When you’re looking to save money, there is a right and wrong way to shop for makeup. Certain high-end products may be worth splurging on, while others may not be. For instance, even as a self-proclaimed Sephora devotee, I cannot justify spending $20 on a concealer that will last me two months. However, I can justify spending $20 on a high-quality eye shadow that will last me a year. In situations like this, buying a cheaper alternative of a desired makeup product from a store like Target or CVS is a practical option. But which drugstore makeup products are worth trying? Read on for suggestions of low-priced makeup for the eyes and face, as well as low-priced brushes and beauty tools!
Eyes
Personally, I think it’s worth spending a little extra money on a good eye shadow. The quality of eye shadow offered by companies like Urban Decay and Stila is often unrivaled by that of drugstore-purchased eye shadow. On the other hand, a lot of drugstore mascaras and eyeliners are of great quality. Here are some eye makeup products that are especially worth a try:
1. Loreal Telescopic Mascara, $10
Compare to: Yves Saint Laurent “Babydoll” Mascara, $30
2. Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara, $9
3. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, $6
4. NYX Jumbo eye pencils, $4-5
How to: Use it as an eye shadow primer and base
Compare to: Stila Smudge Crayon Waterproof eye prime + shadow + liner, $22
Face
In the case of makeup for the face, I think buying a high-quality liquid foundation, CC cream, and/or pressed powder is worth the higher asking price because of how well they work and how long they typically last. Still, drugstores do offer some decent alternatives. Conversely, concealers and primers are often not worth buying from a high-end retailer because of the unreasonable cost. Here are some makeup products for the face that are especially worth a try:
1. Studio Secrets Professional Color Correcting Primer, $13
Compare to: Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer in Color Adjust (Green), $38
2. L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup SPF 20, $13-$15
3. Boots No. 7 Concealer, $7-$10
Compare to: Bobbi Brown Face Touch Up Stick, $26
4. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer, $8-$11
Brushes and Tools
Buying a brush or makeup tool from MAC or Sephora is often worth splurging on because of how long lasting and high quality the product is. However, lower-priced options do exist. Here are some makeup brushes and tools that are especially worth a try:
1. e.l.f. powder brush, $3
2. Real Techniques “Expert Face Brush”, $9
3. Real Techniques Blush Brush, $9
4. Real Techniques Lash-Brow Groomer, $6
Compare to: Make Up For Ever 276 Eyelash Comb and Brush, $28, or Sephora Collection Pro Brow Comb #21, $15
Article Sources:
Bobbibrown.com
Drugstore.com
Polishandpearls.com
Realtechniques.com
Sephora.com
Target.com
Tumblr.com
Ulta.com
Walgreens.com