
When it comes to makeup, the age-old debate continues: Do high-end beauty products justify their price, or can drugstore alternatives deliver the same results? At Bella Scoop, we’re all about helping you find affordable, high-performing beauty—but let’s be honest, sometimes a splurge is worth it. Here’s a deep dive into whether spending more means better performance in key makeup categories.
Foundation: Flawless Finish or Drugstore Dupe?
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless ($18) vs. Estée Lauder Double Wear ($90)
✅ Coverage & Finish:
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Maybelline: Medium, buildable matte coverage, lightweight, great for oily skin.
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Estée Lauder: Full coverage, lasts 24 hours, highly resistant to sweat & humidity.
✅ Longevity:
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Maybelline: Holds up well for ~8 hours but may fade slightly by the end of the day.
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Estée Lauder: Stays locked in place all day without transferring.
Honourable Mentions:
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L'Oréal Infallible 24HR Freshwear
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Revlon ColorStay Foundations
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NARS Sheer Glow (High-End)
🎯 Verdict: If you need a daily foundation, Maybelline is an excellent option at a fraction of the cost. If you need bulletproof longevity for events or long workdays, Estée Lauder earns its price tag.
Concealer: Brighten & Cover on a Budget?
L’Oréal Infallible More Than Concealer ($20) vs. Tarte Shape Tape ($50)
✅ Coverage & Texture:
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L’Oréal: Full coverage, slightly thicker consistency, hydrating.
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Tarte: Very high coverage, matte, long-wearing.
✅ Creasing & Wear Time:
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L’Oréal: Can crease slightly if not set, lasts well for 6-8 hours.
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Tarte: More resistant to creasing, stays put for 12+ hours.
Honourable Mentions:
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Maybelline Instant Age Rewind
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Covergirl Clean Fresh Hydrating Concealer
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NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (High-End)
🎯 Verdict: For everyday wear, L’Oréal does the job at less than half the price. If you need a flawless, heavy-duty under-eye coverage, Tarte might be the better splurge.
Mascara: Luxe Lashes or Drugstore Gold?
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High ($25) vs. Too Faced Better Than Sex ($50)
✅ Volume & Length:
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Maybelline: Amazing length, good volume, separates well.
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Too Faced: More dramatic volume, thicker formula, slightly clump-prone.
✅ Smudge & Flake Resistance:
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Maybelline: Minimal smudging, stays put well.
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Too Faced: Can flake slightly after long wear.
Honourable Mentions:
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L'Oréal Lash Paradise
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Covergirl Exhibitionist Mascara
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Dior Diorshow Mascara (High-End)
🎯 Verdict: Maybelline wins for length and price. Too Faced delivers bold, dramatic lashes but may not be worth double the cost for everyone.
Lipstick: Luxe Feel or Drugstore Steal?
L’Oréal Infallible Le Matte Resistance ($22) vs. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution ($55)
✅ Comfort & Wear:
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L’Oréal: Matte, long-wearing, slightly drier formula.
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Charlotte Tilbury: Velvet-matte, smooth, non-drying.
✅ Pigment & Application:
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L’Oréal: Strong pigment, needs careful application.
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Charlotte Tilbury: More refined formula, softer application.
Honourable Mentions:
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Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink
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Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
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MAC Matte Lipstick (High-End)
🎯 Verdict: If you love a luxury feel, Charlotte Tilbury is unbeatable, but L’Oréal holds its own for those on a budget.
Final Thoughts: When to Splurge vs. Save
Splurge on: Foundations with long wear, concealers for crease-proof coverage, lipsticks with a luxurious finish.
Save on: Mascaras, everyday foundations, and drugstore lipsticks that deliver nearly identical results.
At the end of the day, expensive makeup isn’t always better—it depends on what you need. Check out our high-quality, budget-friendly options that deliver serious performance. Shop smart and find the best of both worlds!