Top 5 Makeup Products You Should Splurge On vs. Save On

When it comes to building your makeup collection, knowing when to invest and when to save can make a huge difference for both your wallet and your beauty routine. Some products are worth the splurge for their performance and lasting power, while others have affordable options that work just as well. Here’s a guide to help you decide where to invest and where to save!

Splurge: Foundation

My Recommendation:

Save: Be Amazing Liquid Concealer

When it comes to foundation, you don’t always need to splurge to get a flawless finish. We’ve been loving the Be Amazing Liquid Concealer as a budget-friendly alternative to foundation

Formulated with clean, nourishing ingredients, Be Amazing Liquid Concealer offers buildable matte coverage that flawlessly conceals imperfections while keeping your skin looking natural. You can use it as a concealer or apply it all over your face as a foundation for light-to-full coverage, making it the perfect multitasking product.

Why Save? For under $30, you’re getting a quality formula that rivals high-end foundations, making it a steal! Plus, its lightweight texture is perfect for everyday wear.

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Save: Mascara

Mascara is one of those products that has fantastic options at every price point. Some mascaras can give you length, volume, and definition without breaking the bank. Since mascara has a shorter shelf life (around 3 months), saving on this product makes even more sense.

My Recommendation:

Save: Making Waves Waterproof Mascara

This product favorite mascara gives maximum volume and hold while nourishing lashes. Prefer something that isn’t waterproof or in brown? Try this Perfect Lengthening Mascara.

Why Save? Mascaras dry out quickly and need to be replaced often. With Maybelline’s Lash Sensational, you get bold lashes for a fraction of the cost.


Splurge: Eyeshadow Palettes

When it comes to eyeshadow, high-end palettes typically offer better pigmentation, blendability, and staying power. The difference in formula can be noticeable, especially when you want vibrant colors that last all day without fading or creasing.

My Recommendation:

Splurge: Urban Decay Naked Palette

Known for its buttery texture and beautiful color payoff, the Naked palette is a staple for makeup lovers. It features a range of versatile shades that can take you from day to night with ease.

Why Splurge? The high-quality shadows blend seamlessly and have minimal fallout, giving you long-lasting color that’s worth the extra cost.


Save: Lipsticks

There are plenty of affordable lipsticks that perform just as well as their luxury counterparts. Drugstore brands have stepped up their game, offering creamy, pigmented formulas that come in a variety of finishes and shades.

My Recommendation:

Save: NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream

These soft matte lip creams have a rich color payoff and come in a wide range of shades. They’re comfortable to wear, long-lasting, and budget-friendly.

Why Save? Lipsticks can be easily replaced and experimented with, so save your splurge for more essential items. NYX offers high-quality at a very reasonable price.


Splurge: Setting Powder

A good setting powder can make or break your makeup, especially if you have oily or combination skin. High-end powders often have a finely milled texture that locks your makeup in place without leaving you looking cakey or flat.

My Recommendation:

Splurge: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

This iconic setting powder is renowned for its ability to blur imperfections, control shine, and set makeup for all-day wear. It’s lightweight and provides a flawless, soft-focus finish.

Why Splurge? Its ability to keep your makeup in place without flashback or heaviness makes it a must-have investment for long-wearing looks.


Save: Eyeliner

Eyeliners have proven themselves to be a quick way to define your natural features. This particular recommendation offers impressive pigmentation, smooth application, and long wear.

My Recommendation:

Save: Enduring Eyeliner Pencil – Long-lasting Gel Eyeliner

This gel-based eyeliner pencil smoothly glides on for an even application with an intense color payoff. The long-wear formula lasts up to 24 hours for a waterproof, smudge-proof look that will take you from day to night with confidence..

Why Save? Since eyeliner is often used daily, it’s easy to find affordable options that perform just as well as high-end alternatives.


Knowing when to splurge and when to save is key to building a makeup collection that works for you and your budget. Splurge on items like foundation, eyeshadow palettes, and setting powders for the best results, while saving on mascaras, lipsticks, and eyeliners that have great drugstore alternatives.

With this guide, you’ll be able to strike the perfect balance between luxury and affordability—without sacrificing quality!

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