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Often while makeup shopping, one wonders which items are worth our hard-earned money — and which are no better than their less pricey Wal-Mart counterparts.
Below, I have examined each category and offered my opinion as to which venue — the department store or the drugstore — provides the best product in each category!
1) Foundation: SAVE
An excellent foundation is definitely something which can be purchased at a reasonable price. Top foundations abound at the drugstore, most notably L’Oreal “True Match”, Revlon “Colorstay”…the list goes on and on! These foundations rival and often surpass higher end products.
2) Eyeshadow: SPLURGE
Have you ever brushed your fingers over the Urban Decay “Naked” shadows? Such buttery textures simply do not exist at the drugstore. The reason? Higher end eyeshadows are more finely milled. Top eyeshadow formulas include the iconic palettes from Urban Decay — in addition to those from Lorac, Kat Von D, Tarte, Too Faced, Bobbi Brown, etc. The biggest exception includes the silky metallic L’Oreal Infallible potted shadows.
3) Lipstick/Gloss: SAVE
Outstanding lip products exist at bargain prices — and in large selections. My favorites include the Revlon “Super Lustrous” line, Maybelline “Color Sensational” lipsticks, Covergirl “Exhibitionist” lipsticks, & all the NYX lipsticks. The Revlon line alone offers over 70 shades, ensuring a color for everyone! However, if you ever do wish to splurge on lipgloss, you must check out the amazing Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Polish Gloss.
4) Blush: SPLURGE
As with eyeshadow, higher end blushes are more finely milled, therefore furnishing a better formula. Star blushes include those from Bobbi Brown, Nars, Mac, & Benefit. The drugstore just cannot compete in this area.
5) Mascara: SPLURGE
I used to think that the department store offers better mascara. Too Faced, YSL, Dior, & Lancome produce stellar mascaras. However, that was before I found Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara – a holy grail product!
6) Powder: SAVE
Dust your face with Maybelline’s “Dream Matte” powder, any of the the Physician’s Formula powders, or even the vintage Coty Airspun powder, and no one will ever know the difference!
7) Brushes: SPLURGE
A huge part of makeup application is having high-quality brushes, the production of which requires craftsmanship. Mac, Sigma, & It Cosmetics brushes blow Eco Tools brushes completely out of the water. The sole exception is the less expensive Real Techniques collection.
See you next time! 😘
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Hi Diva MD – it was great meeting you in Ulta yesterday, Love the “save and splurge” article which was exactly what we talked about. I also have a love with anything rose gold…been trying to find a lipstick that is like one I had years ago that Almay stopped making. Which brings me to another topic – can you ever have too many lipsticks…NO! I have so many questions I still want to ask (cleansers, tools, facials).
Diva RN (Jane)
Hi, Diva RN! It was wonderful meeting you also! I’m so glad you are enjoying the blog. Yes, I have been researching/collecting rose-gold lipsticks for a while, and there will be a Part 3 (Lipsticks/Glosses) to the rose-gold series very soon! Many beautiful rose-gold lipsticks exist, and I hope you will have many choices after reading the article. You are so right — no such thing as too many lipsticks! Have a blessed week! 🙂