How I Stopped the M.A.C. Attacks
Aug 12, 2014 11:59:12 GMT -5
Post by baydoll on Aug 12, 2014 11:59:12 GMT -5
For those ladies (like me!) who love the higher priced make-up but don't want (or can afford) to spend a fortune on them, this one is for you! 
(From Mary Hunt's Blog, link to follow!)
My frugality philosophy is that I scrimp like crazy on things that don’t matter to have the money for things that do. Makeup is important to me. I’ll forego other things that aren’t that important to me so I can afford quality makeup.
For years, my makeup of choice has been M.A.C., sold online, at cosmetics counters in high-end department stores and in exclusive M.A.C. stores, worldwide.
My big news is that M.A.C. and I have parted company and for one reason only: the ever increasing cost was enough to give me a heart attack. It’s taken awhile, but with considerable research and many trials (and errors), I have now replaced each of my M.A.C. items with a drugstore product. My criteria was that the replacement had to be cheaper, but of an equal or better quality.
While my new choices are available in drugstores like Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Target and Walmart, I order online. I can get everything at Amazon, in a single order. And I find that Amazon’s prices are very competitive, if not cheaper. This just works for me because not every drugstore or discount store carries every brand.
Foundation. For years I’ve used M.A.C. Studio Fix Fluid ($27) in color C3. And I’ve found an alternative that I like so much better–Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup. For me, color 250 (Medium Beige) is a perfect match. It has full coverage, it’s lightweight, gives an “airbrushed” finish. It’s just plain amazing. About $10.
Pressed Powder. I’ve replaced M.A.C. Studio Fix Powder color C3 ($27) with Physicians Formula Magic Mosaic Pressed Powder. It is light, glides on and doesn’t get that clumpy, cakey look during the day. Love it. About $15.
Primer. I got hooked on M.A.C. Pre + Prime Skin ($30) primer because it improves application of foundation and powder. I’ve learned that starting with a good primer makes everything after that go on so much better. My new primer is not actually sold as a makeup product, but it is an amazing gel that doubles as a fabulous face primer. You have to trust me on this–I would not lead you astray. Monistat Chafing Gel is outstanding for this use and outperforms any primer I know of. Amazon about $10.
Eyeliner Pencil. I’ve replaced M.A.C. eyeliner pencil ($16) with Prestige Waterproof Eyeliner. It is smooth, glides on better and unlike my previous choice, it is waterproof and therefore, lasts longer. About $6.
Mascara. M.A.C. Studio Sculpt Lash is excellent at $16. But I’ve switched to Loreal Voluminous Mascara, which is an excellent alternative with at least equal results. About $6.
Lipstick. This is a biggie for me. For years I have worn M.A.C. lipstick in color Sequin ($16) and hesitated about making a switch. But I have. My new lipstick of choice is L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche matte finish in 560 Saucy Mauve. About $6.
Overall, I figure that I’ve cut the cost of makeup by more than half, without making any sacrifices. I couldn’t be happier!
www.everydaycheapskate.com/home-and-family/stopped-mac-attack/#more-11311
(From Mary Hunt's Blog, link to follow!)
My frugality philosophy is that I scrimp like crazy on things that don’t matter to have the money for things that do. Makeup is important to me. I’ll forego other things that aren’t that important to me so I can afford quality makeup.
For years, my makeup of choice has been M.A.C., sold online, at cosmetics counters in high-end department stores and in exclusive M.A.C. stores, worldwide.
My big news is that M.A.C. and I have parted company and for one reason only: the ever increasing cost was enough to give me a heart attack. It’s taken awhile, but with considerable research and many trials (and errors), I have now replaced each of my M.A.C. items with a drugstore product. My criteria was that the replacement had to be cheaper, but of an equal or better quality.
While my new choices are available in drugstores like Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Target and Walmart, I order online. I can get everything at Amazon, in a single order. And I find that Amazon’s prices are very competitive, if not cheaper. This just works for me because not every drugstore or discount store carries every brand.
Foundation. For years I’ve used M.A.C. Studio Fix Fluid ($27) in color C3. And I’ve found an alternative that I like so much better–Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup. For me, color 250 (Medium Beige) is a perfect match. It has full coverage, it’s lightweight, gives an “airbrushed” finish. It’s just plain amazing. About $10.
Pressed Powder. I’ve replaced M.A.C. Studio Fix Powder color C3 ($27) with Physicians Formula Magic Mosaic Pressed Powder. It is light, glides on and doesn’t get that clumpy, cakey look during the day. Love it. About $15.
Primer. I got hooked on M.A.C. Pre + Prime Skin ($30) primer because it improves application of foundation and powder. I’ve learned that starting with a good primer makes everything after that go on so much better. My new primer is not actually sold as a makeup product, but it is an amazing gel that doubles as a fabulous face primer. You have to trust me on this–I would not lead you astray. Monistat Chafing Gel is outstanding for this use and outperforms any primer I know of. Amazon about $10.
Eyeliner Pencil. I’ve replaced M.A.C. eyeliner pencil ($16) with Prestige Waterproof Eyeliner. It is smooth, glides on better and unlike my previous choice, it is waterproof and therefore, lasts longer. About $6.
Mascara. M.A.C. Studio Sculpt Lash is excellent at $16. But I’ve switched to Loreal Voluminous Mascara, which is an excellent alternative with at least equal results. About $6.
Lipstick. This is a biggie for me. For years I have worn M.A.C. lipstick in color Sequin ($16) and hesitated about making a switch. But I have. My new lipstick of choice is L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche matte finish in 560 Saucy Mauve. About $6.
Overall, I figure that I’ve cut the cost of makeup by more than half, without making any sacrifices. I couldn’t be happier!
www.everydaycheapskate.com/home-and-family/stopped-mac-attack/#more-11311
