splurge vs. save: makeup

When it comes to makeup, I can be a bit of a snob. I prefer pricey cosmetics. Nothing makes me feel quite as pretty as using makeup that’s encased in beautiful packaging that makes me look forward to using it, or even simply looking at it. Putting on your makeup shouldn’t always be a mundane chore you’re required to do every day; the process of “getting pretty” should be an experience you look forward to (at least every once in a while).

While I think that some pricey makeup is all about the pleasure in owning it, such as my $33 lip balm a.k.a. Dior Lip Glow, I truly believe that some expensive cosmetic products are worth the splurge because they perform better. It’s important to differentiate between splurging on makeup because it’s better than its drugstore counterpart, and splurging on makeup to treat yourself every once in a while because it makes you feel good (I’m looking at you, Benefit Hoola).

Splurge-worthy products perform better – meaning they look better and last longer. Think makeup you get at Sephora or department stores. This makeup isn't that expensive when you get down to it because it's more pigmented = less product to get the desired result = product lasts longer. 

My personal opinion on which products are worth the money:

• Foundation/BB cream: You don’t have to spend a fortune on it, but I believe in spending a little more when it comes to makeup that goes on your face for two reasons. First, your skin is your body’s largest organ so you should treat it well and be considerate when it comes to slathering chemicals on it. Second, I am acne-prone and have found that drugstore BB creams clog my pores and make my face produce more oil. In face makeup I look for an oil-free, multitasking formula that I don’t feel guilty about layering on my skin. I like Tarte and Pur Minerals. 
• Eyeliner: I know a lot of people will disagree with me on this one but I’m sticking to it. Eyeliner is my favorite cosmetic product; I have owned just about every color and kind you can imagine. I find that drugstore eyeliner is less pigmented, which means I have to use more of it and press hard when applying it in order to get the color I want, and tugging at your eyelid (the thinnest skin on your face) is definitely not helping to prevent wrinkles or irritation. Also, I find that drugstore eyeliners I’ve tried don't stay on for long and are more prone to traveling around my eyes throughout the day. I like Bobbi Brown (gel), Estee Lauder (pencil) and Stila (liquid).
•  Blush: Again with the putting-chemicals-on-your-skin thing. I prefer cream/gel blush because it lasts longer than powder and looks more natural, and I haven’t found a drugstore version that doesn’t turn my cheeks into an oil zone yet. I like Josie Maran.
• Cream Eye Shadow: This was a no-brainer splurge for me because I’m lazy when it comes to eye shadow. I dip my finger in a neutral shade, swipe it across my eyelid, and count on it staying there all day without moving. I like Make Up For Ever.
• Makeup Brushes: Pricier ones won’t shed, are nicer to your skin, and will last longer if you clean them regularly. I like The Body Shop.

 In my opinion, these products are not worth the splurge:

• Mascara: Let me tell you a secret...The only difference how mascara makes your lashes look lies in the brush, not the formula. While I’m obsessed with my Benefit They’re Real mascara, it’s definitely one of those products that just makes me feel good to own (that’s what Christmas is for, amirite?!). I love how L’Oreal Voluminous makes my lashes look just as much, with a cheaper price tag.
•  Bronzer: I love matte bronzer because it looks more natural compared to shimmer, but my recent purchase of Benefit Hoola left me underwhelmed. I like how it looks in my makeup bag, but it doesn’t look any better or last longer than my favorite Physician’s Formula bronzer.
• Lip Balm: I can’t speak to lip stick because I haven’t experimented enough to have an opinion on it (though I'm dying to try Bite Beauty). Lip Balm on the other hand, is not splurge-worthy to me. I love how my cheap Baby Lips balm looks, as well as my fave balm Dior Lip Glow. 

Toss Ups:

• Concealer: I recently splurged on a Nars concealer, which I am a proud owner of, but I honestly don’t think it performs any better than my favorite $11 Body Shop concealer. I’m inclined to say splurge on concealer since it goes on areas you don’t want to draw attention to so it needs to look good and last long. I’m still searching for “the One.”
• Powder Eye Shadow: With a good, splurge-worthy eye shadow primer I think the less-pigmented drugstore shadows would be okay. However, I like Too Faced best.

Not sure if you should splurge or save? MAC and The Body Shop’s cosmetic products are usually priced in between the splurge-y Sephora stuff and the cheap Walgreens stuff, and both have great quality without a hefty price tag. If you're thinking about taking the plunge and splurging on a product, see if you can get a sample or buy a travel-sized version first to try before you buy.

Which products do you splurge and steal on?

p.s. Stay tuned for skincare and hair editions!

splurge vs. steal: when is it worth the $$$?

If you look in my giant, cluttered makeup bag you'll see a mix of drugstore and higher-end products. Friends have asked me what my favorite brands are for specific products, and I always surprise myself by the variety in price of products I love equally. If I need to replace a number of items in my makeup bag, I would have to go to at least a couple different stores.

People often associate expensive cosmetics with better quality. SO not true! Even though there is something to be said for the way owning a specific high-end product makes you feel, and some more expensive products are better, not all of them are.

I appreciate good quality AND love a good steal so, where do you strike the balance? This is how I sort it out:

1. Do your research. I will rarely buy a product without doing research on it first! This means that if you're looking for something specific, such as a new mascara or blush, read lots and lots of reviews then decide if a more expensive product seems worth the price. If you're a newbie, try the Allure Beauty Product Finder. You can select the specific type of product you're looking for, and a list of products will appear that are suited to your style, type and price. If you know a little more about makeup, head over to Sephora.com and search for the product you want or under your favorite brand. Read the customer reviews -- these are real people with real experiences!!! Most of them are great, but the reviews that seem to 'go against the grain' and contradict the majority may be a little untrustworthy. If you're a beauty expert, sign up at MakeupAlley to read countless reviews on every product you can imagine.
2. Think about commitment. If you really want to try red lipstick and never have before, trying a cheap drugstore option is a good place to start. You don't want to splurge on 'trendy' makeup or products that you're not sure you'll love because it might end up sitting around unused and that's a waste of money. On the other hand, if there's something you know you want and love and will use all the time, go ahead and spend the money!
3. Compare with other products. Take advantage of all the testers at department stores, Ulta and Sephora! If I'm trying to decide between different options of the same product, I'll test them on my hand (or sometimes face) and look at the end of the day and see which one stayed on the longest and looks the best. 

The atrocity that is my makeup bag.

Sometimes it's simply trial and error, or listening to your friend's recommendations. I really enjoy reading reviews on products and testing them out at the store before buying, it makes me even more excited when I actually find 'the one'!

How do you decide when do splurge or save?