We Need To Talk About OVERPRICED Makeup in 2024

Why is luxury makeup so expensive, and is it really worth the price? In this video, I'm breaking down the truth about overpriced makeup and uncovering the reasons behind those ridiculous price tags. From luxury packaging and marketing tactics to the ingredients and prestige branding, we’ll explore the real reasons why luxury beauty costs so much-and why many of those reasons are total B.S.
Don’t fall for the hype! Let's uncover the ugly truth about luxury makeup prices and learn how to make smarter beauty purchases.
THIS VIDEO IS NOT SPONSORED
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(Links marked with an * are affiliate links)
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*Colourpop BFF Lip Liner ($7) colourpop.sjv....
*YSL Candy Glow Butter Balm in Brown Nude ($40) howl.link/7ku4...
*NYX Lift & Snatch Brow Pen in Ash Brown ($13) howl.link/50ym...
*Colourpop Going Coconuts Palette ($14) colourpop.sjv....
*Colourpop Super Shock Eyeshadow in Ritz ($7 at Colourpop) colourpop.sjv.... and also at Target howl.link/zolw...
*elf Soft Glam Foundation in 20 Light Cool ($7.99) howl.link/kzly...
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💖 ABOUT ME:
Hi, my name is Jen I am 44 and live in Connecticut with my husband and 8 year old son. I am a stay-at-home Mom and full-time KZbinr with a degree in business with a focus in marketing. Before leaving work when my son was born, I was a commercial lender at a bank. I also worked at Sephora and Macy's doing visual merchandising.
I have dry skin with some hyperpigmentation and fine lines. I love natural makeup looks but occasionally go outside my comfort zone a little bit. On my channel you'll find lots of videos about drugstore makeup and drugstore dupes (those are my favorites to film!) but I also review high-end makeup as well. I hope you enjoy my channel and if you do, please don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & leave me a comment!

[@kathleenstoin671]

I refuse to pay those ridiculous prices for high end products. Especially when I am perfectly happy with the drug store makeup that I use. Sure, the packaging is more luxurious, but I'm not trying to impress myself with how much money I spend when I'm in my bathroom applying makeup. Most drugstore products last me all day and still look good. That's all I need.

[@lynettefinnigan9540]

I 100% agree. I've bought both, and I don't think that one outlasts the other. I too think our drugstore products are good quality these days (but the prices are climbing, however they have regular sales, which I keep my eye open for.)

[@l.c.8798]

Agree 100 percent.

[@kathleenstoin671]

@lynettefinnigan9540 And let's face it, Jen is absolutely necessary to the process! She always brings those great products to our attention! I count on her honest reviews.

[@carolynpritchard9827]

I buy both drugstore and high end. At the end of the day it is all about performance of the product. Over the years I've had duds from both the drugstore and luxury oroducts.

[@erinmyers8603]

Amen 🙌🏾

[@cs-yq5ed]

This is such a fun, no-cost way to do an advent calendar!

[@heathersmith797]

I love luxury makeup for the experience you get when you use it but the actual cost to make it isn't much more than drugstore (I've worked in makeup formulation). The reasons you listed such as packaging and manufacture is a small part of the cost increase but maybe only a few dollars. Most of the price is just markup for no reason other than to make it seem exclusive and it's pure greed, nothing more.

[@teresamckeown5594]

Agreed! I love to look at it touch it and put it on. But think of getting compliments on how YOU look. Do you really get more compliments wearing luxury makeup? I know I don’t.

[@teresamckeown5594]

Agreed! I love to look at it touch it and put it on. But think of getting compliments on how YOU look. Do you really get more compliments wearing luxury makeup? I know I don’t. I think that unless I do a “look” with a lot of colors, etc. nobody even notices. 😂

[@ForeverTremere]

Agreed! I also worked in the beauty industry and we spent more on the packaging than on the product itself.

[@larissamartinez6880]

Oh my goodness your background! 😍😍🎄🎄

[@JenPhelps]

Aw thanks! I had fun setting it up last week. :)

[@beverlynelson599]

Live the Christmas decorations!

[@beverlynelson599]

I just want the product to work!

[@thatsydvicious]

On the flip side, I’d be really interested to hear what luxury makeup is actually worth it (if any)

[@CandidLy1]

Read the comment further up, she knows exactly!

[@JenniferMcDade-m1n]

"Shop My Stash Advent" is a FANTASTIC idea!!!! I want to do this on my own with my daughter!

[@nickimontie]

I think what most people don't realize about Tir Tir and sending expensive gifts to influencers is the difference in culture. In many Asian societies, gifts are a part of the whole sale process, both inexpensive and luxurious. I hope these companies hire advisores that will steer them down the right path. Having recently tried luxury makeup and skincare, I can see the appeal. Even ordering from a mid-tier brand like Tarte was much nicer than buying from Ulta. My order came beautifully wrapped in a reusable box and came with samples I was not expecting.

[@teresamckeown5594]

I know a lot of people get on Tarte, but I love them too!

[@Hope-nz4tw]

Your "Shop My Stash Advent" idea is classic! It's a "no buy" holiday treasure. Your idea to have Henry select the gifts and secretly bag them is better than PriceWaterhouse hermetically sealing the Oscar winners' names! I believe you have started a new tradition, Jen. It is refreshing idea! Also, I LOVE your decorations. So lovely!

[@curlieeloks3032]

Super agreed ! Stop spending money on influencers and trips and Super Bowl stuff and keep prices reasonable !

[@amandawhitlock8607]

I've missed your Vlogmas intro so much!

[@JenPhelps]

I missed it too, haha! I wish I could have it year round. 🥰

[@gardenhappy4]

Thank you for having this conversation. Wish more beauty channels would follow your lead.

[@katfayegarrett3872]

I love your holiday background!❤

[@lavoixdevelours]

With high end it's always been about how it makes people feel imo, and it's a bonus if it's actually good. I had NYX pearl pigments in 2010 that had the look of the Patrick Ta shadows.

[@Silverwingz007]

Oh my goodness!! How your son has grown since last year!!

[@JenPhelps]

Yes! He's 5'4"...almost my height and he's only 11. 😭😭

[@valerietodd2024]

Your vlogmas is the best part of December ❤. So much truth to all you are saying about luxury products.

[@Vantasticviews2]

This brings to mind La Mer skin care. Almost every Derm MD I’ve watched has said skincare from this brand is (way) overpriced and contains minimal actives. Some people with money to burn really just want to be able to show their wealth by using products like this. This is nothing new, but what IS new is the way in which we can now access very expensive things without actually buying them. When you’re on a McDonalds budget but you see people eating fillet mingon for every meal, you want the pricier item, even though you had previously been quite happy with McDonalds. Before the internet, most people on a budget really didn’t frequent very expensive retailers, so the exposure to the pricier things you don’t have was minimal. Exposure = Covet.

[@lynettefinnigan9540]

Well said, and so true.

[@HappywifeTaylor]

I got so much hate when I commented about how expensive those Patrick Ta eyeshadows are. It was ridiculous the way women were defending it. I just ordered the Kylie Cosmetics eyeshadow glitter quad that was on sale for 16 dollars on her website. They are just as sparkly. I can't wait to get them.

[@lynettefinnigan9540]

Uggg, I don't buy Kylie or Kardasian anything.

[@LenaSheppard]

Wow, your son has grown!! Such an excellent video. I rarely buy hi-end because I find excellent drugstore products. I just don't see the need to buy hi-end especially if brands gift products & trips to people; I wash my face at the end of the day and the makeup products all goes down the drain. Thank you for being here for me !

[@lynettefinnigan9540]

😂😂 so true..same as the fancy packaging.... it all goes in the bin afterwards!!👍👍

[@jessicatrotter5048]

One main thing I don’t like about drugstore foundation is the undertones it’s very hard to find one that works for me. High end is better about undertones for pale olive skin. Other than that I like drugstore mostly.

[@Justaregularoldplumbus]

hard agree, i have to look to K beauty as a fair olive. still haven’t found the right formula+shade in a single product for me :(

[@jeanetteh.9240]

Have you found a foundation that works for your skin tone? Would you be willing to share what it is?

[@chamorrojen1905]

I agree most drugstore foundations have bad shade ranges and/or undertones that aren't realistic. I'm a fair/light olive and have found a couple of gems though: Maybelline super stay skin tint, shade 118 & Loreal infallible in shade 415.

[@bevyoung2009]

I have never bought a Patrick Ta product.

[@ginnyburley9552]

I have bought two of the blushes with powder and cream duos and an eyeshadow palette. But to be honest, I don’t reach for them that often. They just aren’t that special and not worth the money. I don’t plan on getting any more.

[@stormcloudgathering]

For brands like Dior and Chanel I’ve always thought that it’s the wildly overpriced cosmetics lines that prop up the Haute Couture division. When you think about the required margins (to satisfy the investors/shareholders) you can begin to appreciate just how obscene the whole shabby situation is. As a marketing pro you’ll know that in retail you have one of the following: High volume/low margin (eg Elf) Low volume/high margin (eg Patrick Ta) The holy grail is high volume/high margin. Once you understand that you realise why the brands push push push their stuff out to the “influencers” Find a product that works for you; pay less attention to the name on the box!

[@PodieM18]

@@stormcloudgathering I do think that both Dior and Chanel eyeshadows are beautiful, and look gorgeous, but I'm not able and or willing to spend that much money on one. Granted if people bought less of everything then it could kind of even out, say if you only owned the one $80.00 palette, as opposed to 7 10.00 dollar ones 🤷 / It's all tied to the 2000's pattern of over consumption, with literally EVERYTHING....

[@oceanexblve884]

Yes the I find She glam packaging to be higher quality than Dior .

[@luny2ny1]

I'm almost 50 and I have never bought a luxury makeup item. The products, for what they are, are ridiculously priced and none of the are worth my hard earned money. They just will never have that importance to me personally.

[@onewhisper22005]

Jen’s Vlogmas!!! YEEEEEESSSSS!!!! So excited! 🙌 🎄

[@beckyjohnsen3128]

I just want products to WORK! Not a fan of paying extravagant amounts for something that I will just wash down the drain. I DO love the Tir Tir, but I use a brush for more natural finish. Still great coverage without the mask feeling. I'm oily skin though. That may make a difference. Maybelline Fit Me matte and poreless and ELF soft glam are my other go-to's. I am so glad there are people like you out there being so willing to talk about these issues!

[@CarriedAwayWithDolls]

Yes a lot of luxury makeup is absolutely a scam. You're buying the name/brand in most instances. Also a lot of luxury is more about the packaging verses the actual formula. I stopped buying luxury a few years ago. Also, forgive me if im wrong but doesn't the owners of these luxury brands also own the drug store brands? Because it wolud make sense that the luxury items would hit first and then sometime later, the drugstore would release their own version. I thought that there was a bit of a monopoly going on in the makeup industry where some of the bigger brands owned the drugstore brands. Edit: this is no shade to anyone who loves to buy luxury and experiencing the luxury experience. Whatever brings you joy is worth it ❤

[@teripacini5611]

Drug store makeup is extremely over priced as well. A mascara pre covid was no more than $12-$14. Now drugstore mascara is up there too , some $20ish. Craziness

[@carolpeterson5515]

Less expensive makeup brands are killing it these days! The only high end product I’ve bought is foundation. I love Dior’s ForeverMatte and Backstage F&B but I mostly wear LOreal foundations for my everyday look.

[@wierqh]

I was listening to this video while doing housework and when I heard your vlogmas music, I instantly got so happy. I look forward to your vlogmas this month!

[@queenbunnyfoofoo6112]

For me, it depends on the product. 99% of the time drugstore works great. Usually it's foundation, powder and sunscreen that I have to go mid to luxury brands.

[@lynettefinnigan9540]

I watched a study on sunscreen and not all highend was as good as the cheapest. I bought a no-name sunscreen from a supermarket (as I'd forgotten to pack for holiday) I slopped it on everyone and not one of us got one sunburnt anything the whole 2 weeks!! Dirt cheap and best formula ever!! Never found it again though 😢😢😢

[@karenejkleinfineart]

Hi Jen, I think Revlon Super Lustrous lipsticks rival many high end brands. I enjoy many of Clinique products (foundation, stick blush and lipsticks in Sugar Pop, Bare Pop and Melon Pop)and Estee Lauder lipsticks are nice too. Thanks for the fun video. xoxo, Karen

[@yensid4294]

Luxury/Dept Store makeup is too fragranced for me so I avoided Chanel, Dior, etc. And I do not want sunscreen or actives in my makeup either. Drugstore gas improved their packaging thankfully. I absolutely hate plastic hinges that break & must be held together with a hair tie, lipstick & liner pencils with lids that won't stay on, etc. But now they are using cardboard & sturdier plastic packaging that is sleeker. So as long as the packaging doesn't break, leak, etc it's not a big deal to me. I just want a good product & most of the time I decant & depot & make my own palettes so the packaging isn't that important. It's ease of use & quality that matters.

[@Pamela-B]

Yay! Vlogmas with Jen! 😃⛄️ I have a mix of high end and drugstore. There are so many great drugstore products out there! Hey have you tried any of the Olay super serums? They’re pricey so I’ve been reluctant to buy and I haven’t really seen any reviews on them. Just curious if you’ve tried any of them.

[@truewants]

Hi love how Henry is still involved in Vlogmas..amazing to see how much he has grown.. ok going to watch!!

[@marielle7505]

A few personal things when it comes to luxury make up or fragrance: - I personally hate it when packaging is extremely heavy compared to its size. I don't need my eyeshadow palette or fragrance bottle to double as a weapon. I don't like it when my bag feels like I'm going away for a week just for taking my lipstick and a powder with me. - I always feel bad when a product has luxury outer packaging or comes in a fancy box. I don't know what to do with that, and it's too pretty to throw away. Eventually I end up throwing it out anyway, feeling bad about that. So very luxurious outer packaging is not my thing. I do appreciate some complementary mini's, though.

[@micheleharris6851]

Thank you for all this valuable information.

[@megang2680]

I have a mix of high end and drugstore and like both. What has helped me to save money is to just stop buying the quantity of makeup so I don’t mind paying a little more for something high end if I actually use it up. Drugstore packaging doesn’t bother me unless it breaks which is why I don’t buy Essence or Wet n Wild and unfortunately a few NYX products have broke too.

[@Micheler5030]

Another great video, Jen! I totally agree with you. We have to be savvy consumers. And the more people are willing to hand over the big bucks for luxury makeup, the higher the prices will go for drugstore too. And I especially love the idea of using what you have probably forgotten about in your makeup bags as an advent calendar! So fun - especially to see what your son picked out!

[@allisonconvery4984]

I've asked my daughter for the new lisa eldridge lipstick for Xmas . I would not buy it for myself lol

[@jeanetteh.9240]

Your ability to speak while applying makeup is remarkable!

[@Nadyia307]

Omg your son has grown so much in 1 year!

[@JenPhelps]

Yes! He's 5'4"...almost my height. He must have grown several inches since last year.😭😭

[@deborahbinnie5652]

I use higher end foundations, but for the rest of it, the drugstore does just fine.

[@lynettefinnigan9540]

Yeah... some are better, but L'Oréal and Maybelline and Revlon still make quality foundation.

[@samanthamorales-carroll4037]

I got so excited when I saw it's the beginning of VLOGMAS! Your son has gotten so tall. Time sure does pass in a blink of an eye!

[@JenPhelps]

It sure does! Another inch and he'll be as tall as I am.

[@samanthamorales-carroll4037]

@JenPhelps I hope your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving ❤️

[@ProfMary]

You created a great look with your selections, Jen! They match nicely with the lip product your son picked out. What a great idea for an advent calendar! I agree with your thoughts completely. You put together a comprehensive, well thought out video about overpriced makeup.

[@findthatwhimsy]

Patrick Ta had a molding eye shadow controversy for his palettes and I could not find a satisfactory response for this situation. So he then releases these $42 eyeshadows but how do we know it won’t also mold? Was the problem fixed for the other eyeshadows? There’s not enough brand trust for his brand to try and charge us that much. If I go buy Dior, I don’t have to worry about QC. There’s a time and place for luxury products but you gotta embody luxury and not just the price. Even Jacqueline Hill recalled and refunded her lipsticks when that controversy happened. Patrick Ta’s optics are not good with his defensive response.

[@RavenC1357]

I heard a small business owner say how crushed pearl is actually matte anyway so it doesn't give shimmer. It's used in some products but not for shimmer...soooooo

[@dpandjessobx]

I do find, for me and my finicky skin, some products are better from “prestige” brands like Nars (Laguna cream bronzer is my ride or die) or Dior (foundation) or Mac. For whatever reason none of them have ever caused breakouts. Some drug store might 100% be as good but I don’t wear much overall, so I stick to tried and true vs risking the skin issues. That said, I do love some things from Moira (which I learned about from you), Catrice, and Elf too :)

[@desktopkitty823]

I only get luxury brands if they're running a special deal. Last Christmas I got a Dior gift set for $120. It came with 2 lipsticks, makeup cleanser, facial moisturizer, eye gel, mascara and eye shadow palette, all full size. Plus a Miss Dior perfume mini. Not to mention it was packaged in an attractive reusable case that zipped up, with a handle, I can use after the cosmetics are used up. If I wait until the holidays are over, many retailers put holiday sets on sale for 30% - 70% off.

[@denisemarie6131]

If Jen calls it out as BS, then it is so!!!! 💪 😊🤗

[@Justaregularoldplumbus]

Jen. I am a drugstore girl and do not give a crap about Patrick Ta. HOWEVER. I am a formula girl like you and Amanda Z. Amanda Z got the shade Still at the Club and has said it is the MOST WET LOOKING taupe eyeshadow in her entire collection. Beating out the old winner Urban Decay lithium, Hourglass smoke, chantecaille and victoria beckham Mink. So far she is the only influencer i’ve seen say this, and she’s the only one i’ve seen try the taupe shade. Theresa is Dead, Angie, and others who have bought the Talk to My Team shade or any lighter shades have said they are average and dupable. The taupe seems to be where it’s at!!! i am dying to swatch it in sephora and see if Amanda is right, but sadly my sephora doesn’t carry it yet. i would love to hear your review of it and compare to other famously wet looking taupe shadows. Like Amanda, i am picky about sparkle and seek not only a shiny shimmer but a truly wet, blinding light sparkling on the water look. Ritz and judydoll seem to have it but i want a taupe :)

[@JenPhelps]

Ooh that sounds beautiful! I have heard that there's a discrepancy between some of the shades in the duos. Some are more glittery than others.

[@cathygiuliana9089]

@@JenPhelpsheard the same thing Jen!

[@taraedwards1892]

I favor drugstore a lot more than luxury, my only issue with luxury is the over extended price. I understand it's gonna cost more, but it shouldn't cost as much as it does. I usually go for the middle of the road for some things, then fill in with drugstore. I love drugstore formulas they have come a very LONG way from what they used to be. I still like to treat myself with high end, but I didn't own any luxury products ATM 💙💙

[@Rachaelann59]

You're right, the Lamer cream is extremely overpriced for basic ingredients. A lot of "luxury" makeup is overratted, although there are a few luxury makeup products I do love & will continue to buy, like YSL volupte shine balms, Dior brow styler, & Chanel highlighters. The other problem with luxury products is so many products get discontinued after awhile, so it becomes a 1-2x purchase only before it's no longer available. So many drugstore products are better than luxury these days. Catrice is so affordable and they have a lot of great products!

[@IrinaFlowers]

Agree! I've been shopping Elf, Moira, and ColourPop in 2024 for the most part. The only luxury items I bought were a couple of skincare products from Estée Lauder.

[@GayleFalkenthal]

I’ve become a big Colour Pop fan this year!

[@marylove909]

Yay!!!! Vlogmas!

[@mrscrofford]

Just support small indie brands their quality is superior and they don’t have to pay for expensive marketing.

[@BeautyObsession-777]

I'm so excited to see you every day!!! 😍I like both drugstore and luxury equally. I couldn't afford luxury for a long time, and now that I can, I find I'm gravitating more toward it.

[@norcalbetty1]

I do not believe that luxury makeup and skin care is worth the cost. I am perfectly happy with the quality of drugstore priced products. I travel a lot for work so I am just mindful of what products I bring. Essence and wet n wild packaging is FRAGILE

[@Mint-he5ok]

I do love a high end lipstick in a beautiful case to carry in my purse!

[@cherylknapp6204]

I love your holiday introductions

[@dawnzumbrum8940]

I refuse to spend hard earned money, on high end make up. I just want make up the "does its job."

[@annissagraves3076]

This was a VERY informative video!! Thank you! ❤

[@judyhechinger-5946]

I am a drugstore girl too! I see no need to spend money on luxury brands and am quite happy with drugstore products. Jen, you are the best!!

[@bethmcnair5040]

I love being able to see how much your son has grown each year. I remember not too long ago he had to hold the banister going down the stairs. ☺️ You share but are still discreet.

[@JenPhelps]

Yes! He's growing up so fast! :)

[@Tatttiii]

I really the Christmas entrance to your video 💖💖💖

[@AmazingGrace-j5c]

Most people don't know that makeup is mostly made in the same places. It's all about the brand names, that's it folks. I once bought a sweater in a cheap store for 12 dollars and my sister bought the exact same sweater made out of the same fabric in the same country. Yes it was exactly the same and when we met at out family get together we discussed to find out she made 125 dollars for hers but she refused to relies that the brand name label is all that was different. Just because it made her feel more special to shop in the brand store. This was the point of realization that marketing is a scam in most things. Be smart.

[@ChristinePacinda]

I buy luxury when I can't find the formula I'm looking for from the drugstore. Thankfully, most of the time the drugstore provides for my wants/needs, and given how expensive drugstore makeup is getting, I still somehow feel like I'm buying high-end, LOL!

[@MusicLover-sb7mo]

Excellent detail, Jen and spot on. Packaging is not important to me. Performance is where it’s at. I fell for the TirTir red cushion hype too, and also did not like the formula or shade. Now they heave released the silver and pink cushions and the silver was calling to me but shade matching….it can be torture! The only benefit of a high end foundation is the ability to test and obtain a sample before committing. Drug store is getting so much better, but wish I could get samples to ensure the shade works in natural light, doesn’t breakup throughout the day and won’t oxidize.

[@gstang8241]

I ran into Dollar General today and they were literally replacing the Believe beauty end cap with ELF!!!! The clerk said they mailed all the leftover Believe products back to the manufacturer- so Elf is killing it!!!! The only high end product I buy is my Estée Lauder Futurist foundation for my 56 year old skin- all other high end stuff I buy with Christmas and birthday gift cards. The drug store formulas are great nowadays- Thanks for bringing back and updating the Vlogmas!!!! ❤

[@bethannielynne4047]

I love you videos! I have been a professional makeup artist for 24 years, and an esthetician for 20, and I agree you can find phenomenal quality in all price points. Skincare, makeup, and brushes. I think there are brands worth investing in, and some I don’t use in my professional kit. The benefits of the Laura Mercier powder, is in how finely milled it is so your makeup doesn’t become cakey over the day. I can’t say the same for the Maybelline powder, and you end up using more because it’s clumpier in texture. If you just need it to set for a few hours, not worth the price. Also, the new blurring one contains hyaluronic acid spheres, which most powders do not. Helps keep the skin balanced for drier skin types. So in some cases, you get what you pay for in terms of how long you need your makeup to last. Or how infrequently you need to touch up, but I do fully recognize there are drugstore brands that deliver fairly well. Depends on your financial priorities honestly.

[@Amyntj]

Right now I’m buying drug store mostly because everything is so high. In the past, I used to buy luxury products but I often found myself returning them. I think Charlotte Tilbury has some very special blush tones and I will splurge for her products on occasion and I enjoy Natasha Denona shadows and regularly buy those still. I have tried La Mer, Tom Ford eyeshadow, Patrick Ta, and dare I say even Pat McGrath and been very unimpressed for the price. I will occasionally like an item but many I return because they’re not worth it.

[@paulakittyodriscoll999]

I used to always buy charlotte tilbury, dior & lancome etc. But in the last couple of years, ive been buying drugstore & realised its just as good, alot of times its better. Nobody knows if my face is covered in maybelline or charlotte tilbury at the end of the day. Today i got asked twice what my lipstick was, a revolution lip liner with elf lip oil on top. Nobody commented on my foundation though, which was armani 😂

[@kjc4779]

Love your vlogmas episodes ❤❤❤

[@ilyaalister8193]

The only brand I will pay that kind of money for now is Mob beauty palette because i can customise it and replace individual shades. It comes out to be far cheaper and easier to manage. I travel a lot so it makes it easy to throw in one pallet, a mascara, lip product, and an eyebrow pencil, and a few brushes. I believe a complete pallet starts at $110

[@lisapetitpas9476]

I am a sucker for pretty packaging BUT draw the line at overpriced units! Would love to purchase the new PT BUT NOPE! Not at that price! Jen love you and your content! So spot on! Don't know if i am correct but don't some of these mfg produce the high end and drugstore? Henry doing a good job so far😊

[@kathleenp3135]

Jen! Hear me here…I don’t wear glitter shadow at all…however having seen videos of the Patrick Ta vs other shadows like the Super shock and urban decay singles …there seems to be a difference to me. Like a noticeable difference where I could see why people are willing to pay the extra for his formula. Just curious if you would be willing to do a comparison of the Patrick Ta vs some others? Great video as always! 😘

[@Justaregularoldplumbus]

yes please!!!!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@JenPhelps]

I can definitely do that to see what the hype is about. I noticed that everyone who was showing the Patrick Ta was under lights and I wonder what they would look like without that.

[@kathleenp3135]

@@JenPhelps Interesting about the lighting. Something I never thought to even consider. Looking forward to your review. I wonder if you’ll be wow’d!!!

[@janicecrosby1986]

And do they, in fact, contain pearl--or just mica, etc?

[@kathleenp3135]

@ Right! Can’t wait to see what Jen says. I have to say, they looked so beautiful in videos that if I wore glitter shadow I would have picked them up.

[@dee8269]

I like to try out different things and see what works for me. I can't say I have the budget for luxury makeup but once in a while I like to treat myself and I discovered things that I enjoy, like the Givenchy KissKiss lip oil is amazingly hydrating, nourishing and long lasting for my sensitive lips, works way better than Ole H. or Summer Fridays but I use different things for different purposes. I 😍 Dior blushes. I prefer to have 2 Dior blushes that work great for my skin (especially cause I don't wear foundation nor skin tint) than have 10 drugstore blushes that end up in a trash and all together cost more than 2 Dior blushes on discount. Drugstore has also some gems, like Essence Make Me Glow Baked highlighter, performs like high end. It's important to be mindful and buy makeup that you will use and enjoy and works for you in the end of the day💜.

[@lindafillichio1048]

Another great video. Loving your hair parted off center. ❤

[@jillievanilli1767]

I know what you mean about the experience. Many years ago, I went to Tiffany to buy their signature perfume, and my receipt was in the blue bag in an envelope.

[@JenPhelps]

Yes, Tiffany packages everything beautifully!

[@monicapatton1405]

5:03 Jen I have to share! I’ve been watching you use the NYX Lift and Snatch forever & have just stuck to my NYX Micro pencil and Elf Brow wow thinking it would be too hard to make those tiny lines. Well it’s on sale at Ulta & picked some up yesterday & put it on this morning and 😮WOW do my brows look better than ever! Thank you for the recommendation ❤

[@JenPhelps]

That's amazing!! I felt the same way when I first tried to use it but I was surprised by how easy it was. And it just keeps getting easier the more you use it. 🥰

[@monicapatton1405]

@ I went slow and it was fine and with practice it will get better. So thrilled! Been wanting to try it forever! 💜 you always have such great recs.

[@rmmmmt2796]

I think people didn't like Patrick Ta's response to the criticism towards his eyeshadows. I think people would be less upset if he came with these special shades and put them in his normal palette format. Instead of charging $70, charge maybe a little higher price.

[@ginam8718]

Honestly I’ve been disappointed with every luxury product I’ve purchased. Too much fragrance. Packaging is too heavy or hard to open. The names aren’t worth the additional expense.

[@Kristyn.roberts13]

What a fun idea...love this! 💜

[@KrystleNouzovsky]

I have a few luxury products I use and repurchase. I feel drugstore is getting pricey too unfortunately 😢

[@danicee]

Costs of components for packaging, shipping from manufacturers and to warehouses and tariffs are the reason why so many brands are expensive. The higher the value, the more insurance they have to pay for storage and in case of theft which also drives up the overall cost of products. We as consumers only think about the value but there is so much in regards to budgeting for brands that we don’t see. And the reason elf cosmetics can offer cheaper products is because it’s owned by an investment company that has stockholders who provide capital, the whole point is that they have funding to invest in marketing and product development so the costs are easier to afford. Independent companies have less capital so they tend to charge more because they don’t have investors. Drugstore brands are usually owned by a parent company that has investors whereas indie brands don’t.

[@JH-lz4dh]

I’m laughing so much about the kelp broth 😂

[@ashleylaverty3031]

Most milani is made in Italy … they have amazing quality

[@stephanielynn6459]

Oh I’ve been waiting for this!!

[@diananguyen4139]

love the way you're keeping it creative while shopping your stash! i feel like 'luxury' makeup has a limiting return on value. if someone wants to pay $40+ on two eyeshadows, that's their prerogative, but i'd rather pay that amount of money knowing that the people who made it were paid a liveable wage, the makeup was made ethically, and that it is an experience. i just hope that inflating these makeup prices doesn't become normalized (as much as they already have been!)

[@debrak3594]

Oh Christmas tree--yours is gorgeous. Love the feeing of Vlogmas and the little Titmouse birds at the feeder. Looking forward to every video!

[@carolklein8049]

I just get all my luxury makeup through my subscriptions to Boxycharm by ipsy box, bag and icon box. I also buy on the ipsy shop during the mega drop sales.

[@brendashope1558]

This is a good idea, I might re-up for a year.

[@CandidLy1]

My biggest draw to more luxury makeup is the nuances in shades especially in lipsticks, with some exceptions drugstore lipstick shades tend to be stuck in certain expressions of nude, pink, rose, red etc. luxury brands have more varied shading and being a mid tone cool tone mature skin woman, I can’t do brights or brownish anymore. I often mix two or three shades together to get what I want but touch ups are more complicated 😅 Great subject Jen 🎉

[@CatsOrangeAndGrey]

I’m very tempted to get Patrick Ta’s eyeshadow duos. I swatched them in store and honestly they’re beautiful. They’re no Clionadh, but they’re beautiful. I’m here to be talked out of that nonsense. Thank you Jen!

[@epetriello]

I am a visual person and the packaging reels me in every time. Not that there aren't drughstore makeup that I absolutely love, but there is just something about the whole aesthetics surrounding luxury/high end products. I say buy what you like and makes you feel your best. Have amazing day everyone!!

[@lynettefinnigan9540]

Yes, occasionally I buy a highend product just because I really do like the packaging. Like Hourglass blush, I wish all palettes were made so easy open like theirs.

[@suzanlopatin2499]

I have been making my eyeshadow placement like you, and I really like the look! Will you be trying any new placement ideas? Love your work and your real=life attitude!

[@Smillasp]

Critical thinking is the key to not being fooled. We scorpio-souls are exxxtra good at that. I belive Kelly G is a scorpio as well (if I remember correctly....) So...as an astrological sidenote: Do NOT try to BS us scorps! You'll not succeed!! 😉😁😘

[@monicapatton1405]

Sounds like a lot of additional costs honestly. Packaging, marketing, brand trips (which is part of marketing), ingredients, smaller batches, the ridiculous amount Ulta takes, r&d, etc. I’m not saying they should be that high but seems like it should definitely be higher than drugstore.

[@JenPhelps]

Yes I do think a higher price is justified but definitely not as high as what they're charging. I think a lot of the markup is for the name and the "exclusivity" which doesn't actually make the product cost more.

[@monicapatton1405]

@ totally agree. I wait for the good sales. In fact, finally picked up Space Cowboy this weekend for $12 & it’s beautiful, if we can all wait a bit they usually will come into our budget a couple of times a year.

[@WrinklesNWarPaint]

Every so often I might splash out on a high end makeup product as a special treat to myself, but I’m definitely a drugstore diva. Most of the time I find I reach for my drugstore makeup over the high end stuff because I can’t tell a difference in application or performance.

[@tiffanykennedybeauty]

I love luxury makeup. It gives me joy to use it. Drugstore makeup, I don't have the same feelings about. However, if makeup is just makeup to a person, then I'd say go Drugstore all the way!

[@drina4706]

A lot of L'Oreal makeup is made in France/Belgium/Monaco/Germany.

[@triggerhappy3034]

Great conversation - I do feel however that, increasingly, even ‘high end’ brands are using cheap looking / feeling packaging. Chanel is particularly guilty of this - for example, the lip & cheek balms look great on social media, but when you see them in person at the counter wow - the packaging is so cheap looking! Instantly put me off buying. Charlotte Tilbury has some appalling packaging too - the Hyaluronic happykiss is notorious (see their reviews!) about breaking pretty much right away, unfortunately can confirm. So no, high price definitely doesn’t always correspond to higher quality. I personally prefer solid mid-price brands like Nars or Mac.

[@carolpeterson5515]

I recently bought Dior’s Backstage Face & Body at Sephora sale & received it by mail. I knew the bottle was plastic but I love the formula. However, I took it back to store to make sure it was really legit. The printing on the back of bottle was so faint it was unreadable. I looked at an unopened box/bottle at Sephora to compare and it had the same faint print. Not exactly a high end look.

[@mrscrofford]

I’m solely drug store now. Used to buy tons of high ends but not with the quality of drugstore it’s just silly. Even they are up in price but still a fraction and quality is sometimes on par with high end.