How to play
Pick one or the other for each of the questions below, and copy/paste your answers in the comments. Can’t wait to see your picks! Mine are listed below. ?
This or That: The High- or Low-End Beauty Edition, Part II
- Drugstore brow pencil or drugstore liquid liner?
- $5 or $45 sunscreen?
- High-end or budget mascara?
- Would you rather have a makeup bag full of Chanel or a makeup bag full of ColourPop?
- Save or splurge — a manicure/pedicure?
- Save or splurge — a hair cut?
- Fancy setting powder or fancy eyeshadow primer?
- Would you rather have one $$$ lipstick that you absolutely love in every possible, or 20 inexpensive lipsticks that look amazing on you but have a smell that makes your tummy churn?
- Economical or extravagant blush?
Drugstore brow pencil or drugstore liquid liner?
I’ve found good ones in both categories, but I’ll go with the brow pencils, since they tend to work just touch better for me than drugstore liquid liners.
$10 or $40 sunscreen?
If it’s sunscreen for my face, I’ll go with the $40 option, since the pricier sunscreens tend to not give me as many breakouts and overall seem to do better under makeup.
If we’re taking body sunscreen, though…then give me the big $10 tube please.
High-end or budget mascara?
High-end, 100%.
Would you rather have a makeup bag full of Chanel or a makeup bag full of ColourPop?
I haven’t been into super trendy colors lately, so I’d go with the Chanel.
Save or splurge — a manicure and pedicure?
Save! I’m so picky when it comes to my nails that I might as well save the money and do it myself.
Save or splurge — a hair cut?
I’ve had too many bad discount haircuts to skimp in this department, so splurge baby, splurge! 🙂
Fancy setting powder or fancy eyeshadow primer?
Fancy setting powder, since I haven’t worn eyeshadow primer in forever and a day.
Would you rather have one $$$ lipstick that you absolutely love in every possible, or 20 inexpensive lipsticks that look amazing on you but have a smell that makes your tummy churn?
One $$$ lipstick! ?
A bunch of economical blushes or one extravagant blush?
Both categories have solid options, for sure. But I’d go with one extravagant blush that would work with most looks.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Happy Friday! ?
Drugstore brow pencil that can be used as liner for your eyes in a pinch!
$45 sunscreeen for sure. That’s the one I’ve been using for years!
Budget mascara – Maybelline in the green and pink tube works for me!
Chanel, baby.
Splurge – I rarely get mani/pedis so give me the works.
Splurge – I don’t mess around with my hair.
Fancy setting powder
One $$$ lipstick – where art thou?
Economical blush – I love Burt’s Bees blushes.
Drugstore brow pencil or drugstore liquid liner?
Brow pencil.
$5 or $45 sunscreen?
I’m with you! I splurge on Elta MD for my face ($28 I think with subscription discount) and for my body Neutrogena dry touch has been a fav for years.
High-end or budget mascara?
I’ve done both but my current pick is Ilia’s limitless so high-end.
Would you rather have a makeup bag full of Chanel or a makeup bag full of ColourPop?
Chanel, please!
Save or splurge — a manicure/pedicure?
Save. I do miss the bubbly foot bath but otherwise I prefer doing it myself, mainly because of cleanliness of tools, etc.
Save or splurge — a hair cut?
Splurge. I don’t do facials, mani/pedis or massages so this is really my splurge in that arena and I don’t regret it.
Fancy setting powder or fancy eyeshadow primer?
Setting powder. I can’t remember the last time I used a shadow primer either!
Would you rather have one $$$ lipstick that you absolutely love in every possible, or 20 inexpensive lipsticks that look amazing on you but have a smell that makes your tummy churn?
One fancy lady lipstick please!
Economical or extravagant blush?
If it’s one extravagant that fits me perfectly, I’ll take it. I’m at the point in my makeup life when a small, curated collection of good quality products is what I’m after!
Drugstore brow pencil or drugstore liquid liner?
Drugstore brow pencil, though I’ve experienced decent drugstore liquid liner, too.
$10 or $40 sunscreen?
Same you, Karen! I just bought $25 Cotz that can be used for both face and body. So far, I’m LOVING it!
High-end or budget mascara?
As short as it lasts before getting spoiled, Imma hafta go with high-end as well. I buy travel sized ones and they last me a long time, cost much less.
Would you rather have a makeup bag full of Chanel or a makeup bag full of ColourPop?
Chanel.
Save or splurge — a manicure and pedicure?
Save, too, though I will pay to have that wonderful cuticle clearing job that the pros do. I cannot seem to do it as cleanly and nicely.
Save or splurge — a hair cut?
Splurge! And since it’s only twice a year, super splurge with a nice tip. He’s also worth the Filipino tsismis!
Fancy setting powder or fancy eyeshadow primer?
Fancy eyeshadow primer. Even underneath my cream products, it does ensure longevity. Plus, masks.
Would you rather have one $$$ lipstick that you absolutely love in every possible, or 20 inexpensive lipsticks that look amazing on you but have a smell that makes your tummy churn?
One $$$ lipstick, too.
A bunch of economical blushes or one extravagant blush?
Extravagant.
I’m starting to regard low-end makeup like fast fashion. Would rather spend the money for better quality and performance.
Happy Friday, gurl!
Drugstore brow pencil or drugstore liquid liner? Brow pencil, liquid liner is above my ability level!
$5 or $45 sunscreen? I don’t mess with SPF, the $45. The better quality, the better it is!
High-end or budget mascara? Budget, mascara has come a long way!
Would you rather have a makeup bag full of Chanel or a makeup bag full of ColourPop? I don’t like Chanel, it turns me off in a big way, I don’t know why, so I’ll go with ColorPop.
Save or splurge — a manicure/pedicure? Save, I do my own nails, I don’t like having manicures, they never last as long as when I do them. I do like pedicures, the bending over to paint my toes is hard!
Save or splurge — a hair cut? Splurge. After a year of cutting my own hair, I need a professional.
Fancy setting powder or fancy eyeshadow primer? Setting powder, something luminous.
Would you rather have one $$$ lipstick that you absolutely love in every possible, or 20 inexpensive lipsticks that look amazing on you but have a smell that makes your tummy churn? Smells are the worst, one spendy lipstick!
Economical or extravagant blush? Extravagant. I really like blush, and the fancy ones seem to be better on me.
Drugstore brow pencil or drugstore liquid liner? Brow pencil. I don’t have the skills to do liquid liner.
$5 or $45 sunscreen? $45 I’m so fussy about the feel of sunscreen on my face that it’s worth spending the extra to not have it feel like I applied glue or gunk to my face.
High-end or budget mascara? Either. I’ve loved drugstore mascaras and department store mascaras equally.
Would you rather have a makeup bag full of Chanel or a makeup bag full of ColourPop? Ooh! Chanel pretty please!
Save or splurge — a manicure/pedicure? Save. I’ve had so many uncomfortable and awful “professional” mani/pedis that I’d rather do them myself now.
Save or splurge — a hair cut? Splurge. I hate crying over lousy haircuts.
Fancy setting powder or fancy eyeshadow primer? I guess fancy setting powder since my new favorite is from Charlotte Tilbury.
Would you rather have one $$$ lipstick that you absolutely love in every possible, or 20 inexpensive lipsticks that look amazing on you but have a smell that makes your tummy churn? One fancy lipstick, preferably Tom Ford.
Economical or extravagant blush? Extravagant, because I love Cle de Peau and Chanel blushes.
Drugstore brow pencil or drugstore liquid liner? DS Liquid Liner. I don’t use brow pencils.
$5 or $45 sunscreen? For my face, $45, because I need a special kind for my rosacea (I think mine was around $40 with shipping. Ouch.) Body — $5 is just fine.
High-end or budget mascara? Budget, unless I catch a good sale.
Would you rather have a makeup bag full of Chanel or a makeup bag full of ColourPop? CoulourPop. Chanel is too neutral for me.
Save or splurge — a manicure/pedicure? Splurge
Save or splurge — a hair cut? My current haircut isn’t very complicated, so save.
Fancy setting powder or fancy eyeshadow primer? Fancy eyeshadow primer. I have really oily, somewhat hooded eyes, and budget brands just don’t work as well for me.
Would you rather have one $$$ lipstick that you absolutely love in every possible, or 20 inexpensive lipsticks that look amazing on you but have a smell that makes your tummy churn? One $$$ lipstick. Gross scents are a deal-breaker.
Economical or extravagant blush? I have a big enough collection that I’m not adding much blush unless I think it’s something really special. So while I used to be more of a economical blush girl, the last couple years I’ve moved over to buying the occasional extravagant formula.
1- A colorful liquid liner from the
drugstore would work just swell,
I imagine.
2- High quality, green sunscreens
tend to be pricey, so I will spend
that money!
3- I have not found a better mascara
than ByTerry Terribly, and I
have used many. It strengthens
and conditions your lashes, even
after it is removed.
4- I own a significant amount of eye
products from both of these
companies, but more of my skin
care, lip products and face
products are from Chanel, so…
Chanel!
5- Splurge! Every 5 weeks I enjoy a 2
hour spa pedicure, with several
massages, hot towels, masks, and
hot stones. I take care of my
fingernails at home.
6- My beloved man cuts my very
long, very silvery, gray hair twice
a year- usually 6 inches each
time. He is the best!
7- Hourglass, Guerlain, or Chanel
powders, thank you.
8- One excellent Pat McGrath,
Chanel or Lisa Eldridge.
9- Extravagant!
Surratt powder blushes are the
absolute best; they melt into my
skin like a cream! For cream
blush, I use lipsticks or Armani
fluid sheers.
Drugstore brow pencil or drugstore liquid liner? A hard one right off the bat! Arg, liner? There must be a good one.
$5 or $45 sunscreen? $45! Matte, natural, I want the quality.
High-end or budget mascara? Budget.
Would you rather have a makeup bag full of Chanel or a makeup bag full of ColourPop? Colour Pop!
Save or splurge — a manicure/pedicure? Save and DIY
Save or splurge — a hair cut? Cha-ching! Spend on that!
Fancy setting powder or fancy eyeshadow primer? Powder. I have a favorite cheap primer I go to.
Would you rather have one $$$ lipstick that you absolutely love in every possible, or 20 inexpensive lipsticks that look amazing on you but have a smell that makes your tummy churn? The one I love. Sounds like a nude…
Economical or extravagant blush? Extravagant gel blush for me please.
Drugstore brow pencil or drugstore liquid liner?
I’ll go with liquid liner since I don’t use it, but I’m okay with drugstore brow pencil.
$5 or $45 sunscreen?
For my face I’d go with the $45 but since I use a bottle in six weeks that’s unsustainable.
High-end or budget mascara?
Budget, mascara shouldn’t be expensive.
Would you rather have a makeup bag full of Chanel or a makeup bag full of ColourPop?
Chanel, I like to be that fancy person.
Save or splurge — a manicure/pedicure?
Save on manicures, splurge in pedicures because I go with a medical professional.
Save or splurge — a hair cut?
Splurge, there are few people who give cheap haircuts that know how to cut curly hair.
Fancy setting powder or fancy eyeshadow primer?
Fancy setting powder.
Would you rather have one $$$ lipstick that you absolutely love in every possible, or 20 inexpensive lipsticks that look amazing on you but have a smell that makes your tummy churn?
One expensive lipstick. I must say something: I hate MAC vanilla smell and I actually wait some days until it’s bearable.
Economical or extravagant blush?
Is it cheating if I say extravagant blush palette?
Drugstore brow pencil or drugstore liquid liner?
Drugstore eyeliner -Physicians formula
$5 or $45 sunscreen?
High end sunscreen for my face, drug store for body
High-end or budget mascara?
High end all the way-Charlotte Tilbury
Would you rather have a makeup bag full of Chanel or a makeup bag full of ColourPop?
I’ve never tried Chanel makeup so I’d have to go with ColourPop for now
Save or splurge — a manicure/pedicure?
I used to say splurge no matter what, but now I’m going to go with save on manicure at home since I can’t seem to find anyone who will do what I want, but splurge on pedicure
Save or splurge — a hair cut?
Splurge, it’s worth it
Fancy setting powder or fancy eyeshadow primer?
Maybelline setting powder, Milani and mac paint pot eyeshadow primer
Would you rather have one $$$ lipstick that you absolutely love in every possible, or 20 inexpensive lipsticks that look amazing on you but have a smell that makes your tummy churn?
Just one that I love, I’m too sensitive to smells to put up with gross ones
Economical or extravagant blush?
I love my hourglass blushes and Lunar beauty blush palette
Drugstore brow pencil or drugstore liquid liner?
Either. I’m loving an eyebrow product from Elf right now
$5 or $45 sunscreen?
I use tinted elta md for face. Inexpensive for body
High-end or budget mascara?
Budget-maybelline full n soft
Would you rather have a makeup bag full of Chanel or a makeup bag full of ColourPop?
Chanel (never used anything from Chanel )
Save or splurge — a manicure/pedicure?
Save
Save or splurge — a hair cut?
Save, I cut my own hair
Fancy setting powder or fancy eyeshadow primer?
Setting powder because I use Flower Beauty eye lid primer and really love it. I have hooded lids so it helps with smudging.
Would you rather have one $$$ lipstick that you absolutely love in every possible, or 20 inexpensive lipsticks that look amazing on you but have a smell that makes your tummy churn?
$$$ lipstick!
Economical or extravagant blush?
I’m fine with economical as I don’t use blush often and one a wet m wild one just fine. I sampled a Nars one once and didn’t care for it.
Drugstore brow pencil or drugstore liquid liner? Brow pencil-I’m terrible at liquid liner and a cheap one probably wouldn’t help matters.
$5 or $45 sunscreen? $5-I love the Neutrogena quick-dry sunscreen stick.
High-end or budget mascara? I exclusively wear colored mascaras, so I’ll go for whatever price point has the colors I want.
Would you rather have a makeup bag full of Chanel or a makeup bag full of ColourPop? This is so tough-I love ColourPop’s eye makeup colors, but Chanel has so many other pretty things! In the end, I’d split the difference: eyeshadows and colored mascaras from ColourPop and the rest from Chanel.
Save or splurge — a manicure/pedicure? Save-I hardly ever do anything nailwise, so splurging would be a waste of money.
Save or splurge — a hair cut? Splurge-I don’t want my hair to look like crap!
Fancy setting powder or fancy eyeshadow primer? Fancy eyeshadow primer.
Would you rather have one $$$ lipstick that you absolutely love in every possible, or 20 inexpensive lipsticks that look amazing on you but have a smell that makes your tummy churn? As much as I love makeup variety, it’d depend on what shade the pricy lipstick is and what shades the smelly lipsticks are.
Economical or extravagant blush? Again, depends on the shade.
Drugstore brow pencil or drugstore liquid liner? Brow pencil, please!
$5 or $45 sunscreen? High end sunscreen, I’m finicky with sunscreen nowadays.
High-end or budget mascara? Budget Japanese drugstore mascara FTW!
Would you rather have a makeup bag full of Chanel or a makeup bag full of ColourPop? Chanel please, especially the foundations!
Save or splurge — a manicure/pedicure? Save!
Save or splurge — a hair cut? Splurge! Haven’t had a single good haircut that’s cheap in my whole life.
Fancy setting powder or fancy eyeshadow primer? Setting powder!
Would you rather have one $$$ lipstick that you absolutely love in every possible, or 20 inexpensive lipsticks that look amazing on you but have a smell that makes your tummy churn? One $$$ lipstick, I can’t use lipsticks that smell bad!
Economical or extravagant blush? Extravagant please, cheap blushes tend to make my pores look big..
Drugstore brow pencil or drugstore liquid liner?
Drugstore liquid liner! I don’t generally use brow pencils, is that cheating? ?
$5 or $45 sunscreen?
The sunscreen i used this morning is a very cheap one by Coppertone and I looked like that one picture of Mark Zuckerberg ? so let’s splurge for the face and go cheap for the body.
High-end or budget mascara?
High end! Currently using Lancôme Lash Idôle.
Would you rather have a makeup bag full of Chanel or a makeup bag full of ColourPop?
Chanel. I haven’t had great luck with Colourpop.
Save or splurge — a manicure/pedicure?
Save. I don’t generally go to salons for that.
Save or splurge — a hair cut?
Splurge, but I’m lucky that my hair is pretty easy to cut.
Fancy setting powder or fancy eyeshadow primer?
Eyeshadow primer!
Would you rather have one $$$ lipstick that you absolutely love in every possible, or 20 inexpensive lipsticks that look amazing on you but have a smell that makes your tummy churn?
Buh, expensive lipstick, you know my thoughts on lipstick scents.
Economical or extravagant blush?
Extravagant. I only use one or two colors, depending on the season, i don’t need a ton. (Also I technically use Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick as blush regularly). That Chantecaille Gel Blush is SO GOOD.
Drugstore brow pencil or drugstore liquid liner? I’ll go with the brow pencil. That seems the least innocuous.
$5 or $45 sunscreen? The $45. I cannot tolerate chemical sunscreens on my face. Since my physical sunscreen must be cosmetically elegant, play nice with my color cosmetics, and be TRANSPARENT, that means I’m looking at more expensive sunscreens.
High-end or budget mascara? High end. When it comes to mascara, you get what you pay for. Besides, if I buy my mascara during Nordstrom’s Mascara Madness, it’s not unreasonable in price.
Would you rather have a makeup bag full of Chanel or a makeup bag full of ColourPop? Definitely Chanel. When ColourPop first started out I quipped that it was the only drugstore brand you couldn’t buy at a drugstore. And, even though it can now be purchased more widely, it’s still, generally speaking, an inferior brand.
Save or splurge — a manicure/pedicure? Save. I always do my own mani/pedi. I have terrible arthritis and can’t stand having someone else manipulate my hands.
Save or splurge — a hair cut? Save. My husband has trimmed my long hair for decades.
Fancy setting powder or fancy eyeshadow primer? I’ll take finishing powder any day of the week. Sisley makes my current favorite which is a loose powder in shade Irisée. I don’t need setting powder (my skin is dry), but I love the look of an ultra fine finishing powder that pulls everything together in a soft-focus, subtle glow.
Would you rather have one $$$ lipstick that you absolutely love in every possible way, or 20 inexpensive lipsticks that look amazing on you but have a smell that makes your tummy churn? LOL I’ve always been an advocate of selecting that perfect color and then splurging on it. Once you’ve found your current “love”, nothing else will really do and so all the so-called dupes in the world are just a waste of money. In general, I find many of the lower end lipsticks to be too trendy (I’m more a classic type of gal) and they dry my lips out.
Economical or extravagant blush? For color, finish, ease of application, and longevity, a top quality cream blush is hard to beat so my blush choices tend to be pricey. I don’t really consider them extravagant because I use cream blush whenever I wear a full face.
I’ll save you the reading and just say expensive everything. 😉
Drugstore brow pencil or drugstore liquid liner? Liquid liner since I never wear that anyway.
$5 or $45 sunscreen? Same. For face, the $45. For body, the biggest SPF 50+ spray sunscreen I can find.
High-end or budget mascara? High end. Really only Faux Cils. Nothing is better for me.
Would you rather have a makeup bag full of Chanel or a makeup bag full of ColourPop? Yes, pls on the full bag of Chanel. I can’t even imagine. HAHA!
Save or splurge — a manicure/pedicure? Save.
Save or splurge — a hair cut? Splurge.
Fancy setting powder or fancy eyeshadow primer? Is Pro Prime fancy? If so, then eyeshadow primer. I never use powder.
Would you rather have one $$$ lipstick that you absolutely love in every possible, or 20 inexpensive lipsticks that look amazing on you but have a smell that makes your tummy churn? Pricy, for sure. And if you can find a single lipstick that looks great on me, I’ll take it. It’s easier to find a unicorn. 😉
Economical or extravagant blush? Extravagant. I don’t have to ask if Chanel is extravagant. I know the answer to that question and choose it!