A few weeks ago, while strolling through the neighborhood with my best friend, we stopped by the drugstore to grab a few household essentials. She brought me to the Essence Cosmetic stand and said, “You must try this lip oil; it is completely the same as the Dior one!” She was so excited about how good that makeup product is that it made me think deeper. I personally use Essence products and am completely satisfied with the quality and the price. However, can budget-friendly alternatives be as good as high-class beauty products with brand names? On one hand, I knew Essence produces good-quality makeup products; on the other hand, I was skeptical about it being completely identical to Dior, a high-end cosmetics brand. I decided to dive into this topic to find out whether we are paying for quality or for the name.
Quality vs. Quantity.
Growing up, my mom always taught me that the more expensive an item is, the better its quality, and that I should prioritize quality over quantity. She always bought me more expensive clothing and high- quality footwear. She would say that I should buy one expensive pair of shoes that will last for a few seasons rather than buying cheaper ones that would end up torn in a few months, which would also be bad for my health due to the use of cheap materials. Still, is this the same concept when it comes to makeup? Is it better to buy one expensive lipstick instead of three budget-friendly ones, considering that most products expire before we even use half of them while also taking up space? Does overconsumption really need to stop? According to Arnaud Plas, co-founder and CEO of Prose, a North American beauty company, and his personal research, around 20% to 40% of cosmetic products end up as waste due to being unused, expired, or discontinued.
Price vs. Value.
When it comes to makeup, does a higher-priced item mean better quality? Is it better for your skin and how it looks when applied? Are the ingredients the same? While researching, I came across many makeup pictures and videos of women comparing luxury products to budget ones — and let me tell you, most of the makeup looked exactly the same. Another interesting observation was that some affordable makeup products looked even better on the face than the luxury ones. Some people argue that companies producing higher-end products use a higher percentage of active ingredients, like hyaluronic acid or antioxidants, or include a higher amount of pigment in a product, making it healthier and longer-lasting. The reality of the beauty industry is that companies that produce luxury brands often own drugstore brands and frequently use very similar ingredients. I will leave that to your discretion, but will remind you of the importance of checking the packaging before buying any product.
Lip Products.
If you ask me which makeup product I use the most, it would definitely be lipstick. Was I trying to find a dupe of every luxury lip product? Not exactly. In many cases, I would choose a product that does as good a job as any high-end brand with an adequate price tag. Buying alternatives does not mean buying dupes of luxury brands. The two carry different goals: when you buy dupes, you purchase products that promise exactly the same or a very similar formula, texture, ingredients, and wear. On the other hand, when you buy alternatives, you don’t expect the product to be exactly the same, but you know it will have a close shade or similar quality, though it won’t be an exact copy of another brand.
If you are looking for a good lip balm alternative, try Quo Beauty Glowy Lip Balm. Its packaging looks exactly like that of the Dior Addict Lip Glow Balm. Both products provide a glossy finish and a tinted effect. I personally use it and love its smooth texture. It also comes in different shades.
The e.l.f. Glow Reviver offers similar benefits to Dior’s Lip Glow, but at a more affordable price and with a lighter, glossier finish. My personal alternative to Dior lip oil is Essence Hydra Kiss Lip Oil (yes, the one my girlfriend suggested that day).
Looking for a nude lipstick? L’Oréal Jennifer’s Nude is a great alternative to #4 Chanel lipstick in Boy, with a similar glossy, moisturizing formula.
Eye Products.
Achieving the dramatic eye look is also quite possible with budget-friendly options. For eye shadow , try the creamy formula of Maybelline Color Tattoo cream shadow instead of MAC Paint Pots. Maybelline shadows cost a third of the price, and are known for their long-lasting wear.
#1 Benefit Roller Lash Mascara can easily be replaced by CoverGirl The Super Sizer, which has the same curling effect and is even more smudge-proof.
Hear me out, excellent makeup products can be affordable for everyone. You don’t have to chase after brand names, and you don’t have to break the budget blindly following trends. Simply do some research, and you will find tons of alternatives. It is up to you when it comes to choosing between luxury cosmetics and affordable ones, but my suggestion is to find the perfect balance when filling your makeup bag.
Viktoriia Kolomiiets | Writer
