Foundations - High or Low End?

Mar 20, 2011

Vivian L.

Do expensive designer foundations generally work better than drugstore ones?

Given that foundation is something you apply on to your skin, I suppose you would want it to contain the best ingredients. If price and affordability wasn't an issue, would you guys go for high end foundations or low end ones? Why?

Mar 20, 2011

Yasmin K.

I use both. Sometimes I use each alone, sometimes I mix. It depends on my skin's condition that day. I don't think it matters where you get your foundation so long as it works with your skin. Some skin is more sensitive, some have problems with finding the right shade, some skin tends to be more oily or dry. It really depends on your skin and what works best for you.

Mar 20, 2011

Wafi A.

I think it's better to invest in a more expensive foundation, just because it's all over your skin. You want a foundation that won't clog your pores, and has benefits such as, anti-aging qualities, pore minimizers, hydration, etc. There are so many foundations out there, both drug store and high end. I wouldn't limit my options. If money is an issue, I understand. I would ask for samples, until I found a foundation I was willing to splurge on. 

Mar 21, 2011

Hazel E.

for me, mine is in between, sephora, bobbi brown prices! they work better on me

Mar 26, 2011

Amanda K.

i use both but nothing beats the DS airspray or airflash foundation and the MUFE hd stuff.. get what you pay for, most of the time anyway!

Mar 26, 2011

Soma S.

I agree - I've noticed a lot of DS foundations have a tendency to rub off as well, VS dept. store foundations really setting and not rubbing off on clothing or whatever your face comes in contact with. I use MUFE HD - and its the only thing that doesn't break me out.  

Mar 26, 2011

Jane A.

Most higher end companies own lower end companies. Take Lancome for example, the company that owns Lancome is the same that owns Loreal.

Just like cars. Acura and Honda, Lexus and Toyota, Infiniti and Nissan. Majority of the stuff underneath it all... The engine, the hardbody of the lower end brands is what is underneath the higher end cars. Compare the Infiniti G37 to a Nissan Altima (or was it Maxima)... Same exact thing. Only difference is the G is a few Gs more. 

Mar 26, 2011

Rachael Y.

I have always opted for the higher end. For 2 reasons... when I was younger I had very sensitive skin and still today with certain products I am sensitive. I didnt want to take to many chances with the lower end brands. Also, it is much easier to match your skin tone in a department store because you can try on the foundation/concealer and you get help from the sales associate. In a drugstore you cant try the foundation on. It is a guessing game. Yes... once you know your color in a certain name brand then you are set but it might take you few times to figure out what your color is. I know that I am a busy person (and so are alot of other people). Who wants to keep having to buy colors and returning them because they arent right. I also know that there were times that I thought that I bought the right color and then when I was sitting in my car at a light and looked in my mirror I saw I was sooooo wrong. The color didnt match. EMBARRASSING!!! That is just my opinion. I always opt for the higher brand for foundation and concealer. 

Nov 23, 2013

Nou Y.

In my opinion of trying drugstore and high end. High end foundation has a better finish. Because high end and low end makeup brand are made by the same company, doesn't mean it's the same in quality. You get what you pay for. I say invest in foundation.

Apr 6, 2016

Samerah A.

Tbh it depends what works for you...I personally find drugstore foundations too suffocating on the skin and colours are never exactly right. I used drugstore when I was younger and tried loads but couldn't find anything that wasn't too cakey, orange or quick to come off. I decided to go to MAC a few years ago and loved the colours but I needed two - studio fix for coverage and long-lasting and studio sculpt to stop it looking too cakey so I decided to change as there's no point if you need two foundations. As I was looking for the perfect foundation, I bought some drugstore ones and took me forever to get any idea what to get as they can't recommend or test them for you in drugstores cause they don't know themselves:/ I ended up going for the body shop one and maybelline fit me I literally used both for a week and my skin was a mess - my pores we're opening for the first time ever, skin looked duller than ever, and was extremely dry! I stopped using them straightaway and moved to a few testers - Nars sheer glow and UD Naked! Loved both of these and for the first time colours were perfect but still not as dewy as I liked. Finally found the perfect one the other day - Laura Mercier silk crime moisturising foundation and it's perfect! Some people can get away with drugstore foundations however, for me, you get what you pay for! High end foundations are much lighter on the skin, have skin benefits, can be tested and recommended for what your looking for, can find closer colours to your skin, can choose regarding skin type and get much more advice! Although, high end prices look higher, they last much longer due to the fact that they're much better pigmented so price works out pretty similar overall :)