Mastering the Makeup Routine: High-end Vs. Cheap

A good makeup routine, I feel, is absolutely essential for any woman. Whether you prefer just the basics like lip gloss and some eyeshadow, or you go with a full face of makeup, there is just something about having a good makeup routine that makes you feel amazing. Researchers have even conducted a study showing how makeup positively impacts your confidence and self-esteem.

I definitely agree with this study. There is just something about putting on makeup and getting dressed that makes you feel so good about yourself. It really does give me a little extra confidence boost to take on the day – even if I don’t wear makeup all the time.

While I love a good makeup routine, it can be expensive. You can pay anywhere between $30 – over $100 for one eyeshadow palette or one tube of lipstick. I don’t know about you, but that is pretty steep for me. I’m not trying to take out a payday loan for makeup.

I, along with many women, opt for a much more affordable option for our makeup.

However, a lot of women say they only wear high-end makeup. They say the high-end makeup is worth the steep price because it lasts longer, looks better, and is better for your skin.

Many beauty experts say that high-end makeup is made with raw ingredients extracted from natural sources, while cheaper makeup is made with ingredients synthesized in a lab.

Even so, some dermatologists have said they’ve heard complaints of skin irritation after using both high-end and cheap makeup.

Cheap makeup also comes at half the price of high-end makeup – allowing you to buy more. Plus, with a little creativity, you can create looks that look high-end, but don’t include that big price tag.

With so many differing opinions, how do high-end and cheap makeup really match up against each other? Well, don’t you worry, I got that information right here.

High-end vs. Cheap Makeup: Which really elevates your makeup routine?

• Foundation

Foundation is, literally, the foundation to a makeup routine. If your foundation is not put correctly, it’ll mess up the entire look. If it doesn’t match your skin tone or doesn’t blend seamlessly, everyone will know.

A high-end brand for foundation is Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. Coming in at $64, this foundation is considered liquid gold amongst the beauty gurus. It glides on and leaves a silky, glossy feeling on your skin. It’s best for dry, oily, and normal skin.

Not to be outdone, a cheaper alternative is Covergirl Outlast Active Foundation. At $8.99, this foundation comes in 16 different shades and is sweat, transfer, and humidity-proof for 24 hours. It is also animal cruelty-free, meaning no bunnies were harmed in the making of this foundation

• Bronzer

If you are after a sun-kissed glow without the addition of UV light or the hours it takes to get a sun-kissed glow, then bronzer is for you. If you find the right shade, your skin will look nice and healthy.

Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna, $40, leaves a nice subtle golden shimmer on your skin. The powder fills in your pores to give you a smoother finish and more natural finish.

 Shining just as bright, for much less, is NYX Matte Bronzer. For $9, this bronzer is great for any season. This powder bronzer comes in five shades and leaves your complexion with a nice, natural-looking glow. This bronzer has a matte finish, easy to blend, and is also made completely vegan.

• Eye shadow

Eye shadow is my favorite part of my makeup routine. There is so much you can do and so many looks you can create with some nice pigmented eyeshadow.

Up first, Kat Von D’s Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette, $48, is highly pigmented for a color that will stand out. Whether you are looking for warm, cool, or neutral tones, this palette has it all.

For a cheaper option, go with Revolution Ultra Eye Contour – Light and Shade for $15. Now, this palette is not just a cheaper alternative; Makeup Revolution went as far as to create an almost identical palette to that of Kat Von D’s. This applies matte and smooth and is also cruelty-free, gluten-free, and vegan.

• Eyeliner

Eyeliner is definitely one of the more tricky things to master. But, once you do, it will definitely elevate your look.

Lancôme’s Artliner – Precision Point Eyeliner, $30.50, is a favorite for makeup artists. This liquid eyeliner comes with a foam tip that makes the eyeliner both last longer and pigmented.

Coming in at a close second, L’Oréal’s Infallible Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner, $8.99, is a great option for less than half the price of Lancôme. This eyeliner comes in three colors and is drag-proof, skip-proof, and smudge-proof.

• Mascara

The right mascara can really take your lashes to the next level. Whether you like volume or length, mascara will definitely transform your look.

Sisley – Paris’ I Deep Black comes in at $67 and has a very unique brush. The curved shape is designed to thicken and give a volume boost to make your eyes pop. It also contains castor oil and passionflower extract to soften your lashes.

Feel like royalty with this cheap alternative. Essence Lash Princess Volume and Length Mascara, $5, gives your lashes the volume and length they’ve been dreaming about. And, this product has not been tested on animals.  

• Lipstick

Lipstick comes at a close second as my favorite makeup. I love how you can be bold with a vibrant color or be subtle with a nice nude shade.

Guerlain Rouge G De Guerlain is a beautiful choice. At $33, this lipstick leaves your lips smooth, soft, and looking lustrous.

Not to be left in the shadows, at $8, Milani’s Amore Mattes Lip Crème leaves your lips feeling like velvet. This lipstick gives your lips a fuller, rich-colored look for an entire 16 hours.

• Blush

Blush is the quiet-but-impactful part of your makeup routine. A subtle rosy tone on your cheeks makes your face look healthy and gives you a glowing complexion.

Givenchy’s Prisme Blush Highlight & Structure Powder Blush Duo comes in at $46. This duo allows you the chance to either be subtle with your blush or go full bold. The lighter shade highlights your face while the darker shade gives you a fresh glow.

Not too far behind, e.l.f Cosmetics’ Powder Blush Palette lets you create multiple looks with four shades to mix and match. At $8, this blush is made for contouring, shading, sculpting, and highlighting. This is also cruelty-free and vegan.

The winner? That’s for you to decide

When it comes down to it, I would say you just need to research the ingredients and make sure you know what your makeup is made from. I know that sounds tedious – but, remember, these are products you are putting on your face. I would definitely want to know what goes into the things I am constantly putting on my face.

Some people will say stay away from one specific ingredient if you are prone to allergies while others will say that ingredient is just fine. Neither is wrong; it just ultimately depends on the person and how they react to certain chemicals.

Look, you know your body and you know how your skin will react to certain things. Just do what you need to do to make sure the things you react to, aren’t there. And if you find you are using a certain type of makeup and are getting a reaction, stop immediately and get yourself to a dermatologist.

So, next time you need some makeup, keep these brands and information in your mind. Whatever you choose, I bet your makeup routine will be amazing!