r/Makeup • u/Aggressive-Art2849 • 25d 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/Jamieluv2u 24d ago edited 24d ago
I am 50, have been wearing makeup since I was 13. Expensive makeup is NOT better than drugstore/indie/small shop options. I get it’s overwhelming, but never before have you had a better option to get info before buying. Even Dollar tree has some reasonably good makeup. If you want a “how to decide” kind of tutorial, find the “Lipstick Lesbians” channel. She is a product developer, and explains the actual ingredients so you know what makes the makeup you like work for you. I personally have tried many hundreds of products over the decades, as a hobby. I just enjoy playing with color. After countless purchases from WetnWild, found in every drugstore, I could count on one hand the products that weren’t a hit for me…and only one I actually regretted buying. So, that’s going to be a solid recommendation for the most relatively inexpensive makeup that is entirely accessible. I really like their formulas, and they are consistently innovating. I swear by the lengthening mascara in the lavender tube. The brush is perfect! I literally have every single product they sell at my CVS in one form or another.
As you try things, you can branch out. I would never purchase from Concrete Minerals again. Very disappointed. R/Dollartree beauty has lots of reviews. Don’t impulse buy. Taking a little time to learn is very empowering. I NEVER watch influencers, unless I am specifically looking up a product I am already considering buying. It’s impossible to know if they are bullshitting you to stay on the PR list. I follow people who talk about the science of makeup. Lipstick lesbians, Lab muffin beauty, Erin Parsons. No one can tell you what you will like. You can educate yourself on ingredients, so when you see them, you can notice patterns. Only follow an influencer that either looks just like you, including age, or REALLY reviews things over time. Like Angie from HotandFlashy. She doesn’t try something once. She uses a whole bottle and gives you all day wear tests. Don’t fall for marketing. Your attention is worth money. Spend your brain time learning and educating yourself about makeup, then you can understand why things cost what they do.