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I’m not too much of a makeup and self-care aficionado. Most days I barely brush my teeth and swipe on some pressed powder before rolling out the door for work 5 minutes after my alarm goes off. On the weekends, I can dial it up a bit, and I always wear fake lashes when I’m a wedding guest. No one is running to me asking if I can do their contour, but I suppose in the end, I can hold my own.
When it comes to makeup, a lot of people will tell you that it’s not just the user, but also the tools, that make all the difference in primping, priming, and glamming. You need the $200 ceramic curling iron, and the most expensive setting powder if you want to look presentable.
But is that really true?
I’ve spent all this money on CC hair creams, Anastasia Beverly Hills palates, and Dior lipstick, but I don’t look or feel like an Instagram model after switching to the good stuff. So, I guess the big question looming in the back of my mind is, “what the hell?”
I have a love-hate relationship with Sephora. I subscribe to their PLAY! Beauty box and am a regular customer every 3 months, when I have to come in a take out a loan to buy my $50 shampoo and condition combo, plus the correlating hair mask. The employees are always incredibly nice and love to try and help you find the right product. I once was lucky enough to have my whole face done by one of the makeup artists in store. He insisted on filling in my already thick eyebrows and used brown lip liner even after I told him I was a bit more of an au naturel gal. I left looking like a pornstar and had to scrub most of his creation off in the mall’s public restroom.
I will say this is the perfect store for anyone who loves disappointing rewards programs. It allows you to pick out a .0000001 oz. sample after you spend so much money. I am a huge proponent of saving up for the 500-750-point reward items, and even those are still extremely disappointing.
Aside from my bad makeover and the lame customer appreciation program, other negatives are coming to light. I am beginning to question the validity of spending more being worth it. As I’ve already mentioned, I don’t feel like I’m seeing a huge “glow up” difference between the pricey items I’m using and the drugstore L’Oréal products I stole from a friend in middle school because my mom wouldn’t let me buy makeup.
For a while, I thought I just wasn’t matching products to my skin tone/type. But after multiple runs through the color match system and store recommendations, I can confirm it’s not a “me” problem. It’s not that the products I’m using are terrible, they’re just not that above-and-beyond the cheaper options.
In general, I don’t mind paying a little bit more on high-quality items. You splurge once and save more in the long run. Economics 101, bitch. With high-end makeup stores, however, it’s beginning to feel like I’m spending for the brand name only. I’m not seeing the longevity or performance to justify the price tag.
Besides, once the product is on your skin, hopefully, no one can tell if you didn’t splurge. Unlike name brand clothing or bags, unless you walk around with your Naked smoky eye kit telling everyone that’s what you used, the clout just isn’t there. You have the rare opportunity to impress other women at the restroom sink when you pull out your purse to reapply, and that’s your only real chance to make an impression.
The designer makeup industry has presented a faux image endless opportunities, but I am left with a bleak outlook after suffering in their grips for far too long. Perhaps it’s time to bid my costly habit goodbye and return to the Target makeup section, or just avoid going out in public ever again. Both viable options to think about..
Respond
Kell
future soccer mom of America (AKA I drive a Volvo.) Miracle is my favorite movie and it should be yours too.
@backpackfanclub
@instagram
Use the $1000 towards buying people drinks at the bar. They’ll tell you how beautiful you are in no time!
I’m able to be ugly on just $25 a year. But maybe I’m just lucky.
Pro tip: 98% of men agree that topless girls are more attractive.
And the other 2% missed the topless girls
I spent $700 at the casino last month, so why am I still broke.
Sup
Yeah, sup
And here I am feeling like I was making unnecessary expenses bying a $6 face cleanser to supplement my usual regimen that includes showering daily and nothing else.
Ulta > Sephora.
Highly undervalued right now. Buy buy buy.
Just “accidentally” sent this to my gf
What kinda couch you workin with? Hope its comfy.
Nice
I’m not sure you know what ugly means
I vote Clinique.