Affordable Beauty: Side-by-Side Comparisons of Affordable and Luxury Brands

What's In A Name?

Hey Savvy Stylers and InStyle Family, as a licensed cosmetologist with over 25 years of experience, I’ve learned that beauty doesn’t have to break the bank. While luxury beauty products often come with the promise of premium ingredients and indulgent packaging, affordable brands have been steadily leveling up their game. And because we are being inundated with so many options, particularly during this holiday season, I decided to share some “ Beauty Secret Tea” with you.

Today, I’ll walk you through ten head-to-head comparisons of affordable and high-end beauty and skincare products, helping you make the best choices for your wallet and your skin.

Side-by-Side Comparisons

1. Cleanser

• Save: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($14.99)

Gentle, dermatologist-recommended, and perfect for sensitive skin.

• Splurge: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser ($39.00)

With its cult-favorite status, this cleanser features soy proteins and a cucumber scent for a luxurious feel.

Verdict: Both are gentle and effective, but if hydration is your main goal, CeraVe is a winner without the hefty price tag.

2. Vitamin C Serum

• Save: The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% ($10.00)

Delivers brightening and pigmentation-fighting benefits without breaking the bank.

• Splurge: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($169.00)

Packed with antioxidants, this high-end serum promises firmer, brighter skin.

Verdict: For budget-conscious skincare lovers, The Ordinary holds its own. SkinCeuticals is a luxurious powerhouse but costs nearly 17 times more.

3. Moisturizer

• Save: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel ($24.99)

A lightweight, hydrating gel infused with hyaluronic acid.

• Splurge: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream ($68.00)

Rich in peptides, this cream targets fine lines and elasticity.

Verdict: Both are excellent for hydration, but if peptides are a priority, Drunk Elephant might justify the splurge.

4. Foundation

• Save: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless ($8.99)

A drugstore favorite with a matte finish for oily and combination skin.

• Splurge: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation ($69.00)

Known for its natural, radiant finish.

Verdict: Maybelline offers unbeatable value, but Giorgio Armani’s lightweight formula is ideal for special occasions.

5. Sunscreen

• Save: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60 ($29.99)

Broad-spectrum protection with a silky finish.

• Splurge: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 ($38.00)

Lightweight, invisible, and doubles as a primer.

Verdict: Both are stellar, but La Roche-Posay gives you more SPF for less.

6. Lipstick

• Save: NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream ($6.50)

A creamy, matte formula available in a wide range of shades.

• Splurge: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick ($34.00)

Luxurious packaging and a hydrating matte finish.

Verdict: NYX is perfect for experimenting with colors, but Charlotte Tilbury’s texture and wear time make it a splurge-worthy treat.

7. Eye Cream

• Save: e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Eye Cream ($10.00)

Affordable hydration with hyaluronic acid and peptides.

• Splurge: Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado ($55.00)

Rich and creamy, designed to nourish the delicate under-eye area.

Verdict: e.l.f. is surprisingly effective for its price, but Kiehl’s is a luxurious choice for mature skin.

8. Eyeshadow Palette

• Save: ColourPop Pressed Powder Palettes ($14.00)

High-pigment shades in a variety of fun color stories.

• Splurge: Natasha Denona Glam Palette ($69.00)

Ultra-blendable formulas with stunning metallics and mattes.

Verdict: ColourPop is unbeatable for trend-focused looks, but Natasha Denona shines for pro-level application.

9. Face Mask

• Save: L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask ($12.99)

Detoxes skin with a blend of clays and charcoal.

• Splurge: GLAMGLOW SuperMud Clearing Treatment ($60.00)

A favorite for tackling breakouts and uneven texture.

Verdict: L’Oréal offers similar detoxifying benefits for a fraction of the cost, though GLAMGLOW feels more indulgent.

10. Setting Spray

• Save: Milani Make It Last Setting Spray ($9.99)

Locks makeup in place for up to 16 hours.

• Splurge: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray ($36.00)

An iconic product that ensures a flawless finish all day and night.

Verdict: Milani is a fantastic dupe, but Urban Decay’s cult status is well-earned for events or long days.

Final Thoughts

Splurging or saving on beauty comes down to priorities and personal preferences. Many affordable options now rival their luxury counterparts in quality and performance, proving that you don’t always have to spend big to look your best. As you build your routine, consider mixing high and low for a balanced approach. After all, beauty is about feeling confident and radiant, no matter your budget.

Which product do you swear by—luxury or drugstore? Drop your favorites in the comments! Until next time, Stay Savvy! 🤎

Fashionably yours,

Sharon