If you're big on beauty and makeup, then you may have struggled time and again over your spending on certain products. It's easy to fall into the trap of splurging when a new deal pops up or your favorite brand releases a new makeup line. I have been guilty of this for so many years… (sad face)

Saving and splurging doesn't depend on the brand but rather the type of product. Many have struggled with the question of when to splurge and when to save up on makeup. Look no further; here is a complete guide to help you solve that problem!

When to Save

Eyebrow Products

Eyebrow products tend to have similar formulas - if not exactly the same - no matter if it's from the drugstore or a renowned brand. Most eyebrow pencils work the same way, and there has been an increase in options for eyebrow products from affordable brands, so you don't need to waste too much here. A regular brown eyebrow pencil should do the trick.

Eyelashes

False eyelashes are temporary, so that's reason enough not to splurge on them since you're going to take them off anyway. In contrast, you could look into eyelash growth serums that not only naturally lengthen your lashes, but you don't need to make it a regular expense either!

Mascara

Makeup artists throughout the online world have emphasized time, and again that drugstore mascara works wonders. Some of the most popular mascaras of all time are drugstore products. Don't be deterred by that term - drugstore products don't mean they're not good quality. Brands such as Maybelline and Covergirl sell amazing mascaras that won't break your bank!

Powder

Another product you can save up on is powder. Setting powders are skincare essentials, and as is the case with essentials, you use them fairly regularly. Setting your face makeup is a daily deal, so you don't need to spend a whole lot. A regular powder works the same, if not better.

Brushes

True, it's pretty tempting not to check out the new pack of brushes your favorite line just came out with. But, in terms of practicality, it's not worth it. Besides the fact that there are many affordable makeup brushes out there, makeup brushes are a product you need to switch out after some time anyway. Also, because you need to change your brushes regularly, there's no need to spend a pretty penny over them - look for a smooth, durable brush rather than the most expensive one.

Makeup Remover Wipes

Much like most of the products on this list, the quality of makeup wipes isn't dependent on the brand either. Cheap makeup wipes work completely fine. That said, an even better option would be to switch out wipes with micellar water, which not only gets the job done, but it is much gentler on your skin as well.

Eyeliner

Eyeliners are some of the most commonly available items at drugstores, and most of them are fairly good quality. You can try out different inexpensive brands, and there's no shortage in the variety of colors either!

Blush

Last but not least, you can save up on blushes! No matter the brand, blushes tend to use similar ingredients, so there's not much of a difference between the high-end and drugstore versions. The cheaper ones may have slightly less pigmentation, but that's really the only con.

Where to Splurge

Foundation

The foundation is exactly what it sounds like - it's the base for your entire look. That means you need a strong base for your makeup look to turn out perfectly, and for that, you need a good foundation. It's important that you pick one that's neither too light, not too dark - just the perfect shade. Depending on your skin, this could prove tricky, and you may need to splurge a bit to buy the one that suits your skin perfectly.

Bronzer

Depending on the quality of the bronzer, you could either end up with a glowing complexion or muddy streaks. Here's where drugstore products lose: you'll need to invest in a good quality bronzer to get the complexion and look you're going for. Pricier stuff usually has smooth powder which blends perfectly on your skin without looking too heavy.

Highlighter

Highlighters can go one of two ways: stunning or extremely horrible. The result you end up with depends largely on the brand, along with how you apply it. Buying a highlighter from a good brand will guarantee the quality, and the quality of the product itself will also affect how well you can apply it. Smooth and even application is the final look you want to go for, not a sparkly mess.

Lipstick

When it comes to lipsticks, the most important aspect is pigmentation. Lipsticks from high-end brands tend to provide more pigmentation than cheaper brands. But, besides the pigmentation, you also need to make sure your lips don't become chapped or flaky, and to me, designer lipsticks make sure that doesn't prove to be a problem for you.

Eyeshadow

Your eyes are the first thing most people notice about you, so it's only natural that you spend a little extra for that first impression. One of the reasons people stay away from drugstore products is due to their lack of pigmentation. Similar to lipsticks, this is one of those cases. For eyeshadows, the pigmentation must be perfect so you can build on your base, and that's guaranteed for high-end products.

Primer

Similar to the foundation, what you use as a base will determine your overall look. In that case, it is important that you splurge on a good-quality primer. A good primer will cover up obvious marks that a drugstore one may miss on. It also gives way for the rest of your look to remain perfect for a longer period.

Some Advice

In the end, keep in mind that no matter the product, you can always look for cheaper alternatives instead of flying to splurge on certain items just because they're trendy. If you don't feel that a certain product isn't for you, then it's best to wait out that urge to buy and splurge on something you know will look good.

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