Beauty: Buying Cosmetics – Drugstore vs. Department Store Brands - The Daily Affair

As a makeup artist, one of the questions I get asked most often is, “Do I really need to spend a lot of money on makeup?”

The answer?

Yes and no.

I am a budget savvy gal, so if I don’t have to lay out a lot of money on a product, I won’t. When it comes to makeup, there are items you can get on the cheap, and items that require spending some cash on.

Here is what I’ve learned:

When it comes to lip colors, mascaras and eyeliners, you can find great inexpensive brands at your local drugstore or big box retailer. They work just as well as the expensive brands, and because you are spending less, you can try a wide range of colors and brands without feeling guilty.

However, I always recommend buying foundation from a department store counter for one simple reason – color matching.

I have been a makeup artist for 20 years, and even I wouldn’t be able to go into a CVS with you and match a foundation to your skin just by looking at the color through a package.

Eye and cheek colors should also be something you invest more money in. The reason is simple. The cheaper eye shadows and blushes just don’t have the same amount of pigmentation in them. Less pigment means that the color you love will disappear right into your skin, or look drab, or last for just a couple of hours at best. In general, highly pigmented colors stay on all day. And though they cost more, you’ll be using less of the product each time because it goes on so well, so it will last you longer!

As far as other items like makeup brushes, moisturizers and such, they can really go either way. That comes down to a matter of preference. Take your own personal survey and ask friends what they use and love, and begin there.

Until next time, happy makeupping!