How to Compare Makeup Brands

Last Updated: September 12, 2020

Makeup is a fabulous tool which we use to enhance our facial features and add colour and definition, but when it comes to brands, where do you begin? Every brand is different and has different qualities, so it's important to compare those brands before you decide which makeup you want to buy and use.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Experimenting and Researching

1
Try out testers. Just going to your local drugstore or beauty supplier could be the only thing you need to compare brands. Testers are there to be used and with a range of brands, you can easily compare and discover which brand you prefer, price-wise and quality-wise.
2
Read reviews online. If you're considering several brands, research reviews for each individual brand and compare their ratings. If you're unsure of which brands to consider, research a list of makeup brands that are available in your country or online.

Advertisement
3
Compare brands by price. Makeup prices are high these days and finding cheap brands can be difficult. Comparing the prices of makeup brands can really assist you in saving a heap of money and looking fabulous at the same time. The average price of lipstick is $17.50 for some brands; that's just a simple example of how expensive makeup is.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Comparing for Quality

1
Compare the application quality of different brands. Application is an important feature when it comes to makeup; the application and overall feel of the product can help you decide whether or not the brand is of good quality. The product should have easy application and should not feel uncomfortable on your skin.
2
Compare the colour and pigmentation of different brands. The colour of the product should be true to the packaging or what it looks like on the outside of the packaging. If the colour is not to your liking, you should attempt to get a refund. A good brand will always accept constructive criticism and a refund.
3
Compare the texture of different brands. Depending on the type of product you choose, your product should be true to its title. If the product promises a creamy finish, the finish should be creamy and smooth. If the product promises a matte finish, you should receive zero (or very minimal) shine or shimmer. The product should not set in fine lines into your skin and should have a comfortable wear.
4
Compare the packaging of different brands. The appearance of the product from the outside doesn't seem to worry many, but the way a product is packaged can affect the overall result and performance of the product. If you are paying an expensive fee for the product you are purchasing, then you should receive a container that is appealing. A good example of high quality packaging includes MAC lipsticks and Gerard Cosmetics lipsticks; these brands are high in quality but pricey too.
5
Compare the promises of different products. What the product claims to do should be done. Products constantly offer things such as "24 hour lasting"; if the product claims to do so, it is expected that it will be true to its promise. The product promise of a brand can assist you in comparing that particular brand to another "24 hour lasting" product of a different brand. For example, it can happen that during advertisements, lip glosses are constantly portrayed as highly pigmented when in fact, they're not very opaque and quite sheer.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I find a color foundation that will match my makeup?

Community Answer

Go to the cosmetics department of a store and match your shade with an employee there.
Question

How do I compare high-end makeup brands with high street/drugstore makeup brands?

Community Answer

If you want to try and find the closest match, take a look at the brand. Oftentimes drugstore brands own a high-end brand (for example, L'Oreal owns Urban Decay, and Revlon is coming out with a high end brand called Flesh), and sometimes they share labs and similar formulas. This is not the case with luxury brands, so sadly, you're not going to find a drugstore dupe for Guerlain or Hourglass.
Question

How do I compare designer brands to high-street/drugstore makeup brands?

Community Answer

Designer brands won't contain chemicals that are bad for your skin.

Warnings

People's opinions may vary for a certain brand, for a more trusted opinion, go with a personal review from a beautician or makeup artist.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
Visit: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/dirty-dozen-cosmetic-chemicals/ to find out about chemicals in makeup you should avoid.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0