Hell yeah, I would! There are so many great drugstore beauty products out there, and some of them are better than the high-end fancy-schmancy stuff at department stores, so I’m an equal opportunity makeup wearer and lover.
Like I would DEFINITELY still use L’Oréal True Match Lumi foundation and Rimmel Natural Bronzer, for sure, among other things.
How about you? If money was no object, would you still wear drugstore makeup?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. TGIF! 🙂
What a fun question…Drugstore mascaras are pretty bomb, I also love Real Technique makeup brushes, Loreal Pro-Matte foundation is pretty good! Other than that, I would use highend makeup all the way! Bring on the Tom Ford! Lol.
I definitely would still use drugstore items… There’s some things I’ve used forever and will keep using. Like Lip Smackers for example, been wearing those at least 20 years! And Wet n Wild Megalast lipsticks are some of my favorites in my collection.
If high end makeup were free to me, I would try a lot more products! As it is, I do a mix of high and low, but would I give up my drugstore loves???? I’d never give up my Revlon SuperLustrous lipsticks. I like them better than all the high end products I have samples of. The other product I doubt I would give up is my Milani Rose Blushes/highlighters. For Shadows, liners, mascara, foundation, skincare, however, it would be high end all the way!
I know for sure I will only use expensive skin care. But Maybelline drama eyes in purple has my loyalty forever.
I say “yes” to few products like Maybelline Colossal! It is a shame, but I can’t remember other products that I like, but I am sure that I have at least two more on my list.
Because I am a big lover of the feel, presentaand packaging of beauty products I would likely stick with high end although in Canada it is available at drugstores anyway, eg Dior Smashbox, Chanel, Clarins etc.. I use mailnly high end now with a few drugstore items so if money were no object it could be crazy as I said how I love it all.
Only for mascara. I love Cover Girl Lash Blast and Maybelline Big Eyes.
I use some drugstore products, but the vast majority of what I use is department store or indie. Drugstore brands don’t have foundations to match my skintone, and my #1 makeup concern is my blotchy skin from rosacea, so I always want to mask it. I do think you can find quality products at any price point, but you may not be able to find the full range of items you need at a single price point.
I think I would still wear drugstore items. For a long period of time I didn’t… Then I discovered wonderful beauty blogs (and just the power of searching for reviews on new products). Now I wear mid-range, high end and drugstore makeup.
Now the only downside with drugstore stuff is the not as pretty packaging, but often times you can find awesome products or dupes of high end products for a fraction of the price. To me, it is all about the quality of the product. I have definitely purchased some very expensive make-up that frankly sucked (even if I paid drugstore prices for it, I would have still felt the same).
Yeaaaah I would! But, admittedly, probably less of it. Some of my favourite products are from the drugstore, though, and I definitely couldn’t give them up!
(The only gel liner I’ve ever found that doesn’t budge on me, for instance. Ooh, and some of my skincare and haircare faves — Giovanni, Marcelle, and Bioderma don’t mess around, man!)
I totally would I’m addicted to the Rimmel bronzer since reading your post about it. I actually use it more than my high brand ones lol.
TGIF!
Definitely! I have really finnicky acne-prone skin, so I really just use whatever works when it comes to things like foundation, and right now I’m in love with Maybelline’s matte Fit Me foundation. I’m also obsessed with Real Techniques brushes, so I’d still be buying those. When it comes to eye shadows I’d probably buy more high end brands. I have an eye shadow hoarding problem though, so I’d probably buy up every drugstore one too 😛
Hmm… For some things. Especially facial cleanser.
Yes because I started out using Drug Store makeup. Never forget where I come from:)
I honestly don’t think I would, which is why in periods when I have less money to spend, I just don’t buy anything except to replace things that I’ve used up. I’m a marketer’s wet dream in that I not only purchase for my needs, but also for the image a brand projects, so when a brand has a defined niche, such as for example Urban Decay, I jump on it and from there I find it difficult to go back after I’ve gotten used to mid-high end brands. The only exception I’d make would be for mascaras since I only keep them for three months at time, but even then I’m partial to the Sephora brand mascara (I guess that’s close to drug store in price range though?)
From the drugstore my favorite to buy is Maybelline Full ‘N Soft mascara. Is the best for my straight lashes. I used to buy the By Terry mascara for $48, that was the only one that “worked” for me after trying and returning MANY…until I read in a blog that this Maybelline one is great. I have never again paid a ridiculous amount of money for a mascara!!!! Full ‘N Soft forever!!!!! doesn’t smudge in my oily lids, does clumps, it’s perfection for less than $10, and lasts a loooong time.
Make that a hell yeah for me, too! Of course I’d use the Cover Girl bronzer, my WnW Bare It All lippie (and a few other things from the brand), and my NYX brow gel. Totally agreed about the performance of drugstore brands compared to their higher end counterparts. Happy Friday, dude!
TGIF Karen!
I’m an equal-opportunist as well! I have a ton of drugstore lip products I love. However I would probably skip out on drugstore foundations and eye shadow palettes. I find that I have the best luck with high-end tinted moisturizers for my skin type and shade, and drugstores don’t make BB/CC creams in light enough shades yet. 🙁
I would, IF I found drug store products that work for me. I have really sensitive skin and the things I’ve tried end up irritating my skin and eyes. For the most part I haven’t tried anything lately. I’m reluctant to upset the balance, my skin is finally happy.
Absolutely. Some of the drug store stuff is as good or better than the more expensive stuff.
Hmm, I would probably focus on high-end, but I wouldn’t give up on drugstore completely.
I can’t think of a drugstore product I can’t live without. L’Oreal discontinued my HG mascara in my early 20s (Le Grand Curl) and since then I haven’t found an absolute must-have that I couldn’t replace with a high-end equivalent in nicer packaging. Packaging is important for me, I like to have nice-looking stuff, so I’d mostly buy department store brands.
I would still try to test new drugstore launches just for fun though!
Yes, certainly ! There are fabulous drugstore mascaras, powders, blushes .. etc.
Monica
Actually I don’t use drugstore makeup out of financial obligation , but more so because I’ve discovered some amazing finds there. Take for instance Wet N’ Wild matte lipsticks – amazing finish and they staying power is just great (if not better) than some high end (dept.store) brands. Kiss still makes the best BB cream I’ve ever come across and there isn’t one expensive brand that can touch it (imo).
I adore lipstick and I splurge on it all of the time, but there are really amazing lipsticks at the drugstore. The Maybelline creamy matte line is honestly one of the best lipsticks I’ve ever used at any price point. It has amazing wear time and is both truly creamy and truly matte. I also have beloved lipsticks from Revlon and Rimmel and Jordana make incredible lipliners. I have a Jordana lipliner called “Coco Loco” which I am desperately trying to find a lipstick in the same color of because it’s the most beautiful cocoa brown I’ve ever seen, and I absolutely cannot.
I also like Physicians Formula eyeliners. Their kajals are lovely, and I wish they sold them separately.
Like most of the other commenters I mostly purchase high end products… But I think, if money were truly no object, I’d also buy more drugstore products than I do now as well! Because then it would be no skin off my nose if something wasn’t delightful. There are so many things I want to try to see how the quality is, but because I’m a working girl if I want something I want to only buy it once (unless it’s lipstick lmao), so I’d rather buy one high-end product from like, Nars or wherever and feel certain I’m going to get my money’s worth than buy a couple drugstore products that are the same price altogether when none of them is perfect.
I really like L’Oreal’s eyeliners. I’m in love with one called Carbon and I really like the deep purple one. I’m also a fan of Burt Bee’s lip balms and lip glosses. Nail polishes are the kicker though — for me I always go for the drugstore brands over the high end brands. I can find any color that catches my fancy and Sally Hanson has every nail product I would ever need under the sun!
Oh yes, no one is taking away my L’Oreal Telescopic mascara from me any time soon. Also I really love my Rimmel Kate Moss lipsticks. I think that’s how the idea of drug store dupes got invented, because not everything in the drugstore is bad. Essentially when purchasing high end, you’re paying for packaging, quality sometimes and the branding.
Sally ~ DiagonSally
Despite my multi million empire, I will never give up my drugstore goodies, esp. L’oreal Telescopic and Millionaire mascara or my Real Techniques brushes. I really like L’oreal eye products.
Yes I love my Real technique setting brush for placing my highlighter and speaking of drugstore I love Wet and Wilds Hollywood Boulivard highlight its a pretty golden sheen but when I layer it over loreal’s rose gold liquid highlighter it becomes like something special!
I think I would still buy drugstore items because there’s no reason to spend money on something more expensive when the drugstore item does the same thing. I have found some great brushes at the drugstore!
I only use drugstore mascara, the rest is high end. I like certain brands for certain products and I’ve stuck with them. Years ago I would just throw things in the basket at the drugstore but I ended up with a bunch of ‘stuff’ that I never wore and wasted a lot of money. Now I consider buying makeup an investment and I’ve saved quite a bit a money because I’m much more discerning with what I buy.
I use drugstore brands because some high-end brands aren’t available in my town and some I tried didn’t give satisfactory results. My favorite is Maybelline ColorSensational lipsticks and mascaras and Wet n Wild matte lipsticks.
I would definitely on mascaras because I can’t tell the difference between drugstore and HE. I just bought Nyx’s Skinny Mascara that is a dead end dupe for IT cosmetics tightline Mascara. The Nyx one works just the same as the IT on and was only $6. The only thing I wouldn’t use drugstore is for foundation. Drugstore foundations break me out and I have very sensitive skin
Would still be about dat Loreal pigment in Amber Rush and Taupe!
And Milani’s luminoso blush!
Absolutely! I find some drugstore products to be just as good if not better than some of the high end stuff. Especially lipsticks and glosses. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to give up my Milani or Maybelline lippies lol. There’s also some pretty great foundations and concealers too. I used Maybelline Fit Me for years and still do from time to time. There’s a lot of hidden gems in those drugstore aisles!
I would mainly use drugstore mascaras and eyeliners as backups – one in handbag, one in the car, house, bathroom etc.
May I ask what are you using for your eyeshadow, blusher and lipstick in the picture above? I love the look!
Absolutely! And I’d probably still use coupons.
Hi Karen. It’s my first time commenting. I just love your blog. I most certainly would use drugstore brands if money were no object. Milani lipsticks are my favorite. Honestly I don’t own any YSL or Nars but most other department store brands I do. I’ve been blessed with really good skin so achieving a great look with a drugstore foundation is not hard for me. Recently, I’ve been loving my Loreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation in the color cocoa (I’m a chocolate gal). Mixing both Hugh end and drugstore works well for me. But do dies a thrifted dress with $200 sandals. Lol
Absolutely. I think I’d just spend more money period if money was no object. I can’t see myself ever giving up drugstore beauty products for the following reasons:
1. Convenience: there is at least one drugstore in most residential areas and I’m big fan of brick & mortar shopping–it’s hard sometimes for me to get ahold of higher end products where I live.
2. My skin is super sensitive–and a lot of brands famous for formulating for sensitive skin are conveniently found in the drugstore as well.
3. Some drugstore products do way better than or just as good as their high end counterparts. I’ve yet to find something better than Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser or L’Oreal Butterfly Mascara. Nail products I find to be very similar.
4. I trust big pharmaceuticals like P&G for their huge research budgets and formulations more than I do indie brands or even high end luxury brands.
Definitely! I used to only do department store (cause girl you know that foundation has got to look good!) I’ve paid $60 for foundation, and usually stayed by one brand, but they’ve been tinkering with their formulas. I saw a beauty blogger video use neutrogena nourishing long wear foundation. Tried some and love it! It’s the only foundation that really helps my skin: dark spots, acne, scars, it just looks better the more I use it. And I really like using drugstore lipstick. The stay and color is great and I could get three or four instead of one for the price. I’ve definitely been more open to trying and using drugstore brands (and that maybelline gel eyeliner is the best) 🙂
Yes I would, but I would finally try all these high-end brands I have been neglecting so far, like Chanel or Tom Ford.
I would totally keep wearing my drugstore favorites, like Maybelline SuperStay 14HR Lipsticks or Essence Sun Club Matte Bronzer.
I’m currently transitioning to all cruelty-free products, and there aren’t a lot of such brands actually in the drugstore (though you can order a lot online at drugstore prices). I do love some Real Techniques brushes and the elf small stipple brush, as well as some NYX products. My biggest makeup challenges are finding pale enough foundations with the right undertone and brow products that suit cool-toned dark hair (Anastasia is my jam for the latter). Skin care is also becoming more important as I get older, but I love Paula’s Choice. So I could probably live without the drugstore, but not without high end or online-only brands. I might end up saving money in the end since my impulse buys are now seriously limited.
Yeah, I’d still buy a few things from the drugstore, like L’oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara and their Tru Match Lumi Foundation, and a couple other items. But if money were no issue I’d for sure be trying tons more high end makeup!! I love experimenting!!
I’d still get a few things. Probably mascara!
I’ve got to say, no. Money is an object now and I still tend to only shop at Sephora for makeup. If I had more time to experiment maybe I would hit the drugstore but I’ve got to try colors on. I just can’t buy it otherwise. There aren’t any drugstores near me that allow sampling like Sephora. Plus, the last time I perused a drugstore beauty aisle, the products weren’t all that cheap, in my opinion.
I do buy tubs of Vaseline because I like that to moisturize my lips and my feet, does that count?
Yes I would, especially l’oreal mascaras.
I probably would. I’d probably be the type to buy every colour in everything just to find me a hidden gem lol!
For sure! I’d definitely indulge myself more in the Tom Fords, Chanels, Diors and Charlotte Tilburys but you couldn’t keep me away from the likes of Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara (or the many other drugstore mascara’s that I love), Maybelline Colour Tattoos, Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow paints, Bourjois Healthy Mix powder, Bourjois Lip velvets or Revlon Balm Stains!
Yes, definitely. I love drugstore mascaras most. I do like the Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse foundation as much as your recommendation of Diorskin Nude Air foundation. You must try Makeup Revolution, a drugstore line from the UK. 32 eyeshadow palettes for 15.00 for instance. Lasts a long time, with hardly any fall out. Nice sturdy mirrored case. I think ULTA is now selling some of their items. Lipsticks are also very nice. Like handbags, I much prefer Michael Kors or Tory Burch but every now and again I’ll get a fun cheapie from TJ Maxx.
I still would. There are a few drugstore items I’ve found which work very well (Essence’s pressed powders for one!).
I probably continue to use some of my all time favorite products like Maybelline Fit Me concealer, Milani and Sleek blushes, Real Techniques brushes. Or, perhaps, I’d find something better in these brands that I can’t afford purchasing right now.
While I do like mid-high end brands like Urban Decay, I think I’d still buy selected items from the drugstore – I love Sleek’s makeup, particularly their eye shadow palettes, and I’m a huge fan of Make Up Revolution.
Great makeup is great makeup — at any price! If that great makeup item is also available at a great price, it makes it all the sweeter. I have both inexpensive and expensive makeup and skincare, and price is definitely not always a correlation of quality. Bring it ALL on!
Such a tough question! To be honest, I would probably use almost all high end! It’s not to bash drugstore, which is mostly all I use right now. But you do get that touch of better quality across the board with high end. Except for Color Pop, I would definitely still buy all their stuff! I love color pop!
I’m only about 2 weeks late responding! Today is my MBB catch up day!
Absolutely 100% . I could not live without loreal voluminous mascara, rimmel matte bronzer and cover girl ink it eye liner.
I would! Right now I buy ONLY drugstore makeup and beauty products for myself, because it’s literally all that I can afford. (Though I’m sure a lot of high end makeup is worth every penny.) But I’ve been able to find drugstore products that I love. My mom did buy me a set of Arbonne makeup brushes for Christmas, and I must say that they are the nicest makeup brushes I’ve ever had! So I would definitely like to try some more high end brands. But I’m sure I would eventually return to many of my old loves, like the Maybelline blushed nudes eye palette; Eco tools and real techniques brushes; Wet’n’Wild bronzer in bikini contest; Maybelline Colossal Volume mascara; Rimmel concealer, etc. I have to admit, if I traded quantity for quality, maybe I would buy high end products right now. I think my problem is that, I like to buy and try so many things at the drugstore, I feel I can’t justify the prices I would have to spend at the department store.