How does price and quantity impact your purchasing decisions?
As long as it’s a solid amount of product (or else the price tag is quite a bit lower than buying a full-sized, e.g. a $40 full-sized lipstick vs. $15 mini size… less investment), I’m not overly concerned. If I try to put myself in the shoes of a “normal” consumer (and not a blogger), I’d prefer to spend less, even if I got less, because I think it takes awhile to finish products once you have more than a few of each time. I’m someone who really likes variety in color, tone, finish, and formula, so I feel like I’d never have a really minimal collection.
— Christine
Not much. If I want it and I think it’s worth the money then I buy it (regardless if it’s $5 or $35). I appreciate mini sizes and the lip sampler kits that tend to come out around the holidays.
Price per oz matters, but the overall quality is what sells it to me. For instance; Chanel Empriente du Desert quad has only 4 shades, they are relatively small, and I believe I paid $63-65 for it? However, the actual quality is genuinely superb, so in this case, I’m okay with this ratio. Most of the time, I really do have the quality vs. quantity argument going on in my head before I purchase something high end to lux.
A few months ago, I was at Ulta shopping for a new brow product. The SA showed me two Benefit pencils that came in the gray shade I was looking for: Goof Proof and Precisely My Brow. They were the same price, but Precisely My Brow contained .002 oz and Goof Proof contained .01 oz (five times more product!), so of course I went for Goof Proof!
Personally, I would pay for Goof Proof even if it had less than Precisely My Brow because I don’t like thin pencils, I like tear drop applicators. But I have tried both types of products and honestly something like Benefit Goof Proof or Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil lasts me more than 6 months, while those thin pencils are done by end of month two. 😆
I know what you mean. I had been using Dior Brow Styler and those things cost so much, yet use up really fast. I still have one that I only use for special occasions. But I’m loving the Benefit Goof Proof pencil. I alternate between it and ColourPop’s brow gel, depending on which type of product I’m in the mood to use. They’re both great.
If I didn’t have allergies to particular ingredients, then I’d buy cheaper and/or larger quantity if the quality was good. As it is, I sometimes have to pay more for a smaller quantity because the cheaper/larger-quantity versions contain allergens.
It highly depends on the type of product, but I am thankfully privileged enough (in terms I am a hardworking adult with a good paying job) that price is not necessary a constraint for me.
But usually the correlation between price and quantity doesn’t matter for me for specific products: foundation, concealer, skincare treatments and serums. I’ll pay the high price for good performance and ingredients even for a small amount. I actually prefer with active ingredients to buy smaller sizes (so I use `fresh` products) even if they cost more per gram/ounce.
I might get iffy for stuff like cleansers and body washes; I still buy quite `expensive` stuff (aka I’m buying Paula’s Choice, not Simple face washes or cheap drugstore body washes), but I expect decent sized products, not tiny bottles.
Generally with make-up, I’d prefer to spend more (per gram/ounce), even if I got less if it’s a product I know I’m not going to finish a full/value size until expiration date. I try to keep my collection streamlined, minimal products, so for me it’s always quality over quantity. If I have (for example) only one eyebrow pencil, I’d still pay extra for an Anastasia Brow Definer or Hourglass Brow Pencil, even if the NYX pencils are quite good.
When it comes to things like color cosmetics and mascara and perfume, I’m definitely one to go for a pay less for less product (even if it comes out to more per oz) because I’m unlikely to use up the entire thing.
When it comes to something I’m going to use all the time, like skincare and bath/body items, I’ll figure out what the largest bottle is that I will likely use up before it goes bad (especially a concern if I’m shopping at Lush where things have a shorter shelf life). Usually the bigger bottle is a better deal, PLUS, the less often I have to go buy a new shampoo, the less often I’m making other impulse buys while I’m in the store 😉
What matters to me the most is the quality of the product and how the shades suit me, then price and accessibility come into it. If it is an expensive product, like a PMG – I will check out the dupe list to see if I have similar shades in a less expensive option.
I would much rather purchase a smaller quantity that is of excellent quality than pay for a larger option of mediocre quality.
I’m at a point in my collection where quantity isn’t really a concern. The only products I regularly use up are foundation, powder, brows, and mascara. So, if it doesn’t fall under one of those categories, I’ll pay for quality regardless of how much product I’m getting (unless it’s a ridiculously small amount).
Somewhat. I have a number in mind that I don’t want to go over. For me, say, it’s $70 for a palette. So no Natasha Denona, Pat McGrath, Viseart…except the smaller versions.
Same with lipstick ($35), foundation ($60) etc. This gives me a lot of leeway but leaves out super luxury brands.
I will say, with a brand like Colourpop. I am more apt to buy a whole collection because the price point is so appealing AND I know the product is good.
I tend to like indie brands and mid-price brands the best.