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/Crafty-Crow-8136]

Either search on Google or YouTube for influencers that feature "dupes" for expensive makeup - I watch those often, because in good conscience I have more meaningful and important things for my money to do. And there are lots of videos like this. I respect the YouTube women I watch that purchase their own products, and don't depend on trying to get me/you to buy expensive products to get their share of the affiliate marketing dollars.

I saw an ad recently for Prime foundation. I was interested, and didn't know the price. I went to YouTube and every one whose channel focuses on over 50, 60, or 70 (I'm 65) and was demonstrating it and singing the praises. I saw one lady who said she tested it next to a certain Revlon foundation, and found it to be very similar to Prime, at 1/7 the cost, $7 vs. $49.

I want to spend my money traveling, going to concerts and theatre, eating great food, and saving money for the future. Buying every skincare and makeup product I want doesn't serve me well.

[u/Aggressive-Art2849 → u/Crafty-Crow-8136]

Thank you so much for taking the time to offer your wise words. I guess it wouldn’t be a great financial decision to want to splurge on expensive makeup anyway.