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Drugstore vs High End Makeup – Is It Worth It?

Drugstore vs High End Makeup – Is It Worth It?

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Note: This post is being renovated! So please forgive me if some of the images are a little out of place (aka, ugly).

Drugstore vs High End Makeup

This “drugstore vs high end makeup” seems to the big debate that’s always going on when people talk about makeup, and people seem to have pretty strong opinions about it. Some only buy drugstore and seem to think that high end makeup is a waste of money. Others only buy high end stuff because, well, “you get what you pay for”. Of course, there are lots of people who don’t really care and seem to fall somewhere in between. Is high end makeup worth it?

Drugstore Makeup Vs Department Store Products

So where do I fall in all of this? Well, I’ll be honest with you. You do get what you pay for and chances are if you buy something high end, it’s going to be a better product than something you buy from the drugstore. This isn’t always the case though. A lot of times you can find those really good drugstore products that make higher end products for the average consumer (that’s you!) not worth the money. In this post, I’m going to point out a few different kinds of products that are probably worth getting from either drugstore or high end brands.

Concealer

You can get some really great concealers from high end brands, and if you really want to go that direction, you should check out Bobbi Brown’s Concealer. It’ll work wonders! But chances are, this drugstore concealer from Hard Candy will be enough for you. It’s a little thick in consistency, but it’s a great concealer with great coverage. Just be weary of how much you use. A little goes a long way!

This Hard Candy Glamoflauge is a great drugstore concealer
Hard Candy Glamoflauge

Foundation

A foundation is one of those products that you’re really going to get your money’s worth by going with the high end. As long as you’re smart about it. I’d definitely recommend that go with both high end and drugstore here. It’s always good to have a foundation that’s nicer for those special occasions. You’ll notice the difference in those pictures that go up on Facebook after. (You know the one’s I’m talking about – where you untag yourself. We all do it!) This high end foundation (technically a BB cream) is amazing for photos! I always love how my skin looks in them when I wear this foundation. Very natural. You’ll need a setting powder for sure though.

Drugstore vs High End Makeup: Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm
Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm

This drugstore foundation is great. If you really can’t afford to drop the money on the Too Faced BB Cream, then I’d definitely go with this foundation. It’s amazing. Simple as that.

Best Drugstore Foundation: Revlon ColorStay
Revlon ColorStay 24 Hour Foundation

Setting Powder

Honestly, I really just don’t see any reason to pay through the nose for these setting powders. Check out my alternative that’ll save you money!

Bronzer

This is another one that I just don’t get when it comes to high end. Okay… Maybe I do get it. I’ve been dying to get Benefit’s Hoola Bronzer! But still, chances are you’ll be fine with a drugstore bronzer. This one is great! Be wary though, if you’re really pale, it might look a little too orange for you. At the price of about $3, it’s definitely worth a try.

You should also check out what I think you should look for in a bronzer.

Best Drugstore Bronzer: NYC Sunny
NYC Sunny Bronzer

Eyeshadow

This is the easiest one yet. High end. No question about that. Eyeshadow is one of the things that’s really hard to get right. There are just so many factors that make a great eyeshadow. Longevity, pigmentation, resistant to creasing, etc. Of course, matte eyeshadows are a lot harder to get right. I’m just going to tell you right now that Urban Decay has the best eyeshadows ever. I don’t think many people would try to disagree with me on this one. If you’re looking for an all around great palette, you should look into the Naked Palette. It’s $50. Yes, I know that’s a lot of money, but I promise you it will be worth every penny if you use it. I’ve had mine for two years, and I still have tons of eyeshadow. I use it all the time!

Urban Decay Naked Palette is the best eyeshadow palette
Urban Decay Naked Palette
Urban Decay Naked Palette Eyeshadows
It’s well loved!

Eyeliner

Liquid Eyeliner: You should under no circumstances (again, as the average consumer) be paying $20 for a liquid eyeliner… That’s just ridiculous. Buy this stuff. It lasts for months, and it’s a nice dark black. The pen style applicator makes it really easy to use for beginners.

Drugstore Eyeliner: Jordana Fabu Liner
Jordana Fabu Liner

Pencil Eyeliner: I love the UD Perversion Eye Pencil (but it’s $20). If it’s worth it to you to spend that much, then you should go for it. It’s a great eyeliner! That being said, for most of you an eyeliner like that is a waste of money. This is a great dupe that I’ve been using ever since. It’s been my personal replacement for Perversion.

Milani Eyeliner
Milani Liquif-Eye Eye Liner Pencil

Mascara

It’s really hard to find a good mascara. At least it is for me. I don’t want my eyeliner to be super clumpy and flake all over the place, do you? If you can afford it, and you can justify it, I say go with high end. Assuming you can find the right one. I know it seems ridiculous to pay $20 for mascara, but if you find the right one, then it will really make all the difference. These are two that I absolutely love! They aren’t clumpy at all, and they just make your eyelashes look amazing. They’re from SmashBox and also Tarte.

A Great High End Mascara is SmashBox Full Exposure
SmashBox Full Exposure
Drugstore vs High End Makeup: Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Mascara
Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Mascara

For most people though, drugstore prices will be more appropriate. Stay away from Maybelline’s Great Lash. I know you’ve been using it forever, and it’s hard to stray away from what’s comfortable for us but I promise it will be worth it. Try something new! I HIGHLY recommend these two! Clump Crusher is a little more on the liquidy side, while the Triple Coat Effect is a lot drier. (Just in case that helps with preference!)

Covergirl Mascara
Covergirl Clump Crusher
Best Drugstore Mascara: Almay One Coat Triple Coat Effect
Almay One Coat Triple Coat Effect

Thank you for reading my post! I really hoped this helped you. If you agreed, or disagreed, with anything here, please let me know in the comments. It let’s me know that you’re here.

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