lifter Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid: One WWD Shop editor counts Maybelline's Lifter Gloss the best tinted lip gloss in her extensive lip product collection — even outperforming formulas that go for quadruple the price. A chubby doe foot wand makes application a breeze, and hydrating properties prevent your lips from drying out while you wear it. Kiko Milano 3D Hydra Lip Gloss: Proof that budget-friendly brands have never been more attuned to color trends, our testers say that this Kiko Milano formula has the best shade range out of all the drugstore lip glosses we tested: You can choose from sparkly fuchsia tones with Y2K vibes, or go with more sophisticated neutral shades. This drugstore lip gloss has a high-shine finish that doesn't dull during the first few hours of wear. Nooni Appleberry Lip Oil: If you like your gloss to deposit a good amount of pigment, Nooni has you covered. Though it's technically a lip oil, our editors consider it a true hybrid product. Expect the shine of a gloss, budge-proof pigment of a stain, and the hydrating properties of a great lip oil. EDITOR'S CHOICE Formula type: Plumping, shimmerShade range: 15 shades availableKey ingredients: Hyaluronic acid $8.98 $10.99 18% off Buy Now at amazon $10.99 Buy Now at ulta Maybelline's Lifter Lip Gloss has maintained its bestseller status in the drugstore for years — over 36,000 Amazon reviewers rave about its long-lasting wear, non-sticky texture, and flattering shade options for every skin tone. It offers buildable color payoff, making it a versatile choice for wearing on its own or layering with lipstick, and is formulated with hyaluronic acid for impactful hydration and shine. The chubby doe foot applicator aptly addresses both lips in one swipe and deposits a smooth, visibly enhancing wash of color. You'll get a subtle plumping effect with this gloss, but, if you prefer more fullness, it's also available in a chili pepper-infused plumping testing and review notes: 'Maybelline's Lifter Gloss in shades Ice (shown) and Moon are, hands-down, my favorite tinted lip glosses in my extensive collection. Moon is a nude pink that gives my smile some oomph, while Ice delivers that perfect Y2K frosted lip look when you swipe it over liner. The chubby doe foot makes it easy to apply without a mirror, and the chunky tube makes it easy to find in my cluttered bag. Compared to similar inexpensive glosses, this one feels soft on the lips rather than sticky.' — WWD Shop contributor Claire Sullivan Price upon publish date of this article: $8.98 EDITOR'S CHOICE Formula type: Hydrating shineShade range: 34 shades availableKey ingredients: Flax seed oil and bidens pilosa extract $10.40 $13 20% off Buy Now at amazon $13 Buy Now at ulta This Italian-made lip gloss is mega-viral in Europe and has amassed over 10,000 five-star Amazon reviews for its uniquely nourishing formula. Bidens pilosa extract works similar to retinol, smoothing and naturally creating a plumper look to the lips, while flax seed oil brings all the hydration and shine. But the real wow factor comes with the shade range (there are 34), which includes earthy neutrals for a nude lip look as well as bright hues that bring the drama. The Chestnut shade (shown) enhances your natural lip color without overpowering it. Editor testing and review notes: 'Ok, I'm obsessed. This gloss has a tiny bit of iridescent sparkle that gives the lips an extra pop. It glides on silky smooth and does not feel sticky at all. It's great by itself or layered with other products. The moisture lingers throughout the day, too. Chef's kiss.' — Former Commerce Writer & Producer Olivia CiglianoPrice upon publish date of this article: $13 EDITOR'S CHOICE Formula type: Glossy lip oil stain Shade range: 13Key ingredients: Appleseed oil, ginseng extract $9.50 $12 21% off Buy Now at amazon A runaway hit on TikTok, this Nooni lip treatment wears many hats. Though it's technically a lip oil, it offers the high-shine finish our editors look for in a gloss, plus pigments that stain the lips for hours of wear time. Our testers were particularly impressed by how evenly it stains the lips and its texture, which felt more silky and luxurious than other similarly priced options. We recommend the Appleberry shade, which reads as a cool testing and review notes: 'I was blown away by the quality of this lip gloss, given its price. It's intensely pigmented, so you only need one coat to tint your lips — and it leaves behind a gorgeous stain when it fades. I find that it gives me about an hour of moisture; after that, I follow up with a lip balm as needed, since the stain stays put for about four hours. Just note that the proportions of the product are small, including both the amount of product in the tube as well as the size of the wand. ' — SullivanPrice upon publish date of this article: $9.50 Formula type: HydratingShade range: 7 shades availableKey ingredients: Squalane, apricot oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, and pomegranate oil $8 Buy Now at amazon $8 Buy Now at ulta The E.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil has millions of views and searches on TikTok, and we're happy to report that it's worth its hype in every swipe. Like dozens of prestige lip oils we've tested (that are quadruple its price), this best drugstore lip oil applies incredibly smoothly. You won't get much color from this one, but this best non-sticky lip gloss offers a slight glow that pairs well with its naturally glossy, hydrating formula. Editor testing and review notes: 'The Glow Reviver Lip Oil offers a very sheer tint, which is nice for a subtle wash of color, and deposits beautiful shine. I noticed my lips continued to soften with wear. It has a minty fragrance that most other E.l.f. lip products have, though it's not overwhelming or plumping, but rather refreshing. It gives similar lip oils from designer beauty brands a run for their money. My only criticism is that I often have to double-dip into the tube for full coverage on my medium-size lips.' — CiglianoPrice upon publish date of this article: $8 Formula type: ShimmerShade range: 9 shades availableKey ingredients: Jojoba glaze, maxi lip peptides, yaluronic acid, collagen, sunflower oil, vitamin E $3 Buy Now at amazon The Wet n Wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss offers shimmer and shine galore. It's the most affordable drugstore lip gloss on our all-star list, but it doesn't skimp on prestige-level ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, peptides, and vitamin E. It's an ideal formula to apply over carefully lined lips or lipstick, as it applies a subtle wash of color and intense wet-looking shine. Consider this the highlighter of your lip rotation that boosts glow and enhances contours. Editor testing and review notes: 'I've never been a shimmer gloss girl, but Wet n Wild has converted me. Off the bat, I love the flat and flexible doe foot applicator. It's surprisingly pillowy-soft and helps to blend the formula into harsh lip liner lines. The gloss itself isn't too thick or thin, so it doesn't feel goopy on its own or layered and I didn't discover any feathering throughout long hours of wear.' — CiglianoPrice upon publish date of this article: $2.28 Formula type: BalmShade range: 6 shades availableKey ingredients: Phyto-derived esters, shea butter, cupuaçu butter, and plant squalane $9.99 Buy Now at ulta Naturium is a shining example of how a lip balm can play double-duty as a gloss. This best lip gloss for dry lips is formulated with soothing and hydrating ingredients that heal flaky skin and instantly soothe the lips, while leaving behind a tint of color and lacquer-level finish. Its squeeze-tube packaging makes it small and convenient for reapplying throughout the day — or for storing with your skin care as an overnight lip mask. Editor testing and review notes: 'This Naturium lip gloss is a great inexpensive alternative to a certain celebrity-backed peptide lip treatment. It has a serum-like consistency that melts into the lips to enhance shine in a subtle way. I love the tinted options, particularly this on-trend '90s-inspired Spice shade that delivers a your-lips-but-better result.' — SullivanPrice upon publish date of this article: $9.99 Formula type: Pumping, shimmerShade range: 5 shades availableKey ingredients: Lustrous Diamond Dust $5.39 Buy Now at amazon Clear lip gloss is easy to find at the drugstore, but you'll be hard-pressed to find one as dramatic as this Physicians Formula tube at any price point. The Mineral Wear Diamond Plumper Gloss is a true hidden gem: The gloss-serum hybrid formula is plumping, hydrating, clean for sensitive skin, and blended with Lustrous Diamond Dust for a uniquely dimensional high-shine finish. Wear this top clear lip gloss alone for a simply polished pout, or layer it over your favorite lip stains for your-lips-but-way-better testing and review notes: 'Oh my gloss! This formula ticks every boss for those who crave the look of high-shine lips but would rather source their color from a lipstick or liner. Before I swiped it on, I was concerned that the shimmery particles would feel gritty on my lips, but I was impressed that they feel practically nonexistent, while the formula drenches my lips with smooth moisture.' — CiglianoPrice upon publish date of this article: $6.98 Formula type: Plumping gloss balmShade range: 8 shades availableKey ingredients: Maracuja oil, blueberry, watermelon, and pomegranate extracts $8 Buy Now at amazon $8 Buy Now at ulta At the drugstore, E.l.f. beauty products are MVPs with slam-dunk formulas that are just as competitive as their price points. The E.l.f. Pout Cloud Lip Plumping Pen is a standout from the brand's lip range, offering a multifunctional formula that serves as a lip plumper, balm, and lip color in one. Its click-pen packaging makes application clean and precise, with an easy-gliding stick formula enriched with softening maracuja oil and fruit extracts. Take your pick from neutral nudes to deep berries and even a rich red — it's an ideal everyday lip formula you can toss in your designer handbag without the risk of gunky testing and review notes: 'I was not expecting this under-$10 find to perform super well after three months of testing luxury lip balms, lipsticks, and lip plumpers. But, I stood corrected when I found myself sidelining the $25 plumping lip balm I had been using for a week or two; this one is, surprisingly, way better. Its cushiony texture deposits an even (not splotchy) swath of color, and rather than the spicy tingle you get from most lip plumpers, this one's comfortably cooling.' — SullivanPrice upon publish date of this article: $7.99 Formula type: Hydrating shineShade range: 43 shades available $5.97 Buy Now at amazon If you have yet to try this Nyx lip gloss, consider this your cue. This creamy formula is more like a serum-y gloss — your lips will soften and feel so supple after a single swipe of product. It's one of the best hydrating lip glosses at the drugstore, so even after the color fades, your lips look far more hydrated than where they started. It offers the widest shade range among our top picks and has earned the stamp of approval of over 81,000 Amazon reviews who call it a 'must-have' and 'new favorite.': 'This is everything a lip gloss should be: Comfortable, hydrating, and shiny. It applies as smooth as butter and I find my lips are softer hours after application. It has a slight vanilla fragrance that I enjoy and don't find to be sickly-sweet. It doesn't bleed, so I apply it without a mirror more times than not, and look forward to slathering on a second coat after a meal or a few hours of wear time. Plus, you can't beat the price point or the extensive color selection. I keep it on rotation in nearly every shade.' — Cigliano Price upon publish date of this article: $5.85 Formula type: Glossy balmShade range: 4 shades availableKey ingredients: Tripeptide complex, Ultra Filling Spheres, hyaluronic acid $13 Buy Now at sephora $13 Buy Now at The Inkey List The Inkey List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm has been an editor favorite for years, so you can imagine our excitement when the brand released three tinted shades last year. The affordable skin care brand formulated this balm to boost lip volume in just four weeks of regularly use, thanks to its inclusion of peptides and Ultra Filling Sphere technology. It repairs lips, naturally plumps, and satisfies with an ultra-juicy finish. Plus, it has a TikTok cult-following amounting to over 40 million views and searches, including reviews that substantiate the brand's long-term plumping testing and review notes: 'Consider this a tinted lip mask to carry on-the-go. When I apply two coats, not only do my lips look plumped and refreshed, but after hours of wear they're softer to the touch. Impressively, I notice that fine lines on my lips begin to fade within a week of consistent use.' — SullivanPrice upon publish date of this article: $13 Formula type: Hydrating shineShade range: 12 shades availableKey ingredients: Agave, moringa oil, and cupuaçu butter $10.49 Buy Now at ulta $12.49 Buy Now at cvs The Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss stands out from the crowd for its glaze-like finish. On the lips, its silky moisture powered by agave, moringa oil, and cupuaçu butter conditions the skin, while a slightly thick — not sticky! — layer of color reflects a high-shine varnish. It's one of the most pigmented drugstore lip glosses that impressed our editors, as it offers an even, medium to full coat of color that lasts for hours of wear. Editor testing and review notes: 'I love this gloss, mainly because my all-time holy grail lip color is from this line. 'Supernatural' is the perfect rosy nude gloss that sits right in the middle between pink and brown. I prefer this non-shimmery shade, as it is so creamy and juicy and looks like an enhanced version of my natural lips. I grab for this formula when I'm already wearing lipstick and my lips are feeling tight and dry.' — CiglianoPrice upon publish date of this article: $9.39 The best drugstore lip gloss for you will depend on your glam preference, but there are key elements to consider in your hunt for a standout formula. Key ingredients: Drugstore lip glosses come in all kinds of formulas these days, but it's most important that they moisturize your lips, rather than sitting on top in a layer of sticky goop. Keep an eye out for lip gloss formulas that include ingredients you'd enjoy in your favorite skin care products, like hyaluronic acid, peptides, shea butter, collagen, vitamins, and plant-based hydration, as this ensures your lips will stay soft after the shine wears off. Formula type: When looking for your ideal drugstore lip gloss, keep in mind that you aren't just limited to products labeled 'lip gloss.' If you have lips that are prone to cracks and splits, go for a shiny lip balm or lip oil instead, as this will give you the best of both worlds. Or, if you are hoping to achieve a more voluminous smile, opt for plumping formulas that temporarily boost your lip fullness. Consider your lip care needs and glam preferences before committing to a formula. Applicator: Beyond formula, a lip gloss applicator is critical to your overall lip finish. Applicators that are too big will deposit an overwhelming amount of product, which can lead to color feathering or a heavy feel, while stiff or small applicators can be frustrating for large lips. If you have full lips, you'll benefit from a chubby doe foot applicator, while small lips should lean into more precise applicators in order to apply a clean coat of gloss. : You can shop an incredible assortment of vetted lip gloss and makeup goodies at the e-tailer, from TikTok beauty products to the best hair gels to skin care tools and everything in between. It's the best place to crowd-source thousands of honest beauty reviews before you take the plunge on a purchase. Plus, you can enjoy Prime benefits like speedy shipping and exclusive discounts. Ulta Beauty offers the widest range of brands at affordable prices. On top of beloved drugstore brands like E.l.f Cosmetics, Maybelline, and Wet n Wild, you can also shop indie brands that'll lead you to discoveries at affordable price points. Ulta's website also grants access to exclusive beauty deals, rewards programs, bonus samples, and exciting sale events. : The digital beauty aisles at offer more deals and perks than shopping in-store. If you place an order, you can receive free shipping on select products while racking up ExtraBucks points with a CVS ExtraCare card. You can also sign up for the ExtraCare BeautyClub membership, where the retailer will send you a monthly box of free beauty products and an extra 10 percent off discount on the retailer's entire beauty stock. : Walmart's beauty page offers a wide assortment of drugstore brands. To ensure you're shopping from a verified storefront, be sure to navigate from the beauty dropdown menu or click on a product and look for a link to the brand's storefront (for example, 'Visit the L'Oréal Paris Store'). As you scroll through Walmart's wide product selection, you can discover discounts on top-selling lip glosses, new releases, and viral formulas that are exclusive to the site. Plus, there are added perks like next-day or two-day shipping and store delivery options. A Walmart+ membership — you can sign up for a 30-day free trial here — also grants free local delivery, free shipping with no minimums, early access to product releases and deals, and easy returns from your doorstep. To narrow down the best drugstore lip glosses that outshine other formulas, our editors lent our lips to 11 months of lip gloss testing during two testing periods. Before we rolled up our sleeves, we rounded up a testing pool of over 27 lip glosses in different finishes and formulas, referencing extensive market research, buzzy TikTok-viral formulas, and long-time bestsellers. We compared customer reviews on retailer websites, social media, and online forums like Reddit to determine the most satisfactory formulas for a variety of needs and preferences. Any lip glosses that did not provide substantial hydration, wear comfortably, achieve high-shine results, or deliver on impressive claims were cut from our list of the best drugstore lip glosses. Throughout both testing periods, editors wore each drugstore lip gloss for as long as they stayed put on our lips. We timed how quickly they wore off throughout the day, whether they held up through eating and drinking, and whether the lips felt softer, plumper, or more hydrated than before application. We took note of other factors, like color payoff, product packaging, applicators, fragrance, and overall comfort as key criteria for nailing down the best formulas. Our beauty test team represents a range of needs and preferences, including varying lip sizes, skin tones, lip care needs, and glam preferences. Each drugstore lip gloss was tested alone and with other lip products to narrow down the most versatile, comfortable, and flattering options. Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as 'the fashion bible' — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women's and men's fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD's breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD's editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here. Olivia Cigliano is the former Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes and edits shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor's degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. At WWD, she regularly tests and reviews top-rated and TikTok-famous products like drugstore lip gloss. Cigliano wrote the original version of this article on the best lip glosses. Claire Sullivan is a contributing writer for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion, and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She's tested hundreds of products during her time as an editor, so she's well-versed in selecting the products that make a meaningful difference in your skin and hair. Sullivan contributed to the May 2025 update of this article with new product selections after an additional round of testing.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Cheapest Car Insurance in Georgia (Only $24 a Month!)
TAMPA, Fla., May 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Geico and State Farm tie for the cheapest car insurance rates in Georgia, according to a recent report published by The list of the top 10 cheapest car insurance providers and monthly rates is as follows: Geico – $24 AAA – $29 Erie – $37 State Farm – $43 Travelers – $44 Progressive – $46 American Family – $50 Farmers – $60 Allstate – $66 Liberty Mutual $106 In addition to offering lower prices, Geico is a top contender in Georgia due to its excellent financial rating and user-friendly mobile app. Car Insurance Requirements in Georgia Georgia residents are required to have a car insurance policy when driving on public roadways. The state has determined minimum requirements that all drivers must have. Bodily Injury Liability – $25,000 per person and $50,000 for multiple people per accident Property Damage Liability – $25,000 Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage – $25,000 per person and $50,000 for multiple people per accident Melanie Musson, a nationally recognized car insurance expert with urges readers to remember, "Georgia's minimum auto insurance requirements are insufficient for real-life risks. Additional liability coverage is often surprisingly affordable, so drivers should consider carrying higher limits." Finding Cheap Car Insurance in Georgia list of cheapest insurers provides a glimpse of average rates. Individual drivers face specific risks that affect their premium payments. Discounts provide another avenue of savings. Usage-based policies can result in a discount of up to 30%, depending on the company and the driver's habits. Other discounts include military, good student, bundling, and safe driver. Increasing deductibles is another way to save on premiums. Drivers can pay lower monthly premiums by raising their deductibles. Factors Impacting Premiums in Georgia Many factors that affect car insurance rates in Georgia are the same as in any other state, including: driver age, vehicle make and model, and driving history. The driver's address also impacts premiums. Drivers in urban areas tend to pay higher rates than drivers in rural parts of Georgia because the risk of being in an accident and filing a claim is higher in bigger cities. Find out more by reading entire report here: Cheap Car Insurance in Georgia for 2025 (Save With These 10 Companies). View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE
The Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
The best budget European city break destinations for 2025
With 44 countries to choose from, our European neighbours offer endless city break possibilities, from classic capitals to smaller, lesser-known destinations. And, in amongst sky-high prices in Swiss hotspots and the sparkling cities of the South of France, there are plenty of affordable options where accommodation, transport and activities don't have to cost an arm and a leg. As the UK tightens its collective belt on holiday spending, many travellers are looking to save on their next trip. Tourists after a quick escape from everyday life without breaking the bank can look across the Channel for inspiration, with a two or three-night urban escape. Here's our pick of budget-friendly, bucket-list city break destinations in Europe to consider visiting this year. Krakow, Poland Poland 's second-largest city makes for a great value weekend away. In Krakow's market square and its surrounding roads, quick bites, including pierogi dumplings and Polish beers can still be purchased for just a few pounds. Top attractions such as St Mary's Basilica, the Wieliczka Salt Mine and The Cloth Hall are also free or affordable to visit. Where to stay Vienna House Easy by Wyndham Cracow is a functional three-star hotel located within walking distance of Krakow Market Square and Kraków Główny Railway Station. Bucharest, Romania Bucharest, the capital and cultural hub of Romania, offers cheap, direct flights and bargain accommodation for far less than the likes of Paris and Rome. Notable highlights include the Palace of the Parliament government building, a landmark of the communist era. Many traditional Romanian meals, such as ciorba de burta and sarmale, are also locally produced, keeping eating out costs down. Budget Hello Hotels offers buffet breakfasts and standard double rooms just a three-minute walk from the Gara de Nord train station. Sofia, Bulgaria Built atop Roman ruins and overlooked by Vitosha mountain, the Bulgarian capital Sofia has everything from hot springs to hiking, ancient art and a magnificent Orthodox cathedral. Expect to spend no more than £10 on several shots of rakia fruit brandy before participating in the lively nightlife of this budget-friendly Balkan city. Generaator Sofia is centrally located with ensuite doubles, ski equipment hire and an outdoor seating area. Athens, Greece The Greek capital makes for a surprisingly affordable few days away. In stark contrast to Mykonos and Santorini, where a 'beach snack' has been known to go for £500, Athens has a history you can explore with a €2 gyro in hand. Most budget hotels have views of the Acropolis from rooftop terraces and bars, meaning you aren't losing out on experiencing Greek mythology first-hand by spending less on accommodation. Where to stay The Foundry Suites in downtown Athens has 12 spacious lofts, stocked minibars and a buzzy rooftop garden. Lisbon, Portugal Penny-save in Portugal 's coastal capital by travelling by tram or walking the hilly terrain on the hunt for the best budget pastel de nata and carafes of wine. In the right taverna, a pint will only set you back one to two pounds. With affordable accommodation, free hikes and the buzzing Time Out food market, Lisbon is a lot more wallet-friendly than other European capitals. Where to stay Stay at Mama Shelter Lisboa for a central location, eclectic furnishings and a lively rooftop bar. Prague, Czech Republic With crisscrossing bridges, an Old Town Square and gothic buildings, Prague promises architecture, culture, history and a decently priced pint. Even with flights and accommodation, it's easy to find a weekend break to the baroque Czech city for under £250pp when travelling outside peak season. The Prague Visitor Pass can also bag you discounted admission to attractions such as Prague Castle and the Petřín Tower. Where to stay The elegant Don Giovanni Hotel Prague hosts daily piano concerts and welcome drinks for a taste of affordable luxury. Toledo, Spain The former capital of the Spanish Empire, Toledo, is a walled ancient city in central Spain known for its gothic cathedral, Unesco World Heritage quarter and rich cultural heritage. Explore the winding streets on foot to try local specialities marzipan, carcamusas pork and Manchego cheese, and spend a fraction of the money you'd shell out on a trip to Barcelona. Where to stay Hotel Carlos V sits on the doorstep of Toledo's cathedral and the Alcázar Fortress. Rooms feature views of the World Heritage quarter.
CNET
3 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Starlink Offers a $40 Discount in 30 States. But There's a Catch
Starlink just got a lot more affordable for customers in 30 states. The internet service provider now offers a cheaper alternative to its $120 monthly Residential plan. This new plan -- dubbed Residential Lite -- brings the cost down to $80 per month. However, that means slower speeds and some other compromises. According to the Starlink FAQ section, the Residential Lite plan offers download speeds of 45 to 130 megabits per second with no data caps. The satellite internet service initially rolled out to 15 US states in March, but has since added another 15. Read more: Ontario Contract With Starlink Is Canceled Even if Tariffs Are Lifted The Residential Lite plan at $80 a month is now available in 30 states. Starlink The less expensive plan has some caveats. It's half the speed of the Residential plan, which boasts download speeds of 100 to 270Mbps. In addition, Starlink acknowledges that Residential Lite plans will be the first to be deprioritized, which may result in lower speeds during peak hours. "This service plan will be deprioritized compared to Residential service during peak hours," Starlink says. "This means speeds may be slower for Residential Lite service relative to Residential service when our network has the most users online." Locating local internet providers Peak hours are generally between 6 to 11 p.m. on weekdays. That's right around when everyone finishes work and school and sits down to eat dinner, play video games or watch some Netflix before bed. Starlink says its network is a "finite resource" until the company can reach a peak number of Starlink satellites. Thus, Residential Lite subscribers may experience slow internet speeds if enough people are online. The big picture for low-income households The Affordable Connectivity Program ended last year, due to funds running out. Before the ACP ended, the government subsidized low-income households from $30 to $75 per month to help them get internet in their homes. The end of the program saw around 23 million households lose their internet connection. While Congress has not yet passed a similar bill or found a way to revive the ACP, other low-cost internet options exist. At $80 per month, the Residential Lite plan from Starlink is quite affordable for satellite internet service, but it's still not quite as good a deal as faster broadband plans from major ISP providers. For instance, I pay $80 per month to Spectrum for much faster, 600Mbps download speeds. For around the same price, Cox offers 250Mbps. AT&T Fiber's 300Mbps plan is $55 monthly, and Xfinity is even cheaper with a 400Mbps plan at a starting price of $40. People looking for cheap internet have more affordable broadband options than Starlink's Residential Lite tier. But this less expensive, albeit slower, plan could appeal to those in rural areas without many ISP options.
Condé Nast Traveler
3 days ago
- Business
- Condé Nast Traveler
Top Trip.com Promo Codes & Deals for June 2025
Want to travel further for less? With timely offers, it's certainly possible–and we've gathered a few pro tips for milking the most value out of upcoming travel experiences as you can. But first, a little background on the brand: Since its inception in 2003, has been on a mission to make travel easier and more affordable for everyone. As one of the leading global travel service providers, has built a reputation for offering unbeatable prices on flights, hotels, and vacation packages, all backed by a trusted customer service team. Whether you're jet-setting across the globe or just taking a weekend getaway, easy-to-use platform and partnerships with major airlines and hotel chains make it well worth a spot in your price-checking arsenal. New users can save $70 with promo codes and coupons If you're dreaming of your next adventure, now is a great time to book with New users can unlock an exclusive Welcome Pack filled with unbeatable travel deals. Simply sign up with your email, and you'll instantly gain access to up to $70 in savings your first booking. Whether you're booking a hotel, flight, or even planning excursions, you'll get up to 20% off your first reservation. The savings don't stop there—enjoy 5% off hotel stays, 5% off attractions and tours, and even up to 15% off airport transfers. For those traveling by train, there's also an additional 3% discount on select routes. Get 8% off rental cars and today's cheapest flight deals Kick things off with spring in North America offers, where you'll get 8% off rental cars and access today's lowest flight fares. Think round-trip flights to Canada from just $137 with WestJet, departing from cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, San Francisco, Phoenix, Houston, Las Vegas, and Minneapolis. These limited-time deals are designed to help you explore more of the continent for less. How to get 15% off and more with app promo codes For even more deals, the platform's app is free to download and offers new and existing users access to app-only discount codes and deals. (If you need any more convincing—the app does, in fact, provide a smoother booking process and travel management—I've used it myself.) Packed with exclusive app-only promo codes, first-time app users can claim 15% off airport transfers and enjoy a 10% discount coupon, available in any currency. Save up to 50% with the student discount Students can save even more— is offering up to 50% off flights and hostel stays through its student discount program. Not only do scholars save money, but many deals also include free flight changes, cancellations, and extra baggage allowance, allowing for more flexibility. Score up to 30% off travel with these offers With unbeatable lineup of travel offers, scoring up to 30% off your next adventure is only a few clicks away. You can dive into immersive experiences with up to 25% off local attractions and tours, from bustling city escapades to iconic cultural landmarks. Every Friday through June 29, 2025, new limited-time deals roll out, including buy-one-get-one-free access to top attractions and half-off global eSIM packages—ideal for staying connected wherever your travels take you. For those looking to book smarter, bundling flights and hotels can slash up to 30% off your total, all while adding convenience. And if you're dreaming of Asia, is your gateway to vibrant, bucket-list destinations with steep savings—up to 50% off hotels in Thailand and 40% off accommodations in China. To avoid missing out, sign up for the site's deal alerts. Unlock 50% off with coupons and promo codes via rewards Frequent flyers and occasional travelers alike can unlock a world of savings through the Rewards program. This loyalty system is designed to reward wanderlust with real perks—up to 50% back in what the brand calls 'Trip Coins,' or complimentary attraction tickets, and VIP airport lounge access—just to name a few. Five distinct membership tiers ensure that the more you travel, the more you save, with each level offering elevated benefits like free global eSIM data, premium airport transfers, and priority support services. Members also gain access to private promo codes and special offers not available to the general public. Whether you're planning a spontaneous city break or an international adventure, becoming a Rewards member turns each fun booking into a smarter, more rewarding decision. Pro tips for saving more with Trip coupon codes Insider tip: Book during the weekdays and consider paying in the local currency to dodge currency conversion markups. Timing is everything—seasonal flash sales and off-peak travel dates can unlock dramatic discounts. Whether you're eyeing summer hotspots like Cancun, Honolulu, Santorini, or Paris—or sticking stateside with New York, Miami, or Nashville—you'll find your dream trip for a dreamier price on Book top summer destinations for less on If you're ready to escape to the most coveted summer spots without breaking the bank, has you covered with unbeatable prices on top destinations. Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of New York, soaking up the sun in Miami, or savoring the local charm in New Orleans, ensures you'll get to your dream destination at a price you'll love. Even beyond the US, the world is your oyster—think tropical Singapore, the ultra-modern skyline of Hong Kong, the pure luxe of Dubai, or the rich culture of Beijing. How to use a promo code To unlock instant savings with a promo code is simple: Start by selecting your booking type, whether you're booking a flight, hotel, or a bundle. Choose your travel dates and destination, then browse the available offers. Once you've found the deal you want, click on 'Reverse' and before entering your payment information, head to the Promo Code section. Enter your code and click 'Use' to activate the discount. With one more click on 'Final Step,' your booking is locked in, and the savings are all yours.
