Thursday, April 18, 2013

Drug Store vs Retail

So I had a request from Brianne about my personal opinion on drug store brands vs. retail. A lot of people can't see how in the hell people spend a small fortune on makeup product and that's understandable because there are definitely some pricey items out there. So I am going to compare a few products I have tried and tell you what I think is worth it and what I think you can buy at a drugstore.

This is going to be random no rhyme or reason just some products I find myself using on a regular basis.

So here we go...

If you use eye shadow and wear it for long periods at a time don't skimp on this product! I have nothing to compare it to because I just think it's so worth it!! MAC's paint pots in Painterly and Girl Friendly are an absolute must. Those people who get eye shadows bunched up in their creases and just can't get products to stay NEED THIS! Really, I think everyone should at least own one of the two... But, hey that's just me!

Mascara's are something I think you can buy at your local drug store, supermarket, walmart, etc... This is totally and unnecessary splurge! They are NO different then any of the high end products! I personally really like Maybelline's Great Lash in the pink and green tube and their Lash Stiletto mascaras. Love the way they look and find myself reaching for them more then my pricier mascaras!

NYX is my FAVORITE drugstore brand of all time leaving Maybelline in a close second! I think their Shine Killer primer is equivalent to Tarte and SmashBox's primer and for a quarter of the price! They have a pore filler one I have yet to try but I'm sure it's good too... So this is a big money saver because these primers get pretty expensive. 
FOUNDATION.... This is a big chunk of change for those who purchase retail and I DO think it's necessary to have one bottle of a nice foundation whichever brand you prefer I personally like MAC's foundation the most but for everyday use I turn to L'Oreals Lumi true match and I do think this is a really great foundation but I just think it's important to have a flawless foundation for events and special occasions or whatever you see fit. 

Liquid eyeliner is something I think makes your eyes really shine! I think it is a staple for every look whether it be casual or a formal event. I've tried several drugstore brand eye liners and I just do not care for them personally. I am a firm believer in Stila's liquid eyeliner and I guarantee you WILL NOT go back to ANY other brand after using it... It's a gift and I really will never love any other liquid eyeliner as much as I love Stila's! OBSESSED to say the least.
Pigments are so beautiful and I really think L'Oreal's HIP pigments are beautiful and come in a large variety of colors. I've had them for years and they're still full and really don't see how someone can go through one by themselves. In comparison's to MAC's I think they(HIP) are a little more pigmented which is nice for certain looks but I find myself using the MAC pigments more for some reason. I have a bunch of both and really there is no real significant difference so if you don't want to splurge on MAC's pigments it really isn't a must! The HIP pigments will do just a good of job!

Gel eyeliner is something new I've been getting into and I do really like the product. I think once you get into the swing of it it's a nice item to have! But, be patient lol I'm still trying to master it but I do like it so far. When it comes to this DRUG STORE all the way. MAC's gel eyeliner is ok but the Maybelline's eye studio gel eyeliner is the same if not better! So definitely buy the Maybelline brand!

Concealers are essential for those of us who have bags or blemishes we wish to hide from the world. I have tried a ton of concealers and love Maybelline's FIT concealers and Garnier's concealer but I do like Bobbi Brown and MAC's concealers as well. This is another thing I think the cheaper items are what you wear on a daily basis and the more expensive items you use for special occasions. 
I love glitter in eye shadow! It's soooo cute and depending on who's applying it can be a nice pop or just a hot ass mess... Whichever route you decide know that you can buy NYX glitter mania and it's equivalent to MAC's glitter. So don't waste your money buying this at MAC if you don't have to!


Bronzers/Blushes are another staple to any look you're going for. I have tried many drug store bronzer and it's a complete miss in my opinion. I think this is an item that you need to spend a little more money on. My FAVORITE bronzer as of right now is Betty Lou Manizer by the Balm and it's GORGEOUS!!! It is to die for and it gives you a beautiful glow.... BUY THIS RIGHT NOW, so serious lol. As for blushes, I have the NARS oh so special Orgasm and it is very pretty but Milani makes a baked blush in the shade Luminoso which is identical so save your money there FOR SURE. I also really like NYX Blushes whether it's powder or the cream blushes they're all great products. I also love MAC blushes if you're willing to spend a little more. But, I think NARS is overpriced in my opinion and the only reason I bought that was because I had a coupon lol


Lip Glosses... Definitely don't waste your money at any retailer I think it's nuts to spend anything over 6-8 dollars on lipgloss considering how quickly you go through it. THE BEST and most affordable lipgloss is also from NYX I love their butter glosses in particular and there are a variety of shades available. I really think they're the most amazing lipglosses I have used in a while. And there's also Maybelline's color whispers that I also enjoy using. I have a ton of them and think they're also another great drugstore lip product. As far as lipsticks I know Revlon has some good lipstick's but I suggest MAC's lipsticks because the colors are perfect and I think they look the best... 


MAC's mineralized skin finish powder has NO COMPETITION!! YOU CAN NOT GO CHEAP ON THIS!!! Trust me this product is worth every penny and the same applies for the hi-light powders as well. So yes this is more costly but your makeup will really come together for a finished look when using these products!


MAC has a fix plus finishing spray filled with all these things I can't remember but I think it's a waste. Some people think it's the best thing ever but I substitute it for NYX Dewy Finish spray. It may not have all the extra vitamins or whatever special stuff they have in the MAC product but it's just as good in my book and... THE PRICE IS RIGHT! And when I really know i am having a long day I love the Urban Decay all nighter! Really it is the best even though it is pricey but... it's not a necessity but a great addition if you're willing to loosen up the purse strings!

So there you have it...
As you can tell NYX , Maybelline, and L'Oreal are my go to drug store products!
NYX is sold at ULTA (my obsession) along with some of the high end products.
I hope my advice helped


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