Drugstore Make Up VS. Cosmetics Counter

03.17.09
Is the quality of the makeup measurable by its price tag?
Not always. It might seem like a great idea to buy Estee Lauder or Lancome at the make up counter of your favorite high-end store, but the whoopin’ it gives your wallet isn’t so pretty. Many drugstore make up brands are actually manufactured by their high-end department store counterparts so the quality is the same or roughly the same. For example, L’Oreal’s Voluminous mascara costs about $6.99, as opposed to some designer brands which can be priced around $24 and it gets rave reviews even by make up artists.

In general, mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow, lipstick, lip liner and nail polish can be bought for much less than at a department store cosmetics counter and the quality is the same. This is not always true for concealers, foundations, powders and blush. If you can spend a little more on these, great. These are items you’ll want to try before you buy and they’re the products most likely to be of better quality at a cosmetics counter.  In addition, selecting the right foundation shade for your skin can be challenging and buying at a department store means you get the help of a makeup specialist. (If money isn’t growing on a tree in your back yard, then get the best one you can afford. Revlon and L’Oreal make good drugstore foundations and powders, but avoid NYC’s version. It’s not the best for your bucks.) In general, stick to companies like L’Oreal and Almay in drugstores.

Note to self: the actual colors of lipsticks and blush are often different than what it looks like on the display! So don’t get discouraged. You’re going to make some mistakes. We all do! Fortunately, most drugstores these days will take your makeup back – no questions asked. So even if you can’t try it on first, if you get it home and you don’t like it they’ll give you your money back. It wasn’t like that in the old days!!
In addition, a good set of make up brushes is a great investment. The better the brush, the better the makeup looks on you. Have fun and remember: less is more!