Beauty on a Budget: Do Drugstore Makeup Brands Damage your Skin?

The expression "beauty knows no pain" could not be more out of context when referring to the quality of your skincare and makeup; indeed, nobody should suffer the consequences of poorly manufactured products and their subsequent damage to your skin. A quick search on reviewsbird us will provide you with an array of reviews on popular drugstore makeup brands and retailers; while you are there, you can also compile a wishlist of tried and tested beauty products to pick up this coming black friday. Search anything from prestige products like Shiseido Reviews to drugstore brands like Elf, Maybelline, and more.

Is there a difference between high-end and drugstore makeup brands?

To distinguish between a drugstore and a high-end makeup product, firstly, take note of where the product is sold; true to name, drugstore products can be purchased in a drugstore, while makeup merchants or upmarket department stores typically sell high-end products. There are pivotal differences between the products: packaging, marketing, ingredients, and exclusivity. When addressing packaging, you might be surprised to find that the bulk of the cost of many prestige products can be attributed to the packaging and marketing spend. Many brands will splurge on the appearance and weight of packaging to create a luxurious feel while building the product's marketing budget into the final price. In many scenarios, the actual ingredients between drugstore and high-end makeup and skincare are very similar, if not for the inclusion of higher concentrations of active ingredients in the prestige brands. In regards to formulations and finishes, of course, high-end makeup brands usually spend more time developing products and making use of more advanced technology.

Can makeup permanently damage your skin?

Arguably the most beautiful version of yourself is the most authentic one, so taking good care of your skin, considering nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, will lay the foundation for a beautiful complexion that needs minor enhancement in the makeup department. Makeup is about enhancing your features and creative expression; therefore, a dash of mascara and concealer won't always cut it; in that case, you'll want to be adequately informed about your makeup purchases. A few factors to consider when considering if makeup can permanently damage your skin: are acne, aging, allergic reactions or infections, and pigmentation. As much as you might want to hide acne or skin discoloration, in many cases, foundations and other makeup products can make the condition worse, only eased by taking a makeup break completely. Chemical-laden products may also contribute to early signs of aging due to free-radical production and associated cell damage; core ingredients to look out for are parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and mineral oils. The next time you go into a drugstore, take a moment to check that the safety tamper seals are intact to reduce the risk of contamination; you might be surprised to learn how many stock products get used as testers by curious shoppers.

The lowdown on drugstore makeup brands and your skin

Many a beauty on a budget will be faced with the dilemma of splurging or saving on new makeup products. High-end makeup brands are luxurious but come at a cost; often, drugstore dupes outperform them. Pay close attention to the listed cosmetic ingredients, identify your skin type and needs, research reviews, and factor the best of both drugstore and high-end items into your budget. You can look polished and make rent.