My Beauty Philosophy: 

“HE on the side”

HE stands for “high end.”

I have a firm belief that it’s possible to achieve perfect make up looks featuring mostly drugstore brands. I don’t subscribe to the notion that lipsticks can only be quality if they are over $50 (seriously?! I’ve purchased dresses that cost less!). As a matter of fact, most of my collection is drugstore and whatever is high-end is so because I haven’t been able to find a drug store alternative that is worthy of the quality. My posts will feature mostly drugstore products with a few high end exceptions.

My Make Up Collection consists of the following:

80% Category 2
10% Category 3
9% Category 1
1% Category 4

I categorize my make up collection from low end (category 1) to high end (category 4). Please note that this is not any official measure. This is simply how I choose to allocate my collection. 

Category 1
Lowest End Products:

Least expensive products
Quality is usually lacking
Products are not impressive/unique
Usually found in dollar stores, sometimes drugstores

Generic store brands such as those produced by Ulta and Sephora fall under this category

Examples of Category 1 Brands:

Jordana
Brucci
LA Girl
Wet N’ Wild
N.Y.C
Jessie’s Girl
Milani
E.L.F Cosmetics
Sinful Colors

My Favorite Category 1 Product(s):

Jordana Easyliner in Rock N Rose
LA Girl Beauty Brick Blush Palette in Spice

 

Category 2

 
Traditional Drugstore Brands:

Prices Vary but are affordable
Quality is acceptable for everyday use
Many products (IMO) are excellent
Focus of brand is mostly on cosmetics versus skincare
Usually found in drugstores, sometimes cosmetics specialty stores, and on brand website

Examples of Category 2 Brands:

Maybelline
L’Oreal
Revlon
Rimmel
CoverGirl
Essie
Duri
BH Cosmetics
NYX Cosmetics

My Favorite Category 2 Product(s):

Maybelline’s Fit Me! Matte & Poreless Foundation
L’Oreal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive in Julianne’s Nude

 

Category 3
Affordable High End Brands:

Prices are on the higher scale and usually average (two) category 2 products for the price of (one) category 3 product
Not available in drugstores and must be purchased through brand website or specialty cosmetics stores such as Ulta or Sephora

Examples of Category 3 Brands:

Urban Decay
MAC
The Balm
Benefit
Too Faced
MakeUp Forever
Kat Von D
Anastasia of Beverly Hills
Gerard Cosmetics

My Favorite Category 3 Products:

Urban Decay Primer Potion
MAC Lipstick in Brave
Anastasia of Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Dusty Lilac
Belif Oil Control Fresh Moisturizer

Category 4
Top Shelf High End Brand:

Expensive and considered the highest quality
Brands are associated with not only cosmetics but perfumes, skincare, and clothing.
Found only in department stores such as Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom’s, etc., makeup cosmetic stores, or brand website

Examples of Category 4 Brands:

Armani Exchange
Dior
Estee Lauder
Givenchy
Chanel
Clinique
Marc Jacobs
YSL

My Favorite Category 4 Products:

None