Is there really a big difference between the expensive brands you find at the mall vs the brands you find at walmart or target?

I bought face lotions from shiseido, estee lauder, and clinique before. To me, they are the same as the lotions I bought from Loreal and neutrogena. I think I rather spend $8 on Loreal than $40 on estee lauder, which doesn't really make a difference at all!

I think there is, both in quality and style. i used to love target clothes, because they didnt looks so "cheap" like i think some cheap clothes can, but honestlyy, they fit horribly and washed horribly. i donnt think you need to buy very high end designer, but moderate for me seems to be best. i invest in the basics too and spend a bit more on those (jeans, jacket, purse, shoes)

You know with makeup it can really vary. I know that many co. have a higher priced label and lower priced one, with the same or very similar ingredients and effects, but in different colors. This way they can reach all markets and make more money! I say test cheaper brands out that are owned by bigger names that you respect...and see where the comparisons (or lack there of) lie.

Estee Lauder Co. owns Clinique, Prescriptives, Origins, MAC, Bobbie Brown, Donna Karen, Aveda, Stila, Bumble and Bumble, Jane, and more...

Lancome is owned by L'Oreal, which also owns Redken.

Louis Vuitton is now LVMH...so it's affiliated with alcohol and ciggarette companies.

The list goes on. With clothing it's much harder b/c quality definitely jumps from one brand to another. Take the difference between a Banana Republic T-shirt and an Old Navy t-shirt. After buying a lot of cheap clothes and seeing how quickly they end up in the Goodwill pile, I've opted for quality over quantity and save up to get nicer, longer-lasting pieces. With clothes there sure is a big difference in brands. Target won't ever make jeans like Levis!

I buy all my makeup from walmart. I can not see paying 20 dollars for mascara from those exspensive stores.

i have found that price doesn't have anything to do w/ quality. i've tried so much stuff, i look for the best quality products if they are cheap, i'm really happy. if they are expensive, i'll eat the cost.


cheapies i love:
rimmel lip gloss
jane eye zing and blush
johnson's baby wash (i use as cleanser)
palmer's shea butter lotion
st. ives apricot scrub
almay amazing eyeliner
rimmel eye makeup remover
palladio powder (from sally's)
thermasilk leave in conditioner
pure jojoba oil (face moisturizer at night)

There's a book out I read several years ago called "Don't Go to the Costemtic Counter Without Me". In it, the lady tells what companies produce all the cosmetics. I used to use department store foundation, etc., till I read her book and found out how many of the drug store cosmetics are made by the high end department store stuff. I quit doing that years ago. And frankly I cannot tell the difference if someone is wearing something from either. Saves a lot of money. There's also a website call e-pionions and you can go on there and read people's own opionions on cosmetics. Also, the same on drugstore.com.
I'd rather spend money elsewhere that high dollar cosmetics.