Today is a good time to talk about some affordable makeup products that work just as well as the high price brands. I love mixing and matching when it come to makeup. I’m not afraid to try new brands, especially the ones with really tempting prices in the drug store shelf. Don’t be fooled by their cheap price tags, these products all show me supreme impressive results so I love using them.
I’m pretty comfortable with drugstore makeup. I figure these products should be safe since they all have to pass some sort of QC exams in USA before they can actually go on the shelf of a drugstore. (In China thought, I would be more careful about buying no name products because it is just too risky and you never know what’s in the product.)
My skin type is quite sensitive but so far I have no issue while testing these cheap make up. LUCKY! If you have very sensitive skin then I would recommend testing the product on your hand before applying it on your face. Leave it on for a night if you want to be sure.
The main reason I am willing to try these no brand product beside it being dirt cheap is the color choices they offered often catch my eyes, not to mention some of their package could be very appealing as well. Especially in the eye shadow palettes department, as long as they offer a wide range of colors and it doesn’t irritate my skin, I’m a happy girl.
I personally are not a big fan of major brand make up products in general (except Too Faced which I love and will continue to buy just because I’m a sucker for their cute packaging) . I do own a few Estee Lauder and Mac face and eye palettes. I’m sure their quality and ingredients are more expensive that’s why their prices also followed. In my opinion, you are basically paying for the brand name and their advertising fee, not the actual make up. (You can say that about Too Faced as well I guess but at least it is still more affordable compare to the other two brand.)
Pricing is a major consideration for all of us when it comes to shopping. Compare paying $53 for a four colors eyeshadow palette, a drug store no brand 10 color eyeshadow palette only cost me $2.5 at it’s original price (I went and get another one after the holiday and only pay $1.5 for the second one.)
A major tips when using these cheaper alternative makeup is using good base product especially in the eye portion. Primer is definitely necessary. I’m currently using the Two Faced Shadow Insurance Eye Shadow Primer. Each tube cost like $18 but it is definitely worth it and it will last forever. I got mine before Christmas and I use it almost everyday and the tube still feel very heavy after 4 months.
I’m sure other primer will work just as good as mine. The major function of the primer is to catch the pigment of the eyeshadow. Once you start using it you will see a huge difference too. Cheap eye shadows like mine probably need it more than others. (Even though deep down I know my Estee Lauder and Mac eyeshadow doesn’t stay on well also if I don’t use the primer…so I really wonder why will anyone buy those brand?) Anyway, primer help solve the loss pigment problem.
Another tip for eyeshadow application is always use brush or fingers, not the applicator provided in the palette. You will get a lot more control using brushes for full on dramatic color look and the finger application will be a lighter and more even look instead.
You do not have to waste large amount of money on brushes as well unless you really want to. There’s almost no difference between my Estee Lauder makeup brush set and the 7 pieces set I got for a dollar from Claire’s when it was on sale. Do test the bristles’ firm level before purchasing though. That is always a good practice.
Alright, here’s the pictures of my cheap eyeshadow palettes.
Pink leopard eye color palette:
Purchases around last Christmas at Bartell Drugs for $2.5
Review: I purchase the palette because the package is just too cute. After using the palette for a few days, my co-workers all ask if I am using Mac. I told them it’s from Bartell across the street, almost every female co-worker from my work went and purchase multiple palette immediately. So far, they are all amazed by the super shinny result and loving the product. The colors are vibrant and shimmery, pigments are loss but can be fixed by using primer as base.
Blue leopard eye color palette:
Purchases last month at Bartell Drugs for $1.5 (on sale)
Review: A few of my co-worker told me the blue palette have similar but different shads. But since it was already sold out at the drug store by my work I kinda give up about it. Until I was covering for a different branch last month and found the last one available at a different Bartell Drugs. I snatch it right away and been using the palettes together to create different combo. The color is actually more neutral and easy to mix in this palette.
Color Concept eye color palette:
Purchased 2010 Christmas at CVS pharmacy in Florida for $2.99 (on sale)
Review: It was a special Christmas sale and I was determine to get this palette. Color choice is wonderful but also very bright. Suitable for special occasion more than work related events. 1 thing I didn’t like about this palette is the shimmer pieces in some colors are not very refine. So I’m always worry if it will fall into my eyes and create problem. I try to use a fan brush to remove them afterward.
Claire’s Smokey eye color palette:
Purchased from Claire’s last year for $4 (on sale)
Review: Loving the look of the palette. The see through design really resemble the Jill Staurt make up design. This of course is a much cheaper version. I actually love the color combo and find it make smokey eye look extremely easy. It has just the right amount of shimmer to give your smokey eyes a glam look.
Palma Christie eye and face color palette:
Purchased last year from Hong Kong for $3
Review: I normally don’t buy cheap make up from Hong Kong but this is from a reliable store so I also got one for my sister-in-law. We both love the colors and the design of the case. It is a good travel item because it has face and eye colors all together.
My expensive Estee Lauder face and eye color palette:
Purchased few years ago from Hong Kong for $50
Review: Eye colors in this palette is a bit too old fashion and dark for my taste. Quality of product is very similar (almost no difference) compare to the cheaper palettes. I don’t really like using it anymore so I might just give it away to friends along with all my other Mac products.
