High End Cosmetics vs. Drugstore Cosmetics: Beauty Battle
Lord knows I’m a high end cosmetic junkie. I live by the rule, “you get what you pay for”. Dishing out $20 for an eyeshadow that easily blends, has plenty of pigment, and simply looks stunning is way better than dishing out $5 for one that blends awful, has a chalky formula, and just looks awful on my eyes.
You get what you pay for.
However, some drugstore cosmetics have convinced me that they deserve a special spot among my elite high end cosmetic brands.
Here’s a post that checks out the best of both worlds and includes the best High End Cosmetics vs. the best Drugstore Cosmetics.
Jump!
- Foundation
Choosing the best base for your makeup is key to creating a good, working canvas for the rest of your makeup. I rarely suggest going the cheap path when it comes to foundation and feel it’s a must splurge item however here is my best of High End Foundation versus best of Drugstore Foundation.
- Best High End Foundation
At the moment the best high end I’ve come across is Shiseido The Makeup Lift Foundation. I’ve been combining two of the shades which are light ochre and light ivory for amazingly flawless, gorgeous skin.
- Best Drugstore Foundation
My pick for best drugstore falls in the realms of Asian BB Creams. They are incredibly affordable even when purchased stateside, offer amazing coverage, and perfect, flawless skin. However, I do realize BB Creams aren’t for everyone so my best pick for drugstore foundation falls in the realms of Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Face Powder in Creamy Natural. I don’t normally recommend powder foundations since they wear away so quickly but Physicians Formula gets major aces for this gorgeous powder which makes me look utterly perfect.
- Blush
I always suggest splurging on great blush but honestly, on occasion, you can get away with stealing a few great ones at your local drugstore and being wow’ed by the results.
- Best High End Blush
Best high end blush without any doubt would fall to NARS. NARS not only has a superior formula which blends easily and is extremely pigmented but also has some very unique, interesting shades to attest to its greatness such as Orgasm and Super Orgasm.
- Best Drugstore Blush
Milani Minerals Blush is just shy of being incredible due to its lack of color selection but without a doubt it’s one of my favorite blushes at my local drugstore. Not only does it run you under $6 bucks but it has a beautiful formula that wears naturally and pretty. Unique and pretty shades makeup for the lack of color variety available!
- Eyeshadow
In my experience drugstore eyeshadow comes across terribly within the US. Asia has the market covered when it comes to superior eyeshadow releases at local drugstores (within Asia of course not the US) but sadly the US falls harshly short. But in recent years our market is slowly evolving to include some great steal items at the drugstore!
- Best High End Eyeshadow
I’d love to award Urban Decay with the best high end however MAC does steal the show here simply due to variety of colors, finish, and formula. MAC is an endless parade of wonderful colors that are constantly rotating with new stock monthly plus affordable priced at under $15.
- Best Drugstore Eyeshadow
I actually have two picks for the best drugstore eyeshadow the first of which goes to Milani Runaway Eye Shadows. These gorgeous shimmering shades come in a variety of colors with a silky formula, plenty of pigmented, and a touch of shimmery goodness! Maybelline Eye Studio Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow gets my best of simply because they are probably some of the better shadows I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing at my local drugstore. The palettes are friendly enough to use and create a look thanks to contrasting shades plus a liner and the price tag isn’t too hard on the beauty budget either plus they are available in an array of pretty jewel shades!
- Lipgloss
Lipgloss is a tricky little product that I’d love to say is a great steal item however in some cases formulas are crummy at the local drugstore but occasionally a diamond of a gloss pops up!
- Best High End Lipgloss
This goes too Too Faced Mirror Mirror Lipgloss for me. The formula is the glossiest and shiniest I’ve ever tried, EVER, and I’ve tried plenty. However, lack of shade selection and a mostly opaque formula does limit it so that’s where MAC comes in with a variety of formulas and finishes for me!
- Best Drugstore Lipgloss
I’d love to say there are any number of great drugstore picks around but in my experience they are all rather crummy however Rimmel Royal Gloss Delicious Lipgloss gets my vote as they are a close second to Mirror Mirror in terms of glossy finish. Both Milani Buzz Worthy Lipgloss and Milani Glitzy Glamour Gloss get my pick for best drugstore lipgloss as well!
- Beauty Tools and Brushes
Picking the best brushes for application is key to successful makeup. You need good solid tools to blend properly. Honestly, I’d call beauty tools a splurge but you can find at least one drugstore brand that successfully creates a range of brushes that deserve a purchase!
- Best High End Beauty Brushes and Tools
I’ve always been a MAC Brush girl as they are sturdy, well made, and get the job done however selecting and choosing the best brushes for application in the high end will vary from user to user but I personally like MAC and recommend it highly.
- Best Drugstore Beauty Brushes and Tools
The CVS Essence of Beauty Brush Collection are some of the best drugstore brushes I’ve come across and well worth a pick up. Prices are as little as $2 to $10 and you’re getting quite great quality for the price sans shedding or harshness!
These are my personal picks for high end cosmetics vs. drugstore cosmetics. Hopefully you’ve discovered one or two new products you haven’t yet tried and are excited to do so.
Do add in your steal vs splurge picks for Face, Cheeks, Lips, and Eyes….I’d love to hear them as would everyone else I’m sure!