There are hundreds and thousands of different makeup brands. Some makeup lovers would say certain brands (the "high-end" brands) are better than others (the "drugstore" brands). This goes back and forth and has gone on for years, decades even. The infamous debate, is spending the money on high-end makeup worth it, or is it all just consumerism?
My personal opinion is (generally) yes, it is worth the money. As someone who has tested and tried both drugstore and high-end makeup, I can say generally the higher end makeup is a better quality product. They tend to have a longer staying power, especially eyeshadows and foundations, and they also tend to be more pigmented and easier to blend. This isn't always the case however, there are some products, and brands, that are drugstore but still blow me away.
1. Foundation
Now, I don't use foundation every day, but I used it often enough to have a few favorites. My all-time favorite foundation has to be Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation. It's long lasting, blends beautifully, and the color match is amazing. Although I would be lying if I didn't say the Maybelline Fit Me foundation was my holy grail foundation all through high school. So, if $43 for foundation isn't your thing, try the Fit Me for about $8.
2. Eyeshadow
If I'm honest I have to say I'm a little biased towards the higher end eyeshadows. The Urban Decay Naked palettes are my obsession. They are a little pricey being $52, but I definitely think they are worth it. However, the Nudes Palette by Maybeilline is nothing to scoff at and it's a fraction of the price at only $12. If Morphe is your dream palette, BH Cosmetics have some great dupes for those too! Plus, the BHC palettes are half the price.
3. Primers
My go-to face primers are drugstore and high-end. For me there is little difference in quality. Smashbox and NYX both have fantastic primers. With a $43 vs. $14 difference in price and a relatively similar quality, either primer brand is a good buy. For eyeshadow primers, MAC's Soft Ocher Paint Pot is one of the best at $22. Ulta brand eyeshadow primer gets the job done as well, and it's only $12.
4. Lipsticks
Lipstick is an essential in any makeup look. My top lipsticks are NYX Lingerie liquid lipsticks and Urban Decay VICE lipsticks, which are $7 and $17 respectively. Both are fantastic products and long wearing. I would highly recommend these two products. It really just depends if you want a liquid matte lipstick or a standard lipstick product.
5. Mascara
OK, if I'm being honest here I don't notice much of a difference in quality in the drugstore mascara I use and the high-end ones. My everyday mascaras (yes, I use two) is the waterproof Clump Crusher by Covergirl, $8, and Tarte Tarteist mascara, $23. I absolutely love both mascaras; they don't clump, they don't flake, and they separate and lengthen my lashes. Definitely a 10/10 recommend both products.
