Department Store Vs. Drugstore Cosmetic Brands
Department Store Vs. Drugstore Cosmetic Brands
I just read an article on drugstore makeup being as good as department store and frankly I beg to differ.
I test many brands of makeup for my beauty segments on WB2day show. I have to tell ya, all powder is not the same. Neither is eye shadow. There is a difference between really good powder, i.e. Chanel, Laura Mercier, and Shiseido's Rich Matte Film Powder, then several of the drug store brands. Most of the better brands are made without talc. My test is touching the powder with the middle finger, then press and wipe against the thumb tip. If the powder totally disappears, its a fine blend. If its chalky it will be chalky on your face.
Less expensive brands tend to have more frost in their eye shadows. When applied to the more mature woman's eyes, they will look older and puffy. You will really have to look for matte shadows. And with the spring colors being highly iridescent that is going to be a challenge. M.A.C., Philosophy, Bobbi Brown, Vincent Longo, Laura Mercier, Smashbox, and Trish McEvoy are lines that carry soft shades that are perfect for baby boomers. Figures, in that they are all lines designed by makeup artists. M Professional is an interesting brand sold in drugstores and beauty supply stores also designed by a makeup artist. So is Jane cosmetics sold at Ulta. At Ulta, "Studio Gear" line is more like the department store, but being more mid-priced it doesn't come as cheap. Do check out the colors and user friendly counter of Ulta's private lable line of the same name. Wonderful colors and moderatly priced!
Lipsticks on the other hand you'll have more luck with. Revlon is a great line, so is L'Oreal Cosmetics, and Almay. Oil of Olay has some beautiful new lipsticks, and might I add fabulous new Moisture Stick Foundation that is 50% water, feeling wet and cool to the touch. They also for spring just came out with Compete Radiance Foundation, dual finish powder and tinted moisturizer with UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum Spf15.
Max Factor and CGSmoothers also have nice foundations, from light to full coverage. In the department stores, check out Chanel, Vincent Longo "water canvas", and Estée Launder "Futurist" and "Impeccable" foundations. The next time you're at your favorite salon, test out Trucco's "Pro Coverage Foundation". Great medium to full coverage with an SPF of 8. When you want good coverage yet a dewey look, it's the bet. M.A.C. has great full coverage foundation also that's a favorite with TV and Film people everywhere.
When it comes to nail polish, ya just can't beat Chanel, Clinique and in the lesser price category, Kiss, and Opi.For great sparkle, try Tony&Tina nail polish.
No matter what the ingredient list says, and packaging and advertising aside, there is a difference in the application, wearability and longevity of some of the better lines. No, an eyeshadow shouldn't cost $30. That's outrageous. I like to pay around $10-$17. Well, truthfully, I wish cosmetic brands would have sales!
It takes research through testing many makeup brands in the stores, and reading the magazines. For spring CoverGirl has sample sizes of lipsticks, foundations and powder And cosmetic displays are user-friendly for trying makeup on without having to sneak the packaging off. (OK, I'm guilty). And Ulta has a nice policy on returns if you get the product home and realize what you thought was pink in the store is actually orange. A trick is having a small hand mirror with you. Try the product on, (wipe the product with a tissue and ask if the sales people have some alcohol to spray on lipsticks, and applicators.) walk out into the daylight and check out the color with your hand mirror. This is especially good when testing foundation shades. Stripe about 3 shades on your cheek to jaw line. Walk into the natural light with the mirror. In the time it takes to walk into the better light the foundation will either change color because of the acidity of your skin type, or blend right in. Obviously you want the one that disappears into your skin.
So, I say, don't forsake the better department store lines totally, do your research, test products, and sometimes quality is everything.
