You’re Better Off Buying Cheap Versions of These Beauty Products
If you’re a beauty junkie, you know how easily going Sephora for “just one thing” can turn into you spending $200 and adding way more VIB points to your account then you planned.
Makeup can be super expensive, and while there are affordable options out there, you assume the products with the higher price points are the ones that are going to really make you glow.
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But that’s not always the case. In fact, while some beauty products are more expensive because they have better ingredients or staying power, other products are just tacking on a higher price tag because they are a name brand.
But how do you know which products are worth splurging on and which ones you should hit your local drugstore for? Don’t worry, we’ve got you.
NYC based professional makeup artist David Birdwell says you should splurge on complexion items — since higher-end skincare products such as powder foundation generally have better ingredients for your skin — but save on mascaras and eyeliners.
Not only are these products basically the same at every price point, they also have to get thrown out pretty frequently.
“Mascaras have such a short life and need to be replenished every three months, and eyeliners are very similar in wear and texture at all prices,” he says.
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He’s right though. I’ve sworn by Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner my whole life, and Maybelline’s Great Lash Mascara is lit. If you’re going to buy expensive mascara, maybe try a travel-sized one. They’re cheaper, and won’t dry out until you’re likely already finished with it.
David also says that setting sprays are usually not worth the high price point, and that he swears by drugstore makeup-wipes.
NYC makeup artist Fae Diakite says the same about setting sprays. She loves the e.l.f. makeup mist & set (which you can get at your neighborhood drugstore), and says she especially loves it for travel due to its small size.
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In addition to skincare products like powders and foundation, David also says it’s usually worth it to spend a little extra on eyeshadow.
“Eyeshadows are also better splurged on due to pigments and pearls used in the ingredients, not to mention better wear-time,” he says.
The good thing is that mascara and eyeliners tend to be the thing that lots of us have to replace the most, whereas skincare products and eyeshadows last longer. As for lip products? David says he goes both ways.
“I love my expensive lipsticks, but I always get lipsticks whenever I am in the drug stores,” he says.
A little lipliner definitely goes a long way, and sometimes it’s just what works for you. I’ve found that some of my more expensive lip sticks tend to dry my lips out majorly, whereas some drugstore brands work (and last) just fine.
Whatever you choose to spend on skincare or lip color, don’t fall into the trap of buying $35 designer eyeliner. Chances are it’s not worth it.
