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Style & Beauty

Budget Makeup vs Premium

54 replies

ArtDecoGirly · 29/09/2013 13:42

I've always bought high end makeup, Dior foundation, Chanel eyebrow pencil, NARS blusher, YSL Touche Eclat, YSL loose powder, YSL Lipstick, YSL mascara... but this weekend, due to being skint after spending a fortune on b/fs birthday last weekend, I went to Boots and bought more budget friendly products and did my full face with each item costing less than £8!! (Apart from my NARS blush...not ready to part with that just yet! So...is there really any point paying for premium beauty? I can look pretty much the same for a fraction of the price, am I deluding myself I look ok?

Budget Makeup vs Premium
Budget Makeup vs Premium
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drawsofdrawers · 29/09/2013 13:49

It's personal preference. I use a mixture of products and gave tried various ones over the years. I have used more high end foundatin but No 7 works for me now, and Max Factor false lash is better than Lancombe Hypnose... Rommel always for eye liner. I have a couple of Mac lipsticks but pay about a quid for my brow gel.

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ArtDecoGirly · 29/09/2013 13:58

I'm getting on for 44 now and things I've used in the past aren't looking as nice on me anymore! I could really use some makeup tips for the over 40s (I only have brothers and my Mother has never worn makeup!)

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ElizabethBathory · 29/09/2013 15:05

I use a mixture of high end and low end stuff - there's loads of high end stuff that's no better than cheaper brands and you're just paying for the name and packaging. I just use what works for me. My main bugbear with cheaper stuff is lack of colour payoff. Can't stand eye shadow and liner with weak, faded colours or that wears off in seconds (find that with lots of No7 products especially).

Could you go to a few make up counters and get a makeover and/or tips? It's free.

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squoosh · 29/09/2013 15:47

I mix and match from both high end and low end. I always, always think it's worth spending on a foundation. Nothing beats Nars blushers or their loose powder. Higher end eyeshadows are usually more densely pigmented.

I generally buy a cheap Max Factor mascara and the Collection 2000 concealer though.

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DesperateHousewife21 · 29/09/2013 16:04

I also have a mixture of both, mac eyeshadow is so good, much better than any budget brand but clinique mascara is just ok, not wildly better than budget. I think its just about trying out different brands til you find one that suits your skin type/ colour etc

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DuvetHog · 29/09/2013 16:07

I'm having my own Clinique V cheaper brand compact powder debate ATM Sad

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TallulahBetty · 29/09/2013 16:19

Personally I stick to cheaper brands, well the ones I know are good quality anyway. Maybe if I wore foundation I might spend more, but I'd always try cheaper ones first.

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CecyHall · 29/09/2013 16:45

I look at everything and just try what looks good.
I'm not brand loyal at all and wouldn't discount anything based on whether it was high end or low end. I also read a ton of blogs which helps me get an idea of new products I might be interested in.

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JustBecauseICan · 29/09/2013 16:50

Duvet- Clinique (superpowder in my case) is the only high end make up product I have decided I am loyal to.

Since discovering Bourjois Health Mix (which I find v similar to Dior Fusion) and Revlon Wake Me Up foundation, I will definitely not be buying ££££s foundation again.

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squoosh · 29/09/2013 16:50

Bourjois Healthy mix is luminous orange on me!

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JustBecauseICan · 29/09/2013 16:55

Shock Even n51? I am a human mozzarella and 51 is perfect for me. I loved Maybelline Eraser as well, but that is too pink toned I think, whereas the Bourjois is definitely yellowy. I am clearly a going-off mozzarella!

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DuvetHog · 29/09/2013 16:55

JustBecause, yes that's the one and the answer I was afraid off! Wink it really is fab & nothing is coming close to it for me, hence the S &B plea!

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practicality · 29/09/2013 16:56

Then Mua at Superdrug will bowl you over. Worth getting from there the matte eyeshadows, eyeliners and brow liners which come with an inbuilt sharpener in the lid. The nail varnishes are extensive and worth a shot for £1. Blushers are excellent too.

Maybelline whipped mousse foundation is wonderful and they have colours for warm/neutral/cool skin tones.

Maxfactor masterpiece for mascara.

Revlon for lipstick.

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practicality · 29/09/2013 16:59

If you struggle with foundation looking too pink/yellow try Revlon colorstay sand beige. It suits skin tones 15-20 and is a bang on neutral.

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JustBecauseICan · 29/09/2013 17:00

I am also part of a MN love-in for the Boots Botanics BB cream, I have the lightest. I do mix it with a bit of foundation though.

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squoosh · 29/09/2013 17:01

I'm not sure if it was N51, will have to check, but it was the palest one available. I bought it after hearing so many rave reviews but I've never found a lower end foundation that went pale enough for me. Nars and Laura Mercier are perfect for me foundation wise.

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poorbuthappy · 29/09/2013 17:04

I find Soap and Glory make up fabulous and mid price range.
Foundation, concealer and powder fantastic.

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Openyourheart · 29/09/2013 17:07

I've had a few expensive lipsticks but I've never thought that they were any better than budget ones.

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plentyofsoap · 29/09/2013 17:08

I mix it up too, but I do like Clinique and Mac. Trial and error!

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marriedinwhiteisback · 29/09/2013 17:10

When I was young and single I used to use Lancome and Clinique. When I had children I switched to No 7 and don't think there is any difference except buying it doesn't feel as glamorous. I still prefer a Lancome or Estee Lauder mascara though. And I like nice perfume but to be honest for work there are plenty similar in M&S to some of the high end stuff for a fraction of the price.

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BrianButterfield · 29/09/2013 17:12

Eye primer makes even cheap eye shadow last and intensifies the colour - MUA do a cheap one although I love the Urban Decay version.

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shabang · 29/09/2013 17:14

Anyone seen any voucher codes for hudson boots?
I have my eye on some but getting any form of discount would hep me justify them to myself.....

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ArtDecoGirly · 29/09/2013 17:48

Thanks for all the brilliant tips! I've used NARS Orgasm for years, but I'm in my 40s now and think it's probably a bit too sparkly for me these days! Need a new shade. I don't mind this Rimmel 25 Hour Foundation I have on, though I'm looking a bit shiny now... I must buy decent eyeshadow though...

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squoosh · 29/09/2013 17:49

I find Orgasm too shimmery, try Deep Throat it's universally flattering.

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justasecond · 29/09/2013 17:49

Bourjois lipsticks are the only cheaper ones I like esp rouge edition in 04 a lovely beigy pink. They don't have that cheap smelling perfume that a lot of other cheaper brands seem to have. Healthy Mix foundation also good.

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