Whether your morning makeup routine is five or 45 minutes, there’s a good chance we all have a mix of similar products sitting at home. Usually a mascara, a lipstick or gloss, and maybe a foundation or skin tint.
Regardless of how much makeup you wear, the age-old question (perhaps it was just something my mother asked my beauty-obsessed younger self) is how much should we really be spending on makeup products?
With some products reaching hundreds of dollars, it’s hard to decipher which products are worth spending the extra money on. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and budget. We spoke to the Global Pro Lead Artist at Smashbox Cosmetics, Lori Taylor Davis, to get her guidance. “I always consider performance, ingredient quality, longevity, and how often I use the product. For my daily staples, I’m happy to spend a bit more if it means better results and a better experience overall,” she tells us.
Professional makeup artists Michelle Dubé and Jasmine Abdallaoui also share their suggestions below.
Makeup products to splurge on
Skin prep
Both Michelle and Jasmine advise that preparing your skin before makeup is absolutely key to a flawless makeup look.
“No matter how expensive your foundation is, it won’t sit well on the skin if it’s not properly hydrated and prepped,” Jasmine says. She advises that high-quality ingredients should be the focus, but you certainly don’t need to break the bank. “My favourite budget-friendly cream is the Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream, while my top splurge-worthy choice is Cosmetics 27 Baume 27.”
Michelle agrees and says that primers are also a great way to ensure your makeup looks great. “These are the canvas to everything else. When those are right, everything else falls into place.”
Base products
“I always recommend investing in the products you wear every day — the core staples of your makeup routine,” Michelle advises. This can vary depending on the products you personally use every day.
However, Michelle tells us, “A high-quality foundation and concealer can completely change the way your skin looks and feels. Whether you prefer sheer coverage or something more full, a well-formulated base will offer long-lasting wear, better blendability, and colour that stays true throughout the day.”
Lori agrees, telling us, “I believe it’s worth investing in complexion products, things like primer, foundation, and concealer, because they sit directly on your skin, so quality really matters. High-end formulas often contain better ingredients, offer superior textures, and deliver longer-lasting results.”
Look for products with a buildable coverage, such as the Dior Backstage Face and Body Foundation, which will allow you to customise your coverage. This means one foundation will offer you sheer to medium (or even full) coverage without swapping out for new products.
Neutral eye colours
Let’s face it, if I’m wearing eyeshadow, there is a 99 per cent chance it’s going to be a natural shade (bright colours exclusively come out for concerts or themed birthdays). So when it comes to investing in an eyeshadow palette, stick to something you use frequently.
Michelle tells us, “As a makeup artist, I invest in high-quality products such as foundations, concealers, blush and neutral eye colours, but I will round out my kit with cheaper, fun products in bright colours, eye-safe glitters, glosses and mascara.”
To ensure your eyeshadow looks its best, Lori recommends splurging on some good quality brushes. “I also think good quality brushes are worth the investment,” she tells us. “They not only elevate the final result but also tend to last much longer when cared for properly.”
The Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette is a great choice, with 12 neutral shades to get you through every occasion.
Makeup products to save on
Multi-use products
“Saving on your makeup routine doesn’t mean compromising on looking great,” Michelle advises.
But sometimes, spending does mean saving, especially when it comes to multi-use products. “Look for lip products that double as blush, or bronzers that can be used on eyes and cheeks. They simplify your routine, lighten your makeup bag, and save you money.”
By investing in one product that hits multiple parts of the face, you’re ultimately saving money. The Merit Flush Balm offers 13 different shades that will universally work across the cheeks, lips and any other areas of the face you want to add a touch of colour.
Trending products
We all know that beauty trends come and go, so they’re not the products that we need to be investing in.
Michelle advises that highly trending makeup, like coloured eyeliner or mascara, doesn’t need to be expensive. “These are fun to experiment with, and budget-friendly brands often do a fantastic job in that space. They don’t need to last all day, and you won’t mind as much if they end up at the back of your drawer in a few months.”
Lori agrees and tells us, “Trendy colour products, like bold eyeshadows or lip shades that change with the season, are great examples. If it’s a product that needs regular replacing and doesn’t dramatically change the look, sometimes an inexpensive dupe will suffice.”
The Mecca Max Zoom Liners are a great way to incorporate affordable yet colourful makeup products into your beauty looks.
Mascara
Mascara has a very limited shelf life, and once open, it is only considered safe to use for three to six months. Anything after this time frame is considered dangerous for the eyes and can lead to irritation and potential health risks. So, unless you really love a luxury mascara, you can save your money and find an affordable alternative.
However, Lori reminds us that investing in mascara can offer benefits, too. “A great mascara can dramatically improve both the look and health of your lashes. Better ingredients means less irritation, longer wear, and a more refined finish.”
If you have particularly short or straight lashes, or want to improve their health, a serum-infused mascara can be the way to go.
Jasmine’s pick is Maybelline Full ’N Soft mascara, while Michelle recommends Maybelline Great Lash.
