topic Drug store vs. High end...a comparison in Beauty

Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

Good4u — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 00:55:01 GMT

Hi beauties!

Thoughts on this article and the similarities and difference and how each has its benefit and savings.

https://www.healthyway.com/content/the-differences-between-drugstore-makeup-and-high-end-makeup/

Re: Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

Pook — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 17:13:16 GMT

I do agree with the article. While anyone can achieve a great look with just about any brand whether drugstore or high end, the staying power and effects on the overall skin in the long run may be affected by using the cheaper product with less pure indredients. I know for me, the only drugstore products that work for me are Maybelline mascaras and different lip products. The difference in my skin by using high end makeup is obvious in the feel and texture of my skin. I had an uncle who worked for Revlon tell me the same tlhing about the purity of the ingredients used by drugstore brands. He said they would often use the more impure bottom of the barrel leftovers that the high end companies rejected due to impurities settling in the bottom. He also said many of the sources for their ingredients were cheaper less concentrated versions of what is in the high end cosmetics/skincare.

Re: Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

mistriTsquirrel — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 11:02:39 GMT

I don't know that I agree with everything the makeup artist quoted in the article said.

The gap between drugstore and high-end makeup seems to be getting smaller, and many high-end brands have the same fillers and irritants that the drugstore brands often use.

The price tag or where you buy the item does not necessarily determine the quality of the item. You can pay a lot of money for an item and most of what you're paying for may be advertising/PR and expensive packaging.

I have purchased some really nice drugstore things and some disappointing high-end items (and vice versa). I really don't think you can expect something to be nice these days just because you paid more for it. Thankfully we have the internet now and can easily look up reviews for items before we purchase them.

Re: Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

Harpa — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 11:51:34 GMT

I prefer better ingredients, so I guess that means high street (high end) for me. Especially if I were doing a foundation.

In the case of "convenience v. performance," I go with performance! However, I'm not out there shopping all the time, so...there you have it! Then again, how will you know these things perform, unless you try them! You can't always take someone else's word.

Some things, though, like makeup brushes? You can find really good ones at the lower end. And mascara? Though I trust and have liked "lower end" Maybelline, I'm now using Rimmel, (when I do use mascara.)

Re: Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

tototwo — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 12:06:44 GMT

It's personal preference. No article or person will ever convince me that the more expensive the product, the better it is. There are some excellent products at the drugstore, and horrid products at high-end makeup counters. And vice versa. A woman (or man) needs to find what works best for her, no matter where she buys it or how much it costs.

Re: Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

Eileen in Virginia — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 12:53:10 GMT

My makeup usage plummeted after I retired from daily to monthly (if that). So I don’t spend a lot of money on makeup. I do use high end moisturizing products like Philosophy and L’Occitane. On those rare occasions when I’ve forgotten or run out of my moisturizer and had to use my husband’s body lotion, I’ve noticed that they don’t work as well as mine.

Re: Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

Ainhisg — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 14:51:11 GMT

Now that I'm retired, I don't wear makeup but once or twice a week and only for a few hours at a time. My makeup gets old or dries up before I ever run out. I buy drugstore everything because of having to throw out almost full mascaras, foundation, eyeliner, etc. If I were still working and needed products that would last for hours and hours, I would consider higher end products. But as it is, drugstore is the best choice for me. As far as skin care, I go with the research. Prescription Retin A, sunscreen, an AHA product, and Cerave cleansers and moisturizers (am loving the Cerave Moisturizing Cream at night). No need for anyone to spend a lot of money on skin care imo.

Re: Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

ALRATIBA — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 14:58:53 GMT

I tried a couple of high end products, but m skin does better with Avon and drugstore products. The only cleanser I use is soap and water.

I'm perfectly satisfied with how I look with and without makeup.

Re: Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

bonnielu — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 15:09:09 GMT

I have told this story before. I sat in the lobby of a hotel waiiting for my hubby to finish a meeting. He was there with one convention and there was another group. In the same area I was siting I noticed badges.... INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTS. I guess i was bored and also curious. So I asked what an IC was. And here was his answer.

This particular group makes cosmetics..... all kinds... and then the advice. SAVE YOUR MONEY THEY ARE ALL ESSENTIALLY THE SAME. WE MAKE FRAGRANCES TO DISTINQUISH THEM AND MAKE YOU THINK THE HIGHER END BRANDS ARE BETTER. He also was involved with detergents.

Re: Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

Annabellethecat66 — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 15:09:57 GMT

I pretty much agree with @POOK. I use Maybelline eyelash and that's all. I've used it for years (since I was a teenager). It's served me well.

When my husband died suddenly and I'd be going somewhere and boo hoo out of the blue, it never ran, you'd never know 5 minutes before I'd been crying my heart out (waterproof).

Other than that, I use Laura Geller, IT (QVC's), Dr. Denese and I'll try a few other QVC sold products.

Since I don't like generic medicine, I don't want to use generic makeup.

I buy name brand products for my 2 teenage granddaughters too. They have beautiful skin (not one zit). Their mother and I have have taught the importance of keeping the skin clean and not just putting anything on it.

My one granddaughter (soon 16) watches those YouTube videos 24/7. She can put makeup on like people who make their living doing it. Me? Well, I can put it on very quickly and it's fine but as for eyeshadow, forget it.

I can only speak for myself. It's not about spending a lot of money for something. I just think it's about using a better product.

I have a friend who's a pharmacist and she said not all generic medicines are the same...period.

Re: Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

Tricolor — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 15:19:44 GMT

Very interesting reading. Since I am retired I have cut back on purchases but I still like high end for the most part. One exception is Maybelline Mascara. I do wear that and very pleased with it. Their lipsticks are pretty decent too. There is one high end company that doesn't even give you the case when you purchase their products, i.e., lipstick, eyeshadows and blush. The case is usually $45 more. That is ridiculous. I do think that they are robbing the customer. I do feel that most high end products have more pigment. L'Oreal does have a few foundations that work OK but I still buy high end foundation because there are more shades to pick from.

Re: Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

puttypiesmom — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 15:20:36 GMT

I don't trust drugstore makeup although I think it's impressive that Loreal offers so many shades of their foundation I still won't try it. All I can think of is heavy metals, dirty water and insect particles.

Re: Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

Shanus — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 15:22:19 GMT

@Good4uwrote:
Hi beauties!

Thoughts on this article and the similarities and difference and how each has its benefit and savings.

https://www.healthyway.com/content/the-differences-between-drugstore-makeup-and-high-end-makeup/

@Good4u Good article, thanks for posting. Most is what I’ve said here when asked: spend more on foundation, concealer, skincare....dept. store. Drugstore OK for mascara and some shadows, but at the end of the day, you spend less for shadow, but sometimes have to use more of it because of fallout or less pigment. I choose high end shadow 90% of the time. Always purchase best brushes you can...serve you well for years.

Dept. stores do have testers and counter help for all important foundation matching....drugstore products, no.

Re: Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

ItsME — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 15:47:01 GMT

@Good4u When thinking about drugstore products vs high end, I'm always brought back to a day 10+ years ago when I was out with mom on a very hot day. Her drugstore makeup separated, with some running down her face and some sticking to it. That, along with my sensitive skin has kept me using the higher end products, and choosing carefully so as to not irritate my skin. Two exceptions... eyebrow pencil and mascara.

Re: Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

Katcat1 — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 15:56:58 GMT

The problem with drugstore cosmetics is you can't test foundations, lipsticks, eye shadows, etc. For me, I prefer high end products for my face and purchase Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. I also purchase high end lipsticks. However, I do like Maybelline mascaras but I am currently using Origins mascara for under $20. I think that better ingredients are used in the high end justifying the price. It's comes down to a personal choice.

Re: Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

kcladyz — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:48:59 GMT

I was useing salon shampoos for a few years and went back to drugstore for they improved a great deal. I still use salon but I also use drugstore. I just tried Loreal extraordinary oil shampoo and love it. As far as make up I see not difference between drugstore and department store

Re: Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

kcladyz — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:50:48 GMT

My friend applies 3 different mascaras al high end and I told her there is no difference and she got upset lol It looks the same as a drugstore mascara except I pay like $7 and dhe pays abput $20 each lol

Re: Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

kcladyz — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 21:14:44 GMT

Ya all got to remember a lot of the companies that make the high end own the companies that make the drugstore brands.

Re: Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

tototwo — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 11:13:28 GMT

Someone told me many years ago that there are only about 5 big cosmetics "factories." Some days the products manufactured go into high-end bottles and jars.... and the next day those same products go into the drugstore brand bottles and jars. Same products, different packaging. And no "heavy metals, dirty water and insect particles" @puttypiesmom-- all cosmetic companies must meet the same cleanliness standards.

Re: Drug store vs. High end...a comparison

SahmIam — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 12:04:34 GMT

Interesting article and I agree with a lot but not all of it.

I do believe that anyone who is good with makeup application can take ANY makeup and make it look amazing. That said, there is no way on this planet that I can say that a Wet and Wild single eye shadow is equal to a Chantecaille single eye shadow: I've used both and W&W was horrible to work with. Yes, you can make it work but the constant fall-out, having to apply layers as the pigmentation was barely there, the texture....not worth it to me.

Foundations are usually where high end comes ahead due to the colors and textures. I'm constantly scouting for very pale shades and until recently, you really were talking high end as drugstore was either very pink, very peach, very orange and/or too dark. Now they're starting to get the shades right but rarely is one rich enough for my dry skin. If you're oily to normal or want a matte look, you have hundreds to choose from. This is something that has made many bloggers discuss who drugstore makeup is marketed towards and many say it's the tween to twenties due to both price and the amazing amount of glitter/shine.

Estee Lauder does not outsource their products; all are made in-house at their private factories. Estee Lauder also owns the majority of counters at any department store you may shop at so among all their lines, you are purchasing the same product just packaged differently (MAC shadows vs EL shadows vs Clinique shadows, etc are the same formula just different shades and containers). Lancome and L'Oreal are the same product as well: when Lancome brings out their new shades for the season, give it about 4-6 weeks and L'Oreal will have those same shades (different names) as well. Same with the skincare with the exception of their super expensive products. Once you know the game and who owns which lines, you start shopping via the best deal because they're the same products (within the same company at least).

My favorite nailpolish in the world is Wet & Wild 1 Step Wonder Gel. Nothing else they make impresses me, however. Maybelline mascara is a mess on my eyes: they itch,..badly. It smears. It gloops. Many love it, however. I put the bulk of money into skincare now as I know what makeup works for me and what doesn't and the vast majority of stuff out there holds no interest for me (unicorns, mermaids, peaches, gloss with chunky glitter and everything scented out the wazoo- don't need or want it). Even then, I find serums are what I focus on as well as a good eye cream and definitely spf.

The best part is that there are plenty of brands out there at all price points so anyone can find what they want without breaking the bank. : )