The TRUTH About Makeup Pricing: are you paying for quality or branding??

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Marlena

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Disclaimer
I am a cosmetic brand owner, former makeup artist, and have worked in cosmetic product development for over 15 years so all opinions are based on my background in these areas. The products I use in these videos are either purchased by me or sent to me by companies which I will always disclose. Some of the links in this description box are affiliated. My opinions reflected in these videos are 100% my own.

[sharlap]

For me in Canada, I feel like the drugstore makeup has gone up SO much in price. That $10 lipstick is now $17… at that price point, I might as well spend that money at Sephora.

[uraddiictOnx]

If drugstore foundation would label their shades, or even had instore samples like the higher end ones I would love that.

[renadempsey]

I have done product development in makeup…trust me, you’re paying for the brand. Very few do their own proprietary development….we’re being totally snowed. 🤷‍♀️

[muddyotterspottery]

We know where some of the costs come from for Tarte - purple i-Pads, Hermes bracelets and trips to Bora Bora for influencers.

[selenachan]

Marlena knows her stuff. Giving specifics about formula, packaging, marketing, etc.❤

[janicedevereux]

Even ELF have gone up in price over the last couple years.
ALL of their products were in the single digits… that it is no longer the case.

[LenaSheppard]

I rarely buy hi-end; especially after seeing how they lavish "influencers" w/ products & trips.
Thank you for being here for me !

[nadaahmed-gt]

You forgot Germany, essence is produced in Germany and Huda beauty as well.

[RaelNikolaidis]

Since my makeup gets absorbed into my skin, gets into my eyes, eaten off my lips and breathed into my lungs, I am a little bit picky about the quality. I don’t use a lot of makeup. I prefer to spend my money once or twice a year on high quality, beautiful makeup that gives me joy, rather than buy a lot of cheaper makeup I don’t love. Just my personal opinion.

[elizabeths]

The only influencer who will give us this information! So helpful !

[TheArcoiris]

I find that i am happier in the long term with luxury makeup. The colours are better, the package doesn't break so easy. I prefer to have less, and enjoy it more. It seems i even save money and end all my products. Before, with mass makeuo i was not so happy with the texture, or the shade, so ended buying more

[janicedevereux]

Charlotte Tilbury…
I can remember buying my first product of hers.
It was her pressed powder for my under eyes.
Yes, I purchased the mini to keep in my bag, however ….
When I opened it up and took it out of the package 😳 I was shocked because it weighed absolutely nothing!
I immediately knew it was very cheap, thin lightweight plastic .
The beautiful reflective rose gold paint is deceiving, I thought it was going to be much heavier at first sight until you pick it up.
At Charlotte’s price point, it was disappointing . Looks luxurious, but does not feel luxurious.

[Patti-]

I decided to only buy affordable makeup years ago when I had to retire early due to health issues. I can honestly say that the products I use feel like they're high end! And, I will not buy the super high priced drugstore makeup, as some brands are really pushing the prices by "adding" skincare ingredients (which are probably not that expensive!) I don't want more actives on my skin, as my skincare routines are the perfect amount. Often, more is NOT better, especially with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide! Elf continues to be my go to brand, although my favorite complexion product is the Wet n Wild Tinted Hydrator. If I need more staying power, I mix in some L'Oreal Fresh Wear foundation, and I'm good to go all DAY!!!

[madulunia]

we also pay for the cost of advertising

[kimberlyduette]

I feel that more people are buying prestige makeup because drugstore prices are too high. If I am going to spend $21 on a drugstore foundation, why don't I just save my money a few extra weeks and get the one I want for $50?

[krisrowan]

My main issue with drugstore cosmetics is that people will not keep their fingers and other body parts out of the products. If drugstore products had better safety seals or, in some cases, any safety seals on them at all. I think I would be more inclined to use some of the products. The nyx, butter bronzers, and butter melt blushes at Ulta are a prime example of this issue. We went in there the other day, and every single one of them was opened, and people had just scruffed their fingers through them, and it was so gross.

[HB-xwim]

I bought a drugstore Essence brand dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury pillow talk, I was amazed how it was so similar in colour but it didn’t last! 😢 so it can be a good dupe for 5 minutos but there is a reason why formulation plays a role

[ChristinePacinda]

The nerd in my LOVES this video. The beauty admirer in me loves your look today... the auburn hair, red lip, neutral eye and fluttery lashes, gorgeous skin... It's a beautiful autumn look on you.

[thcenturyrelic]

Even before I watched this, my belief was that you're paying for branding. The markup on all beauty products - makeup, skin care, and hair care - is eyepopping, even for drugstore brands. It's stratospheric for luxury brands.

Also, I keep telling people that makeup at all price points is pretty much made at the same facilities. But nobody wants to believe this!!!

And, for me, $52 is just out of the question to pay for blush. I can afford it, but it offends my frugality to even think of spending that much!!!

[foxwaffles]

Having olive undertones and extremely dry skin, I find the color choices of luxury and higher end prestige to just match me better if I am not shopping in the Asian market.