If you’re anything like me, navigating the world of makeup products can be
both thrilling and slightly overwhelming. We all want to look fabulous, but
let’s face it, not all of us have an A-lister’s budget.
So, the big question: when do we splurge and when do we save? Go ahead and
grab your tea (or coffee) as I spill the tea on which beauty products are
worth the extra bucks and where you can totally cut corners
without compromising on glam!
PRIMERS: SAVE!
Okay, I have my reasons. I have tried both high-end and drugstore primers, and
honestly, I couldn’t see much difference. My
go-to drugstore primer
from Catrice is my trusty sidekick, smoothing out imperfections and helping my
makeup stay put without breaking the bank. However, for special occasions, I’d
say splurge.
FOUNDATION: SPLURGE (BUT NOT ALWAYS!)
Ah, the quest for the perfect foundation! I have tried the luxurious ones like
Shiseido,
Dior, and Giorgio
Armani that promise to turn you into a glowing goddess, and I have also rocked
the drugstore finds that surprised me with their magic (the
Skintific cushion foundation
has my heart forever!) For me, it’s all about the occasion. Save on a daily
basis, but when you need that extra oomph for a big event, don’t hesitate to
invest in a high-end foundation.
CONCEALER: SPLURGE (KINDA)
Late-night Netflix binges and early morning Zoom calls – concealer is my
superhero in disguise. I have found that a mid-range concealer works wonders
for everyday use. My heart belongs to
Tarte Shape Tape
always. However, for special events or photoshoots, I’d say splurge a little.
The higher-end options tend to provide better coverage and longevity, ensuring
your secrets stay safe.
POWDER: SAVE
Translucent powders from the drugstore aisle have been my go-to for setting
my makeup. They do the job just as well as their pricier counterparts, so
why not save some cash in this department? Right now, I’m really loving
the
Judydoll Soft Light Blurring setting powder – it’s a hidden gem!
BLUSH: SPLURGE (SOMETIMES!)
Blush is where I’m torn. Drugstore options can be fantastic, but for a truly
luxurious flush, a high-end blush is hard to beat. It’s one of those
products where you can find gems in both price ranges, so it depends on your
budget and the level of boujee you’re feeling. I’ve got some stunning
blushes from Dior, MAC, BBIA, Elf and Tarte.
CONTOUR & BRONZER: SAVE
Honestly, I’ve tried both high-end and drugstore contour kits, and the
difference is minimal. Save those bucks for something more noticeable, I
guess.
EYESHADOW: SPLURGE!
Drugstore eyeshadows can be a hit or miss, and unfortunately, my experience
was more of a miss. While they can create stunning looks, I have found that
splurging on a good, high-end eyeshadow palette can be a game-changer. The
pigmentation and blendability are often worth the investment. From
Anastasia Beverly Hills
to Huda Beauty and
Natasha Denona, the
eyeshadow palettes I have are simply amazing.
MASCARA: HANDS DOWN, SAVE!
Mascara is a daily essential, and you don’t need to break the bank for lush
lashes. There are plenty of drugstore mascaras that can compete with the
high-end brands, giving you voluminous lashes without burning a hole in your
wallet. If you’re looking for a great 10/10 mascara, I recommend
Clio Kill Lash Superproof Long Curling mascara
– it’s absolutely amazing!
EYELINER: SAVE
I have tried
eyeliners that cost as much as my lunch
and liners that claimed to be bolder than my personality. Guess what?
Drugstore versions worked just as well! So save on this one and splurge on
something else that’ll make a huge difference. Tell you what, I never stray
from
my favorite eyeliner from this post; it’s a keeper! And it’s less than 10 bucks!
LIP PRODUCTS: MIX IT UP!
Here’s where I get flexible. While a high-end lipstick can make you
feel like a queen, some drugstore brands offer incredible formulas. So I
would recommend mix and match – save on everyday shades and splurge on that
bold red or classic nude you’ve been eyeing. Aaaand if you’re into beauty
trends, glossy lip stains are where it’s at – check out
Rom&nd Glasting Water Tints!
SETTING SPRAY: SAVE
Setting spray – the final seal on your masterpiece. A good setting spray can
make your makeup last from dawn to dusk. I’ve tried both high-end and
drugstore options, and honestly, the drugstore ones have often outperformed
their pricey counterparts. Just save on this one and put that extra cash
towards your next beauty adventure.
In conclusion, beauty doesn’t have to cost a fortune. While some products
are worth the splurge, others can be swapped out for more budget-friendly
options without sacrificing quality <3
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