Splurge vs steal: Makeup essentials

Looking to update your make-up kit on a budget? Or maybe you just got a bonus and you want to splash out on some luxe items at the beauty counter?
Whatever your financial situation, we’ve got your solution.
A SHIMMERY FACE POWDER
Splurge: Bobbi Brown Shimmerbrick Compact, $72
Sweep your brush across all shades to give your cheeks a warm, radiant and gorgeous glow. You’ll also love that you can use each shade individually as an eyeshadow.
Save: Chi Chi Wall of Shimmer, $19.95
These soft, shimmery shades can be used to highlight and contour your skin while giving your complexion the luminosity you’re looking for.
RELATED: How and where to apply bronzer
RELATED: Expert tips for choosing the best highlighter
A SHINY GLOSS FINISH
Splurge: M.A.C Tinted Lipglass, $35
This little wand combines pigmented colour with nourishing ingredients to ensure your lips look and feel fabulous.
Save: NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss, $11.95
A creamy texture and shiny finish makes for a great lipgloss. Perfect for a hit of colour that’s not too intense.
RELATED: The glossy pout is making a comeback
RELATED: 8 ways to update your lip look
AN ILLUMINATING UNDER-EYE CONCEALER
Splurge: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat, $55
This cult product will not let you down when it comes to brightening your under eye area. You can also use it on your contours to add extra radiance and definition.
Steal: Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer, $11.95
The handy pen packaging makes for easy application, while the illuminating formula works to awaken tired skin and conceal any pigmentation.
RELATED: Are your eyes giving away your age?
RELATED: The confused girl's guide to concealer
A FOUNDATION SPONGE
Splurge: Beauty Blender, $27, sephora Australia
This innovative (and eye-catching) sponge works to artistically blend your foundation into your skin and leave your complexion looking flawless. All without absorbing too much product.
Steal: Manicare Precision Blending Sponge, $9.99
The 3D latex sponge is shaped perfectly to ensure a streak-free application of your foundation. The rounded edge is great for use on your cheeks and forehead, while the pointy end is perfect for getting into those little spots like around your nose.
RELATED: 8 ways to use your beauty blender
RELATED: The best make-up brushes for your skin type
AN EFFECTIVE MAKE-UP REMOVER
Splurge: BIODERMA Créaline H20, $29.95
This fancy French cleansing water works a treat to remove any and all traces of dirt, oil and make-up. It’s also super gentle, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Steal: Garnier Skin Naturals Micellar Cleansing Water, $12.95
This all-in-one make-up remover removes dirt and impurities without you needing to rub and scrub your face. Plus, it’s strong enough to remove all traces of your eye and lip make-up.
RELATED: Why we love micellar water
RELATED: How to remove all kinds of beauty stains
Which are your favourite beauty steals? Which product would you like to splurge on?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
232 Member Comments
I am a healthy mix (I think) between splurge and save. I mostly go save, as I find it satisfying researching quality cheaper products and finding those fantastic products that do it for less, but I will treat myself when I can justify it.
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I go luxe on makeup items. As I use it rarely, it is worth it.
Skincare I go depending on ing, not marketing or pricing.
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I really do think you get what you pay for, but I have used the Manicare make up sponges and they are quite good.
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I’d go for all the steals except the beauty blender which i like the splurge because the knock offs are not quite the same.
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I'm all about luxe. Mecca is my favourite place in the world haha
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some great steals and splurges! i like both! some products i feel you need to spend a little more but some cheaper products are amazing! it’s just finding them that’s the harder part.
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love the garnier micellar water
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I was looking around for dupes and this articles is perfect!
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I have both in all categories, it's so nice to mix and match, and if it works, and it's a splurge, then stick with it, or if it's a steal and works, stick with that too
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I’m all about the steal.
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I appreciate both, and it makes me feel great when I can splurge but also need to budget
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The YSL touche eclat is so good, sometimes you just have to splurge
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I love bargains for body scrubs, lotions, body wash, makeup brushes but for face products especially skincare I like to splurge.
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Oh I do love bargains but now I'm in my early 30s I go for brands I've used for years and love. Estée Lauder is my fav for skincare and make up. As well as medik8! I try to love cheaper products ... I was really trying to love nude by nature ... sigh! ! . I use bargains for products not on my face ... Cheap nail polish, body scrubs, lotions etc.
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I do own the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick and I am a little bit obsessed, though The Balm Mary Illuminiser is a fabulous budget alternative. I have owned and used both Beauty Blender and the Manicare Precision Sponge and personally think the Manicare one prevails!
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I suppose I'm more mid range. I've always been conscious of not wasting money so I still look for bargains but those bargains must be good quality. I can't see the sense in paying over-the-top for a product when there is a good quality product at half the price.
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Now that I'm older, there are some products that are worth splurging on such as foundations and eyeshadows, and even some eyeliners. They work better on mature skin. Some budget products are false economy. For example, I used to love the Real Techniques sponges and they worked well. Now they are falling apart much faster, so I will probably invest in at least one Beauty Blender as I've heard that they last a long time.
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Savvy comes out on top.
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I'm definitely one for bargains!!
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LOVE Bobbi Brown and Garnier! I'm definitely a mix between splurge and bargain. I have quite a mix between in my product range.
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THE YSL touche eclat is the best product
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Chi chi has some great product just like the pricey ones. So do nyx, just like duplicate of the expensive brands. I just love these steal vs splurge articles. Never stick to the brand names, you will always be disappointed.
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Love a steal product. Not all steals are built the same but then again not all splurges are either
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it depends on how well the steal works. Rimmel and DB never works for me though. but l'oreal has good lippie
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For me it depends on the product and budget constraints, I agree there are some products you cannot save on but if i can find something that does the same job for half the price I will purchase. I have never tried the original beauty blender, however I have used the chi chi beauty blenders for years and I am happy with the quality, they apply the make up well and they wash up well, I cannot fault them. Once I did buy a really cheap beauty blender and it was a disaster, it fell apart after one use. If I like a product and it works for me I will buy it, (even if it is a high end brand or a supermarket product)
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