Why is make up getting so damn expensive?

then maybe it’s time to tone down on the make up ? or learn to use is more efficient ? or a different brand ?

@punk: I know what you mean, and I have no solution. I just thought I’d join you in the pain it is to be a woman. And I don’t even use that much, just for basics, it is insanely expensive. Oooh. And then there’s facial moisturizer. That stuff it SOO expensive!

That much…at Sephora? Honey.. That is way too much. Here’s what I do, and it really helps me save money: I buy the essentials at Spehora that I really can’t find anywere else (which for me is my favorite eyeshadow and eyeliner and concealer). And the rest I buy at somewere like Target. You can really find a good cheap mascara and blush that works just as fine as a name brand one.

I use the same approach as TheHaight – although different store names. I get my foundation, eyeliner and mascara at the Dior counter in Brown Thomas and the rest from Boots or Tesco. I especially refuse to buy expensive lipgloss and nail varnish; they’re too consumable – and I can’t remember the last time I used up a bottle of nail varnish. They always end up in the bin half-empty!

I’m with wildflower and TheHaight on these. First, I use Bare Minerals for my basics. I usually only need to replace them every 3–4 months. I never wear makeup at home and very lightly on days when I’m running errands. Even when I’m not in treatments for cancer, I’ve just never been one to wear a lot of make-up. Very rarely do I pay more than $6 for a lipgloss – except one Bare Minerals lipgloss, but I never buy more than one in a year.

I buy cheaper mascaras, nail polish and even concealers. For blush, I use a friend’s favorite trick – she’s a makeup artist, I use lipstick. I can use it on my lips and cheeks and it doesn’t take a lot! I just blend it in and it lasts a long time.

If you are including moisturizers in your basics, I follow the information that the dermatologist told my daughter to do. I buy a lightweight moistruizer – use it day and night – but during the day, I add a small amount of suntain lotion. He told us there is not reason for a day and night moisturizer. I don’t buy expensive face scrubs – I’ve found a few at target I love. I went from spending $150 to $225 on moisturizers and exfoliators to no more than $60. (that’s on the high side!)

My makeup, I used to buy only the top of the line – anywhere from $300—$600. Never again! Now, if I buy everything at once, it’s usually less than $150.

If you are female and have the “right” kind of BF or husband, you will never have to purchase your own makeup.

He will buy it for you.

August 28, 2008, 10:50 PM EDT

@JACKADAMS> I don’t even think my boyfriend knows how much money i spend on it. Some things are better left unsaid! =]

Drop hints, then wait…

August 29, 2008, 12:46 AM EDT

Him paying for it solves nothing. It costs the same and probably just means I’ll pay something else instead, like petrol, flight tickets, clothes…..the goes out regardless.

I do have a reasoned response to that, but it would probably start a “fight,” so I’ll keep it to myself.

August 29, 2008, 1:40 AM EDT

Feel free to PM it to me if you don’t want to air it in public…

You can buy less expensive makeup at drugstores and dollar stores. If you like higher-end brands, I would suggest ebay and websites like beautycrunch.com.

I guess it’s because women are willing to pay the price. I’ve heard that make up from the drug store is just as good as the more expensive stuff you buy from the department stores, but that hasn’t been my experience. :-( So I just pay for the expensive stuff. But I know what you mean, I love Sephora. They have so many cool things there. But yeah you end up spending a ton of money.

sephora is incredibly expensive in general, and as far as i can remember, it pretty much always has been a hell of a lot pricier than any other makeup. though if i had $20 to spend on eyeshadow i’d haulass over to sephora/mac too [;