Luxury vs. Drugstore Makeup: Which Products Are Worth the Splurge?
When it comes to makeup, the age-old debate of luxury vs. drugstore never seems to fade. Is that high-end foundation really worth the price tag? Can a drugstore lipstick deliver the same rich pigment as its designer competitor? With so many options on the market, knowing where to save and where to splurge can make all the difference in your beauty routine.
We’ve all been there—staring at a $50 foundation, wondering if it’s truly life-changing, or swiping on a $10 lipstick that claims to last all day. The battle between luxury and drugstore makeup is real, but does a higher price always mean higher quality? The truth is, some beauty products are worth splurging, while others perform just as well (or better) for a fraction of the cost.
As a makeup artist, I'm here to help you make smart beauty investments. With years of experience testing products on different skin types, tones, and textures, I’ve seen firsthand which luxury items truly deliver and which drugstore finds can outperform their high-end counterparts.
Whether you’re looking for a flawless foundation, a long-lasting lipstick, or the perfect eyeshadow palette, I’ll guide you through where to splurge and where to save—so you can achieve pro-level results without overspending.
When to Splurge vs. When to Save
Not all makeup products are created equal, and price doesn’t always determine performance. Knowing when to invest in high-end beauty and when to opt for budget-friendly alternatives can help you build a high-quality makeup collection without overspending.
Generally, it’s worth splurging on products that directly impact the look and longevity of your makeup—such as foundation, eyeshadow palettes, and long-wear setting sprays. These items often feature better ingredients, superior pigmentation, and longer-lasting wear. On the other hand, products like mascara, eyeliners, and brow pencils can often be found at the drugstore with performance that rivals luxury brands.
The key is understanding what makes a product worth its price—whether it’s the formula, innovation, or overall experience—so you can get the best results without unnecessary spending.
Especially if you’re a beginner, navigating the world of makeup can feel overwhelming with so many options at every price point. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to build a solid makeup kit. Starting with quality drugstore staples can help you perfect your technique without breaking the bank. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can gradually invest in high-end products that truly elevate your routine. The key is knowing which products make the biggest difference, so you’re spending wisely from the start.
To understand when to splurge and when to save, consider what aspects of your makeup or skincare are most important.. I always suggest that most cream products, especially for dry and oily skin, are products worth the price.
Some luxury foundations and cream products often go beyond basic coverage by incorporating high-quality skincare ingredients that enhance your complexion over time. Many high-end formulas include hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, SPF for sun protection, and antioxidants like vitamins C and E to fight free radicals and prevent premature aging. These added benefits make luxury base products a smart investment, especially for those looking to improve their skin while wearing makeup. Additionally, high-end brands tend to use refined, skin-friendly ingredients that blend seamlessly, provide a more natural finish, and last longer throughout the day.
On the contrary, drugstore makeup has come a long way, offering high-quality formulas that rival luxury brands at a fraction of the price. Many drugstore products are made by the same parent companies as high-end brands, meaning you can often find similar ingredients and performance without the hefty price tag. For example, Rimmel London and CoverGirl are both owned by Coty, which also manages Gucci, Burberry, and Chloe.
With constant innovation, drugstore makeup now includes long-wearing foundations, richly pigmented eyeshadows, and mascaras that deliver dramatic volume—proving that great makeup doesn’t have to be expensive.
Whether you're a beginner building your collection or a beauty lover looking for budget-friendly staples, drugstore products provide accessible, effective, and affordable beauty solutions.
Pro Tips for Finding the Best Products
With so many options on the market, finding the best makeup products—whether luxury or drugstore—requires a bit of research and strategy. Start by reading reviews and watching swatches to see how a product performs on different skin types and tones.
This is when you want to look at ingredient lists to identify high-quality formulas, especially when shopping for skincare-infused makeup. You can also test products in-store to check for texture, blendability, and wear time.
Staying updated on industry trends can also help you make informed beauty buys. Many brands release new products based on viral trends—like skin tints for a dewy, natural look or multi-use products for minimalistic beauty routines. However, not all hyped-up products are worth the investment, so keeping an eye on trusted reviews and comparisons can help you separate the must-haves from the marketing gimmicks.
Makeup dupes are a game-changer in the beauty community because they make high-quality beauty accessible to everyone, regardless of budget. Not everyone can afford luxury products, and dupes offer similar colors, finishes, and performance at a fraction of the price. They allow beauty lovers to experiment with trending shades and formulas without overspending.
By combining research with an understanding of beauty trends, you can build a high-performing, cost-effective makeup collection tailored to your needs!
Products Worth the Splurge
While there are plenty of affordable beauty gems out there, some products are truly worth the splurge—especially when it comes to performance, formulation, and longevity. Foundation and other cream products are a key area where investing in a luxury product can make a big difference; high-end formulas often offer a more natural finish, a wider shade range, and skin-loving ingredients that enhance your complexion over time.
As a makeup artist who works with brides, I can confidently say that splurging on quality makeup products is absolutely worth it—especially for one of the most important days of someone’s life. Wedding days are emotional, high-energy, and often long, so the makeup needs to withstand tears, hugs, dancing, heat, and flash photography without budging. Luxury products are formulated with high-performing pigments, longer wear times, and skin-loving ingredients that not only look flawless in person but also photograph beautifully.
That’s why I always recommend investing in a few key luxury staples that will guarantee a flawless, long-lasting bridal look from morning to night. Here are some of my go-to splurge-worthy products that I trust on every bride I work with:
Foundation: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation – A cult-favorite for a reason, this foundation delivers a radiant, skin-like finish with buildable coverage and a silky texture that blends effortlessly.
Primer: Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer – Known for its pore-blurring and smoothing effect, this primer creates a flawless canvas that extends makeup wear all day.
Eyeshadow Palette: Natasha Denona & Makeup By Mario Palettes – These palettes are luxury at its finest, with ultra-pigmented, buttery shadows that blend like a dream and offer stunning, multidimensional finishes.
Setting Spray: One Size Beauty – Ultra-mattifying, waterproof, and sweat-proof, it locks makeup in place for up to 16 hours, making it a must-have in everyone's beauty bag.
In honor of the Sephora sale, here's a few of my other favorite luxury products that I highly recommend you check out.
Source: LTK
So while it’s totally possible to build a beautiful makeup collection on a budget, there are certain products where the extra investment truly pays off—especially when performance, longevity, and skin-loving benefits are non-negotiable in what you're looking for when searching for new makeup. Take advantage of the Sephora sale to treat yourself to a few of these high-performing favorites—you (and your skin) will thank you later!
Drugstore Gems That Rival High-End Products
Drugstore makeup has come a long way—and today, it’s more than just a budget-friendly alternative. With consistent innovation, quality control, and a strong focus on what consumers actually want, drugstore makeup has become a reliable option for both everyday wear and special occasions—proving that great makeup doesn’t have to come with a luxury label.
As mentioned earlier, dupes are a great way to find budget-friendly alternatives to high-priced beauty products. While some products are truly unique and amazing, many dupes have become viral sensations, often outshining the original luxury product. e.l.f. Cosmetics is a prime example of a brand that excels at creating high-quality dupes that offer comparable results to their luxury counterparts.
Their lip oil is an affordable alternative to the Dior Lip Glow Oil, offering the same hydrating, glossy finish without the steep price tag. Similarly, the Power Grip Primer has gone viral for its uncanny resemblance to the Milk Hydro Grip Primer, delivering a long-lasting, tacky base that helps makeup stay put all day. Both of these are amazing products that I have used and swear by!
Beyond e.l.f., other drugstore brands like NYX, Milani, and Maybelline have also stepped up their game, creating dupes that rival luxury favorites in pigmentation, longevity, and formula quality. The L'Oreal Lumi Glotion, for instance, has been compared to high-end options like the Drunk Elephant bronzing drops, offering similar benefits at a fraction of the cost.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative or simply curious to see if a dupe can outperform the original, keeping an eye on these viral drugstore finds is a must! You can find so many more amazing products on Ulta, and here are a few of my faves!
Source: LTK
Drugstore makeup has proven time and again that you don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve professional-quality results. With impressive formulas and high-performance products, these budget-friendly alternatives offer an excellent value without compromising on quality. So next time you’re browsing the aisles, remember: you don’t need to splurge to look and feel your best—sometimes the best finds are right within reach!
Both luxury and drugstore makeup offer distinct advantages, with luxury brands excelling in high-quality ingredients and sophisticated formulations, while drugstore options provide affordability and impressive performance.Ultimately, the decision to splurge or save depends on individual preferences, skin needs, and budget. Whether you choose to invest in high-end products or stick to your trusted drugstore favorites, the key is to find what works best for you and enhances your beauty routine without compromising on quality or experience.
If you would like to see more of my Sephora collection, click here. For more product recommendations and beauty/lifestyle tips, be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok. Most importantly, have fun shopping, ladies!
