Drugstore vs Prestige Cosmetics

Question of the Week: Drugstore vs prestige cosmetics – which is better?

Which is better – drugstore beauty products or prestige cosmetics (like those found in department stores, Sephora or the high-end section of Ulta)? Well, everyone has an opinion on this. I personally think you get what you pay for – up to a point. I have consistently found that prestige makeup and skincare products tend to work better. BUT, I have also found some really amazing gems in the drugstore world that have blown my mind (the NYX 3 Steps to Sculpt palette has an amazing cool-toned contour shade that rivals the Kevyn Aucoin light contour shade for example). With prestige products, you’re often getting better quality materials without unnecessary fillers, but that’s not always the case. And at some point, you’re paying for the marketing and packaging that it takes to get these products into the Sephoras of the world. It’s not easy to get into Sephora, and from what I understand, it’s not easy to STAY in Sephora either. So that takes a lot of money and marketing.

So there are pros and cons to each, but in general, I think it’s worth spending more on certain things like foundation (color matching and formula are so important) and eyeshadows (some of the really cheap eyeshadows are so patchy and hard to blend). But other things are easier to save money on (blushes, mascaras and lipsticks in my opinion). What do you guys think? Any amazing dupes that you’ve found in the drugstore world?

The Lipstick League – week of 9.17.18

Please note that not all Lipstick League posts are cruelty free.

Painted Ladies – The good, the bad and the oily. Is the new NYX Cosmetics Can’t Stop Won’t Stop foundation a match for Sheila’s oily skin?

Phyrra – What do you wear to concerts? You’ll love my hair, makeup and Edgy Style Rocker Chic Outfit to see Clutch & SevenDust!

Prime Beauty -tries out the new Milani Pure Passion Eyeshadow Palette. Is it a fantastic drugstore find or fail?

Slashed Beauty – The new Revlon Kiss Cushion Lip Tints are giving matte liquid lipsticks a run for their money. See swatches and decide which shades to pick up this fall!

Beautygeeks – thinks it’s too early to focus on holiday beauty sets, but is doing it anyway. *shrug*

Blushing Noir – If you’re obsessing over those pricey Natasha Denona eyeshadows but aren’t sure you want to spend the $$$ you’re in luck! The Natasha Denona Mini Star Eyeshadow Palette is now available, but hurry… it’s limited edition!

EauMG – In case you were wondering, this was my most worn perfume of Summer 2018.

My Beauty Bunny – is a bit obsessed with the new Urban Decay Lo Fi Lip Mousse. She’s got a review and swatches of all shades on her blog!

(Wondering what the Lipstick League is? Find out here.)

Painted Ladies is Currently Craving: the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter which seems to be universally adored by all those who have tried it. I’m wondering if it will be too much for my normal-to-oily skin, though.