high end vs low end products ?

[katiesparkles]

The funny thing about MAC is that it isn't all that much more expensive than drugstore brands. I use both MAC and drugstore lipsticks, simply because the drugstore is less than a mile away and the nearest place to buy MAC is a 30-45minute drive. The last lipstitcks I bought were a Revlon 24 hour lip (the kind that you paint on, let dry, then apply sealant) for $13.95 and a MAC lip for $15. I like each one and wear each one. To me, it's all about getting the right color, I don't care about the brand. The most expensive lip I've bought was Rockalily, but only because the shipping from UK cost more than the actual lip.

I think MAC stuff, along with other "higher" end brands are wayyyyy more expensive abroad. A friend from NZ told me that the Nars blushes that are around $30 in the US, are about $60 where she lives. Same goes for MAC, as far as I know. It's quite expensive in Europe as well! We're just lucky here, haha.

 

[Ms*Raven*Lady]

Drugstore tinted moisturizer?

I hope this isn't too fftopic: but does anyone here use drugstore tinted moisturizer? I've been using Lancome dual face foundation for years, but lately it seems too heavy and I wanted to try and lighten the weight on my face. I'm on a budget and I don't really want to spend $40 for a tube of tinted moisturizer at a department store, either. Any suggestions?

 

[fortworthgal]

I typically use only department store brands, and that even varies widely from MAC and Clinique up to Chanel. That said, I do have some drugstore standbys, and I'm using drugstore items more & more. I love Coty Airspun powder, most L'Oreal products, and the Revlon PhotoReady line. I also like Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse foundation, which surprised even me!

Mascara - honestly, there is very little difference in drugstore and higher-end. Sometimes I buy MAC or Lancome, but sometimes I buy L'Oreal and frankly they seem to work about the same. The only mascara I have ever used that really stood out to me was Diorshow, but I had a horrible reaction to it (which has never happened to me with any cosmetic product before) and so I can't use it.

The only drugstore eyeshadows I've found that are even remotely decent are L'Oreal HIP duos. In the eyeshadow department, I prefer MAC & Guerlain. Most of the drugstore shadows I have used seem to be very powdery and don't have great staying power.

I also wear mineral makeup, and I swap between Bare Escentuals and ELF. Their mineral line is actually really nice - I own several of the eyeshadows & blushes. The foundation & powder are not great, but the shadows & blushes are a real steal for the price.

My makeup brushes are mostly MAC & Hakuhodo, but I also use ELF Studio (the black ones) and Sigma, and really like them. I could not live without my ELF Studio flat top powder brush! :lol:

I used to only use very high end skincare and makeup (La Mer, Chanel etc) but can't afford it at all at the moment. I have found some remarkebly good skincare in Aldi! It is called Lacura and I have the Q10 night cream, day cream, the serum and wrinkle booster (the latter is in a syringe ) and I love all of them, I was so dubious because it is ultra cheap, ranging from £2 to £5 for the botox/wrinkle cream, but it does work! The serum is very good and can be used as a very light day cream for summer too, all soak up quickly and they are in glass jars. I can't recommend them enough!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/a...ensive-Serum-beats-Boots-Protect-Perfect.html

http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/product_range/product_range_13639.htm

I *love* Lacura skincare! I use the hydrating cleanser, the day cream, and the night cream. Wonderful products for a great price.

 

[Darhling]

For tinted moisturiser I really like Maybelline BB cream, it is one of the best BB creams I've tried and no need for other moisturiser!

 

[countrybumpkin]

Hi tinted moisturiser wise I use clinique city block its great and as an added benifit has spf give it a go its worth the money. Yeah I'm with fortworth gal clinique and chanel all the way, though my fall back mascara is always mabyline. Yet to try MAC cosmetics but heard they are outstanding. On the more budget side, I have tried no7 lipsticks and they are nice textured though do not have the staying power of Chanel I'm afraid, you get what you pay for.

 

[fortworthgal]

My favorite tinted moisturizer is Kiehl's. It is around $25, but you get a HUGE bottle, 2.5 ounces or something. Per ounce, it actually ends up being about the same as most drugstore brands.

I've also used Sephora's house brand of tinted moisturizer and like it.

 

[fortworthgal]

The funny thing about MAC is that it isn't all that much more expensive than drugstore brands. I use both MAC and drugstore lipsticks, simply because the drugstore is less than a mile away and the nearest place to buy MAC is a 30-45minute drive. The last lipstitcks I bought were a Revlon 24 hour lip (the kind that you paint on, let dry, then apply sealant) for $13.95 and a MAC lip for $15. I like each one and wear each one. To me, it's all about getting the right color, I don't care about the brand. The most expensive lip I've bought was Rockalily, but only because the shipping from UK cost more than the actual lip.

ITA with this. MAC lipsticks are $15, and the last time I bought a Revlon lipstick to try (maybe 2 months ago) the price ranged from $10-$13 depending on which store I was in. It was just a regular ol' lipstick too, not a long-wearing one or anything. I couldn't believe it!

 

[olive bleu]

personally, i always buy drugstore brands because, well, frankly, I'm cheap. I love L'oreal products and a brand from Montreal, Marcelle. The only dept store brand I've tried is Clinique, which my Mother -in-law bought for me a few times...and I did like it, but never noticed enough difference to buy it myself. I do wonder , though if maybe if i spent more, my makeup would have more staying power.I look pretty good going out the door in the morning, but really my day is too hectic to stop and reapply makeup (other than the lipstick),and by the time i am heading home, i look like I am not wearing a stitch of makeup.

 

[therizyflapper]

I hope this isn't too fftopic: but does anyone here use drugstore tinted moisturizer? I've been using Lancome dual face foundation for years, but lately it seems too heavy and I wanted to try and lighten the weight on my face. I'm on a budget and I don't really want to spend $40 for a tube of tinted moisturizer at a department store, either. Any suggestions?

if you find the one you are using right now too heavy just add a bit of you facial moisturizer to it, it should make it go on less heavy

 

[Juliet]

Ms*Raven*Lady, I add a bit of Lush's Jackie Oates to my usual moisturiser. I don't know how much it is in the States, but that little jar lasts a looooong time, and it's organic.

On the general topic, I find, that while some products are very worth the extra money, some are not. For example, I prefer pricier face powders (although therizyflapper really got me thinking about pearl powder), but I'm also very happy with some cheap drugstore lipsticks and lip liners (while MAC lipsticks are like a wax applique on me *sigh*). I love Manhattan Cosmetics lipsticks, they last longer on me than Clinique and Chanel, and they have a range of lovely orange-based reds, that aren't garish and brick-like. Although Art Deco an undisputed champion for me.

My favourite eyeliner is a Manhattan Cosmetics limited edition cake liner, that I bought about 8 years ago, and didn't know how to apply I only realised how it goes on, when I watched a pin-up look tutorial It stays put all day and doesn't smudge, and the price was ridiculous. And even with daily application it'll probably last oh, about two years.
I also swear by Rimmel's Lycra Pro nail polish. it definitely lasts longer than other polishes I've tried (and I'm that girl that has chipped nail polish after one day wear), and the brush ensures a very comfortable application. Actually, this brush is also pretty handy for a 30s manicure.

I've been meaining to ask, has anyone tried the Alverde makeup products?

 

[therizyflapper]

Ms*Raven*Lady, I add a bit of Lush's Jackie Oates to my usual moisturiser. I don't know how much it is in the States, but that little jar lasts a looooong time, and it's organic.

On the general topic, I find, that while some products are very worth the extra money, some are not. For example, I prefer pricier face powders (although theritzyflapper really got me thinking about pearl powder), but I'm also very happy with some cheap drugstore lipsticks and lip liners (while MAC lipsticks are like a wax applique on me *sigh*). I love Manhattan Cosmetics lipsticks, they last longer on me than Clinique and Chanel, and they have a range of lovely orange-based reds, that aren't garish and brick-like. Although Art Deco an undisputed champion for me.

My favourite eyeliner is a Manhattan Cosmetics limited edition cake liner, that I bought about 8 years ago, and didn't know how to apply I only realised how it goes on, when I watched a pin-up look tutorial It stays put all day and doesn't smudge, and the price was ridiculous. And even with daily application it'll probably last oh, about two years.
I also swear by Rimmel's Lycra Pro nail polish. it definitely lasts longer than other polishes I've tried (and I'm that girl that has chipped nail polish after one day wear), and the brush ensures a very comfortable application. Actually, this brush is also pretty handy for a 30s manicure.

I've been meaining to ask, has anyone tried the Alverde makeup products?

Juliet hehe i really do enjoy the pearl powder, especially because it just 1 ingredient and its so luxurious to know you are putting pearl powder on you face and pearls are beautiful right haha and best of all it isn't expensive! Iv never herd of Jackie Oates, is it really organic or do they trick you by claiming organic when it just contains some organic ingredients but not all of them? just wondering because iv never hurd of it before haha
Ms*Raven* Lady i would never suggest buying any make-up cheep or expensive unless it is 100% organic not 70%, 80%,90%,99.99999% hahaha it must be 100% USDA organic haha but that can be pretty pricey because you know the word 'organic' has a buzz right now haha, so i prefer my pearl powder, because its 1 ingredient, is natural, it 100% wont clog your pores, and it makes your pores look flawless, i just keep it in a vintage compact and it works better then any make-up available on the market, (and i should know because when i was between the ages 13-15 i just about tried ever make-up brand out there even the really high-end department brands i even got my make-up custom blended for me once, and my pearl powder still wins by a land-slide) i hope this helps you deary remember, women are natural pure and beautiful, and what we use on our bodies should exactly reflect that

 

[Juliet]

therizyflapper, well, Lush (www.lushusa.com) is a great favourite of mine. I guess you can say I'm hooked on it . Some of their products contain only natural, vegan ingredients, some have safe synthetics (listed in the description). I've used a lot of Lush products for about seven years now, and I've yet to have a negative experience. Jackie Oates is the lightest of their Colour Supplements (just right for us old-fashioned dolls!).
And they'are actively against animal testing!

I'm actually rather wary of companies that produce make-up and styling products and claim to have natural components only. It's untrue most of the time.

You absolutely got me searching for pearl powder! It not as easy to find around here, but it seems that I can order it from Germany. And yes, it definitely is glamorous all in itself.

 

[bunnyb.gal]

I'll only buy cruelty-free, regardless of price. I have some Barry M. (a low-cost drugstore brand) products (including the elusive clear mascara, which works great as both a mascara and a brow tamer), but I won't touch L'oreal, for example. I tend to use Lush, which I adore, Body Shop for foundation. Most of my skin-care products, though, are of the organic, mid-price range type (Weleda, Lavera...)

 

[Drappa]

I'll only buy cruelty-free, regardless of price. I have some Barry M. (a low-cost drugstore brand) products (including the elusive clear mascara, which works great as both a mascara and a brow tamer), but I won't touch L'oreal, for example. I tend to use Lush, which I adore, Body Shop for foundation. Most of my skin-care products, though, are of the organic, mid-price range type (Weleda, Lavera...)

Just to let you know that Body Shop is owned by L'Oreal now and has been for some time

 

[katiesparkles]

I'll only buy cruelty-free, regardless of price. I have some Barry M. (a low-cost drugstore brand) products (including the elusive clear mascara, which works great as both a mascara and a brow tamer), but I won't touch L'oreal, for example. I tend to use Lush, which I adore, Body Shop for foundation. Most of my skin-care products, though, are of the organic, mid-price range type (Weleda, Lavera...)

I don't know if you know, but L'Oreal actually owns The Body Shop since.. I think they bought them in 2004 or so. I don't know what your point of view is though, I know a lot of people that buy essentially cruelty-free products that are owned by parent companies that do test.

 

[katiesparkles]

Ms*Raven*Lady, I add a bit of Lush's Jackie Oates to my usual moisturiser. I don't know how much it is in the States, but that little jar lasts a looooong time, and it's organic.

On the general topic, I find, that while some products are very worth the extra money, some are not. For example, I prefer pricier face powders (although therizyflapper really got me thinking about pearl powder), but I'm also very happy with some cheap drugstore lipsticks and lip liners (while MAC lipsticks are like a wax applique on me *sigh*). I love Manhattan Cosmetics lipsticks, they last longer on me than Clinique and Chanel, and they have a range of lovely orange-based reds, that aren't garish and brick-like. Although Art Deco an undisputed champion for me.

My favourite eyeliner is a Manhattan Cosmetics limited edition cake liner, that I bought about 8 years ago, and didn't know how to apply I only realised how it goes on, when I watched a pin-up look tutorial It stays put all day and doesn't smudge, and the price was ridiculous. And even with daily application it'll probably last oh, about two years.
I also swear by Rimmel's Lycra Pro nail polish. it definitely lasts longer than other polishes I've tried (and I'm that girl that has chipped nail polish after one day wear), and the brush ensures a very comfortable application. Actually, this brush is also pretty handy for a 30s manicure.

I've been meaining to ask, has anyone tried the Alverde makeup products?

I loooooooooooooove Manhattan! Planning to stock up when I go to Europe this summer!!!
Alverde make up is nice, I have one of their blushes and it's good quality. I also used to own their creamy concealer - it's awesome for undereye darkness!

 

[therizyflapper]

therizyflapper, well, Lush (www.lushusa.com) is a great favourite of mine. I guess you can say I'm hooked on it . Some of their products contain only natural, vegan ingredients, some have safe synthetics (listed in the description). I've used a lot of Lush products for about seven years now, and I've yet to have a negative experience. Jackie Oates is the lightest of their Colour Supplements (just right for us old-fashioned dolls!).
And they'are actively against animal testing!

I'm actually rather wary of companies that produce make-up and styling products and claim to have natural components only. It's untrue most of the time.

You absolutely got me searching for pearl powder! It not as easy to find around here, but it seems that I can order it from Germany. And yes, it definitely is glamorous all in itself.

Juliet If you are having a too hard of time finding it where you are, ill just send you some the next time i pick some up its cheep how much is it to ship to where you live deary?
and I'm definitely looking into the Jackie Oates! do you know how i would get it out here in the states? because I always love to support good organic products

 

[Juliet]

therizyflapper, well that's awfully nice of you! I'll take advantage then and will PM you, if I won't be able to order it in Europe, thank you!
Here's a LUSH Store locator in the US:
http://www.lushusa.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Lush-Site/en_US/Stores-Locate
And you should be able to order on-line from the site, too.

Drappa, katiesparkles, I'm not 100% sure, but I believe that The Body Shop retains an independent testing policy. It's still on the PETA white list, as "The Body Shop (L'Oreal)".

 

[Juliet]

I loooooooooooooove Manhattan! Planning to stock up when I go to Europe this summer!!!
Alverde make up is nice, I have one of their blushes and it's good quality. I also used to own their creamy concealer - it's awesome for undereye darkness!

Yes, Manhattan is great, especially considering the price!
I'll try the Alverde then, the under-eye circles are the bane of my existence! I' just slightly hesitant about them, since I've read reviews that the compact foundation has a lot of sparkles in it, and it is neither something I wish for in make-up, nor does it seem a natural ingredient. I guess, trial and error is the only way!

P.S. If you're coming over in the summer, you'll be able to get the Art Deco Dita von Teese collection then, too

 

[Ms*Raven*Lady]

Thank you for all your suggestions, ladies! I'll have to start experimenting so I can once again find my "perfect face"

Incidentally, as far as the rest of my makeup, I'm a mixture of department store and drugstore brands. For my concealer I use Lancome Photogenic, and I also have a few of their eyeshadows (silver is my favorite), but I have a few eyeshadow pallettes by Rimmel that I bought at the drugstore, they're nice on my face too and I haven't had any problems with them. And I love L'oreal HIP duos! Drugstore brands all the way for mascara and eyeliner as well: Almay liquid eyeliner which I've been wearing for years, and Maybelline lash stiletto mascara.

Funny thing is, I've always been very frugal when it comes to spending money on makeup. It's a learning process for me, I suppose (I didn't even start wearing full makeup until I was almost 20, go figure.) So I find all these threads about makeup very helpful for my cosmetics education and future shopping!