Expensive cosmetics vs cheaper products : That debate on new research

Apparently the average American woman will spend over $15,000 in cosmetics during her lifetime.



This doesn't shock me. It shouldn't shock you either.

I mean we've all had those moments where on payday we slide our cards over to pay for a £30 foundation in the hope that this is just enough to buy the skin of our dreams. But wait, we get outside and survey the bag, how did we pay for a primer? and a contouring kit? When did we even need a new winter shade of blusher?

Had this happen?

You are not alone.

I used to be the person who did it to you.

I used to be a total enemy of women's saving accounts everywhere - I was a make up sales assistant.

While I am planning on a  longer more detailed post about this later in the year (about four months from now) I can honestly say, $15,000 sounds like a small amount. It should be much higher judging by what I saw.

But did you know that according to Quartz, the total price of the make up does not reflect the ingredients used? In fact, only 15% accounts for the ingredients used. The rest is determined by where the make up is sold and packaging. So higher rents on concessions in high price point stores means that you will have a higher mark up. To stop the product (presumably) from being so expensive in one department store and cheaper in the stand alone store (where rent may be cheaper) they allow the cheaper rent places to account for the higher ones and even the price out. So apart from discount stores and airports - standard pricing exists.

The source of this 15% is Randy Schueller, a cosmetics chemist who has been in the business for thirty years.

So if this is true then the price you pay for Bobbi is more dependant on Bobbi being in Harvey Nichols then it is using expensive ingredients - allegedly.

I don't believe so.

I have always stood by the price point for skincare and foundations. I have tried and tested the cheaper foundations and found that the patching and sliding shows the quality difference with higher end products. Although finding the right higher end product is a total stress.

Although when you consider that lipstick is little more then wax, pigment and oil. This doesn't add up to £15 surely?!?! Mind you, when you consider packaging, expertise and rents......maybe it does.

I will say this, expertise means a whole lot. Having worked as a MUA for seven years and a counter girl for four of those years, I would say that having expertise is a major part of the price point. When I worked on counter, there were so few of the girls who were not make up artists. Their training prior and during their working for the company is expensive. They then can save you major money by telling you which products suit what skin type. This is something you do not get with a drug store stand product. Which is a lot of the reason why people think that the lower price brands don't work.

Also, if a high end brand does returns, incentives and also recycling schemes then these are also factored into the price.

So what expensive make up do I buy into?

I buy into products I know from brands I trust. Now, this means years of research. I buy into the brands that I have tested but mostly, success with make up comes down to finish and knowing your skin. I know that matte lipsticks stay on and are good for long lasting finishes. So therefore, if this is what I want from a lipstick then buying a cheaper product will only make me think the cheaper brand will not work.

I buy studio fix from MAC because the formula works for my skin. I would suggest that in the future, sample what you can, try on everything but mostly, know what you want from your make up in detail. If you can say you want a lipstick that stays then brilliant - go research the best finishes for that. Know that your skin has a tendency to flake on your lips so invest in a scrub and conditioner for the days where you don't wear the lipstick. Do this and it doesn't matter what brand you wear. It won't move.


*This of course does not include buy fake cosmetics. Naturally. If you buy fake cosmetics then you are allowing all manner of everything onto your skin. Don't do it kids. Just promise me?!?!