To Splurge or Not to Splurge
Cosmetic products have varying price points, so how do you know when to drop the big bucks in the department store or save money by going to your local drug store?
Think about what your skin needs
Skincare products are applied directly to the skin, therefore, making an investment on quality products is worth the splurge. Everyone has different skin concerns, so it is important to invest the most money into products that address those concerns.
If you have sensitive eyes, make sure you look for eye creams that are allergy and ophthalmologist tested. Even some of the most high-end eye creams can have fragrances and other irritants that disturb sensitive eyes. Itchy and burning eyes are definitely not worth the splurge.
Think about what is necessary for your day to day usage
- Foundation
Foundations can range anywhere from your $7 drugstore brand to your $60 prestige brand. Since foundation is something that will most likely be worn everyday, it is a makeup product to consider splurging on. It is also applied directly to your skin, therefore quality is very important. - Color products (eye shadow, blush, lipstick)
All eye shadows are essentially made from the same ingredients. The concentration of these ingredients does however affect the quality. It’s worth it to splurge on eye shadow and eyeliner that will be used every day, but try to find a drugstore dupe for that sparkly hot-pink shadow with the hefty price tag. Same goes for lipstick and blush.
It’s tempting to run out and purchase the seasonal collections your favorite makeup counter comes out with every three months, especially if the packaging is cute. Unless there is a product in that collection that you are going to use multiple a times a week, think twice about splurging.
By Dwhitney Emanuel, Paul Wharton Style
Editor-in-Chief Mark Heckathorn is a journalist, movie buff and foodie. He oversees DC on Heels editorial operations as well as strategic planning and staff development. Reach him with story ideas or suggestions at dcoheditor (at) gmail (dot) com.