High End versus Drugstore Cosmetics-Is One Better Then the Other?

YES!...and NO!  How's that for an answer?  These days the line between drugstore cosmetics and high end cosmetics is blurring.  You can find a $16 single eyeshadow at Target (Jemma Kid) and with the many promotions out there, you can pick up a high end shadow for free! Price should probably not be your primary consideration anymore.  Quality and color should be the driving force. 

When it comes to color and quality, some drugstore cosmetics really stand out as being truly special and sometimes, are as good if not better then their department store counterparts. 

• Revlon stands out ahead of the competition when it comes to lipsticks and lip glosses, though Rimmel makes some nice glosses (just not much selection). 
• Revlon's Colorstay foundation is quickly becoming a cult favorite. 
• Wet 'N Wild makes some outstanding eyeshadow palettes. 
• Essie nail polish is now available in big box stores and their more recent releases have had some fabulous colors. 
• Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure is one of my new favorite nail polishes.
• Covergirl makes some outstanding mascaras. 
•  Milani makes one of my all time favorite eyeliners. 
• NYX Cosmetics is a pretty solid line overall and definitely one worth seeking out.

Why then would anybody buy high end cosmetics?  Well, the answer is complicated.  Sometimes higher end products are better packaged.  High end cosmetics generally have a much broader color selection and often will branch out into more of the edgier trends.  High end cosmetics usually set the color trends with drug store lines usually several months behind.  Often a high end product such as Christian Dior eye shadows are just plain better then anything you will find in a drugstore.  There is also the snob appeal.  Some people simply believe that a higher price equals a better product.

The long and the short of it is, that you should be looking at both drug store lines and the high end lines.  Price does not always equate to quality (either good or bad).  Let your budget guide you.  If you are lusting after a particular color does it really matter if you bought it at Walgreens or Neiman Marcus?