Luxury vs. Drugstore Makeup: When to Splurge and When to Save on Beauty
Let’s face it—sometimes we feel like we need to splurge on luxury makeup to get the flawless look we deserve. But as Black and brown girls, we know that finding the right products for our skin tone and texture doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag. From rich foundations to popping lip colors, this guide will help you decide when it’s worth investing in high-end beauty and when you can stick to your go-to drugstore brands that work just as well.
When to Splurge
1. Foundation That Matches Your Skin Perfectly
As Black and brown women, finding the right foundation shade can be tricky. But luxury brands like Fenty Beauty and NARS have revolutionized the game, offering shades that match rich melanin tones perfectly. These foundations are formulated to work with various undertones and give a flawless finish that doesn’t leave you looking ashy. If you’re looking for long-lasting coverage and the confidence that your foundation won’t shift throughout the day, splurging on these brands is totally worth it.
Example: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation offers a diverse range of shades that perfectly match deeper skin tones, giving a radiant and smooth finish.
2. Eyeshadows That Pop on Dark Skin
Luxury eyeshadows like Pat McGrath’s Mothership Palettes and Huda Beauty’s Desert Dusk Palette have a formula that pops on melanin-rich skin. These eyeshadows are pigmented, blendable, and designed to show up vibrant on darker skin tones. Whether you’re going for a bold cut crease or a soft shimmer, luxury eyeshadows deliver the color payoff you deserve.
3. Signature Scents That Speak to Your Culture
Perfume is more than just a scent—it’s a statement. Many luxury perfume brands, such as Tom Ford and Chanel, offer fragrances that have deeper, richer notes that can be an extension of our personalities and cultural identity. With the right fragrance, you carry a piece of yourself wherever you go, and luxury perfumes tend to last longer and evolve with your body chemistry throughout the day.
When to Save
1. Mascara That Does the Job
Mascara is one of those products where drugstore brands truly shine. Whether you’re going for voluminous lashes or lengthening power, drugstore brands like Maybelline’s Lash Sensational and L’Oréal’s Voluminous Mascara give you the drama without the price tag. These mascaras can hold up for hours and are great for adding that final touch to your look, especially on days when you just need a little “oomph” without the splurge.
Example: Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Mascara creates full, fluttery lashes that can rival high-end options.
2. Lipsticks That Speak to Your Style
Black and brown girls know the importance of a lip color that pops. Luckily, you don’t need to break the bank to find rich, pigmented shades that complement your melanin. Drugstore brands like NYX and ColourPop offer a wide range of lipsticks, including browns, reds, and purples, that suit deeper skin tones without compromising on quality.
Example: ColourPop’s Ultra Matte Lip in “Limbo” is a deep chocolate brown that flatters darker skin tones without the ashy undertones.
3. Setting Sprays for a Glowing Finish
Setting sprays are essential for keeping your makeup in place all day, but you don’t need a designer bottle for that. Drugstore options like e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set and NYX’s Setting Spray are affordable yet effective in locking in your makeup without fading or transferring.
Final Thoughts
It’s all about knowing where to splurge and where to save. Invest in products that match your unique skin tone and texture, like foundations and eyeshadows. But for products like mascara, lipstick, and setting sprays, there are affordable drugstore options that work just as well. Your beauty routine doesn’t have to be expensive to feel luxurious!
