Drugstore Vs. Designer

Is expensive makeup worth it? I think the best answer that I can provide through years of working with practically every product manufactured is that: it depends.

Alright, if you want me to be less vague, I would have to say that in general, makeup is like most things in life- you get what you pay for. In my experience, designer and high end makeup have more "substance," and work better. In general, designer makeup is more pigmented and have better blendability and texture. These are qualities that would be important for anyone, but especially for Asians; high pigmentations and blendability is imperative for us because oftentimes the yellow cast in our skin can look very sallow, especially in photographs or direct sunlight- higher pigmented foundation or blush be used to counteract that more effectively. Another issue is of the eye area, where most Asians have minimal surface and shape to work with. Therefore, blendability and texture in eye shadows are very important so the results do not look caked on or chalky, as many lower end makeup products can cause.

At the end of the day though, generalizations are sometimes bullshit( like I'm Asian but I'm into makeup and not med school!), and individual discretion should be used. Every once in awhile, I am blown away by drugstore items, but let it be known that if you want to be on the safe side, do keep in mind that you do get what you pay for.