How do you justify an expensive beauty purchase? Share!
I look at how often I will actually use it — if I buy something that’s pricier but I’ll use every day, it’s a better move than buying something that’s cheaper but I’ll use just once or twice.
Thanks to Rosanna for today’s question!
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i consider three things. 1) what brand is it/will i use it (i’m a brand whore)? 2) do i have something similar already? 3) popularity; will i be able to find tutorials/videos on looks for it?
I don’t collect makeup, I don’t buy makeup for no reason like other people do, and I don’t buy makeup when I’m shopping for something completely different than makeup. So if I buy a lipstick that is 30 dollars, I justify it by knowing I don’t buy 30 dollars worth of drugstore lipsticks (which could get me only 3 or 4, depending on the price/brand). I put thought into things before I buy them.
I justified spending $149 on my Chi flat iron 5 years ago because it was the same kind my stylist used in her salon. She moved away, so I was left to do my own hair. It paid for itself in less than 2 uses. And it’s STILL my one and only flat iron!
I make wishlists of things that I want and write the price next to them, and revisit them every so often, either adding or crossing off items. If after a while I the item is still on my list and I still want it just as much, I’ll usually purchase it. Mostly I think about the practicality of it, like how many times I’ll wear it.
I justify purchasing expensive makeups by considering the quality of the product and how often I will use it but I never justify buying expensive skincare products unless they’re just gimicky.
For instance, I buy higher end lipsticks mainly because they’re 1. last long (and don’t slide around within 10minutes after application) 2. don’t suck the moisture out of my lips and 3. don’t darken my lip lines.
I buy department store foundations and concealers because drugstore counterparts break me out. I haven’t tried one that was “good” on my skin (and photographs well).
I don’t feel I have to! I make my own money, pay my own rent etc. – if there’s something I want that’s expensive, obviously I ask myself if it’s something I *really* want, but if I do, then I do and if I can afford it, I get it.
Good attitude! Very true.
Thanks! 🙂
Couldn’t agree more!
That’s exactly how I feel! I’m the same way. If I’m financially independent and responsible about it, I don’t see any reason why I can’t have something expensive as long as I understand my priorities. 🙂
I really don’t justify buying an expensive beauty product..I’m worth it! :>)
I don’t spend money on much, but I do enjoy collecting nice makeup. If it draws my eye for more than a month, I will probably end up buying it in the future.
“I busted my butt for a 4.0. I deserve a treat.”
Lame, but it works for me 😉
That’s how I’m getting through finals week!
“I finished my paper therefore I get the Rollergirl Palette”
For finishing finals week I’m letting myself get the Cargo Safari Kit and OPI Black Shatter!
Because I deserve it but also because the product is worth that price.
I ask myself the following questions before splurging:
1) Do I really need it? Or can I live without it… (Probably the hardest question, LOL)
2) Do I have something similar in my stash?
3) How often will I actually use it?
I tend not to impulse-buy…
I agree. I wish I weren’t so pragmatic, but I do the same thing.
I justify by how much I’ll use it, and how long it will last. But in NZ, everything is expensive, even drugstore 🙁
just four words: “it’s for a video.” LOL! that’s gotten me through a TON of purchases that i otherwise wouldn’t be able to rationalize to myself 😛 LOL!
I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, so my splurge is on make-up in stead of bad things 😉
If I like it, I buy it, no justification necessary.
Depends on no. of times I am going to use it. If I am sure that I am going to use it once or twice in my lifetime then I would rather spend on something that I am going to use regularly.
I focus on quality and reviews. If an item is worth the money, my online sources – like Temptalia – will say so. Once the thumbs up is given, I see if the money is there. If my budget is too tight, then I can wait a few weeks. An example of this is the Flighty Big Bounce cream shadows coming out when Fashion Flower comes out. I’ve budgeted, but had some expenses – like the shoot for my first print credit!!! – and so I’ve been nervous. This morning, I hit my favorite review site and find that I have enough money because I’m not doing the cream shadows. Christine, you’re my best information source. Thanks!
Thank you, Kathy! 🙂
I can’t wait till you have an iphone app. When I’m out shopping I need to find your reviews! 🙂 The web browser is too slow.
That would actually be nice to have. Great idea!
Man, that’s exactly what I was about to write 🙂
I usually consider wearability as a prime factor. I tend to spend less money on things that I won’t be able to wear everyday like a glitter eyeshadow or a very flashy lipstick. On the other hand, if it’s a nice lipstick or a good foundation, I don’t have any problem investing.
I normally base how much I’ll spend on how often I’ll use it. There have been times where I’m absolutely in love with whatever it is… but if I can’t see myself wearing it at least once a week I pass on it. It ties in with that, but if I can see myself using it until it’s gone I’ll buy it as well even if it’s not something I’ll use often. The perfect red lipstick or perfume may not be an everyday for me, but I know down the line I’ll use/need it.
I hardly ever buy any really expensive beauty purchases for full price unless its foundation, which is something that is a day to day product for me. I usually wait until it hits a cco or for my best friends sister to visit and we use her make up artists discount to buy it. Its then becomes affordable enough to become a guilt free purchase. Also i wait for 10% off sales in debenhams, john lewis. My last pricey purchase was the nars everlasting love pallette, and it wouldve been £50 if it was full price, but john lewis had it on sale for £27.00. Bargain!
I generally only spend more on something I will only have one or two of at a time, like foundation. I have the heart of a collector but when it comes to something like Chanel, in my case, I could never justify the purchase of one of their nail laquers. I don’t know what a $25 np experience should be but I’ve always been dissatisfied with their quality. My Dior quints are OK but I find Nyx shadows far more to my liking in many circumstances. Above all I suppose is that the older I get, with my limited funds, I feel so much better donating $50 to my local no-kill shelter.
I look at the price, and then think about how often I’ll grab for it. If I’ll use it three times a week or more, I’ll most likely pick it up. If it’s something I won’t use a lot, OR it’s too close to something I already have, I’ll pass.
Ah. Good question! I usually justify expensive purchases by really thinking whether or not I will truly use an item and how difficult or easy it might be to come across it in case I do not buy it first hand. Also if I have something quite similar to it in color, I won’t get it. But most of the time, when I do make expensive purchases, that’s when I do end up using the product the most!
I, too, look at how often I will use it, how much I get, and how much I will need for each usage. For example, I bought the Cle de Peau concealer (.17 oz at $70). I use it everyday and I only need to use a tiny bit. I have had it for about 5 months and have barely made a dent using it 7 days a week.
This is how I justify my expensive purchases: “Do I want it?” If yes, I buy it. If no, I do not. Haha 🙂
if I know I love it to bits and I will use it often and if it’s scarce/rare and/or hard to find I’ll get it. In addition, when I need to cheer me up or to reward myself for something I feel justified to spend more.
I justify expensive purchases (mostly clothes but sometimes makeup) by taking the price of the item and dividing it by how many times I will use/wear it. True, this can mostly be done in hindsight but a $400 Coach bag or great moisturizer that I LOVE and use regularly ends up being less cost per use than a cheapy that I went out and bought just because. Everything in moderation but also buy what you truly love!
I agree with Christine. The price can be high but the more I use it, the cost per wear is minimized.
There are lots of quality products on the drugstore end and higher end, so it definitely depends on how long the product lasts. Lancome’s eyeliners are 22 a pop, but they last FOREVER and definitely have the best quality. Their artliner is amazing too but it runs out quickly, so I prob won’t repurchase.
Also, if it’s a really unique color and I know that I’ll use it all the time–for example, a NARS lipstick–I’d rather spend 24$ on that than 8$ on a few lipsticks that rarely get used.
I definitely look at reviews and quality. For example, I bought one of the first Clairisonics because it had such great reviews and I had problem skin (it was totally worth it). My MAC brushes were a pretty big initial investment but now I’ve had them for years and they’re still amazing.
I want to spend more on something that’s gotten great reviews and will last than buy a bunch of cheap things. (I’ve been trying to apply this philosophy to all facets of my life: clothing, household stuff, etc.)
The only justification I usually need is a I wanted it. Perhaps it seems completely pointless to others why I have something, but if something in me says BUY NOW! then who am I to disagree?
I try to save large purchases for specific times, like I know I’m more likely to spend on makeup around my birthday or Christmas. (Reasoning that there are some products that others simply won’t know my colors in, or know which brand does it best. Not everyone is interested in figuring that out.) I also try to build some space in my budget for random events, knowing that I’m more likely to buy makeup when I’m a bit gloomy, because bouncing around a Sephora cheers me up. I wait for sales online, if I’m looking for something big ticket specifically, and I’ve lately been trying to focus in on one product at a time. I bought the Anniversary UD 24/7 Eyeliner box when I was very interested dramatic eye looks and had only 2 pencils; now I don’t bother looking at eyeliners unless there’s something super ultra special I’ve read about, I know I’ve got the colors I need. I’ve got concealer I like, a mascara combo that performs well, I just kind of move around my face and try to focus on that particular product. Right now, my main focus is blush.
Basically – will I use it? I’ve noticed lately that I’m using my more expensive stuff much more often than the less expensive because I like the colors and consistency far better. I think it balances out though if I buy a few careful expensive pieces rather than many inexpensive pieces that I won’t quite enjoy or use. It also helps to tell yourself you paid for it, you’d better use it! lol
1) How often I’ll use it, 2) Does it do what it claims to, 3) Is it filling a niche in my makeup bag that nothing else does…I also don’t buy make-up for the sake of buying make-up. If I want something for a special occasion that will only be used a couple times, I sacrifice excellent quality and just buy something cheap. But for keystones of my collection that I’ll use all the time I do my research and buy the best product for my budget even if it stretches it a little.
I make sure the family is taken care of and all my bills are paid then I’m fine with treating myself once in a while
I feel that sometimes, you do get what you pay for. Recently I found, purely out of desperation, Philosophy’s Purity Foam Cleanser, granted its 21.50 for the small bottle, but the OBVIOUS positive change in my skin was so worth it.
For me it would be how often I would use it, what quality it is (being expensive doesn’t always make it the best) and it has to be a unique colour or something I don’t have in my collection that I want because I want to wear it!
I consider how often the product will be use, it’s versatility, and the reputation and quality of the brand.
I’m hoping I’m getting what I pay for, as is the case quite often.
Normally I stay away from very very expensive purchases when it comes to makeup (ie: Chanel, CD, Guerlain, etc) unless it’s a product I’m nuts for (ie: Laguna bronzer. yes I can get the same effect from the $3 ELF bronzer but… it just doesn’t make me feel as pretty!). The last couple of items I purchased that were super expensive that I could justify were my Clarisonic (overall it will make my skin better thus needing less makeup and it will force me to actually have a nighttime routine again), MUFE foundation (I figure a 1oz bottle will last me four months which is about 30cents a day!) and Origins VitaZing (maybe it will replace my foundation?) — in anycase I always make sure that the retailer has an amazing return policy… I’ll take something back if I’ve used it for a week and I’m not happy!!!
If I want it and I can afford it, then I buy it. There’s no shame in liking makeup or fashion and we need to stop feeling like we must feel guilty for some reason. It’s okay to like what we like 🙂
I totally agree!
I tell myself that you get what you pay for!
I’ve been on a one year makeup ban, (excluding mascara because Gross!), so now I mostly spend money on skincare if anything, and I justify it by picking ones with good reviews, and making sure the company and parent company of the brand is cruelty-free to people AND animals. No Made in China, no L’Oreal, no Estee Lauder.
(If this is a double post, I apologize)
i justify it either by how much difference its going to make to my make up routine ie will it really improve my skin (eg. mia) make my make up look much better (eg. airbrush) or is it great value for what you get (naked palette) but ltimately if its really something i want but i cant justify it i would ask for it as a gift 🙂
ummm well..I consider Mac expesive..lol I can’t believe people will spend 70 bucks on a concealer…there is just no way it’s that much better then one for 20 bucks…Honestly I think people buy stuff like that because spending that much money on something makes them feel important.
Of course I feel like skin care things, or nice tools are different because it’s really more of an investment 🙂
its amazing how much sense of self comes from buying guerlain/sisley/chantecalle/other $$$ brands.
I assume you are referring to my post and I will tell you that no other concealer I have used will cover my scar near my eye that I got from a car accident. I also have very deep, dark undereye circles that no other concealer will cover completely. I didn’t just go buy the concealer, I made sure that no other cheaper version would cover what I have to cover and it doesn’t. If I could find a $5 concealer that would cover my scars I wouldn’t buy the $70 one, but I can’t. Also, some people have different view of what is expensive. To some it is $5 and to others it is $1000. To each his own.
No o.o I didn’t even read your post. I did not mean to point any one out. I honestly didn’t read any of the responses before I responded my self. So I promise you I was not meaning to personally attack you or anyone.
Ummm, well isn’t that up to the individual to decide? If you don’t want to spend more than $20 on a concealer, that’s up to you, it’s not like anyone is going to make you. But there are some of us who do want all the options, includign the $$$ ones!
I have spent close to $70 buying concealer, 2 shades that I can custom mix, depending on how tan or pale I am at any given time of year, it lasts for 12-16 hours on me so no touch ups are required during the day and it’s lasted nearly 2 years so far.
If you buy a $20 concealer, have to use it twice or more a day and it only lasts you three months, you’re still spending more on concealer than me.
It’s not so much about item price, it’s also about how much value you get from it.
Several factors come in to play for me. First is: how hard is the product to find – for example, it is so hard to find a foundation that matches me, looks pretty on, stays well all day, etc. If I find that, i am willing to pay quite a bit for it. The other example is sunscreen. It is so hard to find a stable sunscreen that offers good UVA protection & is paraben free. I’ll have to pay a pretty penny for it. The next factor is how often I will use it: I’m more likely to get a $25 lipstick I know I’ll wear a few times a week than a $25 nail polish that I think I’ll wear once every few months. And finally, there is ingredient quality: I will pay twice the amount for a shampoo or cleanser that doesn’t have sulfates, or for a conditioner that doesn’t have silicones, or for body cream that doesn’t have parabens, etc. Ingredients matter a lot to me! I’m not likely to purchase expesnive things that I feel can be bought much more cheaply (and for the same quality) like eyeshadows.
If the quality is there, it is worth it. Also, if I know I will use it at least once a week if not everyday than it is worth it. I would never buy something stupid expensive unless I know I will wear it once a week and/or the quality is there and long lasting. I am willing to pay more for things that last.
I consider if I have something similar or if I will use it a lot. I also consider how much product I’m getting. A good example of this is Coralista. Even though it’s more than mac, you get a lot more. I also consider cheaper alternatives. It doesn’t do me any good if I’m going to buy a drugstore dupe only to later buy the high end one anyway.
I usually decide based on if it’s a great value, like The Balm Shady Lady palette I bought recently was $50-something, but it was worth it because it had nine eyeshadows, or if it’s something I truly need, like my GHD flat iron was because I have crazy hair.
I will admit, if it’s limited and Urban Decay and I will use it, I will probably cave and grab it. But, luckily, there’s a few categories of things I know I won’t use enough–like huge sets of anything besides eyeshadow, or lip and lash primer potions.
If it’s not limited, I’ll wait until I get an Ulta 20% off coupon, or I’ll stalk ebay.
I really really want some Guerlain Meteorites, but that will probably wait until I can get myself over to a fullsize Sephora and smell the things, since I am so sensitive to smells and violet has not gotten along with me in the past.
I also consider how often I will actually use the product and whether it is something ultra unique that will really add something special to my stash, like a very versatile item I can use for different looks. I love, love, love makeup, but I don´t buy it to collect it, I buy it to wear it, so the frequency with which I will use an item is a big factor. Also, if there’s a pricey product that has worked wonders, it would be more waste to spend less on something I will never use.
I consider how much it is then divide the price by how many times i will use it. That gives me a perspective of weather it is worth it or not.
It’s about the efficacy of the product. If it works brilliantly and I feel like like a million bucks everytime I use it, then yes to spending $50 on one beauty product. Likewise with “cheap” stuff. I’ll make my own sugar scrubs with stuff in my kitchen and still feel like a million bucks using it. That’s where I “even” out. It’s like I spent $25 on the scrub and $25 on that high-value product. Tehee 🙂
I so totally agree! I make my own scrub out of cleanser and bi-carb soda, and my God the results!!!!!! Never again shall I spend money for scrubs, and so I can save that money for something else.
Well, I consider if I’m going to be using this product often, and whether or not I can find an exact or very similar product (in terms of quality) for a lower price. Also, I look at the quantity given. Sometimes products at a lower price only give say 3 grams or product, while the more expensive brand gives 8 grams of products. I never just look a price alone, I always consider price/unit (unit=grams/ounce/etc…) There are a few exceptions to these rules, and they apply when I’m trying to find foundations, concealers, and powders. These three essentials consider a lot of trial and error to find the perfect one, and I’d much rather just use department store products because I can be color matched, get samples, and return them if I don’t like them. I’m sure there are great drugstore foundations, etc, but if I have to buy every single possible foundation shade, from various products I won’t to try… eh,, that just adds up to the price of several department store products. And I believe that the higher price of those items are justified by their excellent return policies. I mean, I know it doesn’t like $40 dollars to create, market, and ship a bottle of foundation. I’m basically paying for the privilege of returning said products if I don’t like it. Wow that was long.
For most of my “expensive” cosmetic purchases, I’m actually saving money in the long run. Like another commenter noted, one absolutely perfect mid to high end lipstick that you -know- suits can cost way less than buying several five or ten dollar drugstore lipsticks that end up being of poor quality or not anything like the color shown on the package.
I also prioritize which products are most important to me to get the best of. I can use drugstore eyeliner and mascara just fine, but my lips are picky about what they’ll tolerate and most cheaper lippies won’t cut it.
Sometimes I’ll try out both a drugstore and a comparable cosmetic counter brand of an item the first time around, and then I know first hand whether the more expensive product is better. For example, I find that Too Faced liquid foundation in my color is pretty much identical to what Revlon offers, in terms of application, wear, and everything. From this point forward, I will probably only buy the Revlon foundation… but having seen how well it compares with the more expensive brand makes me feel more confident that I’m not missing out.
Also, sometimes the feeling of treating myself well is justification enough. With my budget, a nice lipstick isn’t a trivial purchase, but the confidence boost is a big part of what makes it worthwhile.
I work outside, so if it’s something that will keep my skin from burning up or peeling off, it’s pretty much always worth it. As far as makeup is concerned, I’ve been working hard to cut back on buying tons of bright colors I don’t need and rarely wear…a great neutral I’ll wear all the time is still worth it.
I have only worn drugstore makeup my whole life. It served me well in my twenties and thirties.
I have taken very good care of my skin also. Now that I have more “mature” skin and more money, if I want to splurge a little on beauty products I do.
I don’t, I just buy it.
I earn a decent salary, put half my pay packet on the mortgage, pay all my bills on time, buy groceries and all that mundane life stuff first so the money left over is mine to spend as I see fit.
I don’t have to justify it to anybody, least of all myself!
I can not wait to go to the counter and test these out. The colors are amazing and unique! I’m really looking forward to trying that deep burgundy color… Gorgeous!
I think I posted under the wrong question earlier for the MUFE liners… But for expensive purchases I have to make sure I really love it. Usually i go back and forth to the shop to swatch it several times to see how I feel about the product… And if it’s more expensive I will check the swatches with what I have already to see if it’s worth buying or not.. It’s so hard to keep restrained with makeup, but still!
I justify Purchasing High end Nail Polish Like Chanel and Deborah Lippmann because I do my own Nails so I figure I am saving a lot of money then I can get a whole bottle of Chanel and do my nails Many times. I also don’t ever spend Money on clubbing or drinking so I feel I can spend money on what I want.
I don’t buy make up often but that’s why I check your website every day, and if there is anything catches my attention, I’ll buy it, and because I get very specific stuff I don’t feel I have to justify.
I justify a high-priced makeup by telling myself it is worth the money; then I throw the wrapper away and the written materials that come with it and put it in my big purse so I don’t have to justify it to my spouse who would probably faint clutching his chest on the way down. Makeup is not an explainable item – it is a booster of spirit and a color enhancer for my face. How many things make me feel or look as good as a new cosmetic item — not too many. Clutch purse tightly.
Typically any makeup in general is an extra expense for me, so I research the heck out of products before I buy. Temptalia, especially, is a terrific site for this because the grades you give to the products actually give me something to compare to.
…And I can’t resist a good sale or coupon. >.<
I only look at top quality products (research!research!) because I think of it as an investment. Good products now=good face later. Crappy products now=crappy face later.
Then I try to calculate the cost per use. Will I use it everyday? I expect my Chanel loose powder to last me for 2 years by using it about 20 times per month… it ends up its a very small amount to pay per use for a good product. Yes, a drugstore product would cost even less, but the “per use” difference is so small and you have to think of the quality of the result and of the condition of face.
That being said, I always make a wish list and save money. Once a year, in the 35% sales, I am totally prepared to buy exactly the expensive cosmetics that I need in a price pretty much like a “normal” brand. And with the money I save, I allow myself to splurge a little 🙂
I ask myself if the product is worth the price. How often do I use it? Do I need it? Do I have something like it? Does it add a certain thing to the collection I already have? With money being a little tight, I got more conscious with my beauty buys ;-).
I don’t justify expensive purchases to myself! If I want it, I will have it!
But to my boyfriend – he spends a fortune on Hockey gear so why can’t I spend a fortune on makeup??
Yeah my SO spends all his funds on drag racing… Pouring through a Summit catalog allows me to feel downright frugal
theres nothing to justify I know what I’m worth and what I deserve, I work my a$$ off for what I own Im proud of my collection that ranges from NYX to Dior 🙂
I justify expensive beauty purchases in a number of ways, including researching products before I purchase, recommendations from friends, the fact I’m a grown up and I can spend my money on what I want, and necessity. I really do find I’m taken more seriously at work by co-workers, our volunteers, and our customers if I put my face on.
I think about how often I am going to use it. I also figure out the value, like the naked palette how much eyeshadow cost compared to a Mac shadow
I am all in for high end! I never have been let down by a high end product, EVER!! I have a collection with over 150 products(mostly highend) and I love everything!
I couldn’t agree more! I stop buying drugstore lipsticks, lipglosses, powders & foundations just because most of the time, I literally gave it & toss it away after just 1 use.
Apparently, for me buying drugstore products proved to be more costly because more products I throw than I used. I rather spend an extra money to buy something that I can actually use.
Usually, I will factor usage and availability.
I was able to justify picking up a lot of limited edition MAC items due to their availability, and fortunately I’ve been lucky because most of my purchases have become part of my every day routine.
But the biggest factor is how many uses I will get out of it.
I have to use it at least 4-5 times a week (ahem, La Mer — this is the only “expensive” product I will ever buy. I’ve tried $100 serums, they don’t work for me.)
Like JC, I WAS a brand whore for about a year(her words, not mine… lol). So I realized that I have to really justify my expensive purchases 🙂