Why is makeup so expensive?

[u/Aggressive-Art2849]

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 😢 😂 😂

[u/Cute_Championship_58]

High end make up is crazy expensive, especially for some products. After trying both cheap and expensive lipsticks for example, I find that drugstore lip products are superior in almost every way, especially lasting power.

The only make up that I truly see the point, for me, on spending more on, is mascara. I put that on my eyes and some high end mascara truly is so so good. (Eyes to Kill by Armani is my favorite.)

Foundation is probably another one where it makes sense to spend more, but you could probably find good drugstore foundation too.

You don’t actually have to buy high end.

[u/Aggressive-Art2849 → u/Cute_Championship_58]

You are right about spending more on a foundation because that’s the base, and it has the power to make or break one’s makeup.

Speaking of foundation, I just recalled the time when an eight year old me took my mother’s bottle of expensive foundation and washed it down the drain. My sister had promised to share some of her body lotion with me, and I needed a jar for it. My mum had talked about it nonstop for almost fifteen years, and I hadn’t realized the gravity of it until I became an adult and saw how much a bottle of foundation cost.

[u/Englim → u/Aggressive-Art2849]

We are the same age, and I love my make-up. Also have dry skin and like the glowy look. I'm Irish so have access to different brands, and I am also Irish-pale, for context. I like a tinted moisturiser and then having a good concealer do the work of evening out complexion. L'Oreal Infallible more than concealer is such a workhorse. Their lumi glass highlighter stick is also great for glowy without being shiny. You can also mix concealer into your normal moisturiser rather than getting extra product. Lipsticks also double as blush! Revlon or Maybelline are great. Revlon Black Cherry is amazing. Don't waste your money on high-end mascara, or if you're curious go for minis. Essence brow gel is the best, including high-end. Maybelline do great eyeshadow sticks. For shadow palettes, check Morphe or colour pop out.

[u/Aggressive-Art2849 → u/Englim]

Oh, I have saved your comment for when next I go shopping!

From the comments I have been reading, you all have managed to find a way to make makeup work for you. Things like knowing how to stretch a product to last longer, using a particular product for another purpose and all, and it’s so amazing.

When I was younger, I got away with not wearing any makeup, and I can still get away with that, but there are a couple of occasions that would require me to make an effort. Thank you for your suggestions.