The other day, a girlfriend and I were discussing what make up products we don’t bother spending a lot of cash on, and what we wouldn’t risk snatching up a bargain for. This got me thinking about beauty products and what I’ve learnt, through trial and error, about where you can save and where it’s a better idea to splurge when buying beauty products.
So, what can you pick up in your weekly supermarket shop and what’s worth investing a bit more on?
Splurge on foundation and concealer
While you can get a decent foundation at your local pharmacy or supermarket, the chances of you finding the perfect shade for your skin colour can be a hit or miss. Too much money is wasted on people buying the wrong shade of foundation and concealer, which is why I say, skip the supermarket and head down to the department store. Nothing beats the discerning eye of a makeup expert when it comes to finding the right formula for your face. Another bonus to spending the extra dosh is being able to find out a bit more about what’s in the product. If you're going to cover your skin in this, it pays to apply a product isn’t full of chemicals and preservatives.
Save on cleansers and moisturisers
There's no reason to open your wallet wide for quality cleansers and moisturisers. In fact, most dermatologists and skincare specialists recommend basic pharmacy cleansers and moisturisers to their clients. There have been no studies to support that expensive face creams do better than a good mid-level brand. Typically a moisturiser is a moisturiser. Basic cleansers serve their purpose and do an excellent job of removing excess oils and dirt. However I do try to buy organic products that don’t contain as many chemicals.
Save on lipstick and lip glosses
The fact is, lip glosses rarely last, (and if you’re like me you’re misplacing them all the time!) So why spend big bucks on them? Both Revlon and L'Oreal have great lip gloss. That said, you'll get a larger range of colours to choose from and less stickiness if you splurge on a more expensive gloss. As for lipsticks, the formulations in some of the upper end brands can't be beat and you have the assurance that they won’t smudge, however you can find a great long-wearing lipstick at the pharmacy.
Save on eyeliner and eye shadow
Most pencil eyeliners are made of wax, which isn’t worth $40 when you can get a great pencil eyeliner for under $15 at the pharmacy. Don't like how they wax eyeliner glides on? Try a kohl pencil or liquid version. When it comes to eyes shadows, quality is quantity. A great eye shadow will stay on your eyes all day, while a cheap palette will have faded by the time you finish your mid-morning coffee. What's more, quality department counter eye shadows typically feature richer colours. If you don’t have the money to spend on a pricey palette, invest in a small tube of M.A.C. Paints, which act like an eye shadow primer and will keep even the least expensive shadow in place for ages. With a dab of this on your eyelid, your shadow isn't going anywhere.
Splurge on blush, bronzers and powders
While you’ll consistently find lower priced mascaras, cleansers and moisturisers on the latest "Best Beauty Products" list, you won't find many pharmacy blush, bronzers and powders. Why? Luxury powders have been pulverized to such a degree that you can layer and layer without ever looking like a clown. It’s worth the investment.
By Amanda Jones