As fears of a recession loom, many women are looking for ways to be more frugal in their beauty routine. We contacted two leading cosmetics experts—Wendy Lewis, a cosmetic-surgery and skin-care consultant based in New York, NY, and Kristine Frank, a Phoenix, Arizona-based makeup artist—to find out when it’s best to spend the extra money, and when it’s not.
Q: Is it okay to buy mascara at the drugstore?
A: Mascara doesn't vary much between brands, says Frank. So if you’re looking for ways to save money, pick up a few mascaras at the local drugstore—prices start around $5 or $6—and avoid the pricier counterparts at the specialty counters.
Q: What about eye shadow? Is the drugstore variety as good as the products found at the specialty counters?
A: When it comes to eye shadow, the biggest difference between the high-end and drugstore varieties is pigmentation, says Frank. If you want to create a soft, natural look, go for the drugstore eye shadow. But if you prefer more drama, it might be worth it to shop at a department store. This is because higher-end eye shadow has a greater concentration of pigment than those found in drugstores. The pigment is the most expensive component, which is why the higher-end products cost more.
Q: Is foundation from the drugstore a good deal?
A: When it comes to foundation, the biggest difference lies in the color range, says Frank. Higher-end cosmetic lines tend to offer more color choices, and you can try them out on your skin right at the counter. But, if you shop at a local drugstore for foundation, it's more of a guessing game (unless you already know what color is right for you), and you may have to buy a few different bottles to obtain the right shade.
Q: What if my skin is very sensitive?
A: If your skin is very sensitive, an unusual shade, or you’re looking for other anti-aging ingredients in your foundation, the higher-priced department-store foundation may be worth the cost, says Lewis. Today's higher-end foundations often contain ingredients such as antioxidants and sunscreen, and shopping at the counter enables customers to get one-on-one advice about specific products.
Q: What about makeup brushes or other application devices? Are the drugstore varieties just as good as the high-end ones?
A: Simply put, no. Both Frank and Lewis agree that a set of good-quality brushes is essential and well worth the money. The sponge applicators found in most drugstore cosmetics may pick up a lot of color, but the application tends to be splotchy. With a brush, however, the hairs apply the color more evenly, says Frank. She recommends buying two eye-shadow brushes (one for base shadow and one for the contrasting color), a blush brush, a loose powder brush, and an eyeliner brush. For long-lasting quality, expect to spend at least $20 on eye-shadow brushes and $30 on face brushes.
Q: If I do visit a high-end cosmetic counter can you offer some advice on how not to spend too much money?
A: If the thought of approaching a makeup counter seems intimidating, Lewis suggests doing some online research ahead of time to check out the product line and price points. Decide what your budget is, figure out what you need before you go, and don't be afraid to say no. Lewis also suggests finding one person at the counter that you feel comfortable with (and who can show you multiple brands), and then developing a relationship with that person. Another option is to shop at a specialty cosmetic store, such as Sephora, where there's a large selection and assistance only if you ask for it.
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