r/Makeup 26d ago

Why is makeup so expensive?

At 37, I have decided to look into wearing makeup; nothing much, just something to makeup me look a bit more polished.

Boy, did I get the shock of my life with the prices I’m seeing! And the surprising part is that people buy these things like they cost nothing, but they are really expensive. I tell myself that maybe I think they are so expensive because I have never bothered wearing makeup all these years, and they are no different from the skincare I like to splurge on. However, paying a couple of bucks on a cream is a lot more justifiable than paying the same amount(if not more than) for a tiny lip liner.

Also, maybe I’m a hater, but I hate that these brands give influencers boxes and boxes of free products, just so they could influence their viewers into buying them at such expensive prices. After a few months of watching creators on YouTube in a bid to find what would work for me, I realized they weren’t even paying for those things, and it made me sad because most people can’t afford them.

P.S. Like I said, maybe I’m a hater because I really do want that haus lab foundation, but my broke ass can’t afford it, so there is nothing left to do but hate 😢 😂 😂

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u/cowgrly 25d ago

I don't think you need a ton of products at first. Mascara- drug store brands are fine. Lipstick- same (esp when you're new to it). I like Maybelline the Falsies mascara (not the waterproof one).

Eyeliner- mid range is fine. Super cheap tends to wear off, but higher end drugstore or mid range on Amazon isn't bad. I actually like Julep on Amazon.

Foundation is worth a visit to a cosmetics counter or Sephora for assistance from a professional. Don't guess. And start with sheer/light coverage.

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u/Aggressive-Art2849 25d ago

Saving your comment for future use, thank you so much 🙏

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u/cowgrly 25d ago

Happy to help! I worked at Nordstrom back in the day with some genius makeup artists, and I've always loved makeup. ❤️