Wednesday
02Apr2008
Drugstore vs. Department Store
Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 02:54PM
Okay dolls, so I feel the need to first touch on the subject of the comparison between drugstore cosmetics and those purchased at counters at department stores like Macy's and Saks. Now truly both sides of the fence have their pros and cons but like everything else in this commerce globe, with quality comes a higher price tag; and this surely applies to cosmetics and skincare products.
Of course at your local drugstore or pharmacy you will find tons of different makeup lines all offering very similar items packaged differently; and while the prices range all the way up to $20.00; the quality that you will recieve from these items will be a mere 'satisfactory'. However don't let this discourage your purchases. There are many great findings at drugstores and pharmacies that are great for their value and these include creams, toners, makeup removers, certain tools, lip balm; etc. However you simply have to use your judgement and hope that your selected product can deliver the quality or 'look' that you are hoping to achieve.
As for expensive brands like Chanel, M.A.C., Dior, Smashbox, etc.; these lines are indeed more expensive with some items even ranging into the hundreds for their products. But again, with higher price comes a higher quality.
Let's take eyeshadows for example. A L'Oreal HIP Pigment eyeshadow would NEVER deliver the same amount of color as that of a M.A.C. or Makeup Forever eyeshadow. Why? Well the answer is simple...to achieve a superior quality for makeup it has to be milled and pigmented multiple times. The ingredients also are a higher quality as well. But of course this costs money, therefore while M.A.C. can charge up to $20.00 for a single pigment jar of eye color and L'Oreal about $8.00, the proof is in the numbers that a M.A.C. shadow will not only deliver quality, but it will last longer when worn, and overall have superior quality.
Now, I do know that not everyone can dish out the lump sums of cash for some great makeup, but like I said before, there are some awesome products at your drugstore that can still make you gorgeous. Below are some of my favorites:
Of course at your local drugstore or pharmacy you will find tons of different makeup lines all offering very similar items packaged differently; and while the prices range all the way up to $20.00; the quality that you will recieve from these items will be a mere 'satisfactory'. However don't let this discourage your purchases. There are many great findings at drugstores and pharmacies that are great for their value and these include creams, toners, makeup removers, certain tools, lip balm; etc. However you simply have to use your judgement and hope that your selected product can deliver the quality or 'look' that you are hoping to achieve.
As for expensive brands like Chanel, M.A.C., Dior, Smashbox, etc.; these lines are indeed more expensive with some items even ranging into the hundreds for their products. But again, with higher price comes a higher quality.
Let's take eyeshadows for example. A L'Oreal HIP Pigment eyeshadow would NEVER deliver the same amount of color as that of a M.A.C. or Makeup Forever eyeshadow. Why? Well the answer is simple...to achieve a superior quality for makeup it has to be milled and pigmented multiple times. The ingredients also are a higher quality as well. But of course this costs money, therefore while M.A.C. can charge up to $20.00 for a single pigment jar of eye color and L'Oreal about $8.00, the proof is in the numbers that a M.A.C. shadow will not only deliver quality, but it will last longer when worn, and overall have superior quality.
Now, I do know that not everyone can dish out the lump sums of cash for some great makeup, but like I said before, there are some awesome products at your drugstore that can still make you gorgeous. Below are some of my favorites:
- Maybelline Ultra Brow - This is an awesome eyebrow powder that has been around ever since I can remember. My mom used it first, then my sister and then me. I love this thing and can't get enough of it. It is awesome!
- Milani Eye Shadows - I've tried them all and these are probably the best eye shadows in the drugstore! They deliver an awesome color and with a great eye primer they can last all day. At less than 4 bucks a pop, this is a steal.
- Max Factor Lash Perfection Mascara - This little sucker is awesome! I love this mascara and is always what I turn to when I run out of my Lancome and cant get to a beauty counter. The brush is wonderful and truly lengthens your lashes. I have itty bitty lashes so when it comes to mascara I have covered all the bases. This mascara is great.
- Sonia Kashuk @ Target, Essence of Beauty @ CVS, and Eco Tools @ several retailers have AWESOME quality makeup brushes. These brushes are great, and as for the Eco Tools, thyere even earth friendly!
- NYX Cosmetics is also a great line of makeup, they have great pigmentation.
- Wet N' Wild Bronzzer (Yes its 2 Z's), I love this bronzer and learned about it from my sister. It comes in great shades and lasts all day.
...and there are many more! When it comes to this subject its best to simply get out there and experiment. More money doesnt ALWAYS mean better quality. There are some lines out there that I wouldnt bother wasting my money on when I know that I can get an exact duplicate at a cheaper price. There are some products out there that are super expensive but it's all in the joy of the person that actually dishes out the funds for it.
My take on this is to simply use your judgement and do what works for you. Experiment and try different brands. You may be suprised at the results you get!
Stay glamorous,
Roselyn