High-End vs. Drugstore: The Ultimate Makeup Showdown

An everyday look featuring prestige brands vs their dupes.

Navigating the world of makeup can often feel like an expensive endeavor, especially when faced with a plethora of brands. As an enthusiast with over 22 years of makeup experience, I embarked on a real-time blogging experiment: comparing prestigious brands with their affordable dupes. So, is splurging on high-end makeup worth it? Let’s dive deep into this cosmetic battle!

Sarah's Scientific Method

The Makeup Match-Up Methodology

For a fair assessment, I implemented a consistent routine, ensuring an even playing field for both prestige products and their alternatives. Here's my approach:

1. Foundation & Concealer: Blended with Crown’s large round buffer brush.

2. Setting Powder: Applied with MAC’s 150 synthetic large powder brush and evenly distributed with Aesthetica's P12 brush.

3. Contour & Bronzer: With Milani's powder/bronzer brush, the contour was applied at an angle while the bronzer was added in a circular motion.

4. Blush: Luxie's 660 precision foundation brush was the tool of choice.

5. Highlight: I shone with Colourpop’s F17 brush.

6. Eyeshadow: Using the BH Cosmetics Essential 7-piece brush set complemented by Morphe's R37 blending brush.

7. Finish: The look was sealed with mascara and topped off with Colourpop’s Arriba! ultra matte lip.

Prestige Ensemble ($286)

• $40 Foundation: Dior

• $27 Concealer: Tarte

• $30 Setting Powder: Too Faced (Discontinued)

• $30 Contour: Pur (Discontinued)

• $30 Bronzer: Too Faced

• $34 Blush: Kosas

• $28 Highlight: Anastasia Beverly Hills (Discontinued)

• $45 Palette: Manny MUA x MakeupGeek (Discontinued)

• $22 Mascara: Ciate (Discontinued)

Budget-Friendly Alternatives ($111):

• $30 Foundation Mix: Physicians Formula (Discontinued)

• $10 Concealer: Maybelline

• $9 Setting Powder: Colourpop

• $5 Contour: Wet N Wild (Discontinued)

• $15 Bronzer: Physicians Formula

• $10 Blush: Burt's Bees

• $5 Highlight: Wet N Wild

• $16 Palette: Kathleen Lights x Colourpop (Discontinued)

• $11 Mascara: Physicians Formula (Discontinued)

And the Crown Goes To…

The Dupes

Surprisingly, the more affordable dupes stole the show. However, Dior’s foundation stood out for its inclusive shade range, especially for olive skin tones.

The Dream Team Compilation

If we were to assemble the ultimate makeup squad based on performance:

• Best Concealer: Tarte $27

• Best Setting Powder: Colourpop $9

• Best Contour: Wet N Wild (Discontinued) $5

• Best Bronzer: Physicians Formula $15

• Best Blush: Kosas $34

• Best Highlight: Anastasia Beverly Hills (Discontinued) $28

• Best Palette: Kathleen Light X Colourpop (Discontinued) $16

• Best Mascara: Ciate (Discontinued) $22

Grand Total: A fantastic face for $237!

Comment below with your favorite side and makeup products.

#JustForSarah #MakeUp