High End Cosmetics versus Drug Store

As a Professional Makeup Artist I am asked nearly every day if there really is a difference between department store cosmetics like MAC, Estee Lauder & Lancome, versus that which you would buy at the drugstore or Target i.e; Revlon, L'oreal, Maybelline. Alot of very expensive brands own a drugstore brand as well. Meaning they have access to the same ingredients, innovation and packaging as their more expensive counterpart.

Here is a list of brands owned by the same company. I won't name all the brands per corporation because it will turn into a huge list. All of the corporations have their own websites to visit for more information.

L'Oreal - L'Oreal Paris, Maybelline New York, Lancome, Garnier, YSL beauty, Shu Uemura, Giorgio Armani (beauty), Kiehls, The Body Shop

Estee Lauder- MAC, La Mer, Smashbox, Clinque, Origins, Aveda, Bumble & Bumble, Tom Ford Beauty

LVMH- Benefit, Guerlain, MAKE UP FOR EVER, Fresh, Dior, Givenchy, Sephora 

Shiseido - Shiseido, NARS, Cle de Peau

Proctor & Gamble- Anna Sui, Aussie, Dolce & Gabbana, Olay, DDF, SK-II, Wella, Escada Fragrances, CoverGirl

Johnson & Johnson- Korres, Aveeno, Neutrogena

And a few companies that may not be familar to some US consumers -
Amore Pacific - Amore Pacific, Etude House, Lolita Lempicka, Laneige, Sulwhasoo

Kanebo - Sensai, Kate

Kose - esprique, Visee, Fasio

What this means to consumers is that when purchasing a tube of mascara at Lancome, for example their "Doll Lashes" mascara runs about $35.00 for a tube. If you were to go in to Target and purchase L'oreal's Double Extend mascara -you will most likely see the same results only that tube of mascara will cost you $10.00 max. I am in no way saying that cheaper is better. MAC's pigments, and even eye shadows are beyond reproach from anything else. Make Up For Ever has the best HD powders and corrective concealers I have ever used. Think about the item you are about to purchase and read reviews first especially if the item is pricey. MAC's eye shadows are $15.00 each, but they will last almost forever, and their color payoff and duration are worth every cent. But don't spend $30.00 on a tube of mascara that you should throw out in 3 months anyways. Below I listed items that I choose to invest the most on, and what I will "scrimp" on.

Your most money would be invested in your Makeup Brushes and your Foundation. I can not emphasize enough the importance of quality makeup brushes. Women will spend a large amount of money on great cosmetics and then apply them with the worst tools. Good brushes which should be cleaned (if only using on yourself) once a week will last you your lifetime. Foundation is another place where you should not cut corners, although my two favorites are dupes for one another. I LOVE Revlon's Colorstay Foundation which is almost exactly like MAC's Studio Fix.

I will not spend a big amount on mascara, and bronzers. I found drugstore ones that I LOVE.

In the end, the best advice is to ask if you are not sure.

Until next time
Glitter and Gloss
Tam Darling
XOXO