Once you go MAC, do you go back?

It’s that age old beauty dilemma: are the expensive products worth it? There’s a sea of cheaper dupes out there, but is the old saying ‘you get what you pay for’ true? As a student, it's impossible to afford all the products on my wish list, so I'm always weighing up where to splash out and where to say no.

Of course, drugstore brands are constantly on the tail of high-end, producing similar products but with such price differences its hard to assume that the quality will be the same. I spoke to a freelance Make-up artist to get the low-down, and compared drug store products with products from the age old favourite, MAC. Here's three everyday staple items; foundation, eyeliner and lipstick...

Foundation

MACMatchmaster SPF 15 Foundation - £25 (shade 1.5)

Brand Description – “New Foundation technology using translucent pigments to enable a fully personalized finish influenced by the subtleties of your own skin's undertone. Moisturizing semi-matte finish. Medium build-able coverage. Line-reducing soft-focus powders.”

After having this product for a little while now I have found it leaves a silky texture to the skin. It is not a product for someone looking for a heavy coverage product, as although it is buildable, for the price of it, it would kill me to have to use double the amount to get the desired coverage. Most MAC face products are separated into two shade categories; NW for pink undertone skin and NC for yellow undertone skin. However match maker only offers 14 single shades which are supposed to adapt to a range of skin tones, but personally I would have preferred a more exact shade.

Rating  - 7/10

BourjoisHealthy Mix Serum - £10.99 (shade 52)

Brand Description - “16 hour radiance booster** Instant anti-fatigue result! Give your skin a boost of radiance with Bourjois’ Healthy Mix Serum Gel foundation with a vitamin-rich fruit therapy formula for an even complexion and an instant anti-fatigue result”

Again, the coverage is not overly heavy, but then it doesn't claim to be. I find this an ideal foundation for day wear as it gives a soft natural coverage, feels fresh on the skin and smells delicious. As a ‘radiance booster’ if you are looking for that 'perfect skin' look then this product possibly isn't for you. However, it gives a dewy, au-natural finish. The packaging unfortunately hasn't stayed intact in the short space I have had it and the shades on offer are limited.

Rating - 8/10

Winner - Bourjois!

Felt tip Eyeliner

MACPenultimate Eyeliner in Rapid Black - £16

Brand Description - “Goes on fluidly, in one steady stroke, to style any fashion of eye line.”

This has simple packaging and an easy to use tip. It is ideal for getting that cat-eye flick and produces a jet black finish. The only downside I found is that it doesn't last incredibly well. It starts to fade after a few hours of wear and if you plan on using every day, be prepared to re-purchase sooner than you’d like.

Rating  - 6.5/10

BourjoisLiner Feature in 11 Noir - £6.99

Brand Description - “Ultra easy application and long lasting effect”

This has the same amount of wear time as the MAC eyeliner, however I found it much easier to apply, as the tip is thicker yet soft. It would be ideal for someone who is not overly great using freehand as a smooth flick is easy to create. Good colour pay off too and a great all-rounder for the price.

Rating - 8.5/10

Winner - Bourjois!

Lipstick

MAC Lipstick -£14 In shade MAC Red

Brand Description –“Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made M·A·C famous”

One of MAC's most loved products; their lipsticks come in a range of finishes, textures with a vast choice of shades. Lustre for example gives a light pigmentation whereas amplified gives a highly pigmented, bold colour. All MAC lipsticks also have a lovely vanilla scent, and come in the trademark sleek bullet like packaging. MAC Red gives a glossy vivid red colour that stays put. However at £14 this is fairly pricey for a lipstick.

Rating - 9.5/10

BarryM Lip Paint - £4.49 in Shade 121

Brand Description –“Barry M Lip Paints are available in a shade to suit every mood and taste from softly shimmering pastels to vibrant and bright colours.”

This product does the job for the price tag, and gives a good colour pay off. It won’t last all day, but for £4.49 who would expect it to anyway? For a cheaper brand the shade selection is also quite varied, and the packaging it simple and sleek.

Rating - 6/10

Winner - MAC!

Save and Splurge...

There’s definitely a reason why MAC is loved by make-up artists and beauty guru’s alike. Each aspect of the products have clearly been though about such as the packaging and scent, not just the finish. Yet, for some one on a budget, is it necessary to splash out?
I spoke to Leanne Tucker, a free-lance make-up artist who has previously worked for MAC and NARS and asked how high end brands differ. "I think it's the consistency of products and the good quality finish. The ingredients really do make a difference but in turn cost that bit extra."
She said her favourite product is MAC's prolong wear foundation as she found it adapts to her skin well. "I usually like a good skin coverage so go with a brand that I know will last. The overall finish prolong wear gives is just how I like my make-up to look." She also say's Chanel VitaLumiere Aqua is a great quality product, "It just give's such a lovely coverage and feels so fresh on your skin. Obviously it a much more pricey product though."

So, what about where to splurge and where to save?

Foundation is definitely worth the price tag as cheaper products are more likely to cause break outs on sensitive skin as the products aren’t always as well tested. "The more expensive brands have a much wider range of shades to adapt to your skin. However I know some people can get overwhelmed by the extensive colour range on offer," said Leanne.

I asked her about which products to purchase from drugstore, she confirmed that products with a shorter life-span such as mascara and eyeliner can work just as well from cheaper brands; "I've found the variety is really good and gives you a chance to sample different kinds and types."

After testing out different products myself, I will definitely be sticking with my mantra to use a mix of drugstore and high end create the best make-up collection and give you a wider variety of products to create different looks with. 
On a student budget? Leanne also agreed there are an abundance of products on offer that won’t break the break, so don’t be fooled into thinking you have to go and spend your entire loan on expensive cosmetics. "You can a professional look with most products if you know how to use them. Don't be afraid to try a variety to find your own personal preference."

Do you pay the price for high end make-up or think more affordable products are equally as good quality?

Leave a comment below.