Although we consider ourselves to be down-to-earth, we understand that it’s important to have a basic makeup supply. But, we know it’s not worthwhile to spend loads of money on Chanel eyeliner when a basic drugstore brand will do the trick. Why would you pay more for different packaging?
Think About Your Per Use Cost
Different types of makeup have different expiration dates, so think about it this way: Mascara will expire in three months, whether you buy it from CVS or YSL. When deciding how much to spend, think about the lifetime of each item. To help you out, we’ve estimated how many uses you’ll get from each kind of makeup, approximately how much that item will cost you per use, and whether we expect you to use it up before it expires.
Case in point: Drug store mascara will cost you about 6 cents per use, whereas the Yves Saint Laurent mascara will cost you about 33 cents—and you probably won’t finish using either before the expiration date. Meanwhile, splurging on $34 lipstick (instead of our $8 choice) will only increase your per-use cost from 2 cents to 6 cents.
Our Favorite Makeup Collection—The Whole Works For $50
We’ve put together a full makeup kit for less than the price of a Dior concealer/foundation. We’ve listed expiration dates, estimated the per use cost, and calculated whether you’re likely to use it up by the time it expires.
We've done the research and chosen our favorite drug store beauty products. Read on for a slide show detailing a full makeup collection for $50.
LV Tip:
Do not use makeup past its expiration date. Whenever you buy makeup, stick a piece of tape on the back and date it so that you’ll know when it’s expired. To squeeze some extra life out of your lipstick, store it in the fridge—it will last longer. If your favorite lipstick is about to be discontinued, buy a few sticks…and freeze them.
