Splurge or Save?...

When it comes to cosmetics, it's hard to know where to throw your money. Pricey makeup seems like a nice investment, but is it ALWAYS necessary to spend big bucks? No. A lot of drugstore/lower end products work just as well as (if not better than) the luxury/high end brands. Here's my guide to makeup shopping...

Eyeliner: SAVE

Most eye pencils are made from wax, which is not worth $20.00. You can get a great lower end eyeliner for $3.00 that will work just as well.

Mascara: SAVE

This is one of those products that can be produced for pretty cheap, without sacrificing quality.

Eyeshadow: SPLURGE

A great eyeshadow will last all day. Cheap $4 shadows will fade by lunch. Still don't want to pay big bucks for shadow? Invest in a good eyeshadow primer (my favorite is Too Faced Shadow Insurance...$18.00 at Sephora). This will help extend the life of your shadows.

Foundation: SPLURGE

It's so hard to find the right shade standing in the makeup isle at Wal-Mart. Besides, even with a primer, drugstore brands tend to melt off quickly. Get your cute little butt to a department store and get matched by someone who knows what they are doing. Higher end foundations may cost you a little more, but they will last all day, and you usually have to use less product.

Face Primer: SAVE

I've tried every primer out there. No joke. My $6.00 Rimmel Fix & Perfect Pro Primer works just as good as (and feels lighter than) my $36.00 Smashbox Photo Finish.

Concealer: SPLURGE

For the same reasons as foundation...better quality, coverage, and color matching :)

Lipstick: SAVE

Although you can't beat the formula/color range of MAC, you can find great, long wearing lipstick at your local Wal-Mart.

Blush, Bronzers, and Powders: SPLURGE

Luxury powders have been pulverized to such a degree that you can layer and layer without ever looking like a clown. We like that.

Hope this helps those of you looking to expand your makeup collection!! Have a great day, ladies!! :)