SPLURGE vs SAVE: Eye Makeup Edition

Happy THURSDAY, everyone! Last month’s Splurge vs Save: Face Makeup Edition was SO popular and got the BEST feedback – so I’m so excited to share the next installment: Eye Makeup Edition!! This one isn’t QUITE as long because there are less makeup products for the eye than for the face, but hopefully this helps you determined which products you want to splurge on (*eyeshadow, ahem*) and which you want to go drugstore on (like….mascara, perhaps). Let’s dive into this and check it out!

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SPLURGE vs SAVE: Eye Makeup Edition

Eyeshadow:

Eyeshadow is something that I think you definitely can tell a difference in. There is a CLEAR difference in quality when it comes to eyeshadow. Pigmentation is one of the biggest ways you can spot a quality difference, as well as blend ability. ABH shadows are some of my favorite formulas – and I really love how easy they are to work with. They are creamy, easy to blend, packed with color. I love this brand when I’m looking to splurge. Bh Cosmetics is a drugstore brand that I LOVE. They have great formulas (not as high impact with color) but easy to work with and have a ton of options for different shades, finishes and types of shadow. They are really inexpensive and I love traveling with their palettes. If you are on a budget, they are a fabulous option.

BEST high-end eyeshadow recommendation: Anastasia Beverly Hills Palettes

BEST drugstore eyeshadow recommendation: BH Cosmetics Palettes

Eyeliner:

I used to use Stila’s Stay All Day liquid liner every day without fail – and it’s STILL one of my all time favorite formulas for eyeliner. It’s easy to use, dries down matte, doesn’t smudge, is waterproof. BUT it does have kind of a tall price tag for something that you go through fairly quickly. I tried to find a drugstore alternative and the closest I’ve been able to land on has been the Pixi liquid liner. It’s not quite as matte – but still lasts a long time. It’s a great, cheaper alternative.

BEST high-end eyeliner recommendation: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner

BEST drugstore eyeliner recommendation: Pixi Liquid Liner

Mascara:

Mascara is such a hard one for me. There are CLEAR differences between high end mascaras and drugstore mascaras. HOWEVER – mascaras have SUCH a short shelf life that it’s really hard for me to purchase a high end mascara because I can’t justify the price. $20-30 for a tube of mascara that will last 2-3 months is a hard sell, when I can purchase a drugstore mascara that’s ALMOST as good for $8. This is especially true if you wear false lashes a lot, because you use such a little amount and you can barely see it.

BEST high-end mascara recommendation: Smashbox Full Exposure & Urban Decay Trouble Maker 

BEST drugstore mascara recommendation: Covergirl Peakcock Flare Mascara

Eye Glitter:

Ah, glitter. My literal favorite part of makeup is glitter. It’s so pretty and completely amps up an eye makeup look. My personal favorite eye glitter is Urban Decay Heavy Metal liner. It doesn’t flake, it stays glittery all day long, and the color really packs a punch. It also doesn’t dry out super quickly which is so nice because you don’t have to worry about using it frequently or replacing it. If you want a more affordable option – BH Cosmetics has AWESOME glitter options from liquid liner to loose glitter. ALL of my loose glitter is BH Cosmetics because the quality is SO nice and it stays all day long with glitter glue. I also like their glitter liner but there is a clear quality difference between BH Cosmetics + Urban Decay glitter liner.

BEST high-end eye glitter recommendation: Urban Decay Heavy Metal Liner

BEST drugstore eye glitter recommendation: BH Cosmetics Loose Glitter & NYX Glitter Liner

False Lashes:

I use ALL brands of false lashes. I don’t discriminate. I think that there are great lashes in all price points. I personally love Velour lashes if you are looking for high-end lashes because they have a really thick, curved band that adheres SO well to your lash line. They aren’t moving or popping up at all, all day long. High end lashes tend to have better staying power than drugstore, but you can find some good ones. My favorite drugstore lashes tend to be the Eylure faux mink lashes. They have a thick band as well, and while they are AS comfortable as the Velour lashes, they are a really good affordable alternative and come in tons of styles.

BEST high-end false lashes recommendation: Velour Mink Lashes

BEST drugstore false lashes recommendation: Eylure Faux Mink Lashes

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I hope this post was just as helpful as the face edition. The last one coming is lips and you’ll see that in February! I’m excited to share all about which products I spend all. the. dollars. on. and which I opt for a $4 alternative. 😉 

Do you have any favorite high end or drugstore products you SWEAR by?! Let me know what they are in the comments below!