cheap vs expensive makeup and moisturizer - Beauty & Cosmetics Message Board

sweetficus · 02-09-2004, 04:07 PM

Does anyone think/know there are significant differences between specific drugstore makeup and moisturizer vs dept store stuff?

I especially need input on foundation - I've been happy w/ Eliz Arden but had a free trial of Neutrogena and thought that was pretty good altho it was only the one time and I don't know if it's good for long term

I read that moisturizers do not make a difference - although I have tried many, and the best for me was Shiseido's Bio Performance ($$$$), but since i am economizing now I am using Camellia oil (after reading post on it here), and Neutrogena copper lotion and Oil of Olay regenerist lotion (smells so nice!)

For my part, I thought Shiseido's mascara and Blinks mascara (makes rubber tubes) was the best, I could not tolerate any other kind of mascara (I'm super sensitive, and these do not flake hardly at all)
I haven't noticed too much difference between drugstore brands like Neutrogena and Avon and the upscale stuff (I actually really dislike Lancome lipstick)
eyeshadow supposedly is better for dept store brands b/c more milled and finer quality of powder (I use Eliz Arden and Clinique and have been satisfied w/ them)

I'd rather not waste money if I can find cheaper and just as good substitutes at the drugstore (or buy 3-4 lipsticks instead of 1 for the same amount)

Blue-eyedBelle · 02-09-2004, 05:16 PM

I think in some instances, you get what you pay for - in others, you can easily find a less expensive alternative.

Foundation - I never could find a drugstore brand that matched. I also tried Clinique, Merle Norman, & Estee Lauder for many years. In the past couple of years, I have switched to powder mineral foundation. Complete turnaround in my skin - and it looks more natural than anything else I've tried. I didn't care for Bare Escentuals or Monave. I used Youngblood for a while, but Aromaleigh is by far my favorite & it's the least expensive.

Moisturizers - I think they DO make a difference. I use a variety of things. Skin Biology's Copper Peptide serum, Exfol serum & emu oil, Aromaleigh's Eye Synergy & Free Radical Skin Quenching serum, plus a jojoba/hzelnut oil & essential oil mix I make myself.

Mascara - I've tried expensive & cheap - I have yet to find the perfect mascara. Right now my favorite is L'Oreal Featherlash - no clumping, no smudging, & no flaking - plus it only costs about $5.

Lipstick - I absolutely detest drugstore lipstick/lipgloss. But I thik it all depends on what you're looking for in a lipstick/lipgloss. I don't care for matte colors & I want something that is not going to "bleed" - preferably something I won't have to reapply a million times a day. My favorites: Aromaleigh Lipgloss, Aromaleigh Colorwashes, Sepia Baby Kiss, Tarte 24/7 Thursday, Urban Decay XXX Shine, Stila Lipgloss.

Eyeshadow - Again, I detest drugstore eyeshadow. I've also tried Clinique, Estee Lauder, Lancome, Merle Norman - but for me, nothing beats Aromaleigh.

Over all - I buy most of my cosmetics from Aromaleigh - their prices are very reasonable & you get a lot of product for your money - the quality is unbeatable. And the sutomer service is out of this world.

sweetficus · 02-10-2004, 04:54 PM

Thanks I will check Aromaleigh out - I see you are as big of a product ***** as I am
Do you think jojoba oil is better than camellia oil? It works great but I would like a nicer smell

Blue-eyedBelle · 02-10-2004, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetficus

Thanks I will check Aromaleigh out - I see you are as big of a product ***** as I am
Do you think jojoba oil is better than camellia oil? It works great but I would like a nicer smell

LOL - you're right! I haven't tried camellia oil, so I can't compare the two. Sorry!