Are Drugstore Cosmetics As Good As Cosmetic Counter Brands?

The cosmetic counters at local department stores have a certain aura about them. The bright lights shining on a myriad of makeup colors, the cosmetics specialists dressed in their official company smocks, and the well placed mirrors all create an impression of quality. No wonder the average woman forks out more than $600 per year for cosmetic purchases, not including products for skin and hair care. Unfortunately, those dollars can add up. You may start to wonder if you could do better purchasing cosmetics at your local drugstore. Are drugstore cosmetics as effective as the more cleverly packaged cosmetic counter brands?

If you’re a person who needs guidance when choosing your makeup, drugstore cosmetics may not be for you. When you buy drugstore makeup, you’re usually on your own. Even if you manage to find someone to help, their lack of knowledge in this area will be apparent. The other disadvantage is you rarely have access to testers. There’s much less potential for “try before you buy” when purchasing drugstore cosmetics. In most cases, you’re limited to going by the color on the outside of the package which can appear quite different than the one you encounter when you open the package. Even in cases where there are testers, you’ll have a hard time finding a mirror to give the product a trial run.

Surprisingly, some of the higher end brands drugstore makeup products are similar or the same as the cosmetic counter brands. For example, Loreal owns Lancome cosmetics and people who use Loreal products claim the lipsticks and many of the other Loreal cosmetic products found in your local drugstore are the same as the higher priced Lancome ones. In this case, you’re paying for packaging, advertising, and personal assistance in selecting your product. If you use Lancome cosmetic products, particularly the lipsticks and blushes, it may be worth bringing your Lancome products to the drugstore to see if you can match them up with a similar Loreal product.

One strategy for saving money when shopping for cosmetics is to determine the colors that work for you by experimenting at the cosmetic counters. Bring along a small piece of white paper. Lightly dab samples of the colors you’ve chosen onto the paper so you can try to match them at the drugstore. Once you’ve left the cosmetic counter, head to your local drugstore and do some color comparisons while concentrating on the higher end drugstore cosmetic lines such as Loreal. Avoid going with the lowest end lines since these usually are of inferior quality.

One cosmetic product you’ll want to consider purchasing at a cosmetic counter is foundation. It’s very difficult to choose a flattering foundation without the benefit of testers. With foundation you need to try it on to see what level of coverage you’ll be getting and how well it will blend with your skin color. One product you never want to purchase at the cosmetic counter is mascara. The mascara purchased at cosmetic counters if generally of similar quantity to that found in drugstore brands at a much heftier price. Lipstick, blusher, eyeshadow, and eyeliner can often be purchased as drugstore cosmetics if you do your research and stick with higher end brands. In fact, you may end up getting the same product you paid so much for at the cosmetic counter.

Fortunately, if you choose a color incorrectly, most drugstore makeup is easily returned for a full refund even if it’s been used. While it pays to do your research so you don’t have to be the queen of cosmetic returns, you do have this as an option if you make an occasional mistake in selection.

All in all, drugstore cosmetics can be a viable alternative to overpriced cosmetic counter products in their fancier packaging. Be sure to do your research before making purchases.






Written by Dr Kristie