Luxury makeup brands – are they worth the splurge?

Whether you’re a makeup junkie or someone who just needs minimal products to achieve a quick, fresh and bright look, the dilemma you face when browsing through those endless makeup lines is whether to go the expensive route or the drugstore dupes.

It’s no secret that products and makeup lines are unnecessarily expanding. You have new formulae being created, more and more brands are being launched, and the technology of applicators is ever-changing to make your makeup routine a lot easier.  The plus side to the evolution of cosmetic products is that we’re finally moving towards cleaner formulae and eco-friendly packaging- although this STILL needs more work.

Understanding Quality Ingredients In Your Makeup Products

When debating between splurging a little extra or sticking to drugstore products, the one thing you’re made to believe is that you’re being guaranteed quality products that will rarely harm your skin.

According to an article by Healthyway , luxury brands do use “premium formulations, higher quality ingredients, more pigment, and include more costly technologies in the creation of those products” as high-end brands “regularly utilise advanced chemistry for both liquids and dry powders.” But on the other end, with affordable products, you’re getting similar benefits while sticking to your budget. 

But you need to bear in mind that though drugstore products have similar marketing terms as luxury ones- ex: ‘long-lasting formula’, ‘clean ingredients’ etc., there is a reason why they are priced lower than luxury brands.

Their ingredients are not entirely raw and natural- they are lab-created synthetic and less expensive materials approved by cosmetic regulatory bodies (UK cosmetics Regulation).

That being said, don’t be tempted to throw away your drugstore products and go on a luxury makeup shopping spree. 

Your makeup looks can still turn out banging, but you may have to step up your aftercare routine so that you’re not damaging your skin with the harsh chemicals and cheaper ingredients. 

Premium Vs Drugstore

When I started developing my makeup routine with drugstore products, there was always a desire to pop by Sephora and purchase those pricey products that I watched many Beauty Vloggers use in their makeup videos. The Instagram-able packaging of the products was undoubtedly the most attractive element!

Now that I’ve had the chance to experiment with both ranges of products, the truth is that not all luxury cosmetics are worth damaging your wallet. You need to experiment with those brands and see what products work for you and your daily routine. Whether you need to spend those extra bucks for performance or save up for convenience. For someone who wears makeup often- you would probably be better off purchasing affordable products and saving the pricier ones for those special events. 

Alternatively, if you don’t wear them often (or you wear them often but stick to minimal products), you could go the boujie route and purchase cosmetics that are pricier but better in quality as you’re unlikely to run out of the product too quickly. 

You can also opt for travel-sized products if you want budget-friendly luxury products. These can actually last a good few months, and in this way- you’re getting your high-end makeup on a budget!

Not all luxury brands live up to the hype.

When buying luxury products- do your research first and sample products and shades before ringing them up at the counter. Understand your brands and the products they specialise in. For instance, brands like Charlotte Tilbury and Urban Decay do high quality and great pigmentation in their eyeshadow palettes. Anastasia Beverly Hills and Benefits have a fantastic eye-brow makeup range, while brands like Glossier and Body Shop are known for their cruelty-free makeup range.

Simultaneously, drugstore brands like L’Oreal and Revlon mass-produce similar quality brow makeup. Elf does impressive highlighters. Nyx is known for its array of eye makeup and lip colour shades- and these are just to name a few.

Play with your products, understand what you want to achieve with your makeup looks and mind your finances.

Is Luxury Makeup Worth the Splurge?

It can be hard to create your own makeup routine and go-to products. The trick is to figure out what brands and products you love and how comfortable are you with the splurges. But the ever-nagging question that almost every makeup consumer struggles to find the answer to is, are luxury products worth it?

Unfortunately, the only response you’ll elicit from makeup gurus or anyone who uses makeup is- it’s all up to you! 

The only advice I can give you is don’t opt for ridiculously affordable makeup products. You’re inviting skin troubles with dodgy products. Think before you buy your products. Can you make do with the affordable ones, or do you think experimenting with brands will up your makeup looks? I won’t deny that sometimes opting for luxury products does enhance your makeup looks, but these do come with a high price tag.

Regardless of the brand status, choose those ingredients that nurture and enhance your skin, making you feel your best and most confident self.

Edited by Tia Xiourouppas