what do you think?
as someone who grew up in canada the drugstore vs. luxury decision was always much more nuanced than in the US because the prices are so high (same goes for a lot of other countries)
even in the US, we've seen the rise of more mid tier brands that when you look at the value on a /ml, /oz, /g basis, the math actually stacks up against drugstore and is sometimes even better, like we saw here with @rhode skin
obviously that's not true for every product or brand and @Shelby Ann does an incredible job highlighting affordable alternatives for luxury brands! again absolutely nothing against her but i just wanted to open up this discussion because it's more nuanced than people might think!!
lmk what you want to discuss more :)
#beautymath #beautymathbyrachel #beautymathclass #drugstorevshighendmakeup
Growing up in Canada, I've always found the drugstore versus luxury makeup debate to be far from straightforward. Unlike the US, where drugstore brands often seem like the obvious budget choice, Canada's higher price points on both drugstore and luxury items make the comparison more nuanced. It really comes down to evaluating product value on a per ml, gram, or ounce basis rather than just the sticker price. For example, brands like Rhode Skin, which fall into the mid-tier category, sometimes offer better cost efficiency compared to traditional drugstore products. This isn't just a fluke; the key is in the quality and size of the product relative to the price. When you calculate the price per unit — whether milliliters for liquid foundations or grams for powders — the math often highlights surprising value in these emerging brands. Of course, not every luxury or mid-tier product will outshine drugstore options in terms of price or performance, but it encourages us to rethink blanket assumptions. Personally, I appreciate how creators like Shelby Ann provide affordable alternatives for pricier brands, helping consumers find high-quality options without overspending. Another factor to consider is geographic variation. Pricing and availability can differ widely between countries like Canada, the US, and Australia, impacting how value is perceived. For instance, some products such as Saie are not sold at retail in Australia but only through resellers, affecting local pricing structures. This adds another layer of complexity when comparing international market prices and can influence purchasing decisions for beauty enthusiasts globally. For anyone navigating the beauty landscape, my advice is to dig a little deeper into the cost-efficiency of the products you're interested in. Look for unit price comparisons, read reviews on wearability and finish, and consider your personal preferences and skin needs before making a buy. This approach transforms shopping from a simple price battle into a smarter, more tailored beauty investment strategy. Feel free to share your experiences or ask questions about specific brands or products. Exploring these nuances together helps build a more informed and empowered beauty community!
