Drugstore vs. more expensive brands

After reading the "blush" post, and seeing so many recommendations for the Nars blush, it got me thinking.
Is there really a difference between a cheaper drugstore brand, and a more expensive brand you would buy at sephora or a department store.

If yes, what are the differences that justify spending more $$?

Re: Drugstore vs. more expensive brands

I mostly justify spending the money because I can test colors out at Sephora or a departmetns store. At drugstores, I used to buy 3 blushes before I found one I liked, and I'd never return them, even though I know you can in some drugstores.

It is worth it for some types of prodcuts, more than others.

I use drugstore eyeliner & mascara.

Lipsticks, glosses, & eye shadows from both.

Foundation almost always from Sephora or a department store.

Blush, I used to buy from either until I started wearing Bare Minerals.

Message edited 5/3/2007 10:35:49 AM.

Re: Drugstore vs. more expensive brands

I put other because for some things (foundation, blush, eyeshadow ) I think the more expensive brands are worth it. Those are products where they need to last a while and the pricier they are the better the quality.

But for other products (mascara, eyeliner, lip gloss) I go drugstore all the way. I am constantly re-buying these products monthly or every other month, so I'm not going to spend a ton and you can still get great quality with the drugstore brands in these areas.

Re: Drugstore vs. more expensive brands

I put other for the same reasons as already listed above.

Re: Drugstore vs. more expensive brands

Yes and no, same reasons as above.

I use drugstore for most everything except foundation, concealor, powder (loose and compact), and eyeshadow. Eyeliner, blush, lipstick, lipgloss are either for me.

I use mostly drugstore for haircare products.

I find if I buy what I like at the dept. store I buy less make-up and shop less frequently. The stuff tends to last a longer amount of time and I'm happier with the product.

Re: Drugstore vs. more expensive brands

Re: Drugstore vs. more expensive brands

I will buy mascara from the drugstore because I haven't found that much of a difference from the expensive stuff. I wear BE foundation which I LOVE. Also, I am extremely pale and I can't wear mass made foundation because it is too dark for me. Before I started wearing BE, I had to use custom blend by Perscriptives.

Re: Drugstore vs. more expensive brands

Re: Drugstore vs. more expensive brands

foundation is always from a department store. At the moment, all of my lipglosses are dept. store too. Mascara, eyeliner, blush and eyeshadow are all drugstore.

ETA: I went into Sephora this weekend to buy the org@sm blush from Nars that everyone talks about (it's great!) and ended up buying a lot of higher end stuff...I see a big difference.

Message edited 5/7/2007 3:27:10 PM.

Re: Drugstore vs. more expensive brands

I think in certain products like foundation, powder and blush there is definitely a significant difference such as it lasts longer, it is easier to apply and looks more natural. Also, certain expensive foundations are made with products that will help improve your skin as opposed to clogging it.

As far as eyeshadow or mascara, I really haven't noticed that much of a difference.

Re: Drugstore vs. more expensive brands

I think it's hit or miss. The products (drugstore and high-end) work different on differently people. I've had $30 eyeshadows suck, but a $4 shadow that was awesome.

BUT I'll always be a fan of Revlon. (I've always liked their foundations, eyeshadows, blushes, etc..)


I tend to buy more at Sephora just b/c of the layout. It's easier for me to see & test the product. I despise shopping at Dept. Stores. I'll only order products from them online. I just hate dealing with pushy sales associates and multiple counters.

Message edited 5/3/2007 3:34:15 PM.

Re: Drugstore vs. more expensive brands

ive used bare minerals and also the drugstorre mineral foundation by physicians formula

i like drug store better

mascara i like covergirl great lash better than any mascara i have tried


pressed powder i guess i like department store

lipgloss- drugstore is good too

Re: Drugstore vs. more expensive brands

Re: Drugstore vs. more expensive brands

yes, for the most part I think dept store makeup is higher quality and lasts longer. the foundation and blush I wear is bare minerals. I have dept store mascara, eye shadows, eyeliner, lipgloss, etc.

But I also buy drugstore makeup like mascara, eye shadows, lipgloss, lipstick, etc.

Message edited 5/3/2007 7:11:28 PM.

Re: Drugstore vs. more expensive brands

Re: Drugstore vs. more expensive brands

My favorite foundation BY FAR is True Match by Loreal. I've tried everything...even MAC foundation...which I found rubbed off very easily and didn't last the day! True Match is great!!

Re: Drugstore vs. more expensive brands

I buy both and in all honesty, I see a difference only in eye shadow. But I'll still only buy dept. store foundation.

Re: Drugstore vs. more expensive brands

Message edited 5/4/2007 9:36:31 AM.

Re: Drugstore vs. more expensive brands

The only thing i will buy at a drug store is mascara