Makeup is everywhere these days, whether it’s at clothing or grocery stores we are bombarded with choices. However many of the brands, such as MAC, Revlon or Yardley, that are on offer are pretty expensive. But is paying that much extra really worth it? Or are their drugstore counterparts just as good? If you’re unsure, here is a guide to help you decide whether it is really worth the extra cash.

What exactly are you paying for?

When it comes to deciding whether or not to splurge on expensive makeup you should keep in mind certain factors. The first is the brand name, sometimes buying designer makeup will just cost you more because of the name. The next is the fragrance, designer brands will often use luxe fragrances in their formulas to enhance the user’s experience.

Brand makeups will also have better applicators, such as foundation sponges, eyeshadow brushes, and mascara and powder applicators. This can make a huge difference to how it looks on your skin, which can be seen as an added value. Better makeup brands will also have better pigmentation, which means that you will use less of the product because of the better color payoff.

What about the ingredients?

Note that the ingredients themselves aren’t actually a factor that contributes to the increase in price. This is because the majority of designer makeup brands have the same ingredients as drugstore makeup. While the designer makeup will have the added fragrance, better applicators, and increased pigmentation, their components are basically the same. So, in the end, it up to you whether the added cost is worth it.

So which makeup is worth splurging on?

Blush

When it comes to makeup, blush has one of the longest shelf lives. Most powdered based blushes actually have the same ingredients, so you don’t need to splurge on a pricier brand. Even if the pigment isn’t as strong in your drugstore blush, the good thing about it is that it’s buildable so you can layer it until you get the right colour.

Mascara

Mascara is a bit different from blush. While most products have similar formulas, they will differ from brand to brand. Different mascaras will have different brush types, pigmentation and will prioritise different things, such as fatter or longer lashes. When it comes to designer brands, they will often have larger and softer applicators that have better results for volumizing. If mascara is one of your makeup staples then you may want to splurge on a product that will prioritise what you want.

Lipstick

When it comes to lipstick, it’s always better to splurge on those that are of better quality. A good lipstick will have good wear throughout the day and will have better pigmentation. This means that you won’t have to layer it on until you get the right colour. Better brands will also add more moisturizing ingredients to keep your lips from drying out. So if you have a signature colour that’s a bit pricer then it’s always worth it.

Eyeliner

With eyeliners, you don’t need to spend lots of money to get a good quality liner. If you are going for the cheaper ones, make sure that they have soft kohl tip. Keep in mind that for a brand eyeliner, you may get a better applicator or a built-in pencil sharpener. However, when it comes to liquid liners it’s better to pay extra as they offer better applicators and create smoother lines.

Foundation and Concealer

These two are a bit tricky when it comes to deciding whether pricer ones are better. This is because they are very personal products, some people may prefer coverage while others are interested in color correction, so it’s hard to determine whether a brand or drugstore variant is better. However, designer brands often have added pigments, serums, light-reflectors, and sunscreen. So it all depends on what your skin needs and what benefits you’re looking for.

It all comes down to what you want to get out of your makeup products. If you prefer the pricer ones, that’s all well and good, but you don’t always need to splurge to get good quality makeup. The key is to keep testing different products out until you find the right ones.